Morocco operates primarily as a cash society. While things are modernizing rapidly, expecting to tap your phone or use Apple Pay for everything in Agadir will leave you frustrated and thirsty. Understanding how and when to get cash is crucial to a smooth holiday.
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, usually abbreviated as MAD or Dhs.
Because it is a closed currency, you cannot easily buy it at your local post office or bank before you fly to Morocco. You must obtain it once you arrive. You also cannot take more than 1,000 MAD out of the country when you leave, so remember to spend or exchange your remaining dirhams at the airport before you fly home.
As a rough mental conversion to help you while shopping in Souk El Had:
- 10 MAD is roughly €1 or £0.85
- 100 MAD is roughly €10 or £8.50
Cards vs Cash: What to use where
Where you can use cards:
- All 4 and 5-star hotels and resorts
- Carrefour and Marjane supermarkets
- High-end restaurants (especially in the Marina)
- Official tour company offices
Where you absolutely need cash:
- Petits taxis (the small orange city taxis)
- Grands taxis (including airport taxis)
- Souk El Had vendors
- Street food stalls and small local cafes
- Tipping staff and guides
ATMs and Money at Agadir Airport
This is where most travelers make their first mistake.
Because you couldn't get Dirhams at home, you arrive at Agadir Airport needing cash to pay the local taxi driver to get to your hotel. You join the long queue for the ATMs in the arrivals hall.
However, there are two common problems: First, the airport ATMs frequently run out of cash during peak arrival times when multiple flights land at once. Second, if you use the physical currency exchange desks at the airport, you will be hit with the worst exchange rates in the country.
If you don't have cash, the local taxi drivers will often refuse to take you, or they will offer to stop at an ATM on the way - leaving the meter running or charging you a premium for the hassle.
The solution: Pre-book your airport transfer online. By booking a private driver in advance using your credit card, you completely bypass the need for cash when you land. Your driver takes you straight to your hotel, where you can safely use the hotel's ATM or a bank in the city center the next morning when you are rested.
Tipping Culture in Agadir
Tipping (or bakshish) is an integral part of Moroccan culture. Salaries in the service industry are low, and staff rely heavily on tips. You should always tip in cash, even if you paid the main bill with a card, as card tips rarely reach the staff.
- Cafes: Leave 2 to 5 Dirhams for a coffee.
- Restaurants: 10% of the bill is standard for good service.
- Hotel Porters: 10 to 20 Dirhams for carrying your bags to your room.
- Housekeeping: 20 Dirhams per day left on the pillow is highly appreciated.
- Taxis: Round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams.
Always try to break large 100 or 200 Dirham notes at supermarkets so you have a steady supply of 10 and 20 Dirham coins and notes for tipping.