Understanding Morocco payment methods is essential for travelers, digital nomads, expats, and anyone doing business in the country. While Morocco is modernizing rapidly, payments still follow a hybrid system where cash, cards, and online methods coexist—but not equally everywhere.
So how do people really pay in Morocco?
Is Morocco cash-based?
Do they use PayPal?
What currency is used, and how much is 100 in Morocco currency?
This complete guide answers everything foreigners need to know about paying in Morocco, including tips most articles never mention.
What Is the Currency of Morocco?
The official Moroccan Currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
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Symbol: DH or MAD
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Subunits: 1 dirham = 100 centimes
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Restricted currency: The dirham cannot legally be imported or exported
How Much Is 100 in Morocco Currency?
As a general reference (rates fluctuate):
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100 USD ≈ 950–1,000 MAD
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100 EUR ≈ 1,080–1,100 MAD
In Morocco, 100 dirhams can cover:
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A casual meal
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A taxi ride across a city
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Street food for a full day
Paying in Morocco for Foreigners: What to Expect
For foreigners, paying in Morocco is easy if you understand where each method works.
General Rule:
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Cash dominates daily life
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Cards work in cities and tourist areas
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Online payments are limited but growing
Many travelers are surprised that even upscale places sometimes prefer cash.
Cash Payments in Morocco (Still King)
Why Cash Is So Important in Morocco
Cash is the most widely accepted payment method in Morocco because:
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Small businesses avoid card fees
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Many shops are informal
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Network issues still exist in rural areas
Where You MUST Use Cash
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Souks and markets
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Taxis (especially petit taxis)
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Small restaurants and cafés
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Rural areas
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Tips and guides
💡 Pro tip: Always carry small bills (20–50 MAD). Change is often limited.
Credit & Debit Cards in Morocco
Are Cards Accepted in Morocco?
Yes—but selectively.
Widely accepted cards:
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Visa
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Mastercard
Less accepted:
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American Express
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Discover
Where Cards Work Best
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Hotels (mid-range to luxury)
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Supermarkets (Carrefour, Acima, Marjane)
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Restaurants in tourist zones
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Shopping malls
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Airports
Hidden Truth Most Articles Don’t Say
Even if a place has a card machine, staff may say:
“Cash only today”
This often happens due to:
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Network downtime
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Card fees
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Accounting preferences
Always have a backup.
ATM Withdrawals in Morocco
ATMs are widespread in:
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Cities
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Airports
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Tourist towns
Best Banks for Foreign Cards
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Attijariwafa Bank
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BMCE Bank of Africa
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Banque Populaire
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Crédit du Maroc
ATM Tips
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Withdrawal limits usually range from 2,000–3,000 MAD
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Fees may apply from your home bank
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Always decline ATM “dynamic currency conversion” to avoid bad rates
Morocco Cash Exchange: Best Practices
Where to Exchange Money in Morocco
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Airports (convenient, slightly higher fees)
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Banks (best rates)
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Official exchange offices
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Large hotels
What NOT to Do
❌ Exchange money on the street
❌ Use unlicensed dealers
Keep your exchange receipt—you may need it to reconvert dirhams before leaving.
Morocco Online Payment Methods (The Reality)
Online payments in Morocco are more limited than in Europe or the US, but improving.
Common Online Payment Methods
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Moroccan bank cards (CMI system)
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International cards (on major platforms)
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PayPal (limited use)
What Foreigners Should Know
Many Moroccan websites:
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Reject foreign cards
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Require local bank verification
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Use Moroccan gateways only
This affects:
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Online shopping
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Utility payments
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Domestic services
Does Morocco Use PayPal?
Yes, Morocco uses PayPal—but with restrictions.
PayPal in Morocco Explained
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Moroccans can receive money
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Funds can be withdrawn to certain Moroccan banks
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PayPal is not accepted everywhere
Where PayPal Works
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Freelancing platforms
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International services
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Some digital products
Where It Does NOT Work
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Local shops
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Restaurants
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Most Moroccan websites
For travelers, PayPal is useful online, not in daily life.
Mobile Payments & Digital Wallets in Morocco
Is Mobile Payment Popular?
Not yet mainstream—but growing.
Local Solutions
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MarocPay
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Inwi Money
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Orange Money
These are mainly used by:
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Locals
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People with Moroccan phone numbers
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Domestic transfers
Foreigners rarely use them unless staying long-term.
Gift Cards in Morocco: Where Can You Get Them?
Can You Buy Gift Cards in Morocco?
Yes, but availability is limited.
Where to Find Gift Cards
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Large supermarkets
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Tech stores
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Shopping malls
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Online platforms (for international brands)
Popular Gift Cards Available
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Google Play
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Apple App Store
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Netflix (limited)
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Local telecom credit (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi)
Amazon and international gift cards are harder to find physically.
Paying for Transport in Morocco
Taxis
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Cash only
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No cards
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No apps in most cities (except Careem in some areas)
Trains
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Cards accepted at stations
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Online booking available via ONCF (sometimes foreign cards fail)
Car Rentals
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Credit card usually required
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Cash deposits rarely accepted
Tipping and Small Payments
Tips are almost always cash-based:
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Restaurants: 5–10%
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Guides: 50–150 MAD/day
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Hotel staff: 10–20 MAD per service
Cards are not used for tipping.
Is Morocco a Cashless Country?
No. Morocco is not cashless.
It is best described as:
Cash-first, card-friendly, digitally selective
This hybrid system surprises many visitors but works smoothly if you prepare.
Best Payment Strategy for Foreigners in Morocco
✔ Bring an international debit card
✔ Carry cash daily
✔ Use cards in hotels & malls
✔ Avoid relying on PayPal
✔ Exchange money officially
✔ Keep small bills
This strategy prevents 95% of payment problems.
Final Thoughts: Morocco Payment Methods Explained Simply
Understanding payment methods in Morocco makes your trip smoother, safer, and stress-free. While Morocco is modern and connected, cash remains deeply rooted in daily life—especially outside major tourist zones.
Foreigners who adapt quickly enjoy the country far more, avoid awkward moments, and travel confidently.
Morocco rewards preparation—and now, you’re fully prepared.