catspajamas

We are just starting to think about a trip to Morocco. What is the currency exchange situation?
Are ATMs available? Banks only? Dollars or Euros?

Fra_Diavolo

Plenty of ATM machines in banks, post offices in most places. The problem can be getting small bills and coins.

jules39

We used ATM's with no problem. DO have a couple of different cards if you can so if for some reason one does not work in a particular machine the other may. This happened to us a couple of times.

thursdaysd

Certainly there are ATMs, dispensing dirhams. I have no idea what you mean by "dollars or euros".

baladeuse

We changed some dollars at the airport in Fez, then used ATM's after that. No problems.

catspajamas

I meant in case it was better to change cash...are dollars or euros more acceptable. Or to use for small purchases at the end of the trip.

Pollaround

As highlighted in comments above, the most difficult thing in touristy areas is to actually get coins (you may need these if you are in Marrakesh for example to give some Dirhams here and there for entertainers in the main Jamea Al Fnaa for example). There seems to be something like a deal with all shop keepers not to give away coins to force you to give more money !

Rubicund

Dollars aren't acceptable for ordinary spending. People won't accept them as with euros, or if they do, you'll get ripped off on the exchange rate, so use ATM's and always opt to be charged in dirhams not your own currency.

If you want coins, go to a bank or ask in your hotel.

catspajamas

Thanks for all the info! Rubicund, that is what I wanted to know (about using small amounts of cash at the end...euros or dollars). I got very good at getting small denominations in Egypt. I asked and waited and eventually they came through.

Rubicund

Forgot to say, I believe that the Moroccan Dirham is not a negotiable currency for tourists. You can't change any surplus currency back into your own from your home country (or get any before you go). Therefore don't take more than you need from an ATM or you'll be stuck with it.

ladybug888

The exchange rate for Moroccan Dirham is on most list of exchange rates and currency calculators. Check with your bank or a major bank like USofA, Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc to see if they can exchange them. I have never had a problem getting the coins, but my husband is Moroccan. Like Rubicund said, ask your hotel or go to a bank. Maybe buy a coke so you get change. I have had vendors tell me a price in dollars, but I have never tried paying in dollars.

tedgale

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