How Does ATMs & Cash Work in Morocco?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Cash is king in Morocco — withdraw dirhams from bank ATMs in cities and note that taking dirhams out of Morocco is illegal in significant quantities.
2What You Need to Know
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a semi-convertible currency and it is illegal to export large amounts — exchange any leftover MAD back to euros or dollars at the airport before departure. Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE, and CIH Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards. Many medina shops, street food vendors, hammams, and souvenir sellers are cash-only. Exchange money only at official bank branches or licensed bureaux de change — never with street money changers who will shortchange you. Keep a mix of denominations as smaller notes are needed for tipping and small purchases.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Withdraw a good amount of cash on arrival at the airport ATM — rates are fair and it saves time hunting for ATMs in unfamiliar medina streets.
- 2Use a Wise card or Revolut for ATM withdrawals to minimise foreign transaction fees — standard bank cards often charge 3-4% plus a fixed fee.
- 3Keep 50 and 100 MAD notes for payments; vendors often claim to have no change for 200 MAD notes as a tactic to keep the overpayment.
Important Warning
Exporting Moroccan dirhams above the permitted limit is illegal — convert leftover MAD back to hard currency at the airport before flying out.
How does this compare?
ATMs & Cash rules in nearby and similar countries:
ATMs are widely available and the UAE is largely cashless, but carry AED 200–500 for souqs and small traditional vendors.
Egypt is a largely cash economy — use CIB or Banque Misr ATMs for foreign cards and carry small EGP notes for everyday use.
ATMs are widely available from major banks and accept foreign cards; contactless and Apple Pay are very widely accepted, making cash less essential.
Traveling to Morocco?
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SafetyWing Travel Insurance
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Airalo eSIM
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More About Morocco
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Several activities legal elsewhere are criminal offences in Morocco, including same-sex relations, sex outside marriage, and public displays of affection between unmarried couples.
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Dial 19 for police, 15 for the SAMU ambulance, 150 for fire, and 0800 00 2424 for the dedicated tourist hotline.
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