Can you use the euro in Morocco? Your Moroccan currency guide

Planning a trip to Morocco is exciting. You're probably thinking about the vibrant souks of Marrakech, the stunning blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the incredible blend of culture and history.

But before you travel, one of the most important things to think about is how to handle your travel money.

In this guide for UK customers, we break down everything you need to know about the Moroccan currency, the practicality of using euros and pounds, and how to pay safely and affordably in Morocco.

We’ll also show you how the Revolut card can help you spend in Morocco with clear and competitive rates, making us your essential companion for seamless travel.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 1 December 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut isn't a financial adviser.

What money does Morocco use?

The national and official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham, which is universally abbreviated to MAD and symbolised by DH or د.م..

While Morocco is a major international travel hub, drawing millions of visitors from across the UK and the eurozone, the Moroccan dirham is the only legal currency. All goods and services are officially priced and settled in MAD. It's the only currency accepted everywhere, from the Sahara to the high Atlas Mountains.

Using the local currency simplifies your payments and helps you stick to your budget without the confusion of on-the-spot conversion estimates.

Moroccan dirham facts and figures (MAD)

Knowing the denominations will help you manage your money easily, especially when you’re paying with cash or calculating tips. One Moroccan dirham is divided into 100 centimes.

The banknotes you'll encounter are:

• DH 20, DH 50, DH 100, and DH 200

The coins are:

• 1, 5, 10, 20 centimes
• $1/2$, DH 1, DH 2, DH 5, and DH 10

Familiarising yourself with these notes and coins before you travel is a simple way to feel more confident when handling payments at markets or small local shops.

Can I pay with euros in Morocco?

Morocco does not use the euro as its official currency. The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).

This is the central question for many UK travellers, and the answer is this: while you can use euros in Morocco, you often shouldn't.

A crucial point to know about the dirham is that, by law, it is a closed currency. This means that it is illegal to take Moroccan dirhams out of the country, and technically, all transactions should be settled in MAD.

Because of the high volume of international tourism, you'll find places in popular destinations such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, and Agadir that are willing to accept foreign cash, including the euro and the British pound, but this is usually an inefficient way to pay.

Can I pay in pounds in Egypt?

While some large tourist-focused businesses might occasionally accept euros or British pounds (GBP) as a convenience, it's rare and will often end up being more expensive.

Even if a business takes euros, the deal isn’t always great. You might be charged a poor rate, and any change will probably come back in dirhams.

So it’s usually easier to keep some Moroccan dirhams with you, or use a card with competitive exchange rates — like the Revolut debit card.

Where foreign cash is accepted (and where it isn't)

In touristy areas, some places do accept euros (EUR), US dollars (USD), and GBP.

Foreign cash is often accepted by:

• Large, international hotel chains
• Tour and excursion operators
• High-end rug or artisanal shops in tourist hotspots
• Some major restaurants and resort bars

Foreign cash is generally not accepted (or should be avoided) for:

• Local markets (souks) and street food vendors
• Petit taxis and most forms of public transport
• Small, independent retailers or local cafes
• Any service not inside a major tourist city

If you try to pay in euros or pounds in these situations, you'll likely be met with refusal, or the vendor will reluctantly accept it using an exchange rate heavily skewed in their favour.

When a Moroccan vendor accepts EUR or GBP, they must later take that money to an exchange office (or bank) to convert it into their operating currency, MAD. To compensate for this hassle, and to protect themselves against any rate fluctuations, they apply a safety margin to the price.

This margin often translates into you paying a 5–15% mark-up on the item that you wouldn't have to worry about if you paid in Moroccan dirham.

If you want a clear and fair conversion rate, always insist on paying in Moroccan dirham.

A multi-currency card like ours automatically handles the conversion process for you, giving you a competitive rate.

How to get Moroccan dirham

If you decide that Moroccan dirham is the best currency to use, your next question is how and where to exchange your GBP for MAD. The method you choose affects the rate you get and the fees you pay.

It’s important to note that the Moroccan dirham is a restricted currency, meaning you can't officially buy or sell it outside of Morocco. You must exchange your money upon arrival.

Avoiding airport and hotel exchange prices

As a rule of thumb, you should always aim to avoid exchanging large amounts of currency at airports and hotels.

These locations are convenient, but they charge a significant premium.

Their exchange rates are deliberately set to be less competitive, meaning you receive far fewer dirham for your British pounds than you would elsewhere.

It's sensible to exchange a very small amount, just enough for a taxi or a snack when you land, but reserve the bulk of your exchange for better rates in the city centre.

ATMs vs exchange offices (bureaux de change)

Once you're in a city like Marrakech or Casablanca, you have 2 main options for getting dirham — a licensed exchange office or an ATM:

• Exchange offices (bureaux de change): These dedicated currency exchange offices are common in city centres and generally offer clearer, more competitive rates than banks or airport desks. Always check the rates posted on their boards and be wary of any office that advertises a 0% commission but displays a very poor exchange rate. The commission is simply built into the rate itself.
• ATMs: For most customers, using an ATM with a multi-currency card offers the best combination of speed, clarity, and convenience. Your card provider, for example us, handles the currency conversion, usually at a much easier to understand rate than traditional exchange services.

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and why you should avoid it

When using an ATM, there's one important concept to master: dynamic currency conversion (DCC).

If the ATM asks if you want to continue the transaction in British pounds (GBP) or Moroccan dirham (MAD), always choose MAD.

Choosing GBP allows the ATM operator (not your card provider) to apply its own (often highly unfavourable) exchange rate. By selecting MAD, you opt for your card provider’s clearer, more competitive rate.

Tips for using an ATM in Morocco

If an ATM asks whether you would like to complete the transaction 'with conversion' or 'without conversion', you should choose 'without conversion'.

If you choose 'with conversion', the ATM provider may apply their own exchange rate.

You should opt to be charged in the local currency of the country you’re in. If you’re in Morocco, choose Moroccan dirham.

Should I use cards or cash in Morocco?

Morocco is becoming more card-friendly, particularly in large cities and modern businesses, with networks like Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. However, a combination of cash and card is the most practical way to pay, ensuring you're prepared for every situation.

When to use your card

Your multi-currency card is your primary tool for security and large payments, including:

• Accommodation: hotels, large riads, resorts, and pre-booked apartment costs
• Large retail: shopping malls, designer stores, and major chain restaurants
• High-value transactions: any item over a few hundred dirham where you prefer the security of a card transaction over handling large quantities of cash
• Online bookings: domestic flights, train tickets, and tours are safest booked online with a card

When to use cash

Keep some Moroccan dirham cash on you for smaller, necessary expenses like:

• Souks and markets: cash is essential for haggling, as vendors won't negotiate on card payments
• Tipping: from servers to guides, tips are typically given in cash
• Taxis: both petit and grand taxis rely purely on cash
• Small purchases: street food, small coffee shops, local corner shops, and public toilet fees often require dirham coins or small notes

As a general rule, travellers often carry between DH 500–1,000 in small denominations for daily use, keeping the rest of their money safe on their card.

Why use a multi-currency travel card?

For UK customers planning a trip to Morocco, using a specialist multi-currency travel money card like ours is a cost-effective and safe way to manage your finances.

Many traditional banks charge high fees for foreign transactions and ATM withdrawals, quickly eating away at your holiday budget. Our approach is to provide clear and competitive exchange rates, making us your essential companion for seamless travel.

With Revolut, you can manage and exchange over 30 currencies in-app, including GBP, EUR, and MAD, meaning you only need one card for all your trips and at home.

You can find more information about how we can make your travel easier with a dedicated travel money card.

To see how competitive our rates are, check any currency conversion, including GBP to MAD, on our dedicated currency converter page.

Spending abroad with Revolut is simple

If you're looking to avoid expensive surprise fees and hidden exchange rate mark-ups, consider taking the Revolut debit card on your next trip to Morocco.

Here's why:

• Manage and exchange over 30 currencies in-app, including GBP, EUR, and MAD
• Convert euros to dirham at clear fees and competitive exchange rates
• No need to buy or exchange currency before your trip - we'll automatically convert your balance to the currency you're paying in
• Withdraw cash easily from any ATM that supports Visa or Mastercard
• Create free virtual cards for more convenience and security, and add them to your digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay

No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits. T&Cs apply. Third parties may charge ATM fees.

Final tips for keeping your money safe in Morocco

Safety and security are important when travelling. Modern digital accounts like ours provide tools to keep your money safe.

The protection measures we take for your account include:

• Instant freezing: if you misplace your card or suspect theft, you can instantly freeze it in-app with a single tap. If you find it, you can instantly unfreeze it.
• Security measures: you have full control over your card’s security settings, including enabling/disabling contactless payments, online transactions, and ATM withdrawals. We also use geo-blocking to provide an extra layer of protection when your card is used in a different location to your phone.
• Virtual cards: for booking hotels or flights online, use a single-use virtual card. After the transaction, the card details expire, protecting your main account details from potential fraud.

To protect yourself from being robbed, avoid withdrawing large sums late at night. Only take money out in small amounts and from secure ATMs attached to major banks.

Learn more about how we protect your money.

Get started with Revolut for your next trip to Morocco

Make us your travel money card for seamless spending abroad, and manage Moroccan dirham and over 150 other currencies in-app.

Getting started is quick and easy:

1. Download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for Revolut.
2. Follow the in-app process to complete your profile and verify your identity.
3. Add money to your account in British pounds (GBP) via transfer or a linked card.
4. Once in-app, you can create a Moroccan dirham currency Pocket and exchange the amount you plan to spend. Or, simply start spending from your usual GBP balance in Morocco — we'll handle the conversion instantly.
5. Order your physical card (delivery fees apply) and, if needed, add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay to start spending immediately.