Travel guides in Africa: Morocco
You'll find one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Step into the majestic city of Fes and just haggling in the souks of Marrakech. Join the Berbers of the Sahara and bask in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Agadir.
You guessed it, the Kingdom of Morocco is a land of contrasts that will not leave anyone indifferent. From the snowy peaks of the High Atlas to the edge of the desert, only the heat of the sun could compete with the hospitality of the Moroccans. You will discover a welcoming and tolerant people against a backdrop of magnificent monuments, symbols of great cultural and architectural richness. A fascinating country and every corner reminds us of a long history of 2500 years. Add to that a tasty and creative cuisine. Change of scenery!
A sweet perfume of East fleet in this country that has combined tradition and modernity. They practice a moderate Islam and the fascinating cry of the muezzin will remind you 5 times a day by calling to prayer.
Country resolutely turned towards the future, Morocco is the safest in North Africa in terms of health and safety country. More than a million French come every year to visit Morocco!
The landscapes of Morocco were used as decorations for many films. Obviously Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean, most recently with The Source and Leila Behkti Hafsia Herzi.
Passport / Visa / Formalities
For a trip to Morocco, a valid passport is required. It is imperative that it is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in the country. Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa for travel time of less than three months.
If you go to Morocco by car, make sure your auto insurance covers you in this country. Be careful because a check will be made at the border and if not cover, we will require you to take out insurance.
Find all the formalities and all the information to spend his retirement in Morocco.
transport
Morocco is the neighbor of Europe. Only 14 kilometers separate it from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. All means of transportation are available to travel to Morocco ... even the bike!
by plane
Of course, the plane is the fastest way to get to Morocco from France. Of the 12 international airports that rely Morocco, the main ones are located in Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech and Tangier.
Frequent routes between France and Morocco are provided by major international airlines including regular and charter Air France and Royal Air Morocco. Note that these links are not just about Paris but also Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Nice, Strasbourg and Toulouse.
Finally, some companies "low-cost" offer flights with attractive prices to Morocco: Atlas Blue (from Lille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Toulouse, Nice and Mulhouse).
By boat, by car
If the air does not suit you or if you want to go to Morocco by car, train, bus ... crossing by car ferry is required.
The most economical solution is to get to Algeciras in the extreme south of Spain to cross the Strait of Gibraltar by car ferry. You are offered two destinations: Tanger (2:30 crossing) or Ceuta (1:30 crossing).
Here are the shipping companies that offer a crossing: Norfolk Lines, Comanav Limadet Ferry ... Additional information about the Euromer site.
Note: some ferries Sète (France) to Tangier (the trip takes 36 hours) and Almeria (Spain) to Nador or Melilla.
stations ferrovières
It is easy to travel by train in Morocco where the rail network is of good quality.
Consult schedules and rates on the website paths Moroccan iron.
view all transportation
Car rental
Major international agencies are rather expensive in Morocco, the savvy traveler will turn to a local agency, which will lease a Fiat Uno for about 250 dirhams per day.
Please note, small cars are delivered without fuel ... and therefore make the empty tank.
taxis
Attention two types of taxis in Morocco:
Inside a city, small taxis (type Fiat Uno). They have a unique color according to their city, red or blue in Casablanca to Essaouira. They instruct as to their path.
For large distances (at least 70 km), large taxis (Mercedes type), often beige color. A trip Marrakech-Ouarzazate, for example, costs 70 dirhams large taxi.
Travel to Morocco.....
Health / Safety / Vaccines
Be aware that Morocco is perhaps the safest country in Africa in terms of safety and health.
However, some remote and poor areas are deplorable hygiene and little or no water in the bottle, nothing to do with modern cities like Agadir or Casablanca. So precautions primarily depend on your destination.
health
For the certificate of vaccination, it is not required for visitors from Europe. If your stay unfolds in a modern tourist city like Agadir, Rabat or Casablanca, you have very little chance of getting sick because health is relatively good.
By cons, if you decide to roam around the country, it is better to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, cholera, tetanus and typhoid. Do not worry, this is just a precaution because these diseases are not widespread. With regard to malaria, the risk is almost nonexistent.
The main problem in Morocco is linked to the consumption of water or vegetables. Always watch what you drink or eat. The water (and ice) contain bacteria that we French, are not used. Small gastric problems guaranteed! More seriously, it is best to consume bottled water by requiring that the bottle is open before you. Also be wary of salads or vegetables washed with water.
Finally, note that Moroccan pharmacists are competent and well stocked with drugs. They will advise you if small problem. In case of serious problems, contact the embassy for advice tailored care center.
Contents of the medical kit: antiseptic tablets against fevers and headaches, sun block, insect repellent, a drug against gastric problems and against dehydration (especially if you go to the south of the country). For adventurers who may be in remote areas, provide water purification tablets.
"See section Health in Morocco"
security
Recently, Morocco is truly a safe country for tourists. A special police force was created to defend tourism (8% of GDP in 2003). You can visit Morocco peace of mind ?? but vigilant.
On the flight, he fell sharply in recent years. However, do not leave your valuables ostentatiously. Do not leave your wallet in the back pocket, hang out your bags and your cameras when there are crowds. Finally, lock your hotel room and do not leave valuables in a visible there.
As for safety, no major problems either. Avoid high-poverty neighborhoods, especially if you are alone. Also, do not get lost in the alleys of the medina at night, especially in Tangier.
About nicks guides offer their services, they are sometimes slightly aggressive but never violent. Know that they just want to take you to merchants from whom they receive a commission if a sale. Stand firm by providing a minimum of attention. If not letting go, tell them that you will buy anything.
Morocco is the largest exporter of hashish in the world. The Rif, in eastern Morocco has a historic privilege that gives it the right to cultivate the cannabis plant. The situation is paradoxical because it is forbidden to sell, purchase or consume cannabis in the country. Never try to cross the border with cannabis, even by car ferry. Remember the movie "Midnight Express" ... Compared to the Moroccan prisons, French prisons are palaces.
Useful information
Telephone emergency
Fonts: 19 (from a fixed phone.), 112 (from a mobile phone.).
Gendarmerie (outside the cities): 177
Firefighters: 15
bugs
snakes, scorpions, mosquitoes ...
political conditions
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. If most of the power is concentrated in the hands of the monarch, King Mohammed VI has undertaken since his accession several reforms include improving the status of women in Moroccan society.
vaccines Required
No vaccinations are required.
vaccine Recommendations
It is recommended to protect against hepatitis A and B, typhoid
currency
Moroccan currency
Moroccan currency, the dirham (Dh).
Change: 11 Dh = EUR1 or 1 Dh = 0.09 EUR (in 2009).
Tickets: 200 Dh Dh 100, Dh 50, Dh 10.
Rooms: 5 Dh Dh 1, Dh 0.5, 0.05 Dh.
Attention in some souks, talking riel for small amounts, 1 riel being the smallest coin is 5 cents dirham. 1 Dh = 20 riels or 1 riel = 0.05 Dh.
Charge cards are accepted in major establishments like hotels, restaurants, department stores and gas stations. Some shops are still equipped with the "Iron" where the code is not necessary. In this case, do not leave your eye chart and do not let the merchant only with the card.
On vending machines, there are in all cities large and medium-sized. Please note, fees are important to each liquid removal. It is more interesting, as such, to bring travelers checks in euros, especially as they are accepted in hotels and banks.
exchange
In all cities of medium and large, you can convert your euros at banks or bureaux de change at relatively similar rates. Obviously, do not convert your euros in the street scam ensured
.
At ports above 15,000 dirhams are are allowed but must be declared at customs.
Finally, note that in France, only part of your Moroccan dirhams can be converted, then bring in the least. This may be an opportunity to "burn" to his last evening in Morocco!
tip
Here, we talk about bribe. It is often expected, sometimes asked, especially with tourists. Make your calculation knowing the official average wage is 1,800 dirhams (180 euros) per month. The ideal is to give a little more than 10% of the bill.
Cost of living
One can imagine, life in Morocco is much less expensive than in France, especially for hosting. That said, it is not necessarily the ideal destination for adventurers "penniless". The government has always favored tourist facilities that attract the rich.
For a "budget" trip, the average budget for one person will be from 40 to 45 euros (400 to 450 dirhams) per day. If you are traveling two, plan 30-35 euros (300 to 250 dirhams) per person per day. However, prices vary greatly depending on the chosen destinations. Life in Marrakech or Casablanca is 2-3 times more expensive than in villages or small towns.
Overall, the most privileged can adopt a lifestyle of Sultan for an amount less than 75 euros (750 dirhams) per person per day. The more "broke" will fare for 10 euros per day.
restaurants
A sandwich costs 2 or 3 euros (20 to 30 dirhams) and a normal meal costs about 10 euros (100 dirhams). In the best restaurants, you will manage between 15 and 25 euros per person (150-250 dirhams).
accommodation
The cheapest hotels cost between 4 and 8 euros per night (40-80 dirhams), the price of a normal room revolving around 10 euros per person. The most chic hotels require you to shell out $ 15 or more per person.
Tipping
Small Moroccan restaurant: 2-5 dirhams
Shoeshine: 2-3 dirhams
The guard who watches your car: 2 dirham, 5 in crowded places
average prices
Stay (excluding travel / R): 400 € to 1000 €
Showing 1 and 2 stars: from 5 € to 12 €
3 star hotels: 12 € to 15 €
4 star hotels or more: 35 € to 120 €
Hotels Allinclusive: 55 € to 80 €
Cheap restaurants: 3 € to 10 €
Traditional restaurants: 1 € to 100 €
Transportation (locally): 12 € to 20 €
tips
As in any country where the culture is different, it is necessary to adapt to local customs. It is the success of your trip, your integration among the people but also the image you give of France
.
Most Moroccans are very welcoming. If you show respect for their culture, they will return much!
do
Eat with your right hand, especially if Moroccan share your meal.
Wash hands and mouth after eating.
Accept invitations to tea. This is the best way to sympathize with Moroccans. In a poor neighborhood, maybe it will be yours to pay.
Remove shoes at the entrance of some houses, especially if you see shoes near the door.
Possibly give a small room with old beggars. In Morocco, there is no social security or for the elderly.
Don'ts
Entering a prohibited non-Muslims mosque. Few Moroccan mosques open to foreigners.
Take a picture without someone asking her opinion. Beliefs suggest that the photo captures a part of the soul of the subject. Most of the time there will be no problem, but it is better to ask, if only out of respect.
Giving money to children begging. An adult Moroccan might even make you a reflection. If you want to please the children, give them crayons or candy.
Decline an invitation to tea. Deny a second or third cup of tea because it was thirsty.
Be offended if you are chatting with Moroccan takes your hand. This is a sign of friendship. On the street, it is common to see men holding hands.
Discuss issues about the king or religion.
Touch food with your left hand. It is considered impure because it traditionally used to clean his private parts.
Wear a provocative outfit, especially for women. On the outskirts of the holy places (shrine mosque ...), proper attire recommended for men and women ... out of respect again.
Lifestyle
Opening hours
Difficult to give a benchmark because schedules vary by season and region. In summer, the lunch break may extend to 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. so the heat is strong.
In general, shops and offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. In summer, in tourist areas, shops tend to close much later (19:30 - 20H) and are open on Saturdays.
Warning: during Ramadan, opening times change because the lunch break is removed. Also, governments often close at 15H and stores not much later.
traffic
Traffic in Morocco is relatively risky: no lines on the road, overtaking on bends, pathetic condition of vehicles ... Also be very vigilant. In the city, it would be better to travel by taxi. Finally, avoid driving at night outside cities. Some vehicles are not illuminated and pedestrians using the road.
formalities
For a trip to Morocco, a valid passport is required. It is imperative that it is valid at least 6 months from the date of entry in the country. Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa for travel time of less than three months.
If you come to Morocco by car, make sure your auto insurance covers you in this country. Be careful because a check will be made at the border and if not cover, we will require you to pay for insurance.
holidays
In Morocco, there are two types of holidays based on two calendars: the solar calendar is the official calendar and the lunar calendar Hijri calendar is used for religious festivals.
Religious festivals legal holidays are 4 in number: the day of the Hijri (Ras as-Sana), the birth of the Prophet (Mouloud), the end of Ramadan (Eid al Fitr) and the Feast of Sacrifice or feast of Sacrifice (Eid al Adha or Eid al Adha). They are celebrated according to the lunar Hegira. Therefore, their dates vary from year to year due to the solar calendar.
Facilities
Depending on the destination, light clothing (Mediterranean coast) or hot (Atlas).
In the south, a scarf.
Premises standards
Electricity
Almost all the countries increased to 220V (50Hz), ie the same standard as in France. The cards are also the same, so no need for adapters.
Only a few remote areas still have taken supplied with 110v.
Events
neant
general
Music, movies, popular culture: the Morocco hosts many festivals quality.
In Marrakech International Film Festival (November)
In Tangier, jazz in all its forms with Tanjazz (late May, early June)
In Essaouira, world music with Gnaoua and World Music Festival (late June)
Fez and the renowned Festival of World Sacred Music (early June)
ID card
General
Capital: Rabat.
Area: 450 000 km.
Religion: Islam.
Border countries: Algeria and Mauritania.
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD 10 = 1 euro).
Languages: Arabic (official), Berber, French and Spanish.
National Day: July 31 (Feast of the throne).
demography
Population: 32.2 million (2004).
50% are under 20 years, 70% are under 30 years.
Urbanization rate> 50%.
Density: 65 inhabitants / km ²..
Life expectancy: 67 years.
Unemployment rate: 20%.
Literacy rate: 52%.
Economy
GDP: $ 128 billion in 2003.
Growth: 6% compared to 2002.
P GNP / capita. : $ 4,000.
Principal activities: agriculture, mineral extraction, tourism, fishing ...
practice
Weights and measures: Metric.
Electricity: 220 V at 50 Hz.
Hegira: Year 1 corresponds to the year 622 AD. JC.
Time difference: - 1 hour compared to France.
Area code: + 212 (example: if the No. in Morocco is 055 61 34 60, I have to dial number 00212 55 61 34 60 from France).
climate
Mediterranean north, ocean to the west, the continental interior and the Sahara to the south.
geography
Four mountain ranges: the Rif (2548m), the Middle Atlas (3190m), the High Atlas (4167m) and the Anti Atlas (2530m).
Sea and Ocean: Atlantic Ocean (2900 km of coastline) and Mediterranean Sea (500 km).
Sahara Desert: less than 100mm of rainfall per year.
tourism
8% of GDP.
3 million visitors per year.
Culture / Traditions
Without falling into clichés or criticism, are the main characteristics of life in Morocco. The goal is not to make a caricature table but to understand which are the Moroccans and especially what their lifestyle.
A Mediterranean temperament
Like most of their neighbors, Moroccans have an expansive nature characterized by a certain pride. Indeed, the tone of voice rises easily to manifest the joy as well as anger. The streets are very lively, especially in the souks.
Moroccans love discussing. You will often call out, you can be sure! And not necessarily to sell you something. Most Moroccans like France, without rancor. They usually appreciate to speak our language and will be happy to share with you, including whether you like Morocco or if you want to drink a mint tea ...
In this regard, Moroccans love these little pleasures of life. Moroccan cuisine is a feast and the famous mint tea, very good for digestion, is an institution.
Mediterranean climate is too. In summer, early evening is the best time to go out as temperatures get cooler. This is the perfect time to settle on the terrace and watch the atmosphere that will crescendo.
Merchant fiber
Yes, Moroccans love doing "business". To believe that the ancient caravan passed this market fiber in their genes. Real game, negotiation between the seller and the buyer is an institution in the country, even among Moroccans. Few shops where prices are displayed, and if that's the case, we can still negotiate.
Moderate Muslims but very religious
99% of Moroccans are Muslim. Islam is the official religion of the state. Special feature of Morocco, the king is the religious leader. Mainly Sunni, Moroccans have an interpretation of the Qur'an influence Maliki, thus less rigid.
Trade and cultural exchanges with the West to influence Morocco moderate approach to Islam. This is reflected in the Moroccan youth remains very religious but becomes a bit less cultivator. The 5 day muezzin's call to prayers are less respected, especially in large cities. Some young people are content with one or two prayers a day. Similarly, many Moroccans longer respect the prohibition against eating pork or drinking alcohol.
Finally, fundamentalist movements are extremely marginal or non-existent in Morocco.
A life full of customs and traditions
A country is modernizing does not mean he forgets its traditions. Indeed, Morocco does not wish to break with its history and this is perhaps its strength. This leads to situations anachronistic. For example, it is not uncommon in central Casablanca, men in suits and ties talking in Arabic dialect with their friends jellabiyas and slippers while sipping a mint tea in front of a huge building glass. It is also here the Morocco!
Add to this the many festivals (religious or not) throughout the year and rejoice the heart of Moroccans.
family
Bearing a strong place in the life of every Moroccan family is still in the process of modernization gradually. Forced marriages and polygamy are less and less common compared to other Muslim countries. As for the status of women in Morocco, it has nothing to do with that of women living in countries like Saudi Arabia. However, Morocco is far from homogeneous on these issues related to the family.
The Moroccan cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir gradually westernized lifestyle. In these cities, women can easily go out without a veil, in outfits that would be considered provocative elsewhere. Nightclubs also met with some success, and not just with tourists.
Conversely, there is another Morocco, more steeped in tradition. In rural or medium-sized cities, women are much less visible in public places. Often veiled, it is not advisable for foreigners to speak to them. Notice to French women in these cities and villages traditions remain very strong, it is better to let the mini skirts, bikinis and other necklines shelved.
Population / Language
The official language of Morocco is classical Arabic. French is spoken mainly by elites.
religion
Islam is followed by 99.7% of Moroccans.
Notably, Morocco is the Arab country with the most Israelites.
useful Words
The official language of Morocco is Arabic. However, most Moroccans speak Arabic dialectal which varies by region, different from the Arabic literary employed by scholars.
The second language is Berber. It is mainly used in the Rif and the Atlas Mountains.
Finally, French is spoken by the majority of Moroccans, especially in tourist areas. Spanish is also well controlled in the east.
lexicon
Hello: Have salam 'alay kum.
Goodbye: Maa al-salam, Bismala.
Yes: Nam.
No: lalal.
Thank you: Choukran.
Please: Arbi.
Pardon Afouan.
Agree: Ouakha.
How are you? : Ouach khbar-ek?
What's your name? : Smitak?
My name is ...: Smiti ...
Do you speak French? : Tatkellem faranciya?
I do not understand: My fhemtch.
Read Before You Go
beautiful books
The flavors and gestures, Fatema Hal of Morocco (Stock).
A journey into the delights we invite Fatima Hal, ethnologist and distinguished divine stove, after having collected a thousand recipes that are all ceremonies.
Morocco, Berber light, Robert Colonna D'Istria (Vilo).
The pink is the color of the mountain, but between the drunken sky blue and soft green meadows young, the whole Morocco, in truth, which is the same light and the same miracle.
Romans
The child sand, Tahar Ben Jelloun (Threshold).
The story takes place in Marrakech. Inspired by a real news story, this novel tells the story of Ahmed, eighth daughter of a couple who, without a male heir, decides to raise it as a boy ...
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles (Gallimard).
Made into a film, this book is about a love story in the heart of Africa. The American writer Paul Bowles in Tangier ... long lived until his death.
Much to socco, Joseph Kessel (Gallimard).
Written by the famous English writer during his long stay in Tangier book. A tribute to this great souk which has so fascinated.
