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Travel information and tips on Morocco including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in Morocco, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more. "Getting Away With Jim Bruner" - your first stop for travel information on Morocco!
This is a very interesting area to visit with the scenic variety and beauty, the fascinating medieval cities, favorable climate, and
interesting (to say the least) shopping opportunities. The areas along the beaches are very popular as the coastal beach resorts
offer excellent swimming and boating. Morocco makes a great day-trip from Spain.
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Mysterious Morocco Morocco is one of those places that, just by saying the name, conjurers visions of mystery, romance, and danger. It is a place that, not to many years ago, foreign tourists used to disguise themselves in djellabahs and veils in order to travel anywhere beyond Tangier. However, it is not longer necessary to “dress up as Arabs” when you visit this wonderful country. As Tangier is, for most people who travel to Morocco, the only place they will see in Morocco; check Tangier for some additional information on this interesting city. The markets of Morocco have to be some of the more interesting in the world! It is so much fun just to wander through the markets seeing all of the goods on display and watching all of the people. However, it is suggested you visit the markets with a guide. And, if you should become separated from your guide while strolling through one of the marketplaces, here is a tip to help you find your way out of the maze of small streets and passageways. Look at the cobblestones on which you are walking. You will see an arrangement of stones with either two or three rows of stones right down the middle of the walkway. If you follow a walkway with two rows of stones, you will never get out and will probably end up in a dead end or something. However, if you follow a walkway with three rows, this will lead you out of the marketplace! Morocco is a place I would encourage you to visit if you should ever have the opportunity. In Morocco you enter a world of mosques, camels, snake charmers, and bustling markets. Even if you can only spend a day there you will have time to enjoy a wonderful lunch in a Moroccan restaurant and do some interesting shopping in the market areas where you can shop for souvenirs, spices, watch the snake charmers, and really soak up the wonderful ambiance of Morocco. |
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Passport and Visa Information
A full valid passport is required for entry into Morocco. No visa is
necessary for nationals of UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and
most EC countries. Visitors can stay for three months. Those who wish to extend their stay may
apply to the Immigration or Bureau des Etrangers department of the local
police headquarters in most larger towns.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Language
You'll find that French is used in most places, whether you're in an office, a
restaurant or at the beach. But in the north of Morocco and the deep South,
Spanish is very widespread. Yet if you are not proficient in either language,
you have no need to fear the worst; you will find that staff in hotels are
multilingual and speak most languages from English to Dutch, from German to any
of the Scandinavian languages. So you have no need to worry that no one will
understand you.
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Banks and Money Information
Open: Monday to Thursday: 08.30 to 11.30 am and 14.30 to 16.30
Friday : 08.00 to 11.00 am and 15.00 to 17.00 In summer, certain banks
close at 13.00 and do not re-open in the afternoon. Exchange bureaus are
open in harbors and airports at arrival and departure points for ships and
airplanes. At Casablanca-Mohammed V airport, the exchange bureau is open
continuously. The National currency is the Dirham.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
For the best time when you travel you must be informed.
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued
to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or
unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to
assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or
consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below
meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues
Country Specific Information for every
country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the
location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Getting To Morocco
Morocco has international airports in Casablanca, Tangier and
Agadir and is therefore well linked to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Royal Air Maroc is the national air carrier and provides
domestic and international service. Many other foreign airlines serve Morocco, including Air
France, British Airways and Saudia.
Scheduled flights from all major cities in the Middle East,
Europe and North America (New York and Montreal) serve Morocco.
Port facilities are well developed in Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, Kenitra,
Safi and Mohamedia.
Ferries operate from Algeciras, Malaga and Almeria in Spain, from Sete in
France, and from Gibraltar.
You can also take your own vehicle to Morocco as you will find a variety of car
ferries and jetfoils operating between Algericas in Spain and Morocco's Tangier
and Ceuta. There are also ferry trips twice a week from Gibraltar to
Tangier. For most visitors, especially the first-timer, a day-trip from
Spain is normally the easiest way to see Morocco as it is easy to find tours to
Tangier.
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Agadir
Casablanca
Cities, Towns and Areas of
the Morocco
For information about low cost airport and
hotel transfers in Agadir, click on
The Transfer Store!
The Transfer Store
offers taxi, minibus, coach, and
limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our
system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can
book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before
you travel. For additional information and
other world wide locations,
CLICK HERE!
For information about low cost airport and
hotel transfers in Casablanca, click on
The Transfer Store!
The Transfer Store
offers taxi, minibus, coach, and
limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our
system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can
book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before
you travel. For additional information and
other world wide locations,
CLICK HERE!
Fez
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For information about low cost airport and hotel transfers in Fez, click on The Transfer Store! The Transfer Store offers taxi, minibus, coach, and limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before you travel. For additional information and other world wide locations, CLICK HERE! |
Menara
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For information about low cost airport and hotel transfers in Menara, click on The Transfer Store! The Transfer Store offers taxi, minibus, coach, and limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before you travel. For additional information and other world wide locations, CLICK HERE! |
Oaxaca
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For information about low cost airport and hotel transfers in Oaxaca, click on The Transfer Store! The Transfer Store offers taxi, minibus, coach, and limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before you travel. For additional information and other world wide locations, CLICK HERE! |
Tangier
Tangier
is, for most people who travel to Morocco, the only place they will
see in Morocco; check Tangier for some
additional information on this interesting city.
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Getting around
in Morocco
The quickest, and perhaps the easiest way to get around in Morocco is by taking
advantage of the occasional internal flights that operate within the country.
However, you will also find that Morocco's Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF)
operates one of the most modern rail systems in Africa, linking most of the main
centers. The trains are generally comfortable, fast and a better option
than the buses. And, it is much easier to sleep in a sleeping car on the
train than it is on a bus for overnight trips. Lines go as far south as Marrakech. But if you miss the train, the buses are by no means a
last-ditch option. The bus network is dense and efficient in most areas.
Renting a car in Morocco can be expensive. But, deals can be made with the
smaller dealers. However, you do not always know just what you will be
renting! Gas is available pretty much everywhere. You will find driving
a little less calming than you may be used to as many Moroccan roads are
festooned with police and customs roadblocks.
The bigger cities have public bus services and the average ticket price is about Dr2. You can also normally find Petits taxis in most cities and major towns. They're licensed to carry up to three passengers and can be a useful way to avoid heat exhaustion -- and hustlers!
Some Things to
See and Do in Morocco
Casablanca
Because Hollywood chose this city to immortalize as a classic exotic colonial
outpost, first-time visitors seem to be looking for Humphrey Bogart
round every corner. Sorry to disappoint you, but, Morocco's
largest city is basically an important industrial center and a huge metropolis where
traditional Moroccan cloaks (burnouses) seem out of place among the suits and designer sunglasses.
This port city was deep in decline until the French decided to remodel it.
Now it is filled with
wide boulevards, parks and wonderful-looking Mauresque (Moorish) civic buildings.
Casablanca's medina, or ancient quarter, is worth a look if for nothing
more than to visit the Hassan
II Mosque which is one of the largest in the world. You will also glimpse
some of the most impressive examples of Mauresque architecture anywhere in the county
at the square known as
the Place Mohammed V. Casablanca shares the Mohammed V Airport with
Rabat. Regular flights are available to and from Europe and the Middle
East from Mohammed V Airport.
Fès
The oldest of the imperial cities, Fès is probably the symbolic heart of
Morocco. The wonderful labyrinthine streets and crumbling architecture
only seem to add a grandness to its air of
intrigue. The medina of Fès el-Bali (Old Fès) is
one of the largest living medieval cities in the world and is not to be
missed. The gates and walls
that surround the medina look like something out of a B movie.
Within the old city, tucked among the almost 10,000 streets and alleys (I would
be sure to tour the city with a guide. Especially the first time!), is the
towering Medersa Bou Inania, a theological college built in 1350.
Close by is the interesting henna souq where there is a market specializing
in the dye used for coloring hair and tattooing the hands and feet of the women
of Fes. Next door to the old walled
city is Fès el-Jdid, home to the city's Jewish community where you will
also find many
spectacular buildings. It is also here you will find the Dar
Batha, now the Museum du Batha. Fès is best reached by train from Rabat,
Marrakech or Tangier.
Marrakech
One of Morocco's most important cultural centers, Marrakech, a lively former
capital, is best known for its markets and festivals. Be sure to spend
some time in the "heart" of Marrakech, the Place
Djemaa el-Fna, a huge square located within the old city where you will find
rows of open-air food stalls and where mouth-watering aromas fill the air.
You will also find snake charmers, jugglers, storytellers, magicians, acrobats and assorted
of other street peddlers and vendors throughout the area. The souqs (markets) here are among the best in Morocco.
There is also a large budget hotel area which helps make exploring the old city area cheap and easy.
Among the attractions of the ancient quarter is the Almoravid-styled
Koubba Ba'adiyn mosque annex, the magnificent Koutoubia mosque and
the interesting and informative Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts). Trains and buses
run regularly from Casablanca and Rabat to Marrakech.
Rabat
The fourth of the imperial cities, Rabat is an interesting mix of a mysterious past and a
highly modernized present. In the 12th century the sultan used the kasbah (citadel) as a base for campaigns against the
Spanish. It was during this time that the city's most famous landmarks
were developed. A haven for Muslims driven out of Spain in the early 17th century, and a
capital city only since the days of French occupation, Rabat's ambience comes
from a combination of Islam and European influences. Few of Rabat's residents are
interested in "bothering" tourist which means you can stroll through the markets
without having to brace yourself against too much high-pressure salesmanship or
any of the other "problems" normally associated with walking about the
cities of Morocco.
The city's most famous site is the Tour Hassan, the incomplete minaret
of the great mosque begun by Yacoub al-Mansour. Its construction was
halted in 1755 by an earthquake. Alongside is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V,
the present king's father. The Kasbah des Oudaias, which is built on
a bluff
overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, houses a former palace which is now a museum.
Just a little beyond the city walls are the remains of the ancient city of
Sala, also known as Chella, where you will find one of Morocco's best Archaeology
Museums.
Between the city's landmark park (Jardins Triangle de Vue) and
the central train station are most of Rabat's hotels and restaurants. The most
obvious cluster of cafes and bars specialize in beer, kabobs, pizza, and even ice cream. The Mohammed V
International Airport is a
short ride east of the city and there are plenty of shuttle buses.
Tangier
While it's a compelling sort of city and a popular port of entry for tourists,
Tangier is also home to some of the world's best hustlers. This is one
place you should be accompanied by a guide when you visit. Perched on Morocco's
northern tip, its international flavor remains strong and it does make for an interesting
visit.
The city's central Petit Socco is the focus of attention. Back in the
days when Tangier was a neutral international zone, this area provided the
background for the seediest of lifestyles -- and, it seems some of the
same lifestyle is still there today! However, it is still the kasbah that interests
most
visitors. It contains the 17th-century Dar el-Makhzen, the former
sultan's palace (and good museum) and the nearby American Legation Museum
which is a fascinating reminder that Morocco was the first country to recognize
American Independence. Tangier is about five hours from Rabat by train, and an easy
ferry ride from Spain or Gibraltar.
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Weather Information
The Moroccan coastal climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The average temperature hovers at around 20°C. In the interior you will find the temperatures are far more extreme -- winters can be quite cold and the summers very hot. In the mountain ranges temperatures can drop to 0°F and mountain peaks in both the Atlas and Rif mountain ranges are snow capped throughout most of the year. The winter in the north of the country is wet and rainy. Winter in the south at the edge of the Moroccan Sahara is dry and bitter cold.
For the latest weather update for Morocco, check TulipsWeather.com, your complete source for world-wide weather forecasts, as well as for U.S. and Canadian forecasts and current conditions.
Morocco has been described as the "the coolest of the hot countries" and the apparent paradox is most apt to the climate of Morocco. Whatever the season, it is as well to have a pullover or cardigan with one; and early Spring or Autumn, an anorak can be a welcome article of clothing, particularly in the mountains after sunset when the temperature can drop quite noticeably. The same is true of the areas near the Sahara where there is an appreciable difference between day and night temperatures. You may also find that, if you're staying near the sea the evenings can be quite cool and a little damp. During the daytime, however, it gets rather warm, and you would do well to wear lightweight clothes, as well as a good pair of sunglasses and something to cover your head. Most hotels, even those with international reputations, permit visitors to wear the usual casual clothes.
Suggestions for
Dining in Morocco
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should
add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites
in Morocco
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should
add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Moroccan Links
Click here
for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
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iTravelto.com offers a comprehensive African travel search engine (especially for South Africa) with lots of good information along with bookings for exciting travel packages to key tourist destinations in South Africa and the world. |
