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Budgeting & Costs

Budgeting & Costs

Morocco

Currency Exchange & Payments

ATMs are widely available in Dakhla city. Currency exchange offices also operate. Exchange a small amount at the airport or an ATM upon arrival. Larger hotels may offer exchange services, often at less favorable rates.

Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Smaller establishments, markets, and street vendors mainly use cash.

Money Tips

  • Carry local currency for smaller purchases.
  • Negotiate fares with taxi drivers before starting your trip.
  • Bargaining is a common practice in markets.
  • Eat at local eateries for budget-friendly meals.

Tipping Culture Baksheesh

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Morocco.

For restaurants, a tip of 10-15% for good service is common. For small cafes, round up or leave a few Dirhams. For taxis, round up to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams, or add 5-10 MAD for longer rides. For hotel staff, consider MAD 10-20 for porters and MAD 20-50 for housekeeping per day. For tour guides, MAD 50-100 per person per day, based on tour length and quality. For service or parking attendants, MAD 5-10 is customary.

Budget Traveler

MAD 300-600 / $30-60

Accommodation

MAD 100-200 (Hostel bed/basic guesthouse)

Activities

MAD 50-100 (Natural attractions)

Mid-range Traveler

MAD 600-1500 / $60-150

Accommodation

MAD 300-700 (Mid-range hotel/riad)

Activities

MAD 100-200 (Kiteboarding lessons)

Luxury Traveler

MAD 1500+ / $150+

Accommodation

MAD 800+ (Luxury resort/boutique hotel)

Activities

MAD 300+ (Boat trips, private lessons)

Price Ranges: Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation

Hostel bed/basic guesthouse: MAD 100-200
Mid-range hotel/riad: MAD 300-800
Luxury resort/boutique hotel: MAD 800-3000+

Meals

Street food/local snack: MAD 10-30
Local café meal: MAD 40-80
Mid-range restaurant meal: MAD 80-200
Fine dining meal: MAD 250+

Transportation & Activities

  • Transportation:

    Petit taxi: MAD 10-30. Grand taxi (shared): MAD 20-50. Airport transfer (private): MAD 150-300. Kiteboarding shuttle: MAD 50-100. Car rental: MAD 300-700.

  • Activities:

    Natural attractions: Free (transport costs apply). Kiteboarding lessons (group, per hour): MAD 250-500. Kiteboarding equipment rental (full day): MAD 400-800. Boat trip (half-day): MAD 300-600.

Money-Saving Hints

  • Choose street food and small local eateries over tourist restaurants.
  • Use shared taxis; grand taxis are much cheaper than private options for longer distances.
  • Book accommodation ahead, especially during peak season, as prices can rise.

Smart Spending

Renting equipment for longer periods is often more cost-effective than daily rates for extensive water sports. Buying groceries from local markets can save money if your accommodation has kitchen facilities.

Health & Safety Considerations

Focus on your health and safety in Dakhla.

Vaccinations & Common Concerns

No specific vaccinations are needed for entry from most countries. Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized recommendations, which may include routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.

Health Reminders

Healthcare & Hygiene

Dakhla has a regional hospital (Hôpital Hassan II) and private clinics. Pharmacies are widely available. Emergency services are generally responsive in urban areas.

Water & Food

  • Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Purifier tablets may be useful.
  • Eat at reputable establishments. Food should be well-cooked and served hot.
  • Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruits if unsure of hygiene.
  • Medical evacuation to larger cities or Europe may be needed for serious conditions. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is highly recommended.

Crime & Safety

Petty Crime

  • Dakhla is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate.
  • Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, though less common than in larger Moroccan cities. Keep valuables secure in a Money belt.
  • Scams are rare compared to major tourist centers. Be wary of unsolicited "guides" or overly persistent touts, though this is less common here.
  • Dakhla is in the Western Sahara region, which has an unresolved political status. The city is under Moroccan administration and is considered stable and secure. A military presence is visible but generally does not intrude on tourists.

Natural Risks

  • Sandstorms/Dust Storms: Can occur, reducing visibility and causing respiratory irritation. Stay indoors if one happens.
  • Heat Waves: Less common directly on the coast due to ocean breezes. Inland areas can experience very high temperatures.
  • Sun Exposure: The UV index is high. Wear Appropriate sun protection, including a wide-brimmed Hat.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. It should cover medical emergencies, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency (Police): 19 (landline) / 112 (mobile)
  • Royal Gendarmerie (outside urban areas): 177
  • Fire Department: 15
  • Medical Emergency/Ambulance: 15

Travel Insurance & Assistance

Travel insurance is a good idea for your trip. It covers unexpected events like medical issues, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Recommended Providers

Visa Application Services

  • IVisa (consumer visa application)
  • VisaHQ (direct visa and passport service)
  • Keep the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Rabat or the nearest consulate.

Local Health & Safety Tip

A military presence is visible in the region, but it generally does not intrude on tourists. Cooperation at checkpoints is expected; have your documents ready.

Budget Breakdown Overview

Estimated daily costs are below. Your personal choices and negotiation skills shape the final amount.

Daily Spend Averages

These are approximate costs per person per day. Prices vary based on the season and your spending habits.

Budget travelers can find good value by embracing local food and shared transportation. Mid-range visitors find comfortable options, while luxury travelers discover high-end resorts and exclusive services, especially around the lagoon.

Cost Categories per person, approximate

  • Accommodation: MAD 100 - 3000+
  • Food: MAD 10 - 400+
  • Transportation: MAD 10 - 700+
1

Accommodation

Hostels are limited. Kite camps offer a range from basic bungalows to luxurious villas. Mid-range hotels are available in the city.

Choose kite camps for direct lagoon access and lessons.

Expect higher prices during peak wind season.

2

Food & Dining

Enjoy local street food for authentic and budget-friendly meals. Restaurants cater to various tastes, from local Moroccan cuisine to international dishes.

Local cafes offer good value; fine dining is available in resorts.

Tourist-oriented restaurants may have higher prices.

3

Activities & Transport

Kiteboarding lessons and equipment rental are the main activity costs. Taxis are common for city travel; grand taxis for inter-city. Car rental for independence.

Rent equipment for longer periods to save money.

Private airport transfers are more expensive than shared options.

Price Comparison: Daily Costs

Category Budget (MAD) Mid-Range (MAD)
Accommodation 100-200 300-700
Food 100-200 200-400
Transportation 50-100 100-200

Daily Cost Ranges USD Approx.

  • Budget Traveler$30-60
  • Mid-range Traveler$60-150
  • Luxury Traveler$150+

Typical Activity Costs

  • Kiteboarding Lesson (per hour)MAD 250-500
  • Kite Equipment Rental (full day)MAD 400-800
  • Boat Trip (half-day)MAD 300-600

Typical Meal Costs

  • Street FoodMAD 10-30
  • Local Cafe MealMAD 40-80

Typical Transportation Costs

  • Petit Taxi (short ride)MAD 10-30
  • Shared Grand Taxi (per person)MAD 20-50
  • Airport Transfer (private)MAD 150-300

Money-Saving Strategies

Eat local foodSignificant Savings
Use shared taxisMuch Cheaper
Bargain respectfully in marketsExpected
Book accommodation aheadBetter Rates
Rent equipment for longer periodsCost-Effective
Buy groceries for self-cateringReduces Costs

Financial Readiness

  • Always carry some cash (Dirhams) for smaller purchases and local vendors.
  • Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Consider a travel-friendly debit/credit card with low foreign transaction fees.
  • Keep some emergency cash separate from your main wallet.
  • Digital payments are not as widespread outside major establishments.

Travel Insurance Overview

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. It covers unexpected medical emergencies, trip changes, lost luggage, and personal liability.

Coverage Areas

  • Medical Emergencies

    Coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications.

  • Medical Evacuation

    Costs for transport to a suitable medical facility, sometimes in another country.

  • Lost/Delayed Luggage

    Compensation for lost items or funds for essentials during delays.

Choosing a Policy

Compare policies from reputable providers. Look for specific coverage for activities like kiteboarding if you plan to partake.

Read the fine print regarding exclusions, especially for adventure sports or pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies offer additional benefits like travel delay coverage.

Having a policy with good medical evacuation coverage is highly recommended due to Dakhla's location and the potential need for transport to larger cities for serious medical issues.

Affiliate partners such as World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Insubuy are good options for travelers.

Flight Delay and Cancellation Assistance

  • 1
    Know Your Passenger Rights

    If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation under certain regulations, especially for flights within or from the EU.

  • 2
    Keep All Documentation

    Hold onto your boarding pass, flight booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline regarding the delay or cancellation.

  • 3
    Seek Assistance

    AirHelp assists passengers in getting compensation for delayed or canceled flights, up to €600, depending on the circumstances.

Critical Travel Warnings

While Dakhla is generally safe, it is wise to be aware of certain warnings.

Regional Status

  • The Western Sahara region has an unresolved political status.
  • Dakhla itself is under Moroccan administration and is considered stable.
  • A military presence is visible.

Personal Safety

  • Always confirm taxi fares before starting your journey.
  • Avoid walking alone in very remote desert areas without proper navigation or informing others.
  • Exercise caution with valuables in crowded areas, though petty crime is low.

Stay Informed

Regularly check your national government's travel advisories for Morocco before and during your trip. These updates can include changes in entry requirements or safety recommendations.