Quick answer: Morocco uses the dirham (MAD), a closed currency you get on arrival from ATMs or exchange desks. Cash is essential. Tipping is customary: around 10% in restaurants, 5–10 MAD for small services, and roughly 100–200 MAD per day for a private driver or guide (per group), depending on satisfaction.
Money questions come up on every trip we organise. This guide explains the dirham, how to pay and, above all, tipping in Morocco – a normal part of local culture that many visitors find confusing.
The Moroccan dirham
The dirham (MAD, locally “DH”) is divided into 100 centimes. Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 DH. You cannot legally buy dirhams abroad in large amounts, so get them on arrival.
ATMs, cards and exchange
- ATMs are everywhere in cities and towns (fewer in villages and the desert).
- Exchange offices at airports and in cities offer official rates; bring clean euro, dollar or pound notes.
- Cards are accepted in hotels, bigger restaurants and supermarkets, but not in souks or small cafés.
- Keep your exchange receipts if you want to convert dirhams back when leaving.
How much to tip in Morocco
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant waiter | ~10% or round up |
| Café | 2–5 DH |
| Porter / riad staff carrying bags | 10–20 DH |
| Public toilets attendant | 2–5 DH |
| Local city guide (half day) | 50–100 DH per group |
| Private driver (per day) | 100–200 DH per group |
| Camel guide in the desert | 50–100 DH per group |
| Hammam attendant | 20–50 DH |
These are guidelines, not obligations: tip according to service. Tips are usually given at the end, in dirhams.
Daily budget
- Budget: €40–60 per person (hostels, street food, buses).
- Mid-range: €90–150 (riads, restaurants, some private tours).
- Comfort: €200+ (boutique riads, private driver, luxury desert camp).
Paying for tours
With our agency, tours such as the 7-day Morocco tour or the airport transfer are paid online securely or partly on arrival – you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. Tips for your driver and guide are not included and remain your choice.
Read also: 25 Morocco travel tips and how to haggle in the souks.
Tours related to this guide
- 7-Day Tour – Explore Key Highlights: Marrakech, Desert, Fez and Chefchaouen
- Marrakech Airport Transfer
- Private Guided Tour Of Marrakech – Discover The Imperial City
Want a trip built around your dates? Ask for a free tailor-made itinerary →
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip a driver in Morocco?
For a private driver, around 100–200 MAD per day per group is common, depending on the length of the trip and your satisfaction.
Is tipping mandatory in Morocco?
No, but it is customary and expected for good service in restaurants, hotels and tours.
Can I pay by card in Morocco?
Yes in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but cash is needed in souks, taxis, small cafés and rural areas.
Should I bring euros or dollars to Morocco?
Both are easy to exchange. Euros are the most common. Use official exchange offices or ATMs and keep your receipts.
Written by the Todo Marruecos Tours travel team, local tour operators based in Morocco. Last updated: September 2026.