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Key points to remember: The Moroccan dirham (MAD/DH) is the only currency accepted in Morocco, with an advantageous exchange rate (€1 ≈ 10.5 DH). Use official exchange offices or ATMs to avoid unpleasant surprises. Keep your receipts to pay back your remaining dirhams. A small denomination such as 10 DH is enough for a traditional tea, a symbol of Moroccan hospitality.
Tired of juggling euros and dirhams when visiting Morocco? Is Moroccan currency still a mystery to you, despite your origins? This guide explains the Moroccan dirham (MAD), its official status and the pitfalls to avoid. Discover the right reflexes for changing money, recognizing banknotes (like the 200 DH or the 100 DH adorned with desert landscapes), and navigating stress-free. With 1 EUR ≈ 10.49 MAD and inflation stable at 1%, you'll avoid unpleasant surprises. Your grandparents will appreciate your ease when haggling over a carpet in the souk, as will the commemorative 25 DH bills!
Table of Contents
The Moroccan dirham: the official currency for your trip
Like Samira, are you dreaming of a trip to Morocco to rediscover your family roots? The Moroccan dirham (MAD/DH) is the only currency accepted throughout the country. It's a key element in your cultural immersion, and even the banknotes tell the story of Morocco through their designs.
The currency is divided into 100 centimes, like euro centimes. Managed by Bank Al-Maghrib, it circulates in coins (0.50 to 10 DH) and banknotes (20 to 200 DH). Since 2023, new coins have been in circulation, enhancing its modernity. Recent banknotes feature emblematic landscapes: the Hassan II mosque, the port of Tangier and the Ouzoud waterfalls.
The euro is sometimes accepted in large hotels or tourist areas, but at unfavorable rates. For markets, cabs and local cafés, only the dirham is accepted. A mistake to avoid? Arriving without dirhams: change your euros on arrival at the airport or at a local bank.
1 euro is worth around 10.49 dirhams. In 2024, inflation remains very low (1%), providing reassuring stability. Allow between 4,000 and 8,000 MAD for a week. A coffee costs 3 to 5 DH, a cab 20 DH, a meal in a good restaurant 150 to 300 DH. The baksheesh (tip) is moderate: 5 to 10 DH for a baggage handler.
To exchange money, use banks (Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire) or official exchange offices. Avoid street exchanges to avoid scams. Local ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard, but check with your bank before you leave to avoid blockages. Mobile payments are still rare in rural areas.
Why change money as soon as you arrive in Morocco?
The dirham (MAD) is a semi-flexible currency that is not freely convertible. Impossible to obtain outside the country. Once you ' re here, it's best to forget about foreign banknotes: tips, cabs and souks are all paid for in dirhams. Although some tourist businesses accept euros, the rate is often unfavorable.
Where to change euros into dirhams?
- Official exchange bureaus: The best way to get money fast. Found in airports, train stations and tourist areas, with transparent rates. Avoid those in strategic locations such as Jemaa el-Fna, where margins are sometimes inflated.
- Moroccan banks: Lower rates, but limited opening hours (on average 8.30am-2.30pm) and potential queues. Preferable if you have time.
- Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): A fast, 24-hour solution. The major banks' ATMs offer competitive rates. Beware of your own bank's fees and the DCC (always refuse).
- Hotels: Convenient in emergencies, but rates are often poor. Use only if necessary.
Why avoid illegal currency exchange?
"For your own security, use approved offices or ATMs. Keep your receipts to reconvert any remaining dirhams before departure."
Changing money on the street is forbidden in Morocco. As a result, you run the risk of scams, counterfeit bills and even legal trouble. It's impossible to prove legitimacy in the event of an inspection.
How far is it possible to pay by card in Morocco?
Major stores and hotels accept cards, but cash is the rule in souks and small shops. Always carry small denominations. A no-fee card abroad (Revolut, Wise) makes withdrawals easier.
Money management tips
Keep your exchange receipts to reconvert any remaining dirhams. Never export more than 2,000 MAD (legal limit). For a week, allow between 1,600 and 5,000 MAD, depending on your budget. Always check the 20 and 200 MAD bills, which look alike.
Recognizing Moroccan banknotes and coins
For Samira, knowing how to distinguish Moroccan banknotes and coins means she can move with confidence in the souks, or help her grandparents count the change. A detail that reinforces her connection with Morocco.
The dirham (DH) is divided into 100 centimes. In circulation are bills of 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH, as well as coins of 0.50, 1, 2, 5, 10 DH and 10/20 centimes. The new 2023 coins, with geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions, include tactile details for the visually impaired.
The bills in the 2013 series, bearing the portrait of King Mohammed VI, illustrate the country's history. The 200 DH shows the port of Tangier, a symbol of international openness. The 100 DH celebrates nomadic traditions with a Saharan tent and camels. The 50 DH evokes nature with the Ouzoud waterfalls. The 20 DH represents the Hassan II mosque, a religious and architectural symbol.
| Type | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | 200 DH | Port of Tangier, cargo ship, Cap Spartel lighthouse |
| Ticket | 100 DH | Sahrawi tent, wind farm, camels in the desert |
| Ticket | 50 DH | Ouzoud waterfalls, argan tree |
| Ticket | 20 DH | Hassan II Mosque, Hassan II Bridge, train |
| Part | 10 DH | New 2023 series, tactile patterns for the visually impaired |
| Part | 5 DH | New 2023 series, resistant alloy |
| Part | 2 DH | Floral design and inscription in classical Arabic |
| Part | 1 DH | New 2023 series, silver color |
| Part | 0.50 DH | New 2023 series, gold edge |
| Part | 0.20/0.10 DH | Less used today due to inflation |
Beware of commemorative bills such as the 25 DH (rare but valid), printed on a hybrid material. When traveling, exchange large bills as soon as you arrive, especially in supermarkets or airports where rates are competitive. Small shopkeepers and cabs often find it difficult to give change over 100 DH. This avoids tricky situations, especially when you want to immerse yourself in everyday Moroccan life like Samira, determined to impress her grandparents by paying the tea vendor without hesitation.
The purchasing power of the dirham: what can you actually buy?
To understand the dirham is to grasp the very essence of the Moroccan travel budget. 1 DH = €0.09, but this mathematical conversion doesn't tell the whole story. The real measure of purchasing power is what you can buy with your money. And there are plenty of surprises here!
Your travel budget will stretch much further in Morocco. A full meal in a small local restaurant can cost the price of a simple coffee in Paris, a reality that makes exploring the country even more accessible.
Here is an overview of what you can achieve with different amounts of dirhams:
- With 10 DH: A black coffee, a mint tea in a popular café, a cab ride downtown, fresh bread for the day.
- With 50 DH: A simple lunch (tagine, sandwich) in a small restaurant, several kilos of oranges in the souk, admission to certain museums or gardens.
- With 100 DH: A meal for two in a snack bar, dinner in a local restaurant, a basic craft souvenir (after negotiation).
- With 200 DH: A good dinner in a mid-range restaurant, a trip in a large cab between two nearby towns.
Understanding these orders of magnitude is a game-changer, especially when you're browsing the souks. Learning the basics of Moroccan darija can transform your shopping experience and help you get your prices right. A few words like "bshaal" (for how much?), "ghali" (expensive) or "choukrane" (thank you) open many doors.
The dirham, divided into 100 centimes, circulates in the form of 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH bills, and coins ranging from 0.50 to 10 DH. Knowing these details avoids misunderstandings in your daily transactions.
Please note, however, that the euro is not accepted everywhere. Although accepted in certain tourist areas, the dirham remains the official currency. A crucial detail to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant surprises.
A little history and economics: the secrets of the dirham
The Moroccan dirham has a history stretching back thousands of years. Its name comes from the Greek drachma, and the first silver dirhams were minted in the 8th century by Idris I. These coins, engraved with Koranic verses, marked the kingdom's economic independence. These coins, engraved with Koranic verses, marked the kingdom's economic independence. Did you know that this currency endured for centuries before becoming the symbol of the kingdom's regained sovereignty in 1959?
Under the French protectorate (1912-1956), the Moroccan franc dominated. But after independence, the dirham came back into power on October 15, 1959. The creation of Dar As-Sikkah in 1987 enabled banknotes and coins to be produced locally. Today, the faces of King Mohammed VI and landscapes such as the Ouzoud waterfalls adorn the banknotes, blending modernity and tradition.
Le dirham est semi-flexible depuis 2015, ancré à 60% sur l’euro et 40% sur le dollar. Ce choix reflète les échanges commerciaux du Maroc. En 2018, la bande de fluctuation s’élargit à ±2,5%, préparant un futur régime flottant. Pourquoi cette évolution ? Bank Al-Maghrib cherche à renforcer la résilience économique, tout en évitant les chocs externes. Comprendre la finace islamique ici
Recent reforms aim for a gradual transition. According to economic studies, this policy aims to achieve price stability while preparing Morocco for global markets. For Samira, this means that when she visits her family, the dirham will remain the only currency accepted in the souks, even if some tourist locations tolerate the euro, such as luxury hotels in Marrakech.
Advanced questions: crypto-currencies and currency import/export rules
Did you know that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin pose specific legal problems in Morocco? Despite their global popularity, these virtual currencies remain in a legal limbo in the Cherifian kingdom. Bank Al-Maghrib and the Office des Changes have clearly warned of their risks, citing in particular their extreme volatility and potential use for money laundering.
While the mere possession of cryptocurrencies is not prohibited, their use as a means of payment is. Professionals who engage in activities related to these virtual currencies incur penalties of up to 3 years' imprisonment and fines of up to 5 million dirhams. In 2021, the Cour de Cassation even ruled that an undeclared Bitcoin transfer constituted a violation of the law. As this legal brief explains, these transactions potentially violate foreign exchange legislation.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be imported, but a declaration is required for amounts of DH100,000 or more. However, Moroccan residents benefit from annual travel allowances: DH100,000 for business travel, DH40,000 for leisure, and DH15,000 for pilgrimage. On the other hand, the export of Moroccan dirhams is strictly limited to DH2,000. Always keep your exchange receipts: they will enable you to convert your excess dirhams into euros or dollars before leaving the country.
Your memo on Moroccan currency: the essentials to remember
- The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The euro is not a payment currency.
- Change your money at official exchange offices or withdraw at ATMs for reliable rates.
- Always keep cash and small bills on hand for day-to-day expenses.
- Keep your exchange receipts to reconvert your remaining dirhams at the airport.
Understanding the dirham is a first step, but mastering a few words of darija really opens doors. Did you know that asking for a "café mazouté" or negotiating in the souk becomes possible with a solid foundation? Even small transactions make sense when you're talking to a cab driver or a craftsman.
If, like Samira, you want to go from being a spectator to an active participant, a structured method is essential. BlaBla Darija offers weekly lessons, videos accessible for life and a friendly community to help you progress with confidence.
Découvrir comment la maîtrise du darija est un atout pour une intégration réussie au Maroc peut transformer vos interactions. Des plateformes comme BlaBla Darija offrent un parcours clair pour apprendre à votre rythme, sans promesse exagérée, juste une progression durable.
Votre voyage au Maroc commence par le dirham : changez-le dans des lieux sûrs, gardez des petites coupures et vos reçus. Pour une immersion totale, maîtrisez aussi le darija ! Sur BlaBla Darija, apprenez les bases avec des vidéos et une communauté pour vivre pleinement votre héritage.
FAQ
Is the euro accepted in Morocco?
Like Samira, you may be wondering whether you can use the euro on your trip. The answer is clear: the Moroccan dirham (DH) is the only official currency and must be used for most transactions. However, some large hotels and tourist shops may accept the euro, but the exchange rate applied there is often disadvantageous. For small day-to-day purchases - such as buying dried fruit in the souk with your grandmother - it's best to have dirhams in your pocket.
1 € corresponds to how many dirham?
As of August 24, 2025, 1 euro is equivalent to approximately 10.49 dirhams (MAD). This rate fluctuates slightly according to the market, so bear in mind that it may vary according to the place and date of exchange. For a quick guide, imagine that each euro will buy you a dozen mandarins at the local market!
How much is €50 in dirham?
Multiply €50 by the rate of 10.49 MAD, and you get around 524.50 DH. This represents a comfortable budget for several family meals or a few handcrafted souvenirs. To avoid repeated charges, it's best to make a single withdrawal from an ATM, especially if you're planning to give a gift to your grandparents.
Is it better to use euros or dirhams in Morocco?
Opt for dirhams! Although the euro is sometimes accepted in high-end establishments, it remains marginal. Cabs, small restaurants and market stalls systematically require dirhams. To avoid unpleasant surprises - such as a vendor refusing to accept your ticket - exchange your euros as soon as you arrive. This will also prevent you from returning to France with non-exchangeable dirhams.
Is it possible to pay by credit card in Morocco?
Yes, but in moderation! Bank cards (Visa or Mastercard) are accepted in major hotels, supermarket chains and modern restaurants. However, cabs, hawkers and traditional cafés often only have a cash terminal. Always carry some dirhams for the unexpected, especially if you're planning to wander the medinas with your family.
Where to change euros into dirhams?
Your best options are official exchange offices (found in airports and city centers) or local ATMs. Banks are safe, but less convenient due to strict opening hours. Avoid hotels for currency exchange, as their rates are generally less advantageous. Don't forget to keep your receipts: they will enable you to reconvert your remaining dirhams before your return.
Is the Moroccan dirham stronger than the euro?
No, the dirham is weaker than the euro, but its value is relatively stable thanks to its partial peg to the European currency. In 2025, with €1 worth MAD 10.49, the euro will continue to hold a dominant position. However, the Moroccan economy, with inflation under control at 1% in 2024, ensures a certain stability. This means that your travel budget can be stretched without fear of sudden variations.
How much does it cost to change a euro into a Moroccan dirham?
Authorized exchange offices don't usually charge commission, but the rate may include a margin. Hidden charges are particularly noticeable with ATM withdrawals: expect to pay around 2% commission charged by the local bank, plus a fixed sum (€3.50 to €6), not forgetting your own bank's charges. Check the terms and conditions of your card before you leave to avoid unpleasant surprises.
