Morocco Pre-Trip Checklist | Timeline-Based Travel Preparation | CityGuide

Start researching destinations and routes

Use our Distances tool to plan your route between cities

Set a trip budget

Use our Budget Calculator for estimates by travel style

Check if your driver license is valid for Morocco

International Driving Permit recommended if renting a car

Book accommodation (riads, hotels, hostels)

Book popular riads early, especially in Marrakech and Fes medinas

Purchase travel insurance

Ensure it covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities

Research currency exchange options

MAD is a closed currency -- exchange on arrival. Use our Currency Converter for rates

Research SIM card and data options

Maroc Telecom, Inwi, Orange. Buy at airport or city shops. ~from 50 MAD for tourist SIM

Book key tours and experiences in advance

Sahara desert tours, cooking classes, and popular guided tours sell out

Research inter-city transport options

Book ONCF trains and CTM buses at oncf.ma and ctm.ma

Learn basic Darija and French phrases

Use our Darija Phrasebook -- even a few words make a big difference

Check current travel advisories

Visit your government travel advisory site for Morocco updates

Start packing (use our Packing Checklist)

Pack light -- you will want to buy things in the souks

Make copies of all documents

Passport, insurance, bookings. Keep digital copies in cloud + email to yourself

Notify your bank of travel to Morocco

Prevent card blocks. Ask about foreign transaction fees

Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)

Essential for navigating medinas and areas without signal

Download translation app with offline Darija

Google Translate supports Moroccan Arabic offline

Arrange airport transfer or research transport

Pre-book riad pickup or know the petit taxi fare from airport

Check weather forecast for your dates

Pack layers -- temperatures vary widely between coast, desert, and mountains

Confirm all reservations (flights, hotels, tours)

Double-check dates and reconfirm with riads directly

Share itinerary with family or friend

Leave a copy of your plans and emergency contacts with someone at home

Charge all devices (phone, camera, power bank)

Ensure power bank is in carry-on, not checked luggage

Print flight confirmations and key bookings

Some riads and tours may ask for printed confirmations

Exchange a small amount of home currency

Get 50-100 USD/EUR worth exchanged at airport on arrival for taxi and tips

Pack carry-on essentials separately

Passport, phone, charger, medications, change of clothes in case luggage is delayed

Set out-of-office messages if needed

Check airline luggage allowance

Budget airlines to Morocco often have strict weight limits

Remove non-essential items from wallet

Leave unnecessary cards at home. Bring 2 payment methods minimum

Fill out arrival card (if required)

Immigration form is usually distributed on the plane

Buy a Moroccan SIM card at the airport

Maroc Telecom has best coverage. Get a data package (5-10 GB)

Withdraw MAD from an ATM

Airport ATMs offer fair rates. Withdraw enough for 2-3 days (from 1,000 MAD)

Arrange transport to accommodation

Use official airport taxi stand with fixed prices, or pre-arranged riad transfer

Connect to data and test offline maps

Contact accommodation to confirm arrival

Riads in medinas can be hard to find -- ask for a meeting point or guide

Save emergency numbers in phone

Police: 19, Ambulance: 15, Fire: 15, Tourist Police: 0524-384601 (Marrakech)

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