Marrakech and Fes may draw the lion’s share of tourist attention, but the coastal metropolis of Casablanca is the city with arguably the best claim to being Morocco’s beating heart. Economically and culturally it’s where the action is, and while it may have moved on a pace since the Bogart-and-Bergman era, the city also retains a few enjoyable flavours of the past, not least its charming colonial architecture.

Climate & best time to visit Morocco

Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the season and region. In general the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and as low as 5°C (41°F) in the Sahara. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds whilst inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January.

Telephone

Dialing code: +212

Telephone

In Morocco, phone calls are made in “Téléboutiques” (private telephone offices). To make a call, you can purchase a pre-paid card. This is a much more convenient option than coin-operated telephones, which do not give change and will not usually return dirham coins once they have been inserted.

Mobile Telephone

Mobile phones & Internet access in built-up areas at least, Morocco has comprehensive mobile network coverage. When travelling outside of large settlements – for example when in the mountain regions, in Tafilalt or on the desert dunes – travelers should expect patchy coverage. Phone calls using foreign SIM cards are expensive because roaming charges apply. It is cheaper to buy a SIM card from a Moroccan network provider. Network service providers for mobile phones and mobile internet include Maroc Télécom (Carte Jawal; iam.ma) and Orange (orange.ma). These SIM cards can also be purchased from news kiosks and cell phone shops at the airport.

Key Areas

Various parts of the city give the opportunity to browse internationally branded stores. These include the upmarket Gauthier and Maârif neighbourhoods, as well as boulevard d’Anfa. For more traditional items, try the colourful outlets and craft shops in the Habous district.

Markets

Typical Moroccan souvenirs include tagine dishes, slippers, leather clothing, spices and handmade jewellery, all of which you can find in the various souks and bazaars around the city. If you’re keen to buy a pricey item such as a carpet, try to ensure that you know exactly what you’re buying.

Social Conventions

Morocco’s population and culture is a blend of religious and cultural traditions, encompassing Berber, Arab, African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences. Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after health, happiness and family, and no business is discussed until after these pleasantries. Friends may tack on a cheek air-kiss or two. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday interactions more pleasant, if longer; patience and extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors to call out to customers, joking and striking up conversations before bargaining begins. When offered tea, it’s polite to at least take a sip.

Although casual gear is widely acceptable, wearing any clothing that reveals arms or legs is disrespectful.

Food & Drink

Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it’s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water, so it’s important to

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