Carameltrail questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Morocco
Solve all your doubts about trips to Morocco, organized by Carameltrail. We answer all the important questions that our customers usually ask before making their trip.
FAQS – Additional or Extra services
For U.S. citizens, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in Spain and Portugal, which are part of the Schengen Area. For Morocco, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. However, it is always good to check specific requirements before traveling as policies can change.
FAQS – Safety and risks
Yes, laundry services are commonly available in hotels across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Most hotels, especially mid-range and upscale ones, offer laundry and dry-cleaning services. If you’re staying in smaller hotels or hostels, they often have arrangements with local laundromats or provide self-service laundry facilities.
However, laundry services might be less readily available in rural areas or small villages compared to cities. Here you can choose the basic laundry services as many rural accommodations offer this service often for a small fee. Or you may take advantage of some local laundromats.
When traveling to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, we advise you to have a travel insurance that should cover a few key areas to ensure a stress-free trip:
- Medical Coverage: Ensure it covers illness, injury, and any necessary medical treatments or hospital stays.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: This helps if your trip gets canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Lost or Stolen Belongings: Coverage for lost luggage, passports, or personal items can save you a lot of trouble.
- Emergency Evacuation: In case of a serious medical issue, coverage for emergency transportation is crucial.
- Travel Delays: Compensation for significant delays can help cover unexpected expenses.
Having comprehensive travel insurance will give you peace of mind and let you enjoy your adventure without worries.
In Spain and Portugal, tap water is generally safe to drink. In Morocco, it is advisable to drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues, especially in rural areas.
Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. We recommend to always drink bottled water and wash and peel the fruit you eat to prevent it.
We suggest bringing appropriate medication with you. You can ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for self-treatment of moderate diarrhea, just in case.
FAQS – My luggage
For exchanging money in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, banks and official exchange offices are your best bet. ATMs also offer good rates. However, paying by card is often the easiest and most convenient option, as cards are widely accepted and usually give you the best exchange rates.
In Spain and Portugal, Wi-Fi is widely available in most hotels, cafes, and public areas, especially in cities. You can expect free and reliable connections in many places.
Morocco also offers good Wi-Fi coverage in hotels and cafes in popular tourist destinations like Marrakech and Casablanca, though it can be more variable in rural areas. To ensure you stay connected, consider getting a local SIM card or bringing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Enjoy your trip while you stay connected!
In Morocco, we recommend organizing trips with a chauffeur and guide to ensure a comfortable experience for our clients, rather than using self-driving apps. This approach allows you to relax and enjoy your journey while the local experts handle the navigation and provide insightful guidance throughout the trip.
In Spain and Portugal, the currency is the euro (€). In Morocco, the currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It is easy to exchange money at airports, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. Additionally, ATMs are widely accessible.
In Spain and Portugal, the standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz, and plugs are of type C and F. In Morocco, the voltage is also 220V with plugs of type C and E. It is recommended to bring a universal adapter to avoid issues with your electronic devices.
Trade and commerce are very important aspects in the culture and the DNA of the Moroccans. When you visit any shop in the traditional souks the prices are not marked and you must negotiate with the salesman a fair price for both. Although this can be shocking at first is the normal way to proceed and not bargaining can even be considered rude.
When you visit the medinas with your guide, he will accompany you to any shop, but please understand that he will not interfere in his compatriot business. That is why he will probably stay out of the shop while you do your shopping. Please, don’t feel any pressure to buy if you don’t reach an agreement. You can just say thank you and leave the shop and go to another. Your guide doesn’t receive any commission at any shop, he just considers he must not get involved in other person’s way of doing business.
Don’t worry you will soon get used to this way of buying, just relax and consider it part of the cultural experience!
This is a very important point. Morocco is a very respectful country with all religions and they all co-live in the country. This means they are also respectful with different dress codes, but we suggest being a little bit careful and respectful with Moroccans. Even if you could wear any clothes, it is a matter of respect and cultural consideration, especially in the rural areas and out the big cities where people are not so used to see foreigners.
Women should cover shoulders and knees. Tank tops are ok as long as the cleavage is not exposed.
Temperatures in Morocco have big differences from day to night, especially in the desert and coast cities. We suggest nylon shell or sweaters rather than heavy jackets. Generally, unless travelling to the mountains, no need to take heavy jackets.
We suggest talking to your phone company and check with them if your phone will work in Morocco. If it is a GSM phone then generally it will work, but please check before. You always have the option to buy a pre-pay SIM card in Morocco. It will be cheaper, and you will have access to data, email, etc.
Yes, Morocco is a safe country. If you follow common sense safety rules, then you will have no problems in the country. Tourism is main industry in the country and the safety of tourists is a priority in Morocco.
Try to keep your money and documents close to your body. In big cities, be careful with pick-pocketing and not leaving unattended your belongings in public spaces, restaurants and bars.
As a general recommendation for a trip to Morocco, as for any other country in the world, is to take with you photocopies of your Passport and credit cards (both sides) and keep them separately from the original. This way if there is any problem with them, you will have always a copy of original. Never travel with original and copies together. If you feel more comfortable, you can always email us a copy of your passport and flight tickets and we will keep them until your return.
Probably the best way to get cash is by withdrawal. Once in Morocco, you can withdrawal the money or exchange USD at the airport. Out of the big cities it will be more difficult to find ATM’s.
Ask your bank about commissions for withdrawal money from ATM in Morocco. The commission you are charged to withdraw money from ATM is set by your bank, so please check with them before you leave. Your bank is the one who charges the fee for each credit card ATM, so if you take the maximum allowed each time you withdraw, then you will save on fees.
Also, ask your bank if there are banks that will accept easily your credit card and go directly to those ones.
Let you bank know you will be travelling to Morocco and intend to use your credit card, so they don’t block any payment. We have seen how US banks in prevention of fraud don’t allow some credit card payments and then the traveler must call their banks from Morocco.
Regarding how much cash you should take with you, we suggest having around 300USD per person in cash with you always. This will help you to have peace of mind, especially during the weekends when ATM’s can run out of money and they are not restocked until Monday. Also, try to have always change and small currency for the daily expenses: water, taxis, coffee, tea, small purchases at the souks, …
You will be able to pay by credit cards in upmarket shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted. Amex is not a popular card.
In every city there are ATM’s.
The best months to travel to Spain, Portugal and Morocco are Mar-May, Sept & Oct.
Our favorite months are Abril, May, June, Sept and Oct.
From June to August expect warm, sunny and dry weather in Spain and Portugal. In Morocco you should expect high temperatures in July and August, especially in the South of the country.
Electricity in Morocco is 220 Volt (sometimes it will be 110V in old buildings, but very strange), 50Hz. So almost all electronic devices will adapt automatically to the different voltage. If you read the labelling of your device and you read “120V” or “100-120V”, then you will need a voltage transformer. If you don’t see this, generally your device will adapt automatically.
What you may need is a plug adapter. Sometimes the plugs adapters are combined with voltage transformer. Please read carefully the information on the unit. If the label of your device says “110-220” or “100-240” then you will only need a simple plug adapter (in this case, no transformer needed).
In Morocco, the power sockets are of type C and E.
If you need more information on this website you will find more detailed information about electricity and adapters: http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
You just have to select on the right side of the page where are you travelling, then say which country you live in and you will see all the information.
June, July and August are sunny and dry months. So, our suggestion is to wear sun glasses, sun cream and hat if you are not used to sun.
FAQS – Means of transport
In Morocco people drive on the right, on the same side as in the USA.
Domestic flights, private transfers.
FAQS – Schedules and traditional habits
In Spain and Portugal, most tourist sites and public areas welcome photography. However, some museums, churches, and historical sites may have restrictions, especially regarding flash photography. Always look for signs or ask staff if you’re unsure.
In Morocco, photography rules can be a bit stricter. While many public places and markets are photo-friendly, some religious sites, palaces, and government buildings prohibit photography. Additionally, always ask for permission before photographing people to show respect for local customs.
Please always check for any specific rules at each site to ensure you’re following local guidelines.
In Spain and Portugal, it’s generally acceptable to take photos in markets and public places. Most people don’t mind, but it’s always polite to ask first, especially if you’re taking close-ups of individuals or their stalls.
In Morocco, it’s a bit different. While taking photos in markets is usually okay, it’s important to be respectful. Always ask for permission before photographing people, as some may find it intrusive. If you’re unsure, a friendly gesture and a smile can go a long way.
Enjoy capturing the beautiful moments on your trip, and remember to be considerate of local customs and people’s privacy!
During the day it’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and sneakers. However, if you plan to dine at restaurants, it’s better to opt for longer pants. In these countries, people tend to dress more formally than in the US.
While speaking the local language can enrich your experience, many tourism professionals and younger people speak English in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. However, learning a few basic phrases in the local language is always appreciated and can be very useful.
In Spain and Portugal, vegetarian and vegan options are increasing, especially in large cities and tourist areas. In Morocco, while the traditional diet includes meat, there are many vegetarian dishes available, especially in markets and tourist restaurants.
Each country has its own customs and traditions. In Spain, it is common to greet with two kisses on the cheek. In Portugal, people are very polite and appreciate good manners. In Morocco, it is important to dress conservatively, especially in rural and religious areas, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people.
