What is the currency in Morocco?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which you’ll see shortened to Dhs. If you’re planning a visit – whether you’re shopping at Jemaa el-Fnaa market in Marrakech or heading to the beach in Agadir – this is what you’ll need for your holiday spending.

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means there are limits on buying, selling or trading it out of the country and it’s important to understand the rules before you travel. 

You’ll find everything you need to know about Morocco’s currency in our in-depth guide below. And if you’re ready to buy your Travel Money, you can order Moroccan dirham online*.

What currency does Morocco use?

The Moroccan dirham is Morocco’s official legal currency, and has been since 1960 when it replaced the Moroccan franc. One Moroccan dirham can be subdivided into 100 santimat.

Coins include:

10 santimat, 20 santimat, 50 santimat, DH1 (dirham), DH2, DH5 

Banknotes include:

DH20, DH50, DH100, DH200

Can you buy Moroccan dirhams in the UK?

You can buy Moroccan dirhams in the UK, but it’s important to note the limitations on how much you can take into and out of the country.

GOV.UK’s foreign travel advice page advises that you can take up to 2,000 Moroccan dirham into or out of Morocco, but that the dirham is ‘non-convertible’ – meaning you can’t easily exchange it for other currencies.

It’s also important to declare any foreign currency worth 100,000 Moroccan dirham or more (around £8,000 GBP at the time of writing) when you enter or leave Morocco.

What if I need more Moroccan dirham once I'm there?

If you need more Travel Money once you reach Morocco, you can exchange pound sterling – or other major currencies like euros and US dollars – to Moroccan dirham when you arrive. 

Once you’ve passed through customs there are several banks and bureaux de change in the main terminal building, and lots of travellers from the UK bring pound sterling in cash for this reason. 

Keep hold of the receipt when you change your currency, because you may need to show it on your return leg if you have unused currency to exchange back. And it’s important to remember to do this, because you can only take up to 2,000 Moroccan dirham back home by law.

You can also exchange currency at ports, hotels, banks and bureaux de change, or withdraw cash at ATMs using a credit or debit card. Just bear in mind the exchange rate will vary from one place to the next, and you may be charged a fee by your card issuer. For that reason it can be better to plan ahead and exchange as much currency as you need before you travel, provided it’s below the legal limit.

Can I use Moroccan dirhams anywhere else in the world?

Alongside Morocco, Western Sahara also uses the Moroccan dirham as its recognised legal currency.

What is the British pounds (GBP) to Moroccan dirham (MAD) exchange rate?

The GBP to MAD exchange rate changes regularly. For today’s rate, take a look at our Morocco currency conversion calculator.

Can you take Moroccan dirhams out of the country?

You can take up to 2,000 MAD out of Morocco, but most travellers opt to exchange any unused Moroccan currency before they head home. 

What payment methods are accepted in Morocco?

It’s always worth having a few different payment options when you’re travelling, and Morocco is no exception. That includes:

Cash

Cash is the most popular payment method in Morocco, and in recent years it was used for over 70% of transactions. Although that figure is thought to have dropped recently as debit, credit and digital payments increase, cash is still the top option amongst Moroccans and therefore the most widely accepted payment method.

That’s particularly true in rural areas and at souks and street food stalls, where cash is often the only payment method. Our guide to travelling with cash is a handy resource if you’re planning a trip.

Debit, credit and prepaid cards

As long as you’re paying at a location that accepts card payments, you’ll usually find most UK-issued credit, debit and prepaid cards are accepted in Morocco. Just bear in mind that your card issuer will likely add fees, and interest if you’re paying by credit card. Plus, you may be given the option to pay in pounds or Moroccan dirhams – here’s why it’s usually better to pay in the local currency when you’re abroad.

Digital payments

Both Google Pay and Apple Pay were launched in Morocco in recent years and are now readily available payment methods in the country alongside local mobile payment apps.

How much money should I take to Morocco?

Excluding rent, the cost of Living in Morocco is around 53.0% lower than in the UK at the time of writing in October 2025, so you’ll find your money goes further here when you’re shopping or dining out. We’ve provided some example Morocco vs UK costs in pounds to give you an idea – just bear in mind that these are illustrative.

• A mid-range three-course meal for two: £65.00 in the UK vs £20.42 (250 MAD) in Morocco
• A small domestic draught beer: £5.00 in the UK vs £2.45 (30 MAD) in Morocco
• A regular cappuccino: £3.45 in the UK vs £1.35 (16.53 MAD) in Morocco
• A one-way ticket on local transport: £2.50 in the UK vs 41p (5 MAD) in Morocco

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at September 2025.

Do I need to tip in Morocco?

While it’s not mandatory to leave a tip in Morocco, it’s standard to leave around 10% of the bill as a tip if you’re eating out at a cafe or restaurant. It’s also common to tip those who provide a service elsewhere – like taxi drivers, street vendors and tour guides.

Are card payments accepted in Morocco's souks?

In most souks in Morocco you’ll be expected to pay in cash, and most vendors won’t be set up to take card payments. In Marrakech, for example, many items are priced very low compared to what you’d expect to pay at a market in the UK – so for that reason it’s wise to break into any large banknotes before you go. 

Haggling is expected at markets here, so don’t be surprised if the initial price you’re offered is a little higher than expected – and don’t be afraid to barter a little. When you’re shopping, a simple ‘shukran’, which is Arabic for ‘thank you’, goes a long way in Morocco.

Buying Moroccan dirham with M&S Travel Money

Ready to go? Order your Moroccan dirham for Click & Collect from your nearest participating M&S store*.
* T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.