What is the Currency in Morocco?
The Moroccan currency is the Dirham. £1 sterling is approximately 14.5 Morrocan Dirhams. One Euro is approximately 11.5 Moroccan Dirhams.
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Can I buy Dirhams before I travel?
The Dirham is not allowed to be taken out of the country in amounts larger than Dirhams 1,000 consequently it cannot be purchased before travelling. A bureau de change is available at Marrakech airport and there are ATM machines both at the airport and in the City. Scottish notes are not accepted in banks in Morocco and many banks are uncomfortable accepting travellers cheques.
Suggestion: Ask for some small notes or coins when exchanging money. Tips are customary in Marrakech and many everyday items cost much less than a 100 dirham note.
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Do I need a VISA to travel to Marrakech?
Good news if you are planning for exotic last minute holidays. Citizens of EU countries, including Britain, do not need a VISA for tourist visits of up to three months. There is however a requirement for passports to be valid for 6 months at the date of entry.
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What happens if my passport is lost?
There is an Honorary British Consulate in Marrakesh who will help with a replacement passport or papers to allow British Citizens to return home.
Suggestion: Riad Papillon and Riad Hajra have safes in all rooms for the care of your passport and other small valuables.
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How far is the airport from the Riads and how do I get there?
Riad Papillon and Riad Hajra are both accessed through the well known Dar El Bashah entrance to the Medina which is about 15 minutes drive from the airport. We strong recommend that guests use our airport transfer service priced at £10 pounds per journey booked in advance. Our driver will meet you at airport arrivals and you will be accompanied all the way to the Riad.
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What temperatures can I expect when I am going to Marrakech?
From June to August temperatures are often in excess of 40 degrees and can reach the high 40's. December, January and February can see sunbathing weather in the day up to 27 degrees with nights as cool as 8 degrees. Spring and Autumn are the traditional high season times to visit Marrakech with temperatures in the high 20's to mid 30's.
Suggestion: the dipping pools at Riad Papillon and Riad Hajra are excellent for cooling off during warm weather in morocco!
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Can I use my mobile phone in Marrakech?
Morocco has an excellent modern mobile phone infrastructure which also supports 3G and data roaming. However it is advisable to check charges with your mobile provider before using your phone extensively to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Suggestion: Riad Papillon and Riad Hajra both have local pay as you go mobiles which can be loaned to guests and are excellent for local calls. Top ups are 50 or 100 Dirhams available from kiosks across the medina or the Riad staff will be happy to help.
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How do I get around the Medina?
Without doubt the best way to explore the Marrakech old town (Medina) is on foot. Many of the streets are teeming with life; pedestrians, cyclists, donkeys and carts, motorbikes with a few cars and delivery vehicles on the larger thoroughfares. In general pedestrians keep to the right.
Suggestion: An accurate map of the Medina is hard to find, one of its charms is the intricate network of interconnecting streets and alleyways. Many first time visitors find a compass helpful.
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What is the dress code in Morocco?
Morocco is an Islamic country which welcomes tourists who are sensitive to local tradition. Shorts and short sleeve tops are fine as long as they are not too short or revealing. It is not sensible for women to wear clothes that reveal too much cleavage or the waist line. More discretion is required during the holy festival of Ramadan.
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Can I get alcohol in Marrakech?
The Medina does not have pubs or wine bars, however there are plenty of hotels and restaurants with public bars. Alcohol is not available in the cafes around the place Jema al Fna. In the new town of Guiliez there are several European style bars as well as a vibrant night club scene. A number of the fashionable cafes in Guiliez serve alcohol indoors, including the Grande Café de La Poste, and where this is the case the logo of a beer brand is often displayed discreetly outside. Local Café bars on the backstreets in Guiliz are basic and inexpensive but these are pretty much male only and are not recommended for female visitors.
Suggestion: local Moroccan wines can be excellent and are much less expensive than those imported from France.
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Can I have a friend stay over in a Riad in Marrakech?
It is forbidden by law for resident Moroccans to stay over in a licensed Maison d'Hote with a non Moroccan.
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Is it safe to walk around alone at night?
The Medina of Marrakech is probably safer than a European City. There is a specialist Tourist Brigade police force whose duty it is to protect foreign visitors.
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Is the tap water safe to drink?
The locals regularly drink the tap water but visiting tourists will not have time to get used to it and are probably best to drink bottled water. Mineral water can be purchased from many kiosks and stalls around the Medina and chilled water is available at a small charge from the mini-bars in the rooms at Riad Papillon and Riad Hajra.
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Is the food spicy and is it safe to eat at the food stalls?
Traditional Moroccan cuisine uses fragrant spices like cinnamon rather than hot spices. Food stalls, including those in the Jema al Fnaa, often do not have running water or refrigeration so they are not able to properly wash plates and food hygiene can fall well below Western standards. It would therefore never be strictly speaking ‘advisable' to eat at food stalls when considering where to eat in Marrakech. However, many visitors have eaten without problems and the atmosphere in the square is an exceptional experience. There is an argument that at least the cooking is visible unlike many inexpensive restaurants. All would agree that it is particularly important to keep to items that have been well cooked when eating meat.
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What is the convention regarding tipping?
Tipping is a part of every-day life in Morocco as in many developing countries where wages are relatively low. Unlike the USA tipping is not compulsory but it is welcomed for good service. As a guide 2-3 Dirhams would be expected in a coffee shop, 5 to 10 Dirhams for a lunch and 5 to 10% for an evening meal. For a taxi round up to the nearest 5 Dirhams.
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Are there pharmacies in Marrakech, Morocco?
There are a number of excellent pharmacies in Marrakech both in the Medina and in the new town of Guiliez. Common medication and toiletries are readily available including many leading western brands. Moroccan pharmacists can prescribe and immediately supply some medications, for example antibiotics, which would have to be prescribed by doctors in the UK. Where necessary the Riad can provide introductions to private doctors or the medical clinic and excellent dentist used by British expats in Marrakech.
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What is the electrical voltage in Marrakech and what type of plugs do they have?
The voltage is 210 as in the UK and they use a standard European two round pin plug. The Ryad staff will be happy to provide adaptors if you need them.
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What is the latest we can check in to the Riad?
Our boutique hotels in Marrakech, Riads, are essentially luxury family homes built in an intimate courtyard setting. So as not to disturb guests who may be sleeping we prefer new arrivals to check in before 11 pm. You must advise in advance of any late arrival.
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What time must we vacate the room when checking out after our exclusive stay in Marrakech?
Check out time is 12.00 mid day. Arrangements may be made for a later check out if the room has a late arrival, you would need to check with the manager the night before. There is a charge for late check outs. Baggage can be stored until you are ready to leave for the airport.
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