Morocco Communication Guide: Complete Information

Phone System

Country Code and Dialing

Morocco Country Code: +212

From Abroad to Morocco:

• Dial: +212 (or 00 212) + area code (without 0) + phone number
• Example: +212 524 12 34 56

Within Morocco:

• Mobile to mobile: 0XXX XX XX XX
• Landline: 0X XX XX XX XX
• All numbers start with 0 when dialing within Morocco

From Morocco Abroad:

• Dial: 00 + country code + number
• Example to USA: 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX
• Example to UK: 00 44 XXXX XXXXXX

Number Formats

Mobile Numbers:

• Start with: 06, 07
• Format: 0X XX XX XX XX (10 digits)
• Examples:
  • 06 12 34 56 78
  • 07 89 01 23 45

Landlines:

• Start with: 05 (followed by area code)
• Format: 0X XX XX XX XX (10 digits)
• Area codes:
  • 0522/0520: Casablanca
  • 0537: Rabat
  • 0524: Marrakech
  • 0528: Agadir
  • 0535/0536: Fes
  • 0539: Tangier
  • 0523: Meknes
  • 0544: Ouarzazate
  • 0524: Essaouira

Special Numbers

Emergency:

• Police: 19 or 190
• Fire/Ambulance: 15 or 150
• Highway Emergency: 177
• Directory Assistance: 160

Utilities:

• ONCF (Trains): 2255 (from Morocco)
• Royal Air Maroc: 0890 00 08 00
• CTM Buses: 0522 54 10 10

SIM Cards and Mobile Service

Mobile Providers

Three Main Providers:

1. Maroc Telecom (IAM)

• Network: Best coverage nationwide
• Quality: Most reliable
• Speed: Fastest 4G/5G
• Best for: Travelers visiting remote areas
• Color: Orange

2. Inwi

• Network: Good urban coverage
• Quality: Reliable in cities
• Speed: Good 4G
• Best for: Budget travelers
• Color: Red

3. Orange Morocco

• Network: Good in major cities
• Quality: Good
• Speed: Good 4G
• Best for: City travelers
• Color: Orange (lighter shade than Maroc Telecom)

Network Coverage

4G/LTE Coverage:

• All major cities: Excellent
• Tourist destinations: Very good
• Highways: Good
• Atlas Mountains: Limited
• Desert areas: Major towns only
• Sahara: Limited to settlements

5G Availability:

• Casablanca: Available
• Rabat: Available
• Marrakech: Limited
• Other cities: Coming soon

Remote Areas:

• Maroc Telecom has best coverage
• Some mountain villages: No signal
• Deep desert: No signal
• Plan accordingly for trekking

Buying a SIM Card

Where to Buy:

• Airport shops (most convenient)
• Provider stores (boutiques)
• Authorized resellers
• Phone shops (look for provider logos)
• Tabacs (some)

What You Need:

• Passport (mandatory)
• Unlocked phone
• Cash (30-200 MAD)

Activation Process:

1. Present passport (they'll photocopy)
2. Choose provider and plan
3. Pay
4. They'll install and activate SIM
5. Top-up if needed
6. Test before leaving shop

Activation Time: Immediate (5-10 minutes)

Tourist SIM Packages

Maroc Telecom Tourist Package:

• Cost: 100 MAD
• Includes: 10 GB data, 1 hour calls, 100 SMS
• Validity: 30 days
• Best for: Most tourists

Inwi Tourist Package:

• Cost: 50 MAD
• Includes: 5 GB data, 30 min calls
• Validity: 30 days
• Best for: Budget data users

Orange Visitors Package:

• Cost: 80 MAD
• Includes: 7 GB data, 30 min calls
• Validity: 30 days
• Best for: Data-focused users

Regular Prepaid Plans

Data Packages:

Maroc Telecom:

• 1 GB: 10 MAD (valid 7 days)
• 5 GB: 40 MAD (valid 30 days)
• 10 GB: 70 MAD (valid 30 days)
• 20 GB: 100 MAD (valid 30 days)
• 50 GB: 200 MAD (valid 30 days)

Inwi:

• 1 GB: 8 MAD (valid 7 days)
• 5 GB: 35 MAD (valid 30 days)
• 10 GB: 60 MAD (valid 30 days)
• Unlimited social media: +10 MAD

Orange:

• 1 GB: 9 MAD (valid 7 days)
• 5 GB: 38 MAD (valid 30 days)
• 10 GB: 65 MAD (valid 30 days)

Call Packages:

• Usually 5-20 MAD for 30-120 minutes
• Unlimited calls to same network often available
• International calls expensive (use WhatsApp instead)

Top-Up Methods

Recharge Cards:

• Available at: tabacs, phone shops, kiosks
• Denominations: 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200 MAD
• Scratch to reveal code
• Dial provider number + code
• Check balance after

Top-Up Codes:

• Maroc Telecom: 111code#
• Inwi: 120code#
• Orange: 120code#

Check Balance:

• Maroc Telecom: *410#
• Inwi: *500#
• Orange: *100#

Mobile Apps:

• All providers have apps
• Top-up via card
• Check balance
• Buy packages
• English available

Provider Shops:

• Can top-up in person
• Pay cash
• Immediate credit
• Can help with packages

Using Your Phone

Unlocked Phone Required:

• Check with home carrier
• Unlock before leaving home
• Or buy cheap unlocked phone in Morocco

Phone Settings:

• Enable data roaming (for Moroccan SIM)
• Select network manually if issues
• APN settings usually automatic
• Restart phone after SIM installation

Dual SIM Phones:

• Ideal for keeping home number active
• Use Moroccan SIM for data
• Switch between numbers easily

Data Speeds

4G Speeds:

• Urban areas: 20-50 Mbps
• Tourist areas: 10-30 Mbps
• Rural areas: 5-15 Mbps
• Sufficient for: Maps, messaging, social media, video calls

Data Usage Estimates:

• Google Maps navigation: 5 MB/hour
• WhatsApp messaging: 1 MB/hour
• Instagram browsing: 100 MB/hour
• Video calling: 300 MB/hour
• YouTube (720p): 500 MB/hour

Internet Access

WiFi Availability

Hotels and Riads:

• Most have free WiFi
• Quality varies (excellent to poor)
• Ask password at check-in
• Better in public areas than rooms
• Budget places may charge (20-50 MAD/day)

Cafés and Restaurants:

• Most offer free WiFi
• Order something (coffee minimum)
• Ask for "mot de passe" (password)
• Usually decent speed
• Good for working

Public WiFi:

• Mohammed V Airport (Casablanca): Free
• Other airports: Free in some areas
• Train stations: Limited
• Malls: Usually free
• Quality: Variable

Coworking Spaces:

• High-speed WiFi
• Reliable
• Pay by day/month
• Power outlets
• Quiet environment
• See Digital Nomad section for locations

Internet Cafés

Cyber Cafés:

• Still exist but declining
• Found in most cities
• Cost: 5-10 MAD/hour
• Quality: Basic
• Better for printing than browsing
• Keyboard may be French AZERTY

Finding Them:

• Ask locals for "cyber café"
• Look for signs near universities
• Cheap accommodation areas
• Less common in tourist zones

What to Know:

• Bring passport (sometimes required)
• Pay upfront or after
• Print: 1-2 MAD/page
• Scan: Usually available
• Don't access sensitive accounts (security risk)

VPN Considerations

Internet Censorship:

• Generally free
• Some VoIP services occasionally blocked
• Political/adult content may be restricted
• News sites accessible

VPN Recommended For:

• Banking
• Sensitive accounts
• Privacy on public WiFi
• Accessing blocked content

Good VPN Services:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark
• ProtonVPN
• CyberGhost

VoIP Services:

• WhatsApp: Works
• Skype: Usually works
• FaceTime: Works
• Zoom: Works
• Messenger: Works
• Occasionally blocked during sensitive times (use VPN)

VoIP Services

Free Calling Options

WhatsApp:

• Most popular in Morocco
• Voice and video calls work well
• Messaging free
• Everyone uses it
• Download before arrival

Skype:

• Works well
• Good call quality
• Credit for landlines cheap
• Less popular than WhatsApp

FaceTime:

• Works (Apple users)
• Good quality
• iMessage also works

Facebook Messenger:

• Popular
• Video calls work
• Voice quality good

Google Voice/Hangouts:

• Works
• Less common in Morocco

Data Requirements

Voice Calls:

• 0.5-1 MB per minute
• Very light on data
• Works on 3G

Video Calls:

• 5-8 MB per minute
• Requires 4G for quality
• HD uses more

Strategy:

• Use WiFi for video calls
• Voice calls fine on mobile data
• Download maps/content on WiFi

Postal Services

Poste Maroc (National Postal Service)

Locations:

• Every town has post office
• Main offices in city centers
• Yellow "La Poste" signs
• Open: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Some close for lunch

Services:

• Letters and postcards
• Parcels
• Express mail (EMS)
• Money transfer
• Banking services

Mailing from Morocco

Postcards:

• Cost: 7-10 MAD worldwide
• Available at: Post office, kiosks, souvenir shops
• Delivery time: 10-21 days

Letters:

• To Europe: 10 MAD (10-14 days)
• To Americas: 12 MAD (14-21 days)
• To Asia: 15 MAD (14-21 days)

Parcels:

• Weight limits apply
• Surface mail: Slow (4-8 weeks)
• Airmail: 2-4 weeks
• EMS: 3-7 days (expensive)

Shipping Costs (1 kg parcel):

• Europe: 200-300 MAD (air)
• Americas: 300-500 MAD (air)
• Asia: 350-550 MAD (air)

Tips:

• Package at post office (they check contents)
• Bring item unwrapped
• They provide boxes/wrapping
• Fill customs forms (for abroad)
• Get tracking number
• Keep receipt
• Don't mail valuables

Prohibited Items:

• Cash
• Precious stones
• Weapons
• Drugs
• Perishables
• Religious proselytizing materials

Receiving Mail

General Delivery (Poste Restante):

• Available at main post offices
• Free service
• Address format:

  Your NAME
  Poste Restante
  Central Post Office
  City, Morocco
  

• Bring passport to collect
• Hold for 30 days
• Check at counter

Courier Services

DHL:

• Most reliable international courier
• Expensive
• Tracking available
• 2-5 days worldwide
• Offices in major cities
• Customer service: 0522 97 20 20

FedEx:

• Available in major cities
• Similar to DHL
• Good tracking
• Express delivery

UPS:

• Limited locations
• Main cities only
• Reliable

Aramex:

• Local presence
• Good for regional shipping
• Cheaper than DHL/FedEx

Costs (1 kg parcel to Europe/USA):

• DHL: 400-600 MAD
• FedEx: 350-550 MAD
• UPS: 400-600 MAD
• Aramex: 300-450 MAD

Language Situation

Languages in Morocco

Arabic (Darija):

• Official language
• Moroccan dialect differs from Standard Arabic
• Used by everyone
• Essential for locals
• Tourists can manage without

French:

• Second most common
• Business language
• Education medium
• Tourism industry
• Urban areas
• Upper/middle class

Berber (Tamazight):

• Indigenous language
• Official language (since 2011)
• Spoken in: Atlas Mountains, Rif, Sahara
• Three main varieties
• Many locals bilingual (Berber + Arabic)

Spanish:

• Northern Morocco (Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen)
• Older generation
• Former Spanish territories

English:

• Growing rapidly
• Tourist areas
• Youth
• Major hotels
• Limited outside tourist zones

Language by Region

Marrakech:

• French widely spoken
• English in tourist areas
• Arabic/Darija everywhere
• Berber in markets (sellers from mountains)

Casablanca:

• French predominant in business
• English increasing
• Arabic/Darija standard
• Most cosmopolitan

Fes:

• Arabic/Darija most common
• French second
• English limited outside hotels
• Traditional city

Chefchaouen:

• Spanish useful
• French common
• English in tourist spots
• Some Berber

Atlas Mountains:

• Berber primary
• French in larger villages
• Arabic understood
• English rare

Sahara:

• Berber dialects
• Arabic
• French in tourist camps
• English with tour guides

English Proficiency

High English:

• International hotels
• Tour agencies
• Restaurants (tourist areas)
• Younger generation
• Guides

Some English:

• Shopkeepers (tourist souks)
• Taxi drivers (hit or miss)
• Restaurant staff (tourist restaurants)
• Hotel reception (mid-range)

Little to No English:

• Local restaurants
• Markets
• Older generation
• Rural areas
• Government offices
• Banks

Strategy:

• Learn basic French phrases
• Hotels can help translate
• Google Translate app (download Arabic offline)
• Write addresses in Arabic
• Patience and gestures work

Translation Apps

Essential Apps

Google Translate:

• Best overall
• Camera translation (point at text)
• Voice translation
• Offline mode (download Arabic, French)
• Conversation mode
• Free

iTranslate:

• Good interface
• Voice recognition
• Camera translation
• Offline dictionary
• Free/paid versions

Microsoft Translator:

• Good for conversations
• Offline mode
• Multiple language simultaneous
• Free

Papago:

• Good for text
• Camera translation
• Less known but accurate

Using Translation Apps

Download Offline Languages:

• Arabic
• French
• Berber (if available)
• Before you arrive

Camera Translation:

• Point at menus
• Translate signs
• Read labels
• Very useful for souks

Conversation Mode:

• Speak in English
• Shows in Arabic
• Local responds
• Translates back
• Works surprisingly well

Tips:

• Save common phrases
• Screenshot translations
• Works better with WiFi
• Keep charged
• Backup: translation book

Phrasebook Apps

Simply Learn Arabic:

• Common phrases
• Audio pronunciations
• Useful for Darija
• Free

Mondly:

• Moroccan Arabic option
• Interactive lessons
• Good for basics
• Free trial/paid

Drops:

• Visual learning
• Vocabulary focused
• Fun interface
• Free/paid

Communication Tips

Basic Communication Strategies

Greetings Go Far:

• Always greet first
• "Salam alaikum" (Peace be upon you)
• "Bonjour" (French)
• Smile

Patience:

• Don't rush
• Repeat if needed
• Stay calm
• Gestures help

Write It Down:

• Addresses in Arabic
• Hotel card
• Numbers written
• Show don't tell

Use Locals:

• Hotel staff translate
• Shopkeeper help
• Tourist police
• Other travelers

Body Language:

• Universal smiles
• Pointing (carefully)
• Gestures
• Drawings

Business Hours for Communication

Post Offices:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM
• Saturday: Some open 8 AM - 12 PM
• Closed: Sundays, public holidays

Phone Shops:

• Daily: 9 AM - 8 PM
• Some close 1-3 PM (lunch)
• Friday may be limited

Internet Cafés:

• Daily: 9 AM - 11 PM
• Variable hours
• Some 24 hours near universities

Useful Contact Information

Emergency:**

• Police: 19 or 190
• Medical: 15 or 150
• Fire: 15
• Tourist Police: 19

Directory:**

• Information: 160
• International Operator: 120

Providers:**

• Maroc Telecom: 888
• Inwi: 123
• Orange: 1414

Postal Service:**

• Poste Maroc: 080 202 0202
• DHL Morocco: 0522 97 20 20

Apps to Download

Before You Go:

1. Google Translate - Offline translation
2. Maps.me - Offline maps
3. WhatsApp - Communication
4. XE Currency - Exchange rates
5. Google Maps - Online navigation

Useful: 6. Uber/Careem - Taxis in major cities 7. TripAdvisor - Reviews 8. Spotify - Download music 9. Netflix - Download shows 10. VPN - Security

Last Updated: February 2026 SIM Card Cost: 50-200 MAD Data Package: From 35 MAD for 5 GB