So youβve decided to move to Moroccoβcongrats! There are few countries to rival Moroccoβs rich diversity of culture, language, music, architecture, landscape and market scents.
This country is one of my favorites, and it isn’t difficult for Westerners to move there.
There are some adjustments to be made of course, but once you get past these hangups, Moroccoβs beautiful and colorful landscape will take you years, if not decades, to explore.
Here is a guide to moving to Morocco from our Expat Travel Expert, Wailana!
What to Expect in Morocco
Morocco runs on βMediterranean Time,β meaning that things happen when they happen. While youβre here, itβs best to adjust to a slower, simpler paceβeverybody else has.
Donβt expect the same standards as in Western countries. Life here is more relaxed and easygoingβbut on the flip side, this means that there is garbage on the streets and sometimes restaurants can feel a bit dirty.
The Food
The food is incredibleβseriously my favorite country is Morocco almost exclusively due to its food. Fresh bread, colorful spices, countless type of olives, spicy Merguez sausages, Harsha with olive oil, lamb tagine with couscous, kofta tajineβ¦ah, the list goes on and on.
Etiquette
Overall, Moroccans tend to be very polite and genuine. They are usually quite curious and open-minded, yet appreciate privacy. There is an intimacy among friendsβand even strangers help each other out, giving gifts and kindness without a feeling of reciprocity.
Avoiding Scams
However, the country does have its fair share of scams, especially in the cities of Tangiers, Casablanca, and Marrakech, so be on the lookout for anyone trying to make a quick buck. People may grab your hand for a henna tattoo, or take you to a cheap carpet shop owned by their cousin. Itβs not common, but it does happen. Just be aware. Itβs also best to get used that you will spend more than the locals, just by the fact that youβre a foreigner. Shopkeepers, museum docents, and ticket sellers will charge you more.
The Language
Itβs a good idea to pick up some of the local languages here, as many people donβt speak English. Start with Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabicβif all else fails you can resort to French or Spanish.
Cost of Living
Itβs extremely affordable to live here. Sandwiches will cost you about $2 USD. Almost everything will cost less than in any Western country. This is great news if you earn US Dollars or Euros by remote work, but if you earn Moroccan dirhams expect to live within modest means.
Visas and Immigration
As a U.S. citizen, you plan to stay in Morocco for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit (carte sejour) from the immigration office. There are a number of ways you can apply for a residency permit in Morocco, whether youβre a student, married to a Moroccan, employee or pensioner.
Ultimately the information changes depending on who, when, and where you ask.
Itβs best to inquire directly at the immigration office in your district about what exactly youβll need. Expect to go through a lot of bureaucracy while youβre sorting out your paperworkβMorocco is not known for its organization or communication in the public office!
Required documentation, in general, includes application forms, passport photos, criminal background record check, a copy of your passport, birth certificate, bank statement, and medical certificate from a local doctor.
You may also need to have a rental contract and a police form, and some of these documents need to be translated into Arabic or French. Of course, if you are applying as a student or an employee, you also have to submit documents that prove your status.
Once you have submitted your documents, you will be issued a 3-month temporary residence permit while you are waiting for your official permit. The waiting time varies widely, but expect at least 2-4 months.
You can avoid the permit process if you leave the country every 3 months. However, this is generally not recommended as you may encounter a bit of trouble from the authorities. They may require you to stay out of the country for a week or more. Plus the hassle of going to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (the closest border crossing) every 90 days is a bit annoying.
How to Find Accommodation
Accommodation is a bit tricky to secure in Morocco. The best way to find one is through word-of-mouth; ask friends, ask around. If you already have a job arranged, ask your employer.
Go around in a neighborhood and ask the doormen if there are any open apartments in the buildings. You could also use a real estate agent but the costs can be high; about one monthβs rent once you find a place. If all else fails, try the website avito.ma, which lists apartments.
Many expats choose Rabat or Marrakesh as their home base.
You can either opt to live in the medina, the old part of town, but this usually comes with archaic plumbing and building structureβor choose the more modernized Ville Nouvelle area. Almost every city has one of each.
Getting Around Morocco
It is extremely easy to get around in Morocco if you know the system. There are planes, boats, trains, long-distance buses, grand taxis and petit taxis that will get you practically everywhere. If youβre taking a cab, negotiate the fare in advance.
Trains are the most comfortable and quickest but the route limits you to a few select cities. Buses are divided into luxury and local, with the former offering A/C and tend to add more comfort and expense.
If youβre traveling between towns for less than an hour, opt for the grand taxi. The price is distributed between passengers, so you can hop in a car that already has 3-5 people heading to your way.
Grab a petit taxi for a quick way to zip around within a city.
Whatβs the Expat Community Like?
Morocco has been an ethnic melting pot for centuriesβhere youβll find Europeans, Berbers, Africans from the south, Middle Easterners, Americans and more.
As the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the locals have embraced many customs, dialects, traditions into what is now a rich cultural mishmash. Because of this, the expat community is alive and well and quite close-knit, with neighbors relying on each other for news and info in their adopted home.
However, to find them you have to go hunting at first. Sign up for Facebook groups. Try an expat club like the Intercultural Thaqafat Association or the American International Womenβs Club of Casablanca. If you have a job, for example, if you work as an ESL teacher, take the time to connect with other teachers.
Other Helpful Tips
Time
Be patient, and keep your schedule loose. In Morocco, things tend to move at their own pace, and you never know what challenge is going to be next.
The Hammam
Take full advantage of the hammam while youβre thereβMoroccan public baths where you can relax, get a vigorous massage, and scrub away all the dirt from your day.
I find ppl from the Arabic countries very polite kind and religious it’s nice to meet new ppl from different places Peace everyone God bless America
I’m so glad you’ve had a good experience, Caroline!