Electrical Socket Adapters
Morocco uses sockets type E and F – similar to European sockets. Americans and Canadians will need electrical socket adapters. In Morocco, the voltage is 220 V – 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Most electronic devices have an adapter for the voltage and frequency built in, but check your devices before you depart.
Travel Tip:
Buy a universal adapter. These adapters are a bit like a rubric cube, with adapter plugs for all countries, except Australia and New Zealand, neatly built in. Outside of Australia and New Zealand, which are the only countries to use sockets “I”, you will have an adapter for every country.
Pack an extension cord with a multi-socket head. When traveling, enviably at least once a socket will be in a “why on earth did they put this here?” location. And extension cord will let you reach those hard to get to electrical sockets. The multi-socket head will let you plug-in and charge all your electrical devices from the one socket.
Health:
A few dos and don’ts to keep you healthy while traveling in Morocco.
- Do drink bottled water. And lots of it. Morocco is a hot place and travelers often are dehydrated before they realize it.
- Do try Moroccan delicacies and local fare at the excellent restaurants the tour dines at.
- Do get out of your comfort zone and try food you would not normally eat at home. It’s a great cultural experience and will give you many stories to share.
- Do wash your hands with hot soap and water to prevent the common cold and flu.
- Do eat a balanced diet. You’ll feel better, have more energy and stay healthier.
- Do bring one full dose of Ciproflaxcin (get this prescription filled from your doctor before you leave) in case you get dysentery.
- Do make sure you are up-to-date on your Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria
- Do bring a small med kit with basic items – pain killer, cold medication, a few bandaids, anticeptic ointment, pepto bismol. Pharmacies are not open late and on Friday or Saturday in Morocco. This small med kit will help you nip any illness in the bud and get back to feeling well quicker.
- Do bring salt tablets or rehydration tablets if you dehydrate easily.
- Don’t drink the tap water or use ice cubes in your drinks.
- Don’t eat meat that isn’t hot. It may have been sitting for a while and have gone bad.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol on the flight to Morocco. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. When traveler’s catch the cold or flu it’s usually after a long serious of flights, when their systems are more worn down.
Money:
ATMS can be found throughout Morocco and they accept all types of debit cards. Outside of hotels and higher-end restaurants, most establishments still take only cash due to the high visa rates charged vendors. Hotels, higher-end restaurants, and higher-end shops often do take credit card. Even though most activities, meals, sites, and guide fees are covered by the tour, it is recommend to carry spending cash in case you wish to purchase a memento or handmade craft, order a coffee, buy a bottle of water, or tip someone. Small little expenditures often come up each day and there may not always be an ATM around, so it’s a valuable practice to carry a bit of cash with you. We recommend carrying a very small amount of cash in an internal, zippered pocket. There are pick pockets in Morocco, though it is not very common for travelers to be pickpocketed. Carry the rest of your cash in a money belt.
Remember, to let your banks know of your travel plans, so they don’t block your credit card or debit card when you make your first charge in Morocco. Banks typically block credit and debit cards on foreign transactions if they don’t know of your travel plans.
We recommend to bring two debit cards and credit cards tied to different bank accounts. We have never had a traveler lose or have their wallet stolen, but it does happen from time to time to travelers. It is prudent to never leave your purchase or wallet unattended. Don’t put it under your seat at a café or a restaurant. Don’t leave it on the bus when we’re sightseeing. It is also good to have a backup credit card and debit card that are tied to a second bank account. If you have to cancel a lost debit or credit card then you will still have a second card which works and it will decrease the disruption on your trip.
Water:
The tap water in Morocco is not safe to drink and can make you sick. Only drink bottled water. When purchasing a bottle of water from a hotel or vendor, always double check the bottle’s cap to ensure it is still sealed. Only buy bottled water that still has its plastic seal.
Also, avoid ice, it is usually from the tap.
Weather:
Morocco is a desert climate. Expect temperatures to range between 70F – 85F, with cooler temperatures at night (50F – 60F). While in the desert, walking around cities, or exploring temples and tombs it can actually feel hotter than the real temperature because the sun and heat radiates off the rocks, pavements, buildings and structures. It is recommend to wear loose fitting cotton or polyester clothing, wear a sun hat and lots of sunscreen, and drink more water than you think you need.
Wifi and Internet Access:
Most hotels and hostels offer wifi internet. There are also many coffee shops and internet cafes throughout the major cities, and even some small towns.
