Casablanca Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Internet

Purchase local SIM cards at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or from Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi stores. Passport needed for registration.

Connectivity

Inexpensive data and call plans.
Most hotels, cafes, restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
Good internet speeds in urban areas.
Consider an ESIM from Airalo for arrival.

Translation & Postal Services

Arabic (Darija) and Tamazight are official. French is widely spoken within tourism. English is increasingly common.

Language & Post

Google Translate app (offline packs recommended).
Carry a small physical phrasebook.
Post offices ("Poste Maroc") handle letters and parcels.

Essential Phrases Darija

A few words in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) make a positive impression.

Greetings & Basics

Hello: Salam Alaykum. Response: Wa Alaykum Salam.
Goodbye: Beslama.
Yes: Na'am or Ayyeh.

Useful Terms

Elementary phrases for common situations.

Questions

Thank you: Shokran.
How much?: Shhal?
Please: Afak (male), Afek (female).

More Expressions

Dining & Shopping

Water: Ma.
Bread: Khobz.
Delicious: Bnin.
Too expensive: Ghali bezaf.

Responses

No, thank you: La, shokran.
Excuse me/Sorry: Smahli (female); Smahliya (male).
Learning a few words in Darija or French aids interactions.
Don't understand: Ma Fhamtch.

Language Tip

Making an effort to use a few basic phrases in Darija or French gains appreciation from local people and enriches interactions.

Business Hours & Airport Services

Shop & Restaurant Hours

Shops typically 9/10 AM - 1 PM, then 3/4 PM - 7 PM+. Souks from morning till late. Restaurants from 12/12:30 PM for lunch, 7 PM+ for dinner.

Bank & Museum Timings

Banks: Weekdays, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. ATMs are widespread 24/7. Museums and attractions have varied hours; many close Mondays.

Holiday Impacts

Islamic holidays (the dates are different) mean many businesses close or shorten hours. National holidays (fixed dates) close banks and government offices.

Ramadan & Seasonal Notes

During Ramadan, many cafes/restaurants close daytime, opening at dusk for Iftar. The city gets busy at night.

Specifics

City at night during The islamic holy month.
Smaller shops may close during very hot summer months.
Less common for key points of interest to close seasonally.

Airport Lounge & Compensation

Enhance your airport experience and protect your travel plans.

Travel Services

Priority Pass access for airport lounges.
Compensair for flight delay/cancellation compensation.
Maintain contact with Solis Wi-Fi portable devices.

General Services

Daily Needs

Water: Ma.
Bread: Khobz.
Delicious: Bnin.

Interactions

I apologize: Smahli (female), Smahliya (male).
Making an an effort to use French or Darija.
Engaging with locals.

Important Note

Check specific opening times for attractions as they are not consistent. Arranging for holidays is wise.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interaction with local culture defines a positive visit.

Greeting & Attire

Always greet locals. "Salam Alaykum" is common. Handshakes are common between same genders.

Customs

Wait for local to initiate physical contact between opposite genders.
Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, especially in traditional/religious areas.
Hassan II Mosque: women cover heads with a scarf.

Dining & Photography

Use your right hand for traditional shared meals. Accepting mint tea is a sign of hospitality. Tipping is customary.

Practices

Always get consent before taking pictures of people.
Avoid photographing military/police or private residences without explicit permission.
Refer to "Budgeting & Costs" for tipping guidelines.

Sensitive Topics & Gender

Avoid These

Avoid overt public displays of affection.
Avoid openly discussing controversial politics or religion.
Avoid consuming alcohol in public outside licensed establishments.

Gender & Respect

Women travelers dress modestly.
Be aware of surroundings, especially if walking alone at night.
Catcalling occasionally occurs; ignore it.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Access

Old Medina: narrow, uneven alleys are challenging.
Newer districts: smoother pavements but accessibility varies.
Modern buildings: ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms.

Transport & Sites

Hassan II Mosque: generally accessible with ramps and lifts.
Casablanca Tramway: modern, low-floor trams, accessible stops.
Traditional taxis are not typically adapted for wheelchairs.

Accessibility Note

Planning for travelers with mobility needs. Communicate requirements clearly when you reserve places to stay and tours.

Travel Resources

Access to language education and portable internet will improve your journey.

Communication & Connectivity

Remain connected with reliable services for smooth travels.

Digital Tools

Portable Wi-Fi: Solis Wi-Fi gadgets for consistent internet.
eSIM: Airalo for instant mobile data upon arrival.
Language Learning: Rosetta Stone for Darija or French.

Travel Compensation & Lounges

Protect your travel plans and enjoy airport comforts.

Airport Perks

Flight Compensation: Compensair for delays/cancellations.
Lounge Access: Priority Pass for worldwide airport lounges.
Smooth airport transitions.

Practical Considerations

The Main languagesArabic (Darija), Tamazight.

Common as Part of tourismFrench, some English.

Local SIMMaroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi.

Wi-Fi AvailabilityWidespread in hotels/cafes.

Post Offices"Poste Maroc" for services.

ATMsWidely available.

Getting Ready

Pre-trip research on local services and norms makes for a more confident and pleasant exploration of Casablanca.

Casablanca Travel Tips