Moroccan currency is the Moroccan dirham, identified internationally by the code MAD. You will also see prices written using DH, Dhs, or simply “dirhams.”
Before traveling, it helps to understand how to exchange money, withdraw cash, compare conversion rates, and budget for expenses outside your accommodation or tour package.
This guide explains the essentials, including the difference between carrying Moroccan dirhams and bringing foreign currency into the country.
What Currency Does Morocco Use?
The Moroccan dirham is the country’s official currency. One dirham is divided into 100 centimes.
| Currency detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Currency name | Moroccan dirham |
| International code | MAD |
| Common local abbreviations | DH and Dhs |
| Subdivision | 100 centimes equal 1 dirham |
| Usual banknotes | 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams |
The Moroccan National Tourism Office identifies these four banknote denominations in its visitor information.
Keep a mixture of smaller notes and coins for everyday purchases. A large banknote can be inconvenient when paying for something inexpensive.
When agreeing on a price verbally, confirm that the amount is in dirhams and whether it applies per person, per item, or to the whole group.
How Do Moroccan Currency Exchange Rates Work?
Exchange rates change. A conversion saved several months before your trip may differ from the amount available when you arrive.
It also matters which rate you are comparing:
- A published reference rate provides a benchmark.
- A cash exchange rate is the rate offered for exchanging physical banknotes.
- A card conversion rate depends on how the transaction is processed and your card’s terms.
Bank Al-Maghrib publishes separate information for transfer exchange rates and foreign banknote buying and selling rates. These should not be treated as interchangeable quotations.
For a current benchmark, consult Bank Al-Maghrib’s published exchange rates, then compare the actual amount offered by your exchange provider.
How to Compare Two Exchange Offers
Ask each provider the same question:
“How many dirhams will I receive for this amount, after all charges?”
This is easier to compare than an advertised rate alone.
If exchanging euros, pounds, or US dollars for dirhams, check the rate at which the provider buys your foreign currency. When changing unused dirhams back, the relevant rate will be different.
Where Can You Exchange Money in Morocco?
Use a bank offering currency exchange or an authorized exchange office.
Morocco’s exchange regulations require authorized operators to display updated rates and provide an official exchange receipt. Keep that receipt, particularly if you may want to convert unused dirhams before leaving.
Before completing an exchange:
- Check the currency and amount being exchanged.
- Confirm the final dirham amount.
- Ask about any additional charges.
- Count your money before leaving the counter.
- Keep the receipt with your travel documents.
Have your passport available and ask which identification the provider requires.
Should You Exchange Money at the Airport?
An airport exchange counter can be convenient for immediate expenses.
You might exchange enough for your arrival transport and initial purchases, then compare other options later. Check the actual quotation rather than assuming every airport counter offers the same rate.
Opening hours vary, so plan ahead if arriving late or on a public holiday.
Using ATMs in Morocco
Before traveling, check whether your card supports international cash withdrawals, confirm your PIN, and review your daily withdrawal limit.
At the machine, look for your card network’s logo and read the transaction details before confirming.
What ATM Fees Might Apply?
There is no single ATM fee that applies to every traveler.
Possible costs include the ATM operator’s charge and fees from the bank that issued your card. Mastercard explains that ATM-owner fees are disclosed during the transaction, while cardholders should check separately with their issuer about its charges.
Review:
- Any fee displayed by the ATM.
- Your bank’s overseas withdrawal charges.
- Currency conversion charges.
- Any limit on fee-free withdrawals under your account plan.
A debit card is generally worth considering for cash withdrawals. Credit-card withdrawals may be treated as cash advances and can attract additional fees and immediate interest, depending on your agreement.
Choose a convenient, well-lit machine and keep your bank’s contact details accessible in case a withdrawal fails or your card is retained.
Should You Choose MAD or Your Home Currency?
An ATM or payment terminal may offer to convert the transaction into euros, pounds, dollars, or another home currency.
This service is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. It uses the conversion offered by the merchant or ATM provider.
Visa explains that this conversion usually includes a markup. Choosing MAD and declining the offered conversion avoids that particular markup, while your own card’s conversion terms and fees still need checking.
Read the screen carefully. Declining currency conversion is different from canceling the withdrawal or purchase. Visa states that accepting or declining DCC should not affect your ability to complete the transaction.
Is Cash or Card Better in Morocco?
A combination gives you more flexibility.
Confirm card acceptance with your accommodation, restaurants, activity providers, and transport services before relying on it. Keep dirhams available for purchases where card payment is unavailable.
Cash is particularly useful to plan for:
- Small purchases and market shopping.
- Local transport.
- Tips.
- Smaller establishments and rural stops.
- Expenses outside your prepaid itinerary.
For transport planning, read our guide to taking taxis in Morocco.
If a business accepts payment in another currency, agree on the currency, total amount, and conversion basis before paying.
Can You Use Euros in Morocco?
Some tourism businesses may agree to accept euros, but this depends on the provider.
For everyday spending, having Moroccan currency makes prices easier to compare and avoids negotiating a separate conversion for each purchase.
If your accommodation or tour quotation is in euros, ask which payment currencies are accepted and how any dirham equivalent will be calculated. Also confirm the deposit, remaining balance, and available payment methods before arrival.
How Much Spending Money Should You Bring?
Start with what you have already paid for.
A traveler whose accommodation, transport, and several meals are included will need a different cash budget from someone paying for everything independently.
| Expense | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Remaining balance, meals and any additional charges |
| Food and drinks | Which meals are included and your preferred dining options |
| Transport | Transfers, taxis and tickets still to purchase |
| Attractions | Entry tickets and any separate guiding fees |
| Activities | Included experiences and optional extras |
| Shopping and tips | A personal allowance suited to your plans |
For an illustrative cash calculation, an allowance of 250 MAD per day over five days totals 1,250 MAD. Add any known cash payments separately. Set the daily allowance using the meals, visits, and purchases you actually expect.
For tipping guidance, see our article on tipping in Morocco.
Carrying Money Into and Out of Morocco
The following currency rules were checked on 17 October 2026.
Moroccan Dirham Banknotes
Morocco restricts the import and export of its currency. The Office des Changes permits travelers to carry up to 2,000 MAD in Moroccan banknotes into or out of the country under the traveler allowance.
Foreign Currency
Foreign cash reaching or exceeding the equivalent of 100,000 MAD must be declared on arrival. Relevant bearer financial instruments are also covered by declaration rules.
Documentation requirements can apply below that threshold, particularly when establishing the origin of funds or taking unused foreign currency out again. Check your circumstances with the Office des Changes or Moroccan customs before traveling with substantial sums.
The foreign-currency declaration threshold and the Moroccan banknote allowance are separate rules.
Can You Exchange Unused Dirhams Before Leaving?
Authorized providers can exchange eligible remaining dirhams back into foreign currency, subject to documentation and limits.
Keep your original exchange receipts. Morocco’s June 2026 exchange instruction provides procedures for non-residents using these documents, with separate provisions for certain airport and port transactions.
Ask the provider which documents it needs and how much it can exchange. Retain ATM receipts too, and check whether they are sufficient for the transaction you want.
As departure approaches, review your remaining cash and planned expenses so you have time to arrange any exchange.
Money Planning for a Private Morocco Tour
Request a written quotation showing what your tour includes and what remains payable separately.
For example, when comparing a four-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour, check accommodation, meals, camp facilities, transfers, and optional activities.
Travelers beginning in another city can explore our tours from Casablanca and discuss a route suited to their dates and budget.
Clear inclusions make it easier to estimate the spending money you need during the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Moroccan Currency Called?
The Moroccan dirham. Its international code is MAD, and local prices may use DH or Dhs.
Is It Better to Exchange Cash or Use an ATM?
Compare the final cost. Cash exchange depends on the provider’s quotation, while ATM withdrawals depend on the operator’s charges and your card’s terms.
Can I Rely Entirely on Cards?
Check acceptance with each provider. Keeping some dirhams available gives you flexibility for everyday purchases and services requiring cash.
How Many Dirhams Can I Take Home?
The traveler allowance permits up to 2,000 MAD in Moroccan banknotes. Check the official rules before departure.
Should I Keep Exchange Receipts?
Yes. They document the transaction and may be needed when exchanging unused dirhams back into foreign currency.
Plan Your Morocco Trip
Share your departure city, travel dates, group size, and accommodation preferences with Unique Desert Tour. We can help you plan a private itinerary with clear inclusions and payment details.