What’s the best currency to take to Morocco from the UK?

Heading to Morocco soon? Whether you're interested in discovering its ancient cities or exploring the landscapes of the Sahara desert, it’s important to think about how you’ll manage your money while you’re there.

In this guide, we’ll help you with the best currency to take to Morocco from the UK. We’ll also look at the commonly accepted payment methods in Morocco to help you choose what’s right for your trip.

We'll also introduce the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. This clever debit card automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate in 150+ countries, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* - or it's free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

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What’s the best currency to use in Morocco from the UK?

When you’re travelling abroad, it’s always best to have the destination currency ready to use when paying. Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan dirham, which is subdivided into 100 santimat.¹

Although some businesses might accept major foreign currencies, such as pounds or dollars, a markup is likely included in the prices.

However, the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be obtained in Morocco. If you have some left over from a previous holiday, you can bring up to 2,000 dirhams with you, but you’ll need to get the rest once you arrive.¹

Should you exchange money before travelling to Morocco?

You won’t be able to exchange your pounds for dirhams before you arrive in Morocco, since this is a closed currency. You can withdraw some at a Moroccan ATM or exchange money at a bureau de change. Some hotels may also offer this service. However, be aware that Scottish, Gibraltar or Northern Irish pound notes might be more difficult to exchange.¹

You can also exchange money at the airport, but this usually isn’t the best solution, since the exchange rates are often unfavourable. It’s generally better to visit a bank or a currency exchange office in a more central location.

How much Moroccan dirhams should you take to Morocco?

When planning a travel budget for Morocco, it’s important to think about what kind of trip you want to have. The amount you spend will depend on your travel style, the level of comfort you prefer and the places you plan to visit. Fortunately, the prices in Morocco are generally much lower than in the UK, so you’ll be able to enjoy more without overspending.

For instance, a three-course meal for two in Morocco typically costs £21. Opting for a more modest restaurant can reduce that to as little as £3 per person. You will also notice a big difference in the price of drinks, often costing just a fraction of what you would pay back home.²

How much money you’ll need in Morocco can vary, depending on your travel style and plans. As a general guide, most travellers spend between £40 and £50 per person each day, which works out to around £300 a week.³ This should help you plan ahead, and if you need more while you’re there, you can always withdraw additional cash.³

How to pay in Morocco – which payment methods are accepted?

In Morocco, you can pay with cash, cards and digital methods. That said, cash is generally seen as the most reliable option, which is why it remains the most widely used.⁴ Once you get dirhams, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you at all times, especially for tips and smaller purchases.

Debit cards and credit cards are commonly accepted in hotels and restaurants, particularly in large cities like Casablanca and Marrakech. You’ll usually be able to use your Mastercard and Visa cards in tourist areas and larger shops, though American Express might not be accepted everywhere. Some smaller shops and local restaurants might only take cash, so it’s worth asking before you sit down.⁴

Is it better to use debit and credit cards, travel cards or cash in Morocco?

If you’re wondering whether you should rely on cash or cards during your trip to Morocco, cash is often the more dependable option. However, using a combination of both can help you stay flexible and take advantage of the benefits each payment method offers.

If you’re staying in a larger city, you’ll likely be able to use your card in your hotel, as well as in bigger restaurants and stores. To avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you, consider using a credit card for larger expenses. If you’re asked whether to pay in pounds or dirhams, always choose the local currency to get a better rate.

Travel and debit cards can also come in handy, especially for sticking to your budget. Although cards and other cashless methods are becoming more common across Morocco, carrying cash is important. It’s the preferred payment method for many locals, and it may be the only option in smaller shops or more traditional places.

Also, keep in mind that some cards, like the Wise debit card, can convert your pounds to dirhams automatically, with only a small conversion fee*, so you don’t have to worry about exchanging currency in advance.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 14-Aug-2025