The Moroccan currency is dirham (DH) divided into 100 centimes. There are 20, 50,100 and 200 bills and 1,5 and 10DH coins as well as 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes.
You will be able to get dirhams only in Morocco. Do not change money in the streets, it is illegal. You can use your interac card when the mention "plus" figures on the automatic counter. You may find it very beneficial to pass by the approved banks or establishments (equipped with a gilded sign). They do not take commission and deliver a form which will be essential for you, at the end of your stay, to reconvert your remainder of dirhams in currency of origin. You will be able to withdraw money in the banks with a credit card, or through ATMs in some large cities. The credit cards are generally accepted in the large hotels, shops and restaurants, and even sometimes in the souks!
Strolling through the souks is a wonderful feast for the senses. But the pleasure is greater when you decide you are looking for a ring, a sword stick, a carpet, a pair of slippers, a wicker basket or rare fragrant spices...
Every region has its specialities:
- Rabat : for embroidery and carpets
- Sale : for pottery
- Casablanca : its leather work and its Mediouna carpets
- Meknes : for carved wood, animals in metal with silver thread and mosaics
- Fez : the craftwork capital, is famous for its pottery in Fez blue, copper trays and leather work
- Marrakesh : the leatherwork is also very fine. You can see shoemakers sewing the slippers in the ancient tradition. The region is also famous for its incredible range of spices and the quality of its Berber carpets
- Safi : has its subtly colored pottery with their amazing impression of relief, Taza, for carpets woven by the Aït-Benhaddou Berber tribe, and at Essaouira, jewellery and marquetry as well as weaving, brassware and embroidery...
In each town, you will find craftwork centers where you can buy genuine articles offering good value for your money. Not to missed, even if only to get an idea of prices, a wise precaution before launching into the refined art of bargaining.
Bargaining
An art that is practised with a smile on the lips around a mint tea. Discussing a price often ends in a cordial, even amicable conversation. Furthermore, a long period of bargaining can only give you more to remember your purchase by.
