Plan your trip to Morocco efficiently!
Planning an adventure to Morocco? Whether you’re wandering through the souks of Marrakech, exploring the Sahara, or visiting the blue streets of Chefchaouen, organizing your travel budget in the local currency, the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), will make your trip smoother.
While card payments are increasingly accepted in major cities, cash is still essential for markets, taxis, cafés, traditional riads, local tours, and small shops. To avoid unfavorable rates at airports or tourist areas, it’s best to secure your AUD → MAD exchange online before you fly.
With Prosegur Change, you can order Moroccan Dirham online with 0% commission and collect your currency easily at branches across Australia.
Practical tips for planning your budget
Morocco offers great value for Australian travelers, and planning ahead helps you stay on budget. Here’s what you can expect to spend:
- Food & Drinks: eating out out in Morocco is affordable — street food costs around 40–80 MAD, casual restaurants range between 80 and 150 MAD, and mid-range dining options go from 150 to 300 MAD per person.
- Transport: getting around is affordable — local buses cost 3–7 MAD, petit taxis within cities are usually 15–30 MAD, and intercity buses or trains range from 60 to 150 MAD depending on the route.
- Experiences & Attractions: entry to museums is typically 30–70 MAD, guided tours cost around 100–200 MAD, and desert excursions range from 400 to 900 MAD depending on whether it’s a half- or full-day trip.
- Accommodation: budget travellers can find hostels or basic riads for 150–350 MAD per night, mid-range riads cost 400–900 MAD, and luxury stays start from 1,000 MAD and above.
Tip: Many Moroccan ATMs charge withdrawal fees, and dynamic currency conversion (charging in AUD) can be expensive — decline it and pay in MAD whenever possible.
Some suggestions for your stay
Carrying MAD will make it easier to pay at markets, for taxis, and in rural areas where card terminals are limited.
Morocco combines ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes, and modern vibrancy. Popular destinations include:
- Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace
- Fes: Ancient Medina, Al Quaraouiyine University, tanneries
- Chefchaouen: The famous blue-washed mountain tow
- Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque, Corniche waterfront
- Sahara Desert: Merzouga dunes, camel caravans, sunset camps
- Essaouira: Coastal town known for seafood, beaches, and surfing
Some facts about the Moroccan Dirham
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) has been the country’s official currency since 1960 and remains widely used across all regions. Morocco is still a predominantly cash-based society, particularly outside major tourist centers.
Denominations of the Moroccan Dirham
ATMs are common in large cities, but rural areas may have limited access. Many machines apply a fixed fee for foreign cards — always check the amount before accepting.
- Banknotes: 20 MAD, 50 MAD, 100 MAD, 200 MAD
Dirham banknotes feature Moroccan landmarks, cultural heritage, and the current monarch. Coins often depict geometric and traditional Amazigh motifs.
- Coins: 0.5 MAD, 1 MAD, 2 MAD, 5 MAD, 10 MAD, 20 MAD
FAQs about Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Below are the most common questions Australian travelers ask before exchanging AUD to MAD.
It’s generally better to buy Moroccan Dirham in Australia before departure. Currency availability can be limited in Moroccan airports and tourist zones, often at higher rates. Ordering online with Prosegur Change ensures secure availability and a locked-in rate.
For a one-week trip, many travelers carry 1,500–3,000 MAD for daily purchases, markets, taxis, and small meals. Cards work for hotels and certain restaurants, but cash is essential for most local transactions.
Cards are accepted in major hotels, shopping centres, and modern cafés, but traditional souks, taxis, small riads, and local eateries prefer cash. Always keep some change for bargaining and transport.
Tipping is part of everyday culture. Small tips (2–10 MAD) are expected for cafés, taxis, and local services. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% is customary.
Travelling soon?
Here's how to easily reserve your currencies online
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount of travel money you will need to enjoy your trip.
2. Choose a date & a pick-up location
Collect your order from one of our exchange bureaus at major airports and city centre.
3. Collect & pay
Pay upon pickup and enjoy
your trip.
Enjoy the best exchange rate for AUD to MAD with Prosegur Change
Exchanging Australian Dollars to Moroccan Dirham is simple with Prosegur Change. Enjoy:
- Competitive online exchange rates
- 0% commission on all online orders
- Easy pickup at branches in airports and city centres
- Safe, regulated service backed by 30+ years of experience
Reserve online, lock in your rate, and collect your MAD before your trip.