Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Religious festivals are significant for Moroccans. Local
moussems
(saints days) are held
all over the country throughout the year and some draw big crowds. The Fez Festival of
World Sacred Music (
Click here
) is always a favourite.
Gnaoua & World Music Festival
(
www.festival-gnaoua.co.ma
;
Essaouira)
Held in June.
Moussem of Moulay Idriss II
(Fez)
September/October.
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
Homosexual acts are officially illegal in Morocco. Discretion is the key and public dis-
plays of affection should be avoided (aggression towards gay travellers is not unheard of).
This advice applies equally to heterosexual couples.
Marrakesh and Tangier are more gay-friendly, with 'gay' bars found here and there.
Lesbians shouldn't encounter any problems.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the pressures of poverty mean some young men
will consider having sex for money or gifts; and exploitative relationships can be an un-
pleasant dimension of the Moroccan gay scene.
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet access is widely available, efficient and cheap (Dh5 to Dh10 per hour) in internet
cafes. One irritant for travellers is the widespread use of French or Arabic (non-qwerty)
keyboards.
Most top-end and many midrange hotels offer wi-fi, and it's more or less standard in
most riads and
maisons d'hôtes
.
MONEY
The Moroccan currency is the dirham (Dh), which is divided into 100 centimes. It's for-
bidden to take dirhams out of the country. The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla use
the euro.
ATMs
(guichets automatiques)
are widespread and generally take international bank
cards. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the main tourist centres. Australian, Ca-
nadian and New Zealand dollars are not quoted in banks and are not usually accepted.
Tipping
Tipping and bargaining are integral parts of Moroccan life. Practically any service can
warrant a tip, and a few dirham for a service willingly rendered can make your life a lot
easier. Tipping between 5% and 10% of a restaurant bill is appropriate.
OPENING HOURS
Cafes
7am to 11pm.
