Best way to get dirhams (1 Viewer)

[acropolis22]

What do people use in Morocco, or before going, to get dirhams in their hands once they are there?

 

[Chod Jacqui]

When we went a few years ago they were easy to get at any bank using our debit card or exchanging Euros.

 

[Lenny HB]

You are not allowed to take them in or out of the country so just use an ATM when you are there.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Spriddler]

In the 70's I made several business trips to Rabat and Casablanca and bought dirhams at the airport but it wasn't possible to change leftover money back to a European currency at the bank or airport bureau de change when I left.
I've had a few of the notes in a drawer for around 45 years.

I also travelled with packets of Marlborough cigarettes lining the bottom of my briefcase to ease my way through the airport 'officials' random checks.

 

[acropolis22]

You are not allowed to take them in or out of the country so just use an ATM when you are there.

Any wrinkles re exchange rate and charges?

 

[Lenny HB]

Any wrinkles re exchange rate and charges?

Sorry don't remember quite a few years since I've been.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[acropolis22]

Sorry don't remember quite a few years since I've been.

Is there any point to having a Revolut card or similar? Presumably you can't load it with dirhams.

 

[15isto2]

Is there any point to having a Revolut card or similar? Presumably you can't load it with dirhams.

you can load dhiram on Revolut, I have some sitting in mine form a cancelled trip a few years ago that I will be using on my next trip.

 

[TerryL]

If you're buying your ferry tickets from Voyages Normandie (i.e. Carlos) they usually have dirhams available, although strictly speaking as it's a prohibited currency they shouldn't. He'll be charging a premium though.
We've always found the best way is to stop at the various Bureaux de Change offices just after clearing Customs at Tanger-Med and exchange euros we've also used pounds sterling as well). It's a managed rate throughout the country so despite the touts saying "best rate" they're all actually the same. They'll also change unused dirhams back into Euros on your return but obviously the rate isn't as good.
As for in-country ATMs are available in most of the larger towns. We've found banks don't do exchange, but a main Post Office will. Never tried withdrawals. Some touristy towns have bureaux de change. Last visit credit/debit cards were still not widely used except in larger garages and supermarkets, cash is still king (and the only way if you want to haggle!).

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[billym]

Is there any point to having a Revolut card or similar? Presumably you can't load it with dirhams.

Definitely use Revolut but as others have said don't be surprised if you need cash instead

 

[makems]

It’s been a few years but we found banks in even fairly remote places that would change Euros and pounds. These days I would load up the Revolut card and use an atm

 

[acropolis22]

It’s been a few years but we found banks in even fairly remote places that would change Euros and pounds. These days I would load up the Revolut card and use an atm

I'm not really understanding the Revolut business. Could you please clue me in on how the Revolut is different/better than just using my UK debit card in an ATM?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[billym]

I'm not really understanding the Revolut business. Could you please clue me in on how the Revolut is different/better than just using my UK debit card in an ATM?

Exchange your pounds to dirhams at a generally excellent rate on Revolut, buy something using the card and you are buying it in local currency rather than using your UK card at lower rates with conversion fees.
If you have the basic card, you can use it 5 times in a rolling month up to a total value of £200 at an ATM after which it incurs fees.You don't get stung by conversion fees.
Less basic Revolut cards you can get more cash out.
It's very quick to exchange pounds for another currency on the app
Plus if you are organised and only have more or less the minimum amount you might need on the card, if you lose it etc. it's no great drama.

 

[gus-lopez]

Plus if you are organised and only have more or less the minimum amount you might need on the card, if you lose it etc. it's no great drama.

& if you did lose it you can lock it from your phone so no use to anyone & order another

 

[keith12345]

With Revolut in mind can you use the Tap to pay / Apple pay anywhere?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[dabhand]

You will need cash, cards are accepted all over but be aware, many places especially certain garages, won’t take cards in my experience. Cash exchange at the Port was just as good as the bank I found.

 

[jongood]

With Revolut in mind can you use the Tap to pay / Apple pay anywhere?

Not many places at all. We've managed to use revolut card at about 10% of garages, Marjane, Carrefour, Idou. No campsites, no restaurants. You need a card you can withdraw cash with.

I tried to go down a card payment lane on the toll road and was told that they only take Moroccan issued cards.

 

[jongood]

It’s been a few years but we found banks in even fairly remote places that would change Euros and pounds. These days I would load up the Revolut card and use an atm

This is the best method.

keith12345 can I suggest looking/posting on Morocco 23 thread will bring most responses.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[EuroTrotters]

you can load dhiram on Revolut, I have some sitting in mine form a cancelled trip a few years ago that I will be using on my next trip.

I use Revolut, but you can convert them back

 

[John and Jo]

When you swap your phone sim to the Moroccan sim, Marroc telecom for example, can you still load funds onto the Revolut card?

 

[billym]

When you swap your phone sim to the Moroccan sim, Marroc telecom for example, can you still load funds onto the Revolut card?

Yes

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}