Exchanging money in Marrakech can be a challenge. Here’s a quick guide to exchanging money from US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR) to Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) while in Marrakech.
Exchanging Money at the Airport
When you first arrive in Marrakech, use the Currency Exchange station outside of the Marrakech-Menara Airport arrival area. Convert the money you need only for the first few days though. There are usually cheaper exchange offices in the city or an ATM. You will also need the money for your taxi.
If you don’t have cash on hand to exchange you can use your credit card for a cash advance. There is also an ATM in the airport arrival area. Unfortunately for us, it was out of service. If it works when you arrive, use it.
Exchanging Money at an ATM
Once you settle into your hotel in Marrakech, search for an ATM to withdraw the Dirhams you need for the rest of your trip.
The exchange rate at most major banks are set to market value. The foreign transaction fee for using the ATM is a fraction of the cost of the fee you will be charged at an exchange office.
Unfortunately for us, on the first night in Marrakech our bank cards did not work for many of the ATMs in the city. We had to walk to multiple ATMs before one processed our transaction. We don’t know what the problem was, since the ATM’s supported financial system matched the one on the back of our cards.
Confirm fees and ATM usage with your bank before you go. Also be sure to let them know the dates you are traveling to Morocco.
Some of the common ATMs I found in Marrakech were: BMCI, Banque Populaire du Maroc, and Bank Al-Maghrib.
Using Your Credit Card in Marrakech
Some shops and restaurants in Marrakech accept major credit cards but many did not. Also, American Express was not accepted in some of the smaller shops.
Use your credit card where they accept it and save your cash for negotiating in the Medina. Cash in hand can make a huge difference in the price you pay for an item in the Medina.
Using Euros in Marrakech
When we couldn’t find a working ATM, the few Euros we had on hand helped us get around. In some shops, Euros are accepted if you don’t have Dirhams. It was used as an equal exchange during our trip. 1 Euro for every 10 Dirhams. Of
In some shops, Euros are accepted if you don’t have Dirhams. It was used as an equal exchange during our trip. 1 Euro for every 10 Dirhams. Of course it’s all based on the market rate at the time. Be sure to ask the merchant before you conduct a transaction using Euros.
You will likely lose some money in the exchange if you use EUR for large purchases.
US Dollars are not accepted in Morocco!
Exchanging Money at Your Hotel In Marrakech
If you need help exchanging money and you’re staying at a hotel, the front desk can charge your credit card as a cash advance. This option was presented to us when the ATMs wouldn’t take our card but we didn’t want the high fees associated with a cash advance.
MORE RESOURCES for Exchanging Money in Marrakech:
XE Currency exchange rates for USD to Moroccan Dirhams (MAD)
Trip Advisor: Morocco Banks and Money
TransferWise: Money in Morocco
Have any more tips for Exchanging Money in Marrakech? Leave me a comment below!