Practical information
Arriving in Marrakesh
Arrival at Marrakech-Menara airport is 3 km away from the city, two choices available to you to reach the Center:
- the shuttles of the urban network of ALSA, the bus n° 19 run between 6: 00 and 9:30 pm for a fee of 30 dirhams (passing every 20 minutes about).
- you can also use taxis, which are present at the airport day and night. Their rates are regulated and are displayed on a sticker. It will cost 70 dirhams in day and 100 dirhams the night in the airport and the city center direction. In the opposite direction, prices are more negotiable.
- Renting a car is more recommended if you stay in the Palm Grove or if you plan a few trips outside Marrakech.
Car rental agencies are many. Beside the international brands like Hertz, Sixt, opinion or Europcar, local agencies also offer this service.
Please note that the Hotel proposes a service of shuttle from and to the airport.
- For individuals, from 8:00 to 20.00, price MAD 150/bedroom, after 20:00 price MAD 200
- A special price would be proposed for group of participants arriving and departing with same shuttle.
Getting around Marrakesh
There are different ways to visit the city: by car, on foot, bike or scooter.
The bus network ALSA (urban and electrical) of the city is well developed and not expensive (4 dirhams the way). Taxis are also very effective, and the fare is very accessible, around 20 dirhams depending on the length of the trip and the increase which takes place at night for trips in the city center. The minimum fare is fixed to 7 dirhams. Green taxis can also book in advance subject to availability of taxis in the geographical area to the 0524409494,specify the desired path.
Entry requirement
- Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Morocco
The following countries do not require a visa for visits lasting less than 90 days, but require a valid passport to enter Morocco.
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guinea, Hong-kong (short stay of 30 days), Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto-Rico, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore (short stay of 30 days), Slovakia, Slovenia, South Corea, Spain, Suede, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela
NB: The United Nations Experts’ passports or laissez-passer issued by the UN are exempted from visa to enter Morocco.
- Other countries
Citizens of countries not previously mentioned like South Africa will need a visa to enter the Kingdom of Morocco. We suggest asking for more information at the Embassy of Morocco in your country. You can also check out Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Valid passport for a stay of less than 90 days. Some nationalities require a visa, it will be necessary to check with the Moroccan consulate or diplomatic representation in your country.
Time zone and currency
Located on the Greenwich time zone, Morocco lives GMT.
The Moroccan currency is the dirham, which is divided into 100 cents. The currency must be exchanged at banks or other accredited establishments. At the airport, in the new city Guéliz, Avenue Mohammed V, near the Jemaa El Fna, exchange offices are numerous in Marrakech. Some hotels may also offer this service. Traders willingly accept euros (1 euro = 11 Dirhams).
Electricity
In Morocco the power plugs and sockets are of type C and E. Check out the following pictures.
- Type C: also known as the standard "Euro" plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
- Type E: this type is of French origin. This socket also works with plug C and with plug F if it has an additional pinhole
In Morocco the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Morocco, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Morocco. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.
Security
Marrakech is a safe city and well supervised by the police, and especially by the tourist police brigade in plain clothes. In case of trouble, shout "POLICE", it will arrive in a minute and your intruder will depart.
As in any city, watch your cameras and pickpockets, especially in the vicinity of Jemaâ El Fna Square.
Weather
Marrakech enjoys almost all year round a limpid blue sky. Temperature differences are significant in summer and winter, although mercury does not drop much below 10 ° C. Spring and autumn are the two ideal seasons to visit the region.
In spring, it is at this season that nature reveals all its beauties. The imposing bougainvillea flowers adorn the city of shimmering colours, as well as the trees in bloom, especially in the Ourika Valley. Temperatures are ideal, varying between 22 ° C and 27 ° C.
Luggage side: Light suits are quite appropriate. Warmer clothes will also not be too much for the evenings that stay cool. If you go to the mountains by the sea, a windbreaker will never be too much.