Discover Essaouira
Marrakesh the Red City and capital of the Great South is arguably the most exotic, mysterious and enchanting place that is close to Europe. Marrakesh is Morocco's main point of entry for tourists. Accessible by air, road and rail, the city is situated at the meeting point of routes for Ouarzazate (key to Sahara desert), Essaouira (Atlantic coast), and the northern imperial cities. With all that Marrakesh has to offer, it's difficult to not fall for the place.
Once you have arrived, the Marrakesh Menara Airport is 6 km west of the city, by the Menara gardens. The rate of air traffic at the airport recorded an increase of 9.19 per cent in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period of the previous year. You will necessarily pass the customs which will require a lot of patience if unfortunately, other flights arrive at the same time as yours.
But after this first contact, you will appreciate the charming life of this city.
The climate in Marrakesh
Marrakesh has a sunny and Mediterranean climate. Average winter temperatures are near 20°, though the nights can be cold. Spring and fall are the ideal months to visit Marrakesh, the temperatures are around 30°, with a pleasant and little rain that occurs in the form of downpours and thunderstorms and occasionally can be intense. In summer, the temperatures are very high. They can rise up to 50° in the morning and 40° in the evening.
The cost of living in Marrakesh
The cost of living in Marrakesh depends on the lifestyle of each. A modest Moroccan family will not have the same pace of life as a foreign family or a couple of European retirees who wish to expatriate in Morocco. There is a big gap between the cost of living for a poor Moroccan, who gets paid a few hundred euros per month, and the cost of living for an expat who wants to maintain the same level of comfort and benefits expected from Europe. The necessities are cheap. The rest is, compared to wages, rather expensive. Therefore, low-income households wishing to emigrate should first have an idea of ''the prices that can be practised. For this, an idea of ''the prices that can be practised for the main items of expenditure:
Housing in Marrakesh
In Marrakesh, as everywhere else in Morocco or worldwide, the price per square meter varies according to the location of the property, the type of property and the services that can accompany it. Thus, despite the rise in real estate prices, purchase and rental prices are much more affordable than in France, for larger areas and just as many benefits accompanying the property: concierge, security agent, swimming pool, etc.
Useful links:
Maroc Bikhir
Avito
Maroc Annonces
Supermarkets and souks in Marrakesh
Regarding food, you will find almost everything in supermarkets and hypermarkets; luxury items and imported goods (cheese, cold cuts or French wine and champagne) are more expensive than in Europe.
Supermarket chains in Marrakesh include:
- Acima,
- Marjane,
- Carrefour and Carrefour Market,
- Supermarché Label 'Vie,
- Aswak Assalam,
- Bim,
- Mercado De Verdura, etc.
As for local goods, it is better to go to the souk, they take place every day and are very popular. The souks are much cheaper and of much better quality. You can expect to be offered a higher price because haggling and negotiating over the prices are an integral part of the Moroccan culture.
Education in Marrakesh
Regarding the education of expatriate children, the best choice in terms of quality are the international institutions; there is a very extensive network in Marrakesh with kindergarten, schools, colleges and high schools.
However, the admission process is quite intense and tuition fees are very high; 25.000 Dhs (2312€) to 60.000 Dhs (5548€) per year for French schools, and between 60.000 Dhs (5548€) to 140.000 Dhs (12944€) per year for American schools.
Getting around Marrakesh
Public transport in Marrakesh is not very developed. Taxis are a popular means of transportation. They are very common, cheap, available 24 hours a day and present everywhere. You can call them or just hail them on the street.
Although fares are fixed prices, it is known that the taxi drivers try to charge more, so you only have to agree on the price first.
Day rate: 7 Dhs minimum
Night rate: 10 Dhs minimum
Airport/city centre rate: 70 Dhs
Airport/Palmeraie fare: 100 Dhs
There is also a bus network to get around the city, and the ticket costs 3dh. Or, you can rent a car for the day from 200 Dhs and a scooter from 100 Dhs.
