MARRAKECH AIRPORT TRANSFERS

FAQ

WILL I NEED A VISA TO ENTER MOROCCO ?

If you are a citizen of the United States, Europian or Canada, you will not need a visa to come to Morocco. All other clients should consult the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in their countries or you may refer to the following website which is for the General Moroccan Consulate in New York: www.moroccanconsulate.com/visa.cfm

IS SAFE TO TRAVEL IN MOROCCO ?

Yes, it is very safe, Morocco is the embodiment of one of the safest countries in the world, thanks to the combination of the country where the crime rate is very low and its government that is always proactive in protecting their guests and locals.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION TO BRING ?

You are responsible for ensuring that you have a valid international passport with a minimum of 6 (six) months’ validity. It is the sole responsibility of the tour participant to ensure that all passport and visa requirements are met prior to departure.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE IN MOROCCO ?

Travel insurance should be obtained before leaving your country of origin. We never force anyone to purchase it, however. Local hospitals have limited diagnostic capability. Foreign clinics can be expensive, evacuation can cost thousands, luggage can disappear, so insurance is a good idea.

WHAT IS MOROCCAN CURRENCY ?

The Moroccan currency called the DIRHAM. Rates vary little between banks, but some banks charge a fee for currency exchanges which can add up to a considerable sum with the smaller denominations Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and all big shops.

ATM cards can be used in many cities even in the south. Travelers’ cheques are not widely accepted in Morocco and they can be difficult to cash or exchange. But only for a very limited amount. Use a money belt for all your valuable papers, checks, passport and credit cards.

WHAT ABOUT WOMEN TRAVELING ALONE ?

From the city of Marrakech where anything goes to the Sahara village where women dress in black with one eye showing from behind a veil, Morocco is a country of many contrasts. Foreign women travel quite safely but attract attention everywhere, most often to buy something or be offered a “service” (especially in the big cities, take that offer as you may!). As Muslims, men should not touch a woman he doesn’t know. If a foreign woman wants respect she should not tolerate his long handshake or his lingering hand on her arm or anywhere else.

Dress as you do at home but conservatively to gain respect. Foreigners are treated with the duality of wonderful hospitality or as a chance for financial gain. The invitation to visit and have tea or dine with a family is a memorable experience. But measure invitations with an obligation. Traditions are strong and old ways are practiced. A good attitude and a sense of sharing and humor go a long way to breaking down preconceptions of foreigners and are always appreciated by Moroccans.

WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT MOROCCO ?

Morocco is perfect for travel all year long! Given the country’s geographic variety, there is always a region where the climate is mild. We can recommend the best destination for you based on the weather and your travel dates. In winter, you’ll want to head south to the desert.

Nights can be chilly but during the day you’ll enjoy the sun and blue skies bereft of clouds. In summer, the Atlantic coast is generally balmy and it is the best season for treks in the Atlas. At over 1800m in altitude freshness is a safe bet! That being said, nothing is stopping you from discovering the Moroccan desert as long as you choose the right accommodation and can adapt to the heat.

WHAT CLOTHING AND SPECIAL ITEMS SHOULD I BRING?

Daytime temperatures can be quite warm. You will need comfortable, loose, cool clothing. Evenings can be cool. Bring a jacket or lightweight cover-up. Most hotel rooms will have air conditioning, but not all. Desert temperatures fluctuate from cold at night to very hot in the day, but you will need to be covered to prevent sunburn. If you are sleeping in a tent, we will provide extra blankets.

Bring sunglasses and head covering. Sunscreen may be purchased once you arrive. Bring comfortable shoes for walking. Moroccans value modesty. Please respect the culture and do not wear clothing that exposes a lot of skin. Long sleeves and long pants or skirts are appropriate for most places you visit. We will visit both of the historical mosques that allow visitors.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

In a word, delicious. Salads are lovely; fresh, succulent vegetables served with light vinaigrette on the side. Harira is the Moroccan word for a thick vegetable soup. A particularly delicious one contains a bread dumpling. Main courses are usually one of the following: grilled meat on skewers often served with French fries; couscous, either vegetarian or meat with vegetables; and Tagine, the Moroccan stew, usually meat, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and spices. Moroccan cooks use a mélange of spices such as cumin, turmeric, paprika, saffron and pepper for a subtly flavored cuisine. In the Sahara, you can find ‘Berber pizza’. This is a double-crusted pie filled with meat, hard-boiled eggs, almonds, and spices. Sometimes rather peppery, Berber pizza is best eaten with glass after glass of hot, sweet, mint tea.

Every seaport has freshly caught fish prepared by the fishermen on or near the piers. Do not miss this treat! Fresh fruit is served for dessert; pomegranates, melons, bananas, apples, oranges, and dates all produced in Morocco and all bursting with flavor. One ongoing benefit of the French occupation is the fresh baguettes available nearly everywhere. Pastries both French and Moroccan are available in the many bakeries.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHILE TOURING IN MOROCCO ?

Traveling in a foreign culture and developing country such as Morocco can be a delightfully rewarding and challenging experience. African cultures have much to teach those of us who come from the modern world offering opportunities to combine enjoyment and understanding with learning new and ancient ways of living and survival.

Romantic meanderings aside, Moroccans work very hard to make visitors feel welcome and provide what you need but patience and understanding are needed as well. It is a developing country and modern amenities are still being built or are nonexistent in many places outside the city. Sometimes visitor’s expectations are not understood by a culture that has little or no direct experience of them so instead, you might receive an interpretation of your request with interesting consequences.

Life moves a lot slower than what Westerners are used to, and this must be taken into consideration when something is taking too much time. Life is slow by nature and things do get done eventually. It’s best to approach Morocco with an appreciation of cultural differences, sounds, smells, language, expression, and light, relaxing, enjoying and accepting. Remember laughter speaks the same language everywhere.

HOW SHOULD I BEHAVE ?

It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that he and the members of his Party do not behave in a way that causes offense or danger to others or which risks damage to property belonging to others. In such circumstances, all suppliers (e.g. hotel managers) and the Company have the right to terminate arrangements made on the Clients’ behalf, in which case the Company’s responsibility to the Client ceases immediately. Therefore, the Company will not be liable for any refunds, payment of compensation or reimbursement of any cost or expenses incurred as a result. Further, the Client will be liable to reimburse the Company for any expenses whatsoever that it incurs as a result of such behavior.

WHO SHOULD I TIP ?

It is customary to tip for good service in Morocco, as you would at home. Tourism is a key pillar in Morocco’s economy, and many people depend on tips to supplement their wages, but you should not feel pressured to tip anyone if you are not satisfied with the service you have received.

WHAT IS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN MOROCCO ?

Morocco voltage is 220V, 50 Hz (two-pin round plugs). Always check your laptop or electronic items to make sure they can handle 100-240 volts

DO I NEED TO SPEAK ARABIC OR BERBER TO COMMUNICATE WITH LOCALS?

The simple answer is no but, as when a guest in any country, an attempt to converse in the native language is much appreciated by the locals.

Staff in all the Riads and Hotels, particularly those in the bigger towns and cities, is multi-lingual speaking English, French, Spanish and Arabic and maybe Berber too. In the more rural communities Arabic, Berber and French tend to dominate. In the far north Spanish is widely understood.

Most urban Moroccans understand some English; however, you should not assume that English will be understood and it can also be useful to know some French.

HOW DO I CONFIRM MY BOOKING ?

In order to begin the booking process, Marrakech Budget Tours requires a deposit of 10% of the total amount. Once we have received this deposit, we begin the booking of the hotels and transportation and all tour details.

The remaining balance can be paid to your driver upon pick up from your Hotel/Riad/airport

HOW DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT?

We accept payment by bank transfer or Paypal. We will provide you all the payment information once you decided to secure your booking. If you choose the bank transfer payment method, please note that you will be asked to send us by email a copy of the transfer receipt.

IT IS SAFE TO BRING CHILDREN TO MOROCCO?

Absolutely yes, if you have children and willing to visit Morocco, you needn’t leave them in babysitting, you’d better bring them to discover something extraordinary. This decision can be challenging for you to bear extra burdens when it comes to providing care to your children, but little kids like to amuse and enjoy traveling like adults. Besides, their Morocco experience will remain a lifetime journey for them to broaden their minds till they grow up mature.

IT IS ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS IN MOROCCO?

Preferably, ask the person before taking the photo. Some local people do not like to be photographed. Yet, some others may ask for a fee before taking the photo (ex; snake charmers and single artistic performers in Marrakech and Fes). We understand how it is splendid some photos would be about people, especially with typical Moroccan clothing or style, but we recommend asking permission before making a photo.

CAN I SMOKE AND DRINK ALCOHOL IN MOROCCO?

Moroccan law prohibits smoking in most public buildings. At your accommodation, there will usually be an area (e.g. roof terrace) where smoking is permitted.

Although Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol, Morocco is a moderate Islamic country and you are likely to feel free to drink in moderation in private or where alcohol is being served. In medinas, alcohol cannot be purchased in shops, although many Riads and Hotels offer it. Some restaurants serve alcoholic drinks and there are a few bars in cities and some towns. Outside medinas alcohol may be obtained in some shops and supermarkets and in tourist hotels, especially the larger ones.

Moroccan wines are often excellent and a small range of pleasant Moroccan lagers and, on occasion, imported beers and wines are available. Most accommodations are perfectly happy for you to bring your own if they do not serve alcohol.

In line with our policies of responsible tourism, please do not drink in public places that do not serve alcohol. You may wish to buy duty-free spirits on your way into the country to drink in your accommodation.