Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fuel & Spare Parts
»
The country is well served with petrol stations, although they become fewer and further between south of
Goulimime. If you're travelling off the beaten track, refuel at every opportunity. Keep a close eye on the
gauge in the southern desert and fill up wherever you get a chance, as stations don't always have supplies of
fuel.
»
Leaded and less-common unleaded
(sans plomb)
petrol cost around Dh12.50 per litre and diesel
(gasoil)
is around Dh8.50. In the Western Sahara, tax-free petrol is about 30% cheaper. Fuel in the Spanish enclaves
of Ceuta and Melilla is comparably priced to Morocco.
»
Moroccan mechanics are generally good and decent-sized towns should have at least one garage, most
with a range of spare parts for Renaults and other French cars. If you can fit replacement parts yourself, ask
a Moroccan friend to help you buy the parts, as this may help to keep the price closer to local levels.
Hire
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Most Moroccan car-rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 (or 23 in a few cases).
»
Renting a car costs about Dh300 per day for a week or so with unlimited mileage. For longer rentals,
lower daily rates are sometimes available. Pre-booking gives the cheapest deals. Most companies demand a
(returnable) cash deposit (Dh3000 to Dh5000) or take an impression of your credit card.
»
With international firms such as
Hertz
(
www.hertz.com
) ,
Budget
(
www.budget.ma
) ,
Europcar
(
www.europcar.com
)
,
National
(
www.nationalcar.com
) and
Avis
(
www.avis.ma
) , you can pre-book online.
There are also numerous local agencies.
»
Make sure you understand what is included in the price and what your liabilities are. Always check the
car's condition before signing up, and make sure it comes with a spare tyre, tool kit and full documentation
- including insurance cover. Keep the car's documents and your licence with you, rather than in the car, as
you'll need them if the car is stolen or damaged. Keep receipts for oil changes or mechanical repairs; these
costs should be reimbursed.
»
Insurance must, by law, be sold along with all rental agreements. Make sure that prices include collision
damage, insurance and tax (20%). You should also take out Collision Damage Waiver insurance, typically
about Dh35 to Dh60 a day (often with an excess of up to Dh5000). Super Collision Damage Waiver, which
eliminates or minimises the excess, may be available for an extra Dh60 or so a day.
»
Unless you hire a 4WD, your rental agreement will probably not allow off-road
(piste)
driving, making
you liable for potential damages.
Motorcycle
»
Motorcycle touring is popular, but many bikes are unfamiliar in Morocco, particularly those with larger
capacity engines, so repairs can be tricky.
