Can You Use Pounds or Dollars in Morocco?
Quick answer
Mostly no — Morocco’s currency is the dirham (MAD), and you should pay in dirham. Some hotels, tour operators and tourist shops may accept euros (and sometimes US dollars or pounds) for larger payments, usually at poor rates. Exchange your pounds/dollars or withdraw dirham from ATMs on arrival.
Travellers from the UK and US often wonder if they can just spend their home currency. While you can occasionally exchange or use it for big payments, day-to-day Morocco runs on dirham.
Here is how to handle it.
What is accepted
For everyday spending — taxis, cafés, street food, small shops, entry fees, tips — it is dirham only. Some larger, tourist-facing payments (a few hotels and riads, organised tours, carpet and souvenir shops used to foreigners) may accept euros, and occasionally US dollars or pounds, but typically at a worse rate than a bank or ATM, so you lose money on the convenience.
Euros are the most widely accepted foreign cash; pounds and dollars less so, but all can be exchanged.
Exchanging and withdrawing
Bring some pounds, dollars or (best) euros to change as a backup, and exchange them at banks and bureaux de change in Morocco for fair rates. Or simply withdraw dirham from ATMs on arrival (airports have them) — often the easiest option. The dirham is a closed currency, so you generally cannot buy it before you travel.
At ATMs and card terminals, always choose to be charged in dirham (decline conversion to your home currency) to avoid poor rates.
Practical tips
Carry daily dirham cash (Morocco is cash-heavy) plus a card for hotels and bigger restaurants. Keep small dirham notes for taxis and tips. If a vendor offers a “euro/dollar price,” mentally convert it — the dirham price is almost always better.
Do not over-withdraw or over-exchange at the end of your trip, as converting dirham back is awkward and there are limits on taking it out of the country.
Key takeaways
- Pay in dirham — pounds/dollars are mostly not accepted day to day.
- Some big tourist payments take euros (less so dollars/pounds) at poor rates.
- Exchange foreign cash or, easiest, withdraw dirham from ATMs on arrival.
- Always choose dirham at ATMs/terminals; carry small notes for taxis/tips.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in pounds or dollars in Morocco?
Mostly no — pay in dirham. Some hotels, tours and tourist shops may take euros (sometimes dollars/pounds) for big payments at poor rates. Exchange foreign cash or use ATMs for dirham.
What is the best currency to bring to Morocco?
Euros are the most widely accepted foreign cash to exchange, but the simplest approach is to withdraw dirham from ATMs on arrival. Bring some euros/pounds/dollars as a backup to change.
Can I get dirham before travelling?
Generally no — the dirham is a closed currency. Withdraw it from ATMs on arrival or exchange cash at banks and bureaux de change in Morocco.
Plan it with a local expert
Travel Morocco with Serenity Morocco Tours
Crafting extraordinary journeys through Morocco's timeless landscapes. 100% private journeys, handcrafted around you.
from $2,011Sahara Desert Luxury Expedition
from $2,054Essential Morocco: Imperial Cities Circuit
from $5,978Sahara to Sea: Morocco Complete