Moroccan Currency: Can I Pay with Mexican Pesos?
Mexican pesos are not accepted in Morocco. We tell you which currency to travel with, where to exchange and how to avoid unnecessary fees.
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). You cannot pay with Mexican pesos in shops, and it is not easy to exchange them in the country. The practical solution: bring euros or dollars in cash to exchange, and use ATMs and cards for the rest.
Reference equivalences
Exchange rates vary every day, so check them before traveling. As a rough guide: 1 dollar equals about 9-10 dirhams, 1 euro about 10-11 and 1 dirham about 2 Mexican pesos. The dirham is divided into 100 centimes. Check current rates before calculating your budget.
Which currency to bring from Mexico
- Euros: they are the easiest currency to exchange in Morocco, because of the trade relationship with Europe.
- US dollars: they are also exchanged without problems.
- Mexican pesos: exchange them in Mexico before leaving. In Morocco it is very hard to find a buyer for them, and when there is one, the exchange rate is unfavorable.
Compare exchange offices in Mexico: airports usually offer the worst rates. Bring clean banknotes in good condition, which are the best accepted.
Where to exchange money in Morocco
- Banks and authorized exchange offices: they offer official rates and give a receipt.
- Hotels: convenient, but with a worse rate.
- Airport: useful to cover a first taxi or a welcome tip; for large amounts, better in the city.
- Avoid exchanging on the street with strangers.
Keep the exchange receipts. The regulations limit the entry and exit of dirhams in cash, and converting back when leaving usually requires proof; in practice, it is best to spend almost everything before you leave.
ATMs and cards
- ATMs are plentiful in cities. Visa and Mastercard cards usually work.
- Tell your bank that you are traveling to avoid blocks and ask about fees for withdrawals abroad. Some ATMs charge an extra fee.
- Withdraw larger amounts and less often to reduce fixed fees, but without carrying large sums on you.
- If the ATM offers to charge in your currency instead of dirhams, choose dirhams: dynamic conversion usually costs more.
- Hotels, large restaurants and tourist shops accept cards; souks, taxis, small cafés and stalls prefer cash.
Reference prices
| Item | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Mint tea or coffee at a local café | 10 – 25 MAD |
| Short taxi ride within a city (petit taxi) | 10 – 40 MAD |
| Simple meal at a local restaurant | 60 – 120 MAD |
| Dinner at a tourist restaurant | 150 – 350 MAD |
| Bottle of water | 5 – 10 MAD |
Tips
Tipping is usual. In restaurants, around 10% if service is not included; for guides, drivers and hotel staff, a gratuity in line with the service. Keep small banknotes at hand.
How much cash to carry
If you book a tour with accommodation and meals included, you will need cash mainly for tips, souvenirs and free meals. A good starting point is to carry the equivalent of 100 to 150 dollars per person per week and top up with ATMs. If you are going to buy expensive handicrafts, it is best to pay by card when possible.
If you want to know which costs each type of trip includes, see how much it costs to travel to Morocco from Mexico.
Questions about money and payments
The Moroccan dirham (MAD).
No. Exchange them into euros or dollars before traveling, or withdraw dirhams from ATMs.
Euros are the easiest to exchange, but dollars are also accepted. Bring banknotes in good condition.
Visa and Mastercard usually work at ATMs and tourist shops. Tell your bank and check the fees.
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