When to go to Morocco:
Weather Diversity:
Morocco experiences mild conditions through out the year. However, there are some winter conditions and wet conditions in the North. The low lands are hot up to 300C and cool nights being at around 150C especially from April to October, which makes visitors popular around this time. Its perfect to stay in the South during winter days, however, the desert nights are very cold.
Southern Morocco:
During August and July, it will be recommended for the visitors to avoid visiting the Southern desert routes because it becomes too hot for travelling.
The best months or hiking trips on the mountains are April to October if you are planning for the trip. However, if you have some snow experience, you can go on for the trip.
Visitors are advised to book trekking trips in time before they are booked, especially in mid June and September.
Major Cities:
Marrakesh offers a very good night entertainment and celebrations. Major cities include Dsemaa El Fnaa Square, which has large concentrations of dancers. Musicians and acrobats.
While in Rabat and Fes, there is live music and singing, 24-hours cafes and stalls services provided as well as the Southern berber tribes have trance-like community dance celebrations.
Islamic Religious Holidays:
The Islamic calendar and various religious festivals may influence your decision whether to go or not because most restaurants and cafes close up during the month of Ramadan, which can cause difficulties in public transportation and guides.
Despite the Ramadan, it might be a very rewarding event to the visitors because candles and lamps are lit on the minovets as sunset, people drink a lot of milk and eat a lot of food and may give some to the poor.
Travel tips:
Airlines and public transport:
Public Holidays (2005):
Jan 1 New Year’s Day.
Jan 11 Manifesto of Independence.
Jan 21 Aid al-Adha (Feast of the sacrifice).
Feb 10 Faith Mouharram Muslim (Muslim New Year).
April 21 Aid at Mawlid Prophets Birthday.
May 1 International Labour Day.
Jul 30 Feast of the Throne.
Aug 20 Revolution du Rio et du people.
Aug 21 King Mohammed’s Birthday
Nov 3-5 Aid Alfitr (End of Ramadan).
Nov 6 Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green march).
Nov 18 Feterde in I’in dependence (Independence day).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daytime and feast during the night, which may interrupt normal business. So according to public holidays in Morocco, Muslim festivals are times due to changes in dates and moon.
Customs and Habits:
Not believing in anyone who approaches you is the most of Morocco’s customs and habit, so many visitors may fail to interact with you since they are hospitable people.
So the way you approach them matters. Its important to avoid being too aggressive and rude when conversing with them because they can sometimes exploit you.
Smoking:
Smoking is accepted widely and it has become a common habit to offer cigarettes to others in social hours.
Photography:
To avoid any inconveniences, try to ask for permission before taking some one’s photograph.
Religious customs:
Especially during the month of Ramadan, Muslim Religious customs are more respected.
Some customs include; not eating, smoking and drinking during daylight. So these customs are respected until the evening hours.
Home invitations:
When invited in a Moroccan home, remember to take some gifts since it is a custom and removing your shoes before entering the home and follow your host’s advise.
Electricity:
Power electricity is measured in 220 volts 50 Hz. So you should travel with a portable international adapter and uses two pin plugs.
Time Zone:
The Moroccan Time Zone is UTCO/GMT Dialling code.
The Morocco’s international code is +212 and for the outgoing calls away from Morocco are 0044 for United Kingdom. All tourist areas have mobile networks and Internets to make various calls.
Currency exchange:
The currency exchange rate for Morocco is Dh 1:00 = US $ 0.12 £ 0.06 C $ 0.15 A $ 0.16 RO.69 (= 0.09 NZ & 0.17). However, the rates might change due to foreign exchange currencies over time.
Money:
The currency used in Moroccan is Dirham (Dh).
These units are divided into centimes of 100 so the notes turn out to be in denominations of Dh 20, 50, 100, 200.
Currency exchange is done in banks and official bureaux de change.
In large restaurants and shops, credit cards are accepted and traveller’s cheques can only be used in tourist areas. ATM cards are only used in large towns.
NOTE:
Dirhams cannot be got outside Morocco and its not accepted.
Trading hours:
Office hours include:
8:30-12:00 and 14:30-18:30 Mon-Fri.
September-July except Ramadan.
9:00-15:00 (Mon-Fri Ramadan. July or early September).
Banking hours:
8:30-12:00and 14:30-18:30 (Mon-Frid).
8:00-15:30 (Mon-Fri Summer).
Safety:
There are no major crimes in Morocco. However, there are reported thefts cases at knife point, s avoid moving in dark or poorly lit streets especially at night.
Road safety is a major problem since there are frequent accidents especially the main road of Agadir to Marrakesh using the Imin Tanoute and Chichnova being the most dangerous roads. So you are advised too limit your speed.
Contact foreign office website www.fco.gov.uk/travel for more travel information and advice.
Tipping:
In major restaurants and bars, tips of 10-15% are accepted for same guides and poter’s tips become their only income.
Dress code:
Muslims in Morocco dress according to culture and norms. The men wear sleeveless
T-shirts while the women wear short sleeves and lengthy skirts.
For some visitors, they may copy the same way the local people respects the dressing codes for the Moroccan people.