What to expect when moving to Morocco

Hello everyone,

Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to Morocco? For example, transportation, internet speeds, types of housing, aspects of the culture or social life.

In your opinion, what's the most important thing to know about Morocco?

When would you recommend someone should begin planning their move to Morocco?

What were the most helpful ways you found to get organised? For example, did you use a checklist, were there any particularly useful websites or apps?

What advice would you give to future expats preparing to move to Morocco?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

1. Learning Basic French or arabic will help a lot as people dont speak English much.
2. Almost every decent sized town has supermarket (e.g. Acima), which contains almost every product of daily use: Meat, vegetables, soft drinks, kitchen items, electronics...everything under one roof. Also, there are local shops in every street where you can easily get daily life products like bread, milk, recharge coupons etc.
3. Make a local friend as soon as possible, it will be very helpful, specially when you are sick and want to visit a doctor, or going to market for purchasing.
4. For vegetarian or vegan people, food options are less specially in restaurants, better learn some cooking and bring spices from home country.
5. Most of the coastal towns don't require fan or a/c. Weather is so pleasant.
6. Transportation is cheap and quite comfortable. There is option of taxi, bus, train which are available in abundance.
7. keeping Euros/Dollars is fine because every city has currency exchange counters.
8. Almost every town has local bars which are open till about 10. After 10, if one wants to enjoy, there are clubs which remain open till morning.
9. There are very less cinema halls, so internet is best friend for watching films, or other TV shows. Net Speed is good and is available at quite cheap rates.
10. Winter could be bit harsh at some places. Keep lot of warm clothes if coming in winter.
11. Two wheel vehicles are damn expensive (slightly good ones). Driving is right side and getting a license is not so easy, you have to go through serious tests.
12. Morocco has one of the biggest casinos in the world: Mazagan resort and casino in El Jadida. Whole place is damn amazing and is a must visit.
13. Morocco is a mix of traditional and modern culture (French influence). One must know how to behave and when, specially if at someone's home.
14. Ifrane is the hidden gem of Morocco. It is as good as Switzerland in winters. A must visit place.
15. Many ppl who come to Morocco want to stay forever. Since jobs are difficult to get, they think of starting business. Spend at least one year before investing life savings in Morocco. Morocco as a tourist is good, but for long term planning, one needs to understand Moroccan culture and people deeply.
16. In a town you will find at least one pharmacy open that day. You will find a note on every pharmacy about the schedule of closing. Also, there will always be one male and one female always present in every pharmacy.
17. Most popular place, Marrakech could be damn hot in summers. So much that it could be unbearable for some, better to plan in advance for summer if staying in Marrakech.
18. Moroccans practice Ramadan very seriously. It is advisable to read about dos and donts during Ramadan. This will avert any unpleasant experience.
19. Keep exploring, even a tiny small place could be absolute beauty in Morocco.

Thanks for the good advice.