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Morocco travel guide - Morocco
holidays, flights & hotels.
Top destination guides for Morocco holidays;
Fes (Fez)
| Marrakech
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Casablanca
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Morocco Holidays, Morocco Holiday Packages Overview
Morocco is just a step away from
Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but it is a world
away in culture and experience, brimming over with contrasts,
colour and mystery. This is due partly to its geographical
position, sited at the crossroads where the East meets the West,
Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with
the Atlantic. Sitting at the top northwest
corner of Africa and sharing two oceans, the country's main appeal
for visitors has always been its Mediterranean climate, the quality
of its crafts and its exotic nature. However in more recent years
travellers are discovering other hidden delights and adventures,
particularly in the northern and central parts of Morocco in the
Rif and High Atlas Mountains, where it is even possible to enjoy a
skiing holiday. Then, down south, some are drawn to explore the
sands of the Western Sahara, on camelback, horseback or
4X4. Whether you visit Morocco for the sunshine,
or to trek through the mountains or the hot desert sands, it is a
sure bet you will also be enchanted by the timeless Medieval
medinas of the cities, particularly in Fez and Marrakech, where the
souks and squares plunge visitors into a fascinating foreign world.
Snake charmers weave their magic; the stench of the tanners' yards
pervades the air; and the call of the muezzins wafts from the
ancient minarets. The overall memory will be one of sweetened mint
tea, brightly coloured slippered feet and big smiles.
Although most of its suburban enclaves are ultra-modern,
Morocco has more than its share of ancient monuments and
magnificent buildings, reflecting a turbulent history shaped by its
strategic location. Since the days of the Phoenicians, Morocco has
attracted foreign interest, from the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and
ancient Greeks until the coming of the Arabs in the 7th century,
who brought Islam and the Alaouite Dynasty. European powers have
had their day, too, trying to control this northern tip of Africa.
France and Spain battled for control, until nationalism triumphed
and the Kingdom of Morocco gained independence in 1956 (except for
the two small enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the north which are
still controlled by Spain). This rich past, coupled with a timeless
present, makes Morocco a magical mystery tour of surprises and
enchantment for thousands of visitors every
year.
Tourist Offices - Moroccan National Tourist Office, Rabat:
+212 37 673 918 or www.visitmorocco.com
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There are options for all Morocco holidays,
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Entry Requirements
Sufficient funds should be held for
maintenance for the period of stay. Entry may be refused to
travellers with a 'hippy' appearance.
- For Australians -
Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is
required for a stay of up to three months.
- New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no
visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months (an extension of
up to six months is possible).
- United States citizens require a passport, but no visa
for a stay of up to three months.
- United States citizens require a passport, but no visa
for a stay of up to three months.
- British citizens require a passport, but no visa for a
stay of up to three months, providing the passport is endorsed
British Citizen.
Morocco Holidays - Currency of Morocco
The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD),
which is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the
larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at
banks or official bureaux de change. Dirham cannot be obtained or
exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of
legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money
when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger
shops, hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques can be used in
tourist areas.
Morocco
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The international access code for Morocco
is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in
use, e.g. (0)44 for Marrakech and (0)37 for Rabat. Hotels can add a
hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check
before making long international calls. Two mobile GSM 900 networks
cover the north of the country. Internet cafes are widely available
in tourist areas.
Morocco
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have
to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre
spirits and 1 litre wine; and perfume up to
5g.
Morocco
Holidays & Packages- Tipping Information
A tip of 10 to 15% is expected in the more
expensive bars and restaurants, though some establishments include
a service charge. Most services are performed with the aim of
getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be
rewarded. Visitors should note that tips are the only income for
some porters and guides.
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