The official languages are Arabic and the Berber language Tamazight. Other Berber languages are spoken. The language of business and education is French, which is mainly spoken in business, government and administrative circles. Spanish is also spoken in the north, and some English is often spoken in the cities and tourist centers.
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
01/11/2022 Public Declaration of Independence Day
05/01/2022 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
05/01/2022 Labor Day
07/09/2022 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
07/30/2022 throne festival
07/30/2022 Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year)
08/14/2022 Oued Ed Dahab Day
08/20/2022 day of the revolution
08/21/2022 King Mohammed IV’s birthday
10/09/2022 Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
11/06/2022 Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March)
The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items may be imported duty-free into Morocco (persons aged 21 and over): 200 g of tobacco; 1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine; perfume (150 ml); eau de toilette (250 ml); coffee, tea and food only in the form of travel provisions; Gifts valued at up to Dh2,000.
Import regulations
A special permit is required for the import of hunting rifles and ammunition. Prescription medicines can only be imported with a medical certificate and a copy of the prescription. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Imports
Narcotics, psychotropic substances, drugs, pornographic products, weapons, weapons and ammunition of war, certain plants and plant products. More information is available from Moroccan Customs.
Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00. Ramadan: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm;
Consular Dept.: Mon-Fri 09.00-14.00 (by phone: 14.00-16.00);
closed on Moroccan public holidays.
Business
Business etiquette
Proper attire is expected, but a suit is not required in hot weather. Appointments should be arranged in advance. Stubborn action, often with different interlocutors, is common.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 08.30-12.30 and 15.00-18.30. Authorities are usually open Mon-Thu 8.30am-12.00pm and 2.30pm-6.30pm, Fri 3.00pm-6.30pm. Special opening times apply during Ramadan.
Business contacts
Communication
Phone
International direct dialing. Country code 00212. Area codes: Casablanca 22, Marrakech 44 and Rabat 37. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the number of public telephones in Morocco is steadily decreasing. They are therefore no longer a reliable means of communication for tourists. However, those who depend on public telephones can fall back on the existing network of Téléboutiques operated by Maroc Telecom, which are easily recognizable thanks to their blue signboards. The public telephones in the Téléboutiques can be used with coin and telephone cards. The telephone cards are available in the téléboutiques themselves, in post offices and in tobacconists. Customers can get advice in the Téléboutiques and receive change on request. The cheapest rates are at night and on public holidays. International information: 120, city police: 19, ambulance and fire brigade: 15.
Mobile phone
GSM 900/1800, 3G 2100 and 4G LTE. Network operators include Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange Maroc. International roaming contracts exist. Maroc Telecom offers very good network coverage, but tourist centers are well covered by both providers. Purchasing a Moroccan prepaid SIM card is often worthwhile, especially if a lot of phone calls are made within Morocco.
Internet
Free WiFi is available in many business centers, hotels, restaurants and internet cafes in every city. The main Internet providers include Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc. With the prepaid card from Maroc Telecom you can surf the Internet with your laptop, iPhone and smartphone for a month without limits. Maroc Telecom also offers the best network coverage. Most cities have numerous points of sale for prepaid cards.
Post office
Mail to Europe takes 7-11 days to arrive, delivery is not always reliable. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 08.30-12.00 and 14.30-18.30, Sat 08.30-14.00.
Radio
German-language radio stations can be received over the Internet in Morocco and also over Astra satellites in the north of the country.
