The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, with one Dirham equalling 100 centimes. Notes come in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Money can only be exchanged at official bureau de changes, free of commission and always with receipts – Dirhams cannot be obtained outside of Morocco, and exchanging money anywhere apart from official bureaus is illegal. Traveller’s cheques are accepted, though to avoid additional conversion charges these should be in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

See:

MasterCard:  http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm

The import and export of domestic currency is prohibited, and all local funds must be reconverted to foreign monies on leaving the country. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, though amounts equivalent to Dh15,000 and above must be declared.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0815 to 1215 and from 1415 to 1715 Mondays to Thursdays, from 0815 to 1115 then from 1430 to 1730 on Fridays and from 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays. Normal shopping hours are usually from 0830 to 1200 and 1430 to 1830 Mondays to Thursdays, and from 0830 to 1100 and from 1500 to 1830 on Fridays. Larger stores and markets are open at different times for different hours – generally including Sundays and until later in the day.

Formal suits are usually expected of business meetings, though hot weather can make this choice unreasonable – Morocco is quite a conservative nation, owing to its strong Islamic roots. As such, conservative clothing is recommended and public displays of affection should be avoided. Some business in Morocco is still carried out in the French language, so a knowledge of French wouldn’t hurt.

Service charges are included in hotel bills, and it is customary to tip for most services a couple of Dirhams.