Trip to Marrakech - advise needed

hotlatte

Hi i am taking my family to Marrakech next Sunday for 4 nights flying from Gatwick. This is the first time we are going there. I have some questions and would like to get your advise before we go there.

1) Currency exchange is it better to take Dirhams from here or exchange from the Airport when we get there?

2) What is the best card to use whilst there if we need to take out any money as emergency? We have account in Barclays guess it will cost a lot when the conversions are done?

3) We have 4 nights so please, recommend places to visit within and outside Marrakech.

4) What restrictions are in place if we want to bring food or shopping back with us to the UK?

5) Must go places.

6) Useful tips.

I am sure i will have much more questions but guess enough to start off with.

Cheers

martindow

I'll answer no 1. Dirhams are a closed currency which you cannot get easily from outside the country. Lots of places when you arrive with cash machines etc in the moderns parts of towns (not in souks!).

markandkate

1 You will have to get yor dirhams in Morocco

2You will have to decide whether to take cash and exchange or use a debit vard but there should be no problem with either

3 You have to visit the souks, the mosque and the main square at night. There are also some intersting tombs. Essaouira is about 2 hours away in the coast and is a lovely fishing town with norrow streets and a harbour. You can hire a car and also drive up into the Altas Mountains

4 You are not allowed to bring and any fresh food from outsie the EU into the Uk but will be Ok with alcohol and probably sweets

5 Tips watch out for pick pockets as the souks and square can get very disorientating. the souk is like a rabbit warren and you will easliy get lost but you can pay for guides. Always haggle for anything that you want to buy but don't haggle if you are not interested.

At night the main square is alive with lots of different food stalls eat a bit at two or three. Be prepared to go with the flow

shermanshawn

Marrakech Travel Tips

Before departing for your trip, you should obtain up-to-date security and health information from local tourism agencies, from the embassy in your residential country or from your local Government Travel office.

Money Advice

The official currency unit is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of MAD 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 200.00. Coins used are in value of MAD 1, 5, 10 and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centime.

ATMs
ATMs or cash machines are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. The Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and traveller's cheques can be used in tourist areas.


Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Morocco. However, it is advisable to clarify with your credit card and debit card companies on outlet acceptability and any special promotional offers available.

Marrakech Tipping Advice

In Marrakech, leave small change amounting to about 10%. Restaurants and hotels often state a service charge but it is polite to leave change. Visitors should note, tips are the only additional income for some porters and guides.

Business Hours

Most banks operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, although some may close early at 2:00 pm during summer. Banking times vary all through Ramadan. Shopping centres and souks are open from 9:30 am till 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Many government offices function Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. On Fridays, these offices operate from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Local Holidays

Most banks and government offices in the Marrakech area are closed on the following national holidays:
New Year’s Day: 1st January
Manifesto of Independence Day: 11th January
Labour Day: 1st May
Feast of the Throne: 30th July
Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day); 14th August
R!volution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People’s Revolution Day); 20th August
King Mohamed’s Birthday: 21st August
Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March): 6th November
Fête de l’Ind!pendence (Independence Day): 18th November

Health and Safety Advice

Health Advice
Morocco generally is quite safe from a health point of view; however, some precautions will ensure a healthy, enjoyable trip. It is recommended that visitors see their physician to obtain appropriate inoculations. It is advisable to always wash hands with soap and consume bottled water. Avoid consuming too much edibles sold by street vendors, especially ice. Take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. If necessary, tourist offices and many Marrakech hotels can put you in touch with linguistically proficient and English-speaking doctors. Medical facilities are good in all main towns. Travellers to Morocco will need to take vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as carry prescribed medication for diarrhoea. Health insurance is important.

Safety Advice
Marrakech is a relatively safe city, but visitors should remember these common-sense tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Avoid carrying lump sums of money and don’t let strangers see how much money you are carrying.
• Keep a firm hold on purses and knapsacks, carry your wallet in your front pocket and avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
• Stay awake when riding public transport and keep packages close by.
• Always park your car in a well-lit area. Close windows, lock doors and place valuables in the trunk.
• The disputed territory of Western Sahara has a history of political instability and insecurity. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.

Exercise precaution when eating food sold at the main marketplace Djemma El Fna and other small restaurants. Many of the dishes, including goat head and bowls of local snails may be too adventurous for the unaccustomed palate. Salads prepared haphazardly have caused cases of diarrhoea.
Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is an increased threat from international terrorism and it is wise to be vigilant when away from your hotel. Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities.


Clothing: What to Wear

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout summer along with a hat. Warm medium fabrics are suitable in winter or when travelling to the mountainous regions. Waterproof clothing is the preferred garment during the wet season, particularly along the coast and in the mountains.

Local Culture and Customs

Marrakech is predominantly a Muslim city; therefore it is essential that visitors opt for attire that is not offensive and revealing. Modesty by wearing a cardigan over the shoulders when visiting places of worship or religious significance is most appreciated. Swimsuits, shorts etc are best worn inside hotel premises, by the pool. Smoking is practised widely and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social gatherings. Traditions and customs should be respected, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Eating, drinking and smoking during daylight should be indulged inconspicuously during this time.


I hope informaton is useful to you.
Have a safe journey:)

___________________________________________________________
You can know more about Villas by visiting location vacances espagne | location costa maresme

hotlatte

shermanshawn wrote: »

Marrakech Travel Tips

Before departing for your trip, you should obtain up-to-date security and health information from local tourism agencies, from the embassy in your residential country or from your local Government Travel office.

Money Advice

The official currency unit is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of MAD 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 200.00. Coins used are in value of MAD 1, 5, 10 and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centime.

ATMs
ATMs or cash machines are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. The Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and traveller's cheques can be used in tourist areas.


Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Morocco. However, it is advisable to clarify with your credit card and debit card companies on outlet acceptability and any special promotional offers available.

Marrakech Tipping Advice

In Marrakech, leave small change amounting to about 10%. Restaurants and hotels often state a service charge but it is polite to leave change. Visitors should note, tips are the only additional income for some porters and guides.

Business Hours

Most banks operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, although some may close early at 2:00 pm during summer. Banking times vary all through Ramadan. Shopping centres and souks are open from 9:30 am till 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Many government offices function Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. On Fridays, these offices operate from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Local Holidays

Most banks and government offices in the Marrakech area are closed on the following national holidays:
New Year’s Day: 1st January
Manifesto of Independence Day: 11th January
Labour Day: 1st May
Feast of the Throne: 30th July
Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day); 14th August
R!volution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People’s Revolution Day); 20th August
King Mohamed’s Birthday: 21st August
Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March): 6th November
Fête de l’Ind!pendence (Independence Day): 18th November

Health and Safety Advice

Health Advice
Morocco generally is quite safe from a health point of view; however, some precautions will ensure a healthy, enjoyable trip. It is recommended that visitors see their physician to obtain appropriate inoculations. It is advisable to always wash hands with soap and consume bottled water. Avoid consuming too much edibles sold by street vendors, especially ice. Take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. If necessary, tourist offices and many Marrakech hotels can put you in touch with linguistically proficient and English-speaking doctors. Medical facilities are good in all main towns. Travellers to Morocco will need to take vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as carry prescribed medication for diarrhoea. Health insurance is important.

Safety Advice
Marrakech is a relatively safe city, but visitors should remember these common-sense tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Avoid carrying lump sums of money and don’t let strangers see how much money you are carrying.
• Keep a firm hold on purses and knapsacks, carry your wallet in your front pocket and avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
• Stay awake when riding public transport and keep packages close by.
• Always park your car in a well-lit area. Close windows, lock doors and place valuables in the trunk.
• The disputed territory of Western Sahara has a history of political instability and insecurity. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.

Exercise precaution when eating food sold at the main marketplace Djemma El Fna and other small restaurants. Many of the dishes, including goat head and bowls of local snails may be too adventurous for the unaccustomed palate. Salads prepared haphazardly have caused cases of diarrhoea.
Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is an increased threat from international terrorism and it is wise to be vigilant when away from your hotel. Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities.


Clothing: What to Wear

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout summer along with a hat. Warm medium fabrics are suitable in winter or when travelling to the mountainous regions. Waterproof clothing is the preferred garment during the wet season, particularly along the coast and in the mountains.

Local Culture and Customs

Marrakech is predominantly a Muslim city; therefore it is essential that visitors opt for attire that is not offensive and revealing. Modesty by wearing a cardigan over the shoulders when visiting places of worship or religious significance is most appreciated. Swimsuits, shorts etc are best worn inside hotel premises, by the pool. Smoking is practised widely and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social gatherings. Traditions and customs should be respected, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Eating, drinking and smoking during daylight should be indulged inconspicuously during this time.


I hope informaton is useful to you.
Have a safe journey:)

___________________________________________________________
You can know more about Villas by visiting location vacances espagne | location costa maresme

Many many thanks....this info will help us a lot with our trip...

hotlatte

markandkate wrote: »

1 You will have to get yor dirhams in Morocco

2You will have to decide whether to take cash and exchange or use a debit vard but there should be no problem with either

3 You have to visit the souks, the mosque and the main square at night. There are also some intersting tombs. Essaouira is about 2 hours away in the coast and is a lovely fishing town with norrow streets and a harbour. You can hire a car and also drive up into the Altas Mountains

4 You are not allowed to bring and any fresh food from outsie the EU into the Uk but will be Ok with alcohol and probably sweets

5 Tips watch out for pick pockets as the souks and square can get very disorientating. the souk is like a rabbit warren and you will easliy get lost but you can pay for guides. Always haggle for anything that you want to buy but don't haggle if you are not interested.

At night the main square is alive with lots of different food stalls eat a bit at two or three. Be prepared to go with the flow

do we know what the requirements for the car driving in the Morocco. Do we need an international driving permit?

markandkate

HI when we hired a car I think we just showed our driving licence and it is still an old paper one but things may have changed. I suppose it depends who you rent off. I suspect the car we hired belonged to a family member!

hotlatte

what was the driving experience like?

Any must go places where you recommend. Can someone recommend places that may be outside Marrakech to visit that are easy to get to.