General Information Business Hours Banks:   Monday to Friday,  8:30 AM– 11:30 AM; 2:30 PM–5:00 PM winter; 8:30 AM–2:00 PM summer. Hours vary during Ramadan. Shops and Souks:  9:30 AM–1:00 PM; 3:00 PM–6:30 PM Government Offices:  Monday to Thursday,  8:30 AM–12:00 PM and  2:30 PM–6:30 PM;  Friday, 8:30 AM–11:30 AM and3:00 PM–6:30 PM

CLIMATE
Morocco has a Mediterranean climate in the north and a desert climate in the south. In Morocco’s high mountain ranges, evenings can be cool, even in summer, and temperatures can reach freezing in winter. In the desert, while midday temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees F. in summer, evenings can be cool.

COMMUNICATIONS
The country code for Morocco is 212. The outgoing international code is 00. Fax services are available in many hotels, and communication by e-mail with many hotels and tour operators, particularly in the major cities is growing more commonplace.

CREDIT CARDS, TRAVELERS CHECKS, AND CURRENCY
Credit cards are accepted in many of the hotels and shops, and are usable in banks to obtain cash advances. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. Travelers checks are readily exchanged at most banks at rates fixed by the government.
The currency in Morocco is the dirham (DH), which is divided into 100 centimes. There are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH notes and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centime coins. Dirhams can only be purchased within Morocco. There are just under 10 dirhams to a dollar. However, the currency exchange rate is subject to fluctuation and should be checked prior to departure.
In order to exchange remaining dirhams into the original currency, it is necessary to present the exchange slip. It is illegal to export dirhams from Morocco.

ELECTRICITY
110/220 volts. Morocco uses French-style plugs.

HEALTH and SAFETY
Morocco is quite safe from a health point of view; however, some precautions will ensure a healthy, enjoyable trip. It is recommended that visitors see their physician to obtain appropriate inoculations.
Visitors should wash their hands often with soap and water, drink bottled water, eat cooked food including fruits and vegetables, and protect themselves from insects using repellents. They should avoid food purchased from street vendors and watch out for ice.
Almost all Moroccans are friendly and honest, and violent crime is very rare. However, it is wise to be careful about pickpockets and petty thievery, in the major cities.
Women should respect the mores of the society and not dress provocatively. American casual clothing is acceptable. A cardigan over the shoulders is useful when visiting religious shrines, as well as for cool evenings.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day January 1, 2001

Eid al-Fitr December 27*
(end of Ramadan)

Independence Day January 11
Manifesto Day

Eid Al Adha March 6*
(Feast of the Sacrifice)

Islamic New Year March 26

Labor Day May 1

National Day May 23

Mouloud June 4
(the Prophet’s Birthday)

Coronation Day July 30

Reunification Day August 14

King’s and People’s August 20
Revolution Day

His Majesty August 21
Mohammed VI’s Birthday 

Anniversary of the November 6
Green March

Independence Day November 18

Weekends: Unlike other Muslim countries, which include Friday, the Muslim day of rest, as part of the weekend, the weekend in Morocco consists of Saturday and Sunday.

* These holidays occur approximately 10 days earlier each year.

TIPPING
While service charges are usually included with hotel bills, it is customary to tip service personnel such as waiters, hairdressers, and housekeepers 10.00 or 20.00 dirhams.

VISA
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Travelers to Morocco must possess a valid passport. Visas are not required for American tourists traveling in Morocco for less than 90 days. For visits of more than 90 days, Americans are required to obtain a residence permit and a return visa should they wish to return to Morocco for extended periods. A residence permit and return visa may be requested and obtained from immigration authorities (Service d’Etranger) at the central police station of the district of residence. For additional information concerning entry requirements for Morocco, travelers may contact the Embassy of Morocco at 1601 21st St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 462-7979 to 82. The Moroccan Consulate General is located at 10 E. 40th St., New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 758-2625.

GETTING AROUND
By Ferry
Visitors can travel from Spain to Morocco by ferry in two-and-a-half hours from Algciras to Tangier. The cost one way per person is approximately $25 and the cost for a car is approximately $80.

Reservations are bookable through:

Comanov
43 Rue Abou Inane El Marini
Tangier
Tel: 011 212 (9) 932952
Fax: 011 212 (9) 943570

Comarit Ferry
7 Rue du Mexique
Tangier
Tel: 011 212 (9) 931220
Fax: 011 212 (9) 936784

Limadet Ferry Company
7 Avenue Prince Moulay Abdella
Tangier
Tel: 011 212 (9) 933625
Fax: 011 212 (9) 932913

Transmediterranea
31 Avenue de La Resistance
Tangier
Tel: 011 212 (9) 985307
Fax: 011 212 (9) 943663

FERRY SCHEDULE

              Sept. 16 – June 14			June 15 – Sept. 15
     From Tangier      From Algeciras                       From Tangier           From Algeciras
          7:30 AM	  9:30 AM		         6:00 AM	    8:00 AM
          9:00 AM	11:30 AM		         7:30 AM	    9:30 AM
        12:30 PM	  1:00 PM		         9:30 AM	  11:00 AM
          3:30 PM	  3:30 PM		       10:00 AM	  12:00 PM
          7:30 PM	  9:30 PM		       11:30 AM	    1:30 PM
				         1:00 PM	    3:00 PM
				         2:00 PM	    4:00 PM
				         3:30 PM	    5:30 PM
				         5:00 PM	    7:00 PM
				         6:00 PM	    8:00 PM
				         7:30 PM	    9:30 PM
				         9:00 PM	  11:00 PM

BUSES
Buses offer an inexpensive, reliable way to travel in Morocco as well as an excellent way to meet local people. On longer routes, there are several companies offering comfortable, regularly scheduled buses. They include CTM (Compagnie de Transports Marocains) and STAS, which connects conveniently to the train service, ONCF. Bus fares are about 20% cheaper than train fares. Express coaches run along the southwest and northern coasts, where the railway doesn’t run. 

TAXIS
Grands taxis seat six passengers and will take fares between towns or to destinations out of town. Fares should be negotiated. Petits taxis operate only in town and will carry up to three people. Passengers should check the meter.

BY TRAIN 
Morocco has the most comfortable and efficient train lines in Africa. The network of L’Office National des Chemins de Fers (ONCF) goes as far south as Marrakesh, links up with Safi, el Jadida, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fez, Meknes and Oujda. First and second-class carriages are air-conditioned. Tickets are purchasable at the station. 

BY CAR
Although the roads in Morocco are quite good, driving is not for the faint hearted. Driving after dark is not recommended as animals may dart out into the road, and moped drivers are not required to have lights. The official speed limit outside towns is 62 miles per hour (100 KM/h). A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for the mountain and desert areas. National licenses are accepted; however, international driving licenses are recommended.

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