Can you pay by card in Tangier?

Yes in most hotels, restaurants and modern shops. In the medina, souks and taxis, carry cash in small notes.

Money and payments

Money in Tangier is easy to handle with a bit of preparation. The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), not convertible outside Morocco — you change or withdraw on arrival. Summary: • Dirhams are required in the medina, markets, taxis and small cafés. • Cards are accepted in most hotels, modern restaurants and large stores. • ATMs are easy to find in town and at the airport. Where to change or withdraw: • On arrival, withdrawing a small amount at the airport, station or in town covers your first expenses. • Official exchange offices display their rates — compare before changing large amounts. • Rates, bank fees and withdrawal limits vary — check with your bank before travelling. In the medina and souks: • Carry small notes for taxis, coffee and artisan purchases. • Prices are often negotiable — stay polite and buy only if you're comfortable. See also: Taxi tips, Souks, Medina shops, Safety and SIM & internet.

Overview

Tangier is easy on money matters. The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). ATMs are plentiful in the centre, the marina and near the port. Cards work in most hotels, modern restaurants, cafés and downtown shops, but cash is still king in the medina, taxis and markets.

Cash or card?

Mid- and upper-range hotels and riads: card usually accepted.
Modern restaurants and downtown / marina cafés: card generally accepted.
Medina, traditional cafés, street vendors, taxis: bring cash.
Small notes (20, 50, 100 MAD) make payments much easier.

ATMs

ATMs of major Moroccan banks (Attijariwafa, BMCE, BP, CIH, Société Générale) are the most reliable.
Prefer withdrawals during the day, on busy streets or inside bank branches.
Decline the ATM's currency conversion (DCC) and choose ‘without conversion' for better rates.
Check your bank's foreign withdrawal fees before you travel.

Currency exchange

The dirham is not freely convertible: change money in Morocco rather than before you travel.
Compare a few licensed exchange offices before converting large amounts.
Avoid informal street money-changers: real rate and safety are uncertain.
Keep some dirhams for the end of your trip, but don't change more than you need on the way back: only licensed offices buy dirhams back.

Arriving by ferry

At Tanger Ville port (downtown): ATMs and exchange offices are available inside the terminal and nearby.
At Tanger Med (45 km east): withdraw or change money before leaving the terminal when possible.
Having a few dirhams on arrival makes the first taxi or bus much easier.

Taxis, medina and small payments

Small blue petits taxis: ask for the meter. Otherwise agree on the price before getting in.
Medina: bargain calmly and with a smile. Offering around half the asking price is a common starting point.
Markets and small grocers: carry small notes; few shops can break a 200 MAD bill.
Tipping: 5-10 MAD for a brought coffee, 10% at restaurants if you're happy.