How to Budget for a Trip to Morocco

One of the biggest expenses involved with a Morocco trip is getting there. Many European budget carriers offer super-low fares to major Moroccan cities, particularly if you book in advance. If you’re coming from farther afield, consider booking a flight to a European city, spending the night, and then take a flight to Morocco the next day. If you plan on visiting northern Morocco, there are plenty of ferries connecting Tangier and Nador to southern Spain and Gibraltar.

For many travelers, one of the most enchanting aspects of visiting Morocco is getting to stay in a riad, a traditional house built around an interior courtyard or atrium. While many of these are downright opulent, there are plenty of pocketbook-friendly riads throughout the country, from budget guesthouses to hostels where bunkbeds go for just a few dollars per night. Keep your options open and you should be able to find a great deal.

The amount you spend on getting around Morocco can vary greatly; local buses can get you from point-to-point for next to nothing. Pre-booking airport transfers directly from taxi companies is usually cheaper than going through your hotel, and pre-arranging transfers between cities rather than going through a middleman can save you quite a bit. Another way to save money is to join a multi-day tour rather than renting a car; this is almost always a more economical (and safer) way to get out into the wilderness, particularly if you’re planning on going on a desert camel safari.

Like anywhere, the amount you spend on food can vary greatly, especially in bigger cities. Street side stalls are often a good value option (the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, for example, is full of them), but the real values are outside of tourist hubs. You’ll also want to be able to buy bottled water; a good way to save on this is by purchasing 5-liter bottles and refilling a smaller bottle (or just check if your hotel has filtered water). Make sure to budget money for extras such as tips, laundry service, attractions, and activities.

Even if you aren’t much of a spender, you’re likely to encounter at least some temptation here. Before you consider buying anything, devote plenty of time to browsing and familiarizing yourself with prices; joining a shopping tour is a good way to do this, particularly if you are shy about asking prices. Once you do start shopping, be prepared to haggle; bargaining is the norm in Morocco, and shopkeepers will quote prices with the expectation that you’ll try to talk them down.