What Is Morocco’s Currency?

One of the first practical questions people ask when planning a trip to Morocco is also one of the most important: What currency does Morocco use?

It’s an easy question, but the answer comes with a few details that can save you time, money, and confusion once you arrive. After helping travelers from all over the world navigate Morocco for years, I’ve learned that understanding the currency early makes the entire trip smoother.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Currency Used in Morocco?

Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, often written as MAD.

You’ll see it displayed as:

MAD

DH

Dhs

All of these refer to the same currency.

The dirham is used everywhere in Morocco — from large hotels and restaurants to street food stalls, taxis, and local markets. Unlike some countries, foreign currencies such as euros or U.S. dollars are not commonly accepted for daily purchases.

Is the Moroccan Dirham a Closed Currency?

Yes, the Moroccan dirham is considered a closed currency. This means you generally can’t exchange or obtain it outside of Morocco.

Most travelers arrive with euros, U.S. dollars, or British pounds and exchange money after landing. Banks, official exchange offices, and many hotels offer currency exchange services.

Because of this system, it’s normal and expected to exchange money once you’re already in the country.

Cash vs. Cards in Morocco

While Morocco is modernizing quickly, cash is still essential, especially in smaller towns and traditional areas.

Where Cash Is Commonly Used

Taxis

Souks and markets

Small cafés and bakeries

Tips for guides and drivers

Local shops

Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and some tourist-oriented stores, but you should never rely on cards alone.

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, making it easy to withdraw dirhams directly.

What Are Moroccan Dirham Notes and Coins Like?

Moroccan dirhams come in both banknotes and coins.

Common Banknotes

20 DH

50 DH

100 DH

200 DH

Common Coins

1 DH

2 DH

5 DH

10 DH

Smaller coins are extremely useful, especially for taxis, small purchases, and tipping. Many vendors don’t carry change for large notes.

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

This depends on your travel style, but as a general rule:

Carry enough cash for daily expenses

Keep larger amounts secured in your hotel or riad

Use ATMs instead of exchanging large sums at once

For many travelers, withdrawing money every few days works best.

Can You Use Euros or Dollars in Morocco?

In very tourist-heavy areas, some hotels or tour operators may quote prices in euros or dollars. However, payments are usually expected in Moroccan dirhams, and exchange rates offered on the spot are rarely favorable.

For everyday spending, using the local currency is always the simplest and fairest option.

Tipping in Morocco: What to Know

Tipping is common but not mandatory in Morocco.

Small tips are appreciated for:

Taxi drivers

Hotel staff

Guides

Porters

Tips are almost always given in cash and in Moroccan dirhams, which is another reason carrying small bills is important.

Final Thoughts: Is Morocco’s Currency Easy to Use?

Yes once you understand it.

The Moroccan dirham is straightforward, stable, and widely accessible through ATMs. As long as you carry some cash, keep smaller notes, and exchange money inside the country, handling currency in Morocco is simple and stress-free.

Knowing this before you arrive lets you focus on what really matters enjoying the food, the culture, and the journey itself.

Source & Local Insight

Morocco Family Vacation -What Is Morocco’s Currency?