16 tips to save money when traveling to Morocco

Choose flexible dates for your flight

If your schedule is not too constrained, are you ready to be a little flexible regarding the time of your flight, the number of stops, or the choice of your seat? Similarly, are you ready to make a long stopover? You will see that if you have the opportunity to change the dates of your trip a little, the price will drop accordingly and often significantly.

Use loyal customer points

Hotel chains, like Hilton and Marriott, have a reward system that gives you points for staying there. It allows from time to time to spend a night there for free. When traveling, try to stay exclusively in these kinds of hotels. Similarly, always fly with the same airlines to earn points.

Shop at local stores

Farmers' markets frequently drop their prices as the day progresses. Plus, shopping at local produce stores allows you to sample the local cuisine without having to pay the price of a restaurant.

Rent an apartment instead of a hotel room

Families with three or more children often complain about the high cost of a hotel stay because they need to rent neighboring rooms. An apartment is often much cheaper. Sites like Airbnb, HomeAway, or even TripAdvisor allow you to find this kind of apartment.

Do not eat in tourist areas

In some cities, walking a few more blocks can drive down prices in restaurants. Restaurants close to tourist attractions often tend to increase their price because they know very well that in any case, they will have a lot of customers.

When you travel to Morocco:

Choose your period strategically

If your goal is to go on a cheap holiday to Morocco, but you don't have any requirements for your dates, consider comparing the average price of plane tickets, which usually vary according to demand. The months of July and August are typically to be avoided, as these are the most in-demand and therefore the most expensive periods. On the other hand, if you decide to leave in November or October, you can benefit from much more interesting rates.

Read this article about how to choose the best period to visit  Morocco.

Compare different airlines, airports, and dates

It's no secret, that some airlines are more expensive than others. What few travelers know, however, is that leaving or arriving from another airport can sometimes make you earn a lot on the price of your ticket. Remember to compare several departure and arrival airports to spend less on your travel costs. Also be aware that by deciding to book early in the morning, late at night, or in the middle of the week, you will find lower prices, because demand is lower.

Book your parking at the airport in advance

Parking near the airport is expensive, especially if you don't have a reservation or do it at the last moment. The cost of a parking space in Roissy for example can vary from single to double very quickly depending on the period in which you book. This is mainly due to the variation in prices depending on supply and demand, but also because the cheapest car parks are always the first to fill up. 

Finally, remember to compare different providers, private car parks near airports often offer you much more attractive prices than those offered by official car parks.

Choose the hotel for your accommodation

To avoid spending too much on your accommodation, avoid the Riad formula, which is not always the most economical. Instead, prefer hotels and hostels that offer you more attractive prices. However, because accommodation in Riad is still a rather pleasant step in the Moroccan experience, do not hesitate to compromise and spend a night or two.

Take public transport

For your trips on-site, several options are available to you. To get from one city to another, taking the bus or train is most often your most affordable option. For your trips within the cities, do not hesitate to take a taxi, the prices are actually much lower than in France.

Compare before renting a vehicle

If you plan to travel to Morocco by car, you will not have trouble renting a vehicle. However, be sure to compare prices and ideally book in advance. Choosing a channel is often a good plan, as it ensures you can find other agencies and possibly drop off your car at another agency when you return. Note that if you decide to book your vehicle directly from the airport, it is likely that you will benefit from a slightly less advantageous price compared to a rental in the city center.

Eat local and avoid alcohol

If you look well, you will find familiar dishes in Morocco, however, these are often used. It's also quite a shame because Moroccan cuisine is particularly renowned for its quality and attractive price. So do not hesitate to throw yourself on the tagines rather than on the pizzas.

Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol is not well regarded and often absent from menus. However, you will be able to find some if you ask most of the time. However, drinking is expensive in Morocco, if you do not want to spend too much, it is certainly more interesting to limit your consumption during your holidays.

Don't be afraid to negotiate

As with many holiday destinations, negotiation is a very common mode of operation in Morocco, especially in the souks. So don't be afraid to discuss prices a little (within reasonable limits of course), it's part of the game!

Master how to send money to Morocco

Morocco is undoubtedly one of the Maghreb countries that receive the greatest number of tourists throughout the holiday season. However, before putting down your suitcases for a visit, it is essential to have an idea about the means of transferring money to this country. Money order via post, bank transfer, or transfer by Western Union, MoneyGram, and Xoom, there are various ways to send money to Morocco. However, there is a difference between these many ways of sending remittances.

If a few years ago, the transfer via the post office was unanimously accepted by hearts as a safe way to send money to Morocco, nowadays, new operators have come to impose their supremacy, including MoneyGram, Xoom of PayPal. With just a few clicks, you can transfer money cheaply, quickly, and securely, right at home from your mobile.

Opt for an online money transfer method

Morocco is a very culturally diverse and attractive country. Whatever the reason for your visit to this beautiful country, you will have at your disposal banks for cash withdrawals or money exchange offices. As a reminder, in this country, the currency used is the Dirham. But if you want to save during your stay, it is essential to avoid going to these two places. Instead, opt for online payment and money transfer methods, like Wise, the leader in payment and money transfer in Morocco. It has many advantages, including lower-cost payments, and provides you with a free Mastercard travel card, which you can control from your smartphone. 

However, convert your money into local currency if you are not able to transfer the money through this app.

Set a budget

Before you fly to Morocco, it is important to establish a budget that you must absolutely respect. Even if it is true that when you go on vacation it is to enjoy yourself to the fullest, you still have to make some savings to better enjoy this time of relaxation. In Morocco, you can spend hundreds of euros just around the corner wanting to treat yourself, because know it, this country is full of wonders. 

So, if you have previously decided on a budget (flight, accommodation, catering, and leisure), you will have no trouble spending an unforgettable stay without breaking the bank, as you have planned. You will simply have to keep your spending range in mind and take stock very often to stay the course.