In 2010, I spent a year living in Casablanca, Morocco. It was an incredible experience, and I fell in love with the country for its diversity, vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people. With that in mind, here are my tips on how to make the most out of your money while traveling in Morocco:
**Affordable Flights to Morocco**
Consider flying to Morocco via Europe to save money. You can find cheap flights to Europe and then use budget airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Europa, or AirArabia to get to Morocco. Easyjet offers flights from Paris, Milan, Geneva, and Madrid, with Madrid usually being the cheapest. Ryanair also has very affordable flights if you book well in advance, especially to Fes. I used to fly from Casablanca to Europe about every six weeks, primarily with Easyjet because they didn’t charge a credit card fee and were more lenient with carry-on luggage. If demand makes budget airfares more expensive, check out Royal Air Maroc and Air France for possibly competitive rates.
**Budget Travel Around Morocco**
Upon arriving at the Casablanca airport, you can take a train to the town center for about 4 euros. In Marrakesh, there’s a 2-euro bus alternative. Taxis are quite costly and not really necessary unless you arrive very late at night. In town, use a “petit taxi” (small cab) and always ensure the meter is on. This can be tricky in Marrakesh, but persistence pays off. A 10-minute ride usually costs less than 1 euro with the meter on, compared to a minimum of 5 euros without it.
For longer distances, consider using “grands taxis” (big taxis). They fit six people in a run-down Mercedes and usually travel faster than buses since they don’t make stops along the way. You can pay double to ride alone in the front seat. Buses are available almost everywhere, though travel times vary. CTM is the most expensive but also the most reliable. The train is another option—while it can be late and slow, it is cheap and comfortable. A ticket from Casablanca to Marrakesh costs around 8 euros.
**Affordable Accommodation in Morocco**
Look for small hotels in the old parts of town. In Casablanca, this would be around the central market, where you can find double rooms for 10 to 15 euros. In Marrakesh, check out the old medina. Near bus stations, there are small hotels catering to local travelers, which are usually cheaper. Buses and taxis can take you to the town center from there.
**Other Travel Money Tips in Morocco**
Food: Visit local markets for ready-to-eat fruits and sweet pastries, a healthy snack for under 1 euro. In the evenings, bakeries often serve shorba (Moroccan soup) for under $0.50, accompanied by a glass of mint tea for $0.30. It’s a great deal and a perfect way to mingle with locals.
Hammam: The local public bath costs about $1. You can stay for hours, get a massage, exfoliate, and observe the local women as they socialize and relax.
Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in Marrakesh. Keep your money safe by using a money belt or keeping it in a zipped pocket.
For emergencies, it’s better to have Euros than Dollars.