Below you can find our most frequently asked questions.
If you can not find the answer you are looking for, you can always send us your question using our enquiry form.
What is included in the price?
If you have chosen one of our tours, the package rate includes bed and breakfast as well as all applicable local taxes throughout the itinerary. If you have chosen the accommodation only, it will also include bed and breakfast and local taxes.
What is the weather like?
Most of the year temperatures are temperate in most Morocco. Near the coast the influence of the sea moderates summer heat waves, and in winter the average temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F). The interior of the country, with a continental climate, is hotter than the coast in summer and colder in winter.
Do I need any special innoculations?
No special inoculations are required for visiting Morocco. Consult your doctor in case he recommends topping up the shots you may have for previous trips, especially if you'll be travelling in the south. A travel health insurance policy is a wise investment before you leave home. On the spot, avoid too much sun; start with morning and late afternoon outings, and splash on the sunscreen lotion. It's prudent to drink mineral water and avoid dubious food stalls. If the worst happens, any pharmacy will dole out pills to hurry you back to health. In case you need a doctor, the pharmacy, your hotel or your consulate can recommend one. Water is generally fit to drink but to be on the safe side, especially in the south, stick to bottled mineral water or national standby, mint tea.
What are the formalities for entering Morocco?
For most tourists no visa is required to enter Morocco; all you need is a valid passport. However, we recommend that you check with the nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate for updated regulations as these may change. You have to fill in a form for the immigration department on arrival. You'll probably be waved through the Customs inspection. For the record, you can bring into Morocco 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one litre each of wine and spirit. The only complication is money: it's forbidden to import or export the national currency, the dirham. But you can bring in as much foreign currency before leaving the country. Shops in the departure area of the airport do not accept dirhams even if you are smuggling them.
How do I get to Morocco?
Royal Air Maroc, Britsh Airways, Atlas Blue, Easy Jet, Ryanair and Thomsonfly all have direct flights to Marrakesh, Morocco. Logon their websites for information about their schedules. The second busiest airport, Agadir, has non-stop flights to and from several European capitals. Marrakech, Tangier and Ouarzazate are among other cities handling some international traffic.
Can I hire a car in Morocco?
International and local car hire companies compete for customers. You can sign up by the day with a supplement per kilometre driven, or for three days or a week with unlimited mileage included. The minimum age is 21, though some companies draw the line at 25. The easiest way to pay is with a credit card, otherwise you will be required to put down a big cash deposit.
What are the roads like?
The roads are generally good, and there is even an expressway (toll road) between Settat and Rabat as well as a toll road from Tangier to Settat. But the local standard of driving ---and walking, too---means you can never relax your vigilance. The regulations resemble those of France; direction signs are normally written in French as well as Arabic. Other than the unpredictable human element, such as country folk and live-stock meandering down the middle of a highway, the dangers include the weather. Tracks (pistes) in mountain and desert regions can be folded by melting snow or sudden rainstorms, and accumulations of snow can snarl the mountain roads between November and springtime. Night driving in general can be very dangerous, with unlit bicycles, animals, potholes and other surprises potentially around every bend. Pleasant tree-shaded rest areas with picnic tables are frequently found along the highways; they are sign-posted (Air de repos) well in advance. Speed limits are normally 60 km per hour in towns and 100 kms per hour on the highway.
What is the crime rate like?
Carrying whopping bankrolls or flash jewellery only tempts fate. Keep valuables in your hotel safe. Leave nothing of value in a car, visible or hidden, locked or unlocked. In crowded markets and terminals beware of pick-pockets. Generally, Morocco is one of the safest places in the world with a low crime rate.
What currency do they use in Morocco?
The unit of currency is the Moroccan dirham (DH), divided into 100 centimes. In practice, tourists rarely see anything smaller than a half-dirham coin. Coins go up to 5 DH. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH. Well-known credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Always have your passport with you as identification when changing money.
What is the time difference?
All year round all of Morocco is on Greenwich Mean time (GMT)
How much do I tip?
People often let you know, subtly or otherwise, when a tip is appropriate. Don't forget waiters in cafés and restaurants, porters in hotels and terminals, toilet attendants, taxi drivers, helpful museum curators, and (not at all optional) those human parking meters (gardiens de voitures).
What is the voltage?
Most of the country's supply is rated 220 volts, but some places still have a 110 volt supply; sockets are of the continental variety, with two round pins.
What is an instant booking?
This is a hotel which is confirmed to you instantly from our allotment of rooms.
What does ‘available on request’ mean?
This is when we have to check availability at the hotel of your choice before we can confirm to you.
How long does it take to confirm a requested service?
We aim to confirm hotels the same day. Sometimes within the hour. However for some remote hotels and during summer months in Morocco, due to exceptionally high occupancy levels, this can take longer. We prioritise these bookings and will keep you informed.
What happens if I request a hotel for next day arrival?
Any bookings for arrival within 2 days are dealt with as a priority and you will be contacted the day before you travel. It is important to provide correct telephone numbers and email addresses so that we can make contact with you easily.
Can I cancel with no penalty?
If your hotel has not yet been confirmed you may cancel with no penalty. However, once confirmed, cancellation penalties may apply. See Terms and Conditions.
When I use my credit card on your system - is it safe?
When you pay, we take you to a fully secure payment page - you can see this by looking at the small lock shown in your toolbar. This indicates that the site is secure. If you are still uncertain, we offer booking offline without credit card facility - or payment by phone to any of our Customer Service Offices. UK customers can also pay by sterling cheque.
Can I pay by means other than credit card?
Yes. If you are in the United Kingdom you may pay us by sterling cheque. It is also possible to pay by bank transfer (all charges to be paid by sender). Bank details and our address for cheques are included in the booking summary. To make a payment as above select 'offline' as your method of payment. This is not available for travel within 3 days of booking.
When will the charge appear on my credit card?
Payment is generally taken on the day your service is confirmed. Your credit card statement will show a transaction via "Visit Morocco or M.C.I. Tours".
Will you send me an invoice or receipt?
You will receive a booking summary as soon as you make a reservation. This will detail the prices.
Can I make a reservation by phone?
If you are unable to complete your transaction online, you may contact us at our head office on 207 373 9389.
Are you open 24 hrs all year round?
Calls are accepted in UK from 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs Monday – Friday. b. In Morocco, our offices are open from Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 18:30. For emergency and 24 hour assistance, please call +212 61 17 91 04
Can I make a reservation for someone else?
Yes, please advise us by email as we need the cardholders permission to use the card for the booking.
Can I double check my reservation with the hotel directly?
As we hold allocations of rooms at many hotels (especially lower priced hotels), your name may not be on the hotel’s own guest list until the day before arrival. If you contact a hotel and they say they do not have your details, do not be alarmed.
How do I change my booking?
You are given unique reference number with your confirmation. If you have mislaid this, please contact us with your name, email and date of arrival to Morocco so we can amend your reservation.
