Mastering the art of packing a suitcase (or backpack) is not just about organizing the right belongings in the right place – it’s the key to having a good trip! A Trip to Morocco is no exception as you need to balance style with comfort while making sure you fit in with the local culture. Whether you’re exploring the marketplace of Fes, hiking the peak of the Atlas Mountains, wandering the palaces of Marrakesh or surfing the dunes of the Sahara – knowing what to pack for a trip to Morocco can significantly impact your travel experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go beyond the basics to cover everything from important travel documents to versatile clothing options that cater to all seasons, helping you stay comfortable while immersing yourself in the beauty and diversity of one of our favourite travel destinations. So get ready to optimize your suitcase for the adventure of a lifetime with our expert tips on packing for Morocco!
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Planning a trip to Morocco can be overwhelming, so allow Citylife to help you with our series of incredible articles! We cover topics like Moroccan food you have to try, the best things to see and do in Morocco – including city guides, itinerary proposals and must-see lists. Information about Moroccan culture, etiquette safety and security and a collection of Morocco FAQs that were more than happy to answer!
1. Packing for Morocco – The Absolute Essentials
When we say essentials, we mean it. You won’t make it far on your trip without the following items, so make sure they are the first things that you pack!
1.1. Travel Documents
- Passport – Morocco is an independent country on the continent of Africa. This means that everyone will need a passport to enter. Not a copy or a photo. Driver’s licenses and national ID cards will also not be accepted at any time. Only a passport will grant you entry to the Kingdom of Morocco.
- Entry Visa – Some passport holders will be required to apply for an entry visa in order to visit Morocco. It’s important to determine if you are one of them and to give yourself enough time to apply for one if you do need it. For a current list of nationalities that do not need an entry visa, make sure to visit the official Morocco government page.
- Travel Insurance – Though not technically mandatory, it’s smart to make sure you are covered for basic medical emergencies during your trip. Moroccans speak a different language and have a different medical system than you might be used to and a good travel insurance can help you if you get in some kind of trouble.
1.2. Money & Security
- Dirhams – Moroccan currency is called Dirham. 1 American dollar is usually worth about 10 Moroccan Dirhams and 1 Euro is usually worth about 11 Dirhams. But make sure you’re aware of the most current currency rates by checking online before your trip.
- Exchanging money – You can find currency exchange booths in most major Moroccan airports, so you can either exchange your local currency once you have arrived in Morocco or do it at your local bank or exchange shop. We recommend preparing to pay for nearly everything in cash and budgeting between 50€-100€ ($55-$110) a day, depending on the type of trip you’re looking for and how much shopping you plan to do.
- Credit/debit cards – Even though not all restaurants and shops accept credit or debit cards, you can use your cards to take money out of the various ATMs and bank machines in the major cities. So make sure to bring at least one with you in case you need to access more of your money. And don’t forget to tell your bank you’re travelling so they don’t block your card!
1.3. Electronics
- Power adapter – Morocco uses the same power sockets as Europe. Which is great for Europeans but those from other parts of the world will need to pack an adapter in order to use any of their electronics during their time in the country.
- Voltage converter – Morocco operates on 220V voltage and 50Hz. Make sure you bring a voltage converter so you don’t blow the fuse on your devices.
- External battery – Make sure you’re always charged and bring a portable, external battery with you. That way you can charge up in the middle of a walking tour or even when you’re riding a camel.
1.4. Items to Have “Just in Case”
- Immodium (or equivalent) – Moroccan cuisine uses lots of different spices that might affect your stomach if you’re used to more bland, less-seasoned food. It’s not spicy as in “hot”, but the eclectic mix of flavours could set off a stomach ache. Additionally, the water in Morocco may contain bacteria that your stomach is not used to. So stay on the safe side and bring some medicine with you!
- Hand wipes & tissues – In some bathrooms, you might be charged to use the t
