Moroccan Currency: Can You Use Dollars or Euros in Morocco? (2025 Guide)
Understanding how money works in Morocco can save you stress, bad exchange rates, and unnecessary fees during your trip. Whether you’re planning a desert tour, a city break in Marrakech, or a full Morocco itinerary, knowing what currency is accepted — and how to handle payments — makes your travel experience smoother.
This guide covers everything about Moroccan currency, using dollars or euros, ATMs, exchange offices, tips, and common mistakes visitors should avoid.
What Is the Official Currency in Morocco?
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, commonly written as:
- MAD (international code)
- DH (local abbreviation)
It is a closed currency, meaning you cannot officially buy or sell large amounts outside of Morocco. For everyday transactions — shops, taxis, street vendors, markets, restaurants — only the dirham is legally accepted.
Banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, and 200 MAD. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, and 10 MAD.
Can You Pay with Dollars or Euros in Morocco?
Many travelers assume dollars or euros are widely accepted, but this is not accurate.
✔ Where USD & EUR may be accepted:
- Some hotels
- Certain riads
- Larger tourist shops
- Luxury desert camps
- A few travel agencies
However, even in these cases you should expect:
- Higher prices
- Poor exchange rates
- Possible added fees
✔ Where USD & EUR are not accepted:
- Markets (souks)
- Taxis
- Restaurants
- Small shops
- Supermarkets
- Local cafés
- Local transport
- Street food
To avoid hassle, you should always keep some dirhams with you.
Where to Get Moroccan Dirhams
You can easily get dirhams once you arrive. Here are the safest and cheapest options:
1. ATM Withdrawals (Best Option for Most Travelers)
ATMs are available in all cities and airports.
They usually offer a fair exchange rate.
Tips:
- Decline “conversion” if the ATM asks (always choose charge in MAD)
- DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) gives you a bad rate
- Check your bank fees before traveling
2. Official Exchange Bureaus
Located in airports, shopping malls, medinas, and major streets.
They often offer better rates than banks.
3. Banks
Reliable but slower.
Bring passport + card.
4. Hotels (Not Recommended)
Their rates are often the worst.
How Much Cash Should You Carry in Morocco?
Morocco is safe for travelers, but carrying too much cash is never ideal.
A balanced approach works best:
- Keep 200–600 MAD for daily small purchases
- Use card or ATMs for larger expenses
- Split your cash in different pockets or bags
Most places in medinas still prefer cash.
Can You Pay with Credit or Debit Cards?
Cards are accepted in:
- Hotels
- Many restaurants
- Malls
- Riads
- Major tourist attractions
But they are not accepted in:
- Traditional souks
- Taxis
- Small cafés
- Local food stalls
- Rural areas
When paying by card, some machines will ask you:
➡ Pay in your currency OR Pay in MAD
Always choose MAD, otherwise you get a bad conversion rate.
Tipping in Morocco (Important for Visitors)
Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated. Typical amounts:
- Restaurants: 5–10%
- Guides: 20–50 MAD
- Drivers: 10–30 MAD
- Luggage handlers: 10–20 MAD
- Café / street food: round up the total
Can You Exchange Dirhams Back to Euros or Dollars?
Yes — but only before you leave Morocco.
You will need:
- Your passport
- The original exchange receipt (sometimes asked)
You can exchange at:
- Airports
- Banks
- Some exchange bureaus
Once you leave Morocco, exchanging dirhams is difficult or impossible.
Final Tips for Handling Money in Morocco
- Always have some cash for local transactions
- Use ATMs for the best rate
- Don’t rely on dollars or euros for daily spending
- Compare exchange office rates before changing
- Decline ATM dynamic currency conversion
- Keep small bills (10–20–50 MAD) for taxis and markets
What is Moroccan currency ? Can use Dollars or €uros