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Flying To Morocco
There are daily regular flights coming into Morocco from major
European cities, majority of these flights are run by Atlas
Blue and Royal Air Maroc. You can book these flights online
www.atlas-blue.com
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Traveling by Road in Morocco
Morocco has a good road network. However, it is recommended
that you be careful. The accident rate in the Kingdom is very
high. As a general rule, avoid driving at night. In Morocco ,
there are four highway sections:
Rabat - Fès ;
Rabat- Tangier
Casablanca – Settat
Rabat - Casablanca
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Train Network
The Office National des Chemins de Fer (OCNF) network is less
dense. The trains are comfortable, air-conditioned and
relatively punctual. There are three main lines : - East line:
Casablanca , Rabat , Kenitra, Meknès, Fès and Oujda - North
line : Casablanca - Tangier (approximately 6H) - West line:
Casablanca - Marrakech (approximately 3H) For more information
about hours and fares contact ONCF :
Tel:090 20 30 40
www.oncf.ma
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Bus Network
Buses are the most economical means of transport and sometimes
the most comfortable. The three main bus companies are • La
CTM : www.ctm.co.ma or at 022 75 36 77/78 • Supratours :
exclusively in the southern regions. 044 43 55 25
• SATAS : 022 40 29 08 For a more comfortable (air-conditioned),
faster and reliable travel, choose from among the three
companies. It is recommended that you reserve your ticket one
day in advance.
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Taxis Information
There are two kinds of taxis in Morocco
The petit (small) taxis
Their colors vary depending on the city. The petit taxis are
not allowed beyond the urban areas. The number of passengers
they can take is limited to 3 people. Fares are affordable :
an average trip costs approximately 10 dirhams. Ask the taxi
driver to operate the meter, or agree in advance on the fare.
The grands taxis
They operate between cities. They are often faster than buses.
But they have no meters and the prices are per head. Grands
taxis take up to 6 passengers. But if you want to avoid the
crowdedness, pay extra. Note that grand taxi drivers are
notorious for being careless!
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Passport, Visa...
For a short trip (three months or less) : If you wish to stay
in Morocco for a period of three months or less , you must
have a valid passport. To travel to Morocco , a visa is not
required for citizens from most European countries and USA .
For a longer trip (more than 3 months) : You are advised to
contact the immigration service and request an extension which
may not exceed three months. Check if your passport has been
stamped by the Police or border authorities (a number and an
entry stamp must figure on your passport if you visit for the
first time, otherwise, you will be staying illegally without
knowing it).
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Vehicles' entries
and exits
The Moroccan authorities allow a three-month temporary
admission to means of transport belonging to non-resident
tourists provided that they should not be used for commercial
purposes (i.e. to transport goods). Entries are registered on
a computer. When you leave, make sure your vehicle has been
checked off as leaving the territory. No owner or driver of a
vehicle whose passport bears the temporary admission of the
vehicle may leave the country without his vehicle (even when
the vehicle is stolen or has an accident).
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Exchange rate
CURRENCY £1 = 15 Moroccan Dirhams
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Banks
Many banks and their exchange offices allow you to change
currency quite easily. Concerning the CB type cards, Morocco
adapts more and more to this new payment system. Payment
terminals as well as cash dispensers are becoming more and
more available. However, if you wish to stay in a riad, expect
to pay in cash, because the riads are not yet equipped with
credit card facilities.
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Spoken Languages
Arabic is the only official language and mother tongue to most
Moroccans. However, two different dialects are distinguishable:
- Classical Arabic which is the official language, used in
administrations. Not commonly used. - Contrarily, Moroccan
dialect is the real language almost all Moroccans speak. It
should also be noted here that about 40% of the Moroccan
population have Amazigh culture (Berber Language), but the
Amazigh has difficulty finding an official existence. Have
come over the years the French and Spanish languages. French
is a language many Moroccans have adopted since the
Protectorate. It is more or less spoken in the country but all
the Moroccans who some have link with the tourism business
speak French with some fluency. As for Spanish, it is mostly
spoken in the North of the country which was administered by
Spain in the past.
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Local ways and
customs
Although Moroccans are proud of their traditions, they are so
much tolerant. However, they would appreciate it more when
other peoples respect their attachment to their creed, Islam
being the real basis for their customs: it is essential that
you do not hurt their local tendencies. Naturally, they are
more tolerant in the big urban centers. During the month of
Ramadan, it is advised that women dress less conspicuously.
Alcoholic drinks are sold in some commercial centers and in
the great majority of hypermarkets. It is prohibited to drink
in public or on the terrace. Access to Muslim religious sites
other than the Great Mosque of Hassan II is strictly
prohibited for non-Muslims.
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Consulates of England in Morocco
Cities Tel: Agadir 048 82 10 13 Casablanca 022 85 74 00
Marrakech 044 43 60 78 Rabat 037 23 86 00 Tangier 039 93 69 40
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If robbed or
attacked
Contact main Police station in Cities Tel Agadir 048 82 22 43
Casablanca 022 98 98 65 Fes 055 62 20 61 Marrakech 044 43 19
87 Rabat 037 72 02 31 Tangier 039 94 04 77
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