Is Morocco cashless?
Cash preferred#113 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #12 of 54 in Africa
Short answer: Carry dirhams for souks, taxis and cafes. Use BMCI ATMs for the lowest fee and take the maximum each time.
Riads, larger restaurants and chains take cards. Souks, petit taxis, cafes and most small businesses are cash only.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Morocco take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Morocco.
Local currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)
How does tipping work?
10% in restaurants, plus small cash tips for guides, porters and parking attendants.
Mobile payments
No widely used mobile wallets for visitors. Stick to cards where accepted, and cash.
Getting cash: ATMs
Expect a fee at every ATM
Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards MAD 22-50 per withdrawal, usually MAD 35, and pay out MAD 2,000-4,000 at a time.
Cheapest options
- BMCI (about MAD 28; free for Global ATM Alliance cards)
- CDM, the blue ATMs (reported lower fees)
Avoid
- Société Générale and Crédit Agricole (highest fees)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Dirhams can only be obtained inside Morocco; withdraw at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco cashless?
Morocco scores 36/100 on Cashlessy (cash preferred), ranking #113 of 197 countries. Riads, larger restaurants and chains take cards. Souks, petit taxis, cafes and most small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash in Morocco?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Morocco.
Are credit cards accepted in Morocco?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Morocco take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Morocco?
10% in restaurants, plus small cash tips for guides, porters and parking attendants.
Which ATMs are free in Morocco?
Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards MAD 22-50 per withdrawal, usually MAD 35, and pay out MAD 2,000-4,000 at a time. Best options: BMCI (about MAD 28; free for Global ATM Alliance cards); CDM, the blue ATMs (reported lower fees). Avoid: Société Générale and Crédit Agricole (highest fees).
Compare with Africa
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.