What Is The Currency In Morocco Marrakech

So, you're off to Marrakech, the city that's like a giant, colorful carpet unrolled in the heart of Morocco. You've got your sunscreen, your shades, and your best 'I'm not lost, I'm just exploring' face. But hold your camels, there's one thing you might be wondering: what's the currency in this enchanting place?

Dirham, the local darling

Meet the Moroccan Dirham, the local currency that's as warm and welcoming as a Moroccan mint tea. It's the official currency of Morocco, and it's as much a part of the country's identity as tagines and henna tattoos.

Now, you might be thinking, 'Dirham? That sounds like something you'd use to measure distance, not money.' Well, you're not wrong. The name 'Dirham' comes from the Greek 'drachma', which was a unit of weight. But don't worry, you won't be weighing your money anytime soon. It's just a fun fact to impress your fellow travelers with at the riad.

What does it look like?

Dirhams come in bills and coins, just like you're used to. The bills are colorful and feature famous Moroccans, like King Mohammed VI and the poet Mohammed Khair Eddine. The coins are a mix of metals, with the smallest being the 1 dirham coin, which is about the size of a pea and worth, well, 1 dirham.

But here's where things get a bit tricky. Morocco has a dual currency system, which means you'll also see the foreign currencies, like Euros and US Dollars, being used. It's like having a friend who speaks two languages and you're never quite sure which one they're using. But don't worry, we'll get to that later.

Why is it so darn hard to get hold of?

You might be wondering why it's so hard to get your hands on some Dirhams before you arrive in Morocco. Well, it's all about the exchange rate. The Moroccan Dirham is a bit like a shy teenager at a party. It doesn't like to be seen out and about too much, so it's not available for exchange in most countries.

But don't let that put you off. It's actually quite easy to get Dirhams once you're in Morocco. You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices (called 'bureaux de change'), or even withdraw local currency from ATMs. Just remember to tell your bank you're going to Morocco to avoid any nasty surprises with your card.

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Why is it called 'Dirham'?

You might be wondering why the Moroccan currency is called a 'Dirham' when it's not the same as the currency in other countries with the same name. Well, it's all about history, my friend. The name 'Dirham' has been used for various currencies throughout history, and it's thought to have originated from the Greek 'drachma'.

In Morocco, the Dirham has been the official currency since 1960, when it replaced the Moroccan Franc. It's been through a few changes since then, but it's still going strong, just like the ancient Roman coins that were called 'denarii', which is where the name 'Dirham' comes from.

How much is it worth?

So, you've got your Dirhams, you're ready to hit the souks, and you're wondering how much everything is going to cost. Well, let's break it down.

The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, which means it's not freely convertible to other currencies. This means the exchange rate is fixed by the Central Bank of Morocco. At the time of writing, 10 Dirhams is roughly equal to 1 Euro or 1.10 US Dollars. But remember, exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to check before you go.

Now, you might be thinking, 'That's all well and good, but what can I actually buy with my Dirhams?' Well, let me tell you, you can buy a lot. A cup of coffee will set you back about 5 Dirhams, a tagine will cost you around 60 Dirhams, and a traditional Moroccan carpet might set you back a few thousand. But remember, haggling is a national sport in Morocco, so don't be afraid to barter.

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Why are there two currencies?

So, remember how I mentioned earlier that Morocco has a dual currency system? Well, it's all about tourism. The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency, but you'll often see prices quoted in Euros or US Dollars, especially in tourist areas.

This is because Morocco is a popular tourist destination, and many visitors come from countries that use these currencies. It makes it easier for tourists to understand the prices and makes it easier for businesses to cater to a wider range of customers.

But here's where it gets a bit confusing. When you pay in a foreign currency, you'll usually get your change in Dirhams. And when you change your money, you'll get Dirhams in return. It's like a currency dance, and it can take a bit of getting used to.

Top tips for using Dirhams

Now you know all about the Moroccan Dirham, it's time to put that knowledge into action. Here are my top tips for using Dirhams like a local:

• Carry cash: While cards are accepted in many places, it's always a good idea to carry cash. ATMs can be few and far between in some areas, and not all shops and restaurants accept cards.
• Haggle: Remember, the price you see isn't always the price you pay. Haggling is a way of life in Morocco, so don't be afraid to barter. Just remember to be respectful and fair.
• Check the exchange rate: Before you go, check the current exchange rate so you know how much your Dirhams are worth. It's also a good idea to check the rate at the airport when you arrive, so you know what to expect.
• Keep your receipts: If you're planning on claiming back any VAT, you'll need to keep your receipts. So, don't throw them away.
• Tipping is appreciated: Tipping is a part of Moroccan culture, and it's appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and with guides. The amount depends on the service, but around 10% is usually sufficient.

And there you have it, folks. The Moroccan Dirham, the currency that's as warm and welcoming as the people of Morocco. So, get out there, explore, and enjoy your trip. And remember, if anyone asks you what the currency in Morocco is, you can tell them it's the Dirham, the local darling that's as much a part of the country as the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.