FAQ

WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES FOR TRAVELING TO MOROCCO (VISA, PASSPORT)?

For a trip to Morocco, a valid passport is required. It is imperative that it is still valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. European Union nationals do not need a visa for a travel period of less than 3 months.
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CAN I BUY DIRHAMS BEFORE TRAVELING TO MOROCCO?
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You will only be able to get Dirhams in Morocco. 2 choices are available to you: Withdraw Dirhams directly with your card (credit card, credit card, debit card etc.) in the many ATMs of the city and the medina. Exchange currency in one of the many exchange offices in the city and medina (avoid changing money at the airport to get a better rate).

We can provide you with Dirhams directly at the Riad if you wish. Please let us know in advance.

HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE RIAD?

To avoid stress and confusion on arrival we recommend that you book the airport transfer in advance. The driver will be waiting for you inside the airport on arrival with a sign bearing the name of the Riad and he will accompany you to the door of the Riad.

WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES AT THE RIAD?

Rooms are available from 14:00 p.m. or earlier depending on previous departures. In any case, you can drop off your suitcases at the Riad. On the day of departure, the rooms must be vacated at 12:00 a.m. but you can leave your suitcases in the Riad until departure at the airport.

CAN I INVITE FRIENDS TO THE RIAD?

It is strictly forbidden to invite people from outside the Riad without the prior consent of the RIAD.

IS MARRAKECH A SAFE CITY?

Marrakech is a very safe city, but at night, as in any big city, you have to take precautions and watch out for purse robberies. Be careful with your handbags and phones, it is advisable to travel in a group if you return late at night when there are no people in the streets.

WHERE CAN I BUY ALCOHOL IN MARRAKECH AND WHERE CAN I SMOKE?

All the cafes and restaurants around the Djema EL Fna square do not serve alcohol, however in the Guéliz district outside the Medina restaurants, cafes, pubs and nightclubs serve alcohol. You can smoke in the outdoor spaces of the Riad (patio, terraces). Suggestion: Moroccan wines can be excellent and are much cheaper than those imported from France.

IS TAP WATER DRINKABLE?

The inhabitants of Marrakech drink tap water, for tourists it is not recommended, your body will not have time to get used to it and you will fall ill.

SOME TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING IN THE SOUKS

When you travel to Morocco, you are very quickly seduced by the various handicrafts and the many souvenirs that you can bring back from the souks. To do good business, you have to know how to negotiate! Know that negotiation in the souks is above all a local sport which is part of the customs, so be relaxed. You will have to show malice, humor, persuasion and a lot of bluff.

Before making your purchases, take a few walks in the souks and find out about the prices charged, so you can get an idea of the prices charged. Never show your interest in the product you are interested in. Very difficult for some people, you will have to learn to hide your emotions at the risk of seeing the price of the product soar. If the negotiation has progressed well but is blocked, try to leave politely without buying anything. It’s a safe bet that the seller will come running after you or pick you up to let go of the negotiation at your price. And if not? You had actually reached the exact price, then you can come back in the afternoon or the next day and get it at the agreed price.​

HOW TO DRESS IN MOROCCO?

Don’t forget that Morocco is a Muslim country and certain conventions exist and you should be aware of them. You will see in the big Moroccan cities, veiled women, others in the latest Western fashion. Dress how you want, as long as it’s decent. It is very hot in summer and it is normal to want to dress lightly. On the other hand, avoid anything that is too short. A knee-length dress or skirt is perfectly accepted in public.