The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, meaning you cannot buy or exchange it before arriving in Morocco. There's no point looking for dirhams at home — currency exchange happens exclusively once you land, typically starting at Marrakech-Menara Airport.
Where to exchange money safely
The exchange counters at the airport offer fair rates and let you get some cash quickly for your taxi and initial expenses. Once in the city, banks and official exchange bureaus, found throughout the medina and in Gueliz, often offer better rates. Avoid unofficial street changers who may approach you — they are not licensed, and the risk of scams or counterfeit notes is real.
ATMs are widely available across Marrakech, including near our riad by Jemaa el-Fna, and generally offer competitive exchange rates. That said, check with your home bank beforehand about possible foreign transaction fees, which can add up with each withdrawal.
Cash or card: what to use where
In the souks, small shops, local eateries, and many traditional riads, cash is still king — cards are rarely accepted there. Larger hotels, tourist-oriented restaurants, and more formal boutiques, on the other hand, readily accept card payments. Always keep some small bills and coins on hand for tips, parking, or spontaneous small purchases in the medina's narrow lanes.
Before you leave, plan to spend down your remaining dirhams: since this currency is difficult — often impossible — to exchange back home, it's best to convert your last notes at the airport exchange counters before boarding. Our team at Riad Dar Kawkawa, just a 3-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna, is always happy to point you toward the best exchange spots in the neighborhood.