Practical Travel Guide
The unglamorous details that make a trip run smoothly — sorted so you can find what you need fast.
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Entry requirements
Visa rules depend on your passport. Morocco's Foreign Ministry maintains the official exemption and visa information; do not assume another nationality's 90-day rule applies to you. Read the full entry-requirements guide
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Money & currency
The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), a closed currency — you generally can't buy it before arrival and shouldn't leave with large amounts. ATMs are widely available in the Medina and Gueliz. Cash is still preferred in the souks; cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, riads and larger restaurants. Read the full money, cards & tipping guide
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SIM cards & data
Prepaid tourist SIMs from Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi are sold at the airport and in Gueliz, and are inexpensive. eSIMs are also an option if your phone supports them, worth setting up before you fly. Read the full SIM/eSIM & mobile data guide
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Safety
Most visits are trouble-free, but current official advice is not a blanket “normal precautions” message: Australia currently advises a high degree of caution in Morocco overall due to terrorism, alongside practical warnings about petty crime, scams and harassment. Read the current Marrakech safety guide
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Getting around the city
The Medina is best explored on foot, while orange petit taxis are the simplest option for cross-city trips to Gueliz, Hivernage and Jardin Majorelle. ALSA buses can be useful for budget travel. Read the full getting around Marrakech guide
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Getting to Marrakech
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is around 15 minutes from the Medina and well connected to European hubs, plus a growing number of direct long-haul routes. See our full guide to flights and the airport.
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Language
Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are the official languages; French is widely spoken as a result of the colonial-era administration and remains common in business and tourism. English is increasingly spoken in hotels, riads and tourist-facing shops, especially by younger staff.
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Accessibility & mobility
Airport assistance exists, but Medina routes, riads and transfers need property-specific planning. Read the accessible Marrakech guide
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What to pack
Modest, breathable clothing works best for the Medina regardless of season — light layers in summer, warmer layers for winter evenings (see our weather guide), comfortable closed shoes, and a scarf that doubles as sun protection or hammam cover.
Plan the practical side before you arrive
Marrakech is easy to enjoy once a few basics are sorted in advance. Keep your first day simple: know how you are getting from the airport to your accommodation, have a small amount of cash available for taxis and small purchases, and save the address of your riad or hotel offline. Inside the Medina, lanes can be confusing and vehicles cannot reach every door, so an arranged pickup or a clearly agreed meeting point can remove a lot of first-hour friction.
Cash, cards and connectivity
Do not rely on a single payment method. Carry a bank card plus backup access to money, and keep some dirhams for small shops, souks, taxis and tips. Our dedicated money guide covers ATMs, card acceptance and tipping in more detail. For mobile data, compare a local SIM with an eSIM before travelling; whichever you choose, having data on arrival is especially useful for maps, messaging your accommodation and checking transport.
How to move between the Medina and newer districts
The historic centre is primarily a walking destination, while Guéliz and Hivernage have broader roads and are easier to reach by petit taxi. A realistic Marrakech plan often combines both: walk within compact clusters, then use a taxi between districts rather than trying to cross the whole city on foot in the heat. If you are staying inside the Medina, ask your accommodation which gate or landmark is the simplest taxi drop-off point.
Build a low-stress first 24 hours
Resist the temptation to schedule every major sight immediately after landing. Check in, get connected, learn the route between your accommodation and a recognisable landmark, then explore a small area. Once you understand the Medina's rhythm, the rest of the city becomes much easier to navigate. Use the links on this page for the detailed planning questions, then switch to our itineraries when you are ready to sequence your days.
More guides
Getting to Marrakech
Flights and the airport.
Medina & Souks
Bargaining and navigation.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Pack for the right season.
Money, Cards & Tipping
Cash, cards, ATMs and tips.
SIM, eSIM & Mobile Data
Stay connected without roaming surprises.
Entry Requirements
Check visas and documents by passport.
Accessible Marrakech
Plan mobility, transfers and Medina routes.