Language
Arabic is the official language, but eight others are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the most widely spoken.
Currency And Tipping
The unit of currency is the Moroccan dirham, which is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. A tip of 10 to 15% is expected in the more expensive bars and restaurants, though some establishments include a service charge. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded. Visitors should note that tips are the only income for some porters and guides.
Safety
Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is an increased threat from international terrorism and it is wise to be vigilant in places like hotels and restaurants. Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities. Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake as the country is prone to tremors, although usually minor ones.
Visas
Citizens of most countries can stay in Morocco for up to three months with just a passport - no visa required. More information can be found at www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Morocco/Marrakech/Basics
Weather
Sunny days are plentiful in Marrakech. The climate is dry all the year round, with thunderstorms in early autumn (fall) and occasional downpours in winter. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn when the days are still long enough to get plenty of sightseeing in. Winter is pleasant with bright days – and you could even nip to Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains to see the snow. In summer, the temperatures can rise to 104F (40C), so the usual precautions about hats and sunscreens apply.
Getting Around
Once inside the medina (old town), travelling by foot is a good way to go, even though seeing all the major attractions will require a good deal of walking. The city’s pink and orange buses are clean and efficient. Tickets within the city are about 4 dirham a ride. Almost all the bus lines stop at the main square, Djemaa el Fna. A city sightseeing bus is available from the Square de Foucauld, near the Djemaa el Fna. It travels around the town and provides commentaries in eight languages. Tickets can be bought as you board and are valid for 24 hours, regardless of the number of times you get on and off. The buses do stop running fairly early, though, so book for the morning rather than the afternoon. Petits taxis are particularly abundant but make sure you settle the price of the ride before you get in, as sometimes the driver will ramp up the cost for wealthy-looking foreigners. In Marrakech, you will also find about 300 caleches, or small horse-drawn carriages. These provide a good way of seeing the city, and can be found most easily at the Square de Foucauld near the Djemaa el Fna. Again, it is a good idea to ask about the price of the ride beforehand.
Customs
Morocco is a Muslim country and it’s preferable to restrict the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or poolside. Smoking is practised widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as they’re forbidden by the Muslim culture.
