I keep coming back to Marrakech. Over the years, I visited the city so many times, mostly searching for winter sun when the UK feels endlessly grey and cold and I’m craving warmth, colour and good food. With every visit, I become more and more familiar with the city, to the point where now I feel like home walking the streets of the Medina. With every visit I see things changing. But one question I’m asked again and again is this: do you need cash in Marrakech, or can you rely on cards?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely need cash in Marrakech. The longer answer is more nuanced, and that’s what this article is about. Cash or card in Marrakech?
While Morocco has a relatively high rate of debit and credit card ownership compared to other North African countries, cash is still the most widely used payment method. In fact, if you rely only on cards, you’ll likely miss out on many of the experiences that make Marrakech what it is.
Street food stalls, souk shopping, small local restaurants, taxis, tips, bargaining and spontaneous purchases all run on cash. Having Moroccan dirhams in your wallet doesn’t just make life easier, it allows you to experience the city properly.
That said, cards do have their place, especially in more modern or tourist-focused settings. The key is knowing when to use what, and how to avoid unnecessary fees or awkward situations.
Do You Need Cash in Marrakech?
If you plan on spending any real time in the Medina, cash is essential. Many restaurants, cafés and food stalls only accept cash, even those that look quite polished and popular. While some upscale restaurants do accept cards, splitting the bill is often not an option, which can be inconvenient if you’re travelling with friends.
In the souks, cash is king. Unless you’re buying something very expensive, like a large rug or a statement lamp, card payments usually aren’t accepted. Even then, card machines sometimes “don’t work today”, especially if the merchant senses you might not be fully comfortable with the local system.
If you had to choose between cash or card in Marrakech, cash would be the safer option. Morocco is slowly moving towards a more digital future, but right now, cash remains the most reliable and universally accepted method of payment.
That doesn’t mean you should leave your cards at home. The best approach is to combine both. Use cash for everyday spending, tipping and souk shopping, and cards for larger expenses, accommodation, attractions and supermarkets. Having both gives you flexibility and peace of mind.
Moroccan Dirhams and Where to Get Them
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham, and it’s a closed currency. This means you can’t legally take it in or out of the country, so there’s no point trying to buy dirhams before you travel.
Once you’re in Marrakech, you’ll have plenty of options. You can withdraw dirhams from ATMs or exchange money at official bureaux de change.
Although there are ATMs and exchange desks at Marrakech airport, they usually charge higher fees or offer less favourable exchange rates. Personally, I don’t think you really need cash the moment you land.
I always recommend booking your airport transfer in advance, so you don’t need to worry about cash straight away after a flight.
If you’re planning to buy a physical SIM card at the airport, you will need cash. However, I strongly recommend using an eSIM for Morocco instead. You can install it once you arrive using the airport WiFi, which is reliable. It’s cheaper, more convenient and saves you the hassle of swapping SIM cards and risking losing your original one.
If you choose to take a taxi from the airport, official taxis from the airport stand can usually be paid by card, which is another reason you don’t need to rush to an ATM straight away.
Are There ATMs in Marrakech?
There are plenty of ATMs in Marrakech, and using them is the best way to get Moroccan dirhams.
You’ll find ATMs all over the city, especially near major landmarks, shopping areas and hotels. It’s best to use machines belonging to established banks, such as Société Générale, Bank of Africa or Al-Maghrib, which is the Central Bank of Morocco.
Most ATMs will charge a withdrawal fee, and unfortunately, there’s no real way around this. From my experience, ATMs operated by the Central Bank of Morocco and Al Barid sometimes don’t charge a fee, but this can change.
When withdrawing money, you’ll usually be asked if you want the ATM to convert the currency for you. Always decline this option. Let your bank handle the conversion, as the ATM exchange rate is almost always worse.
Many four-star and five-star hotels have ATMs in their lobby. These are convenient, but the fees are often higher than those charged by street ATMs, so I only use them in a pinch.
The withdrawal limit at Moroccan ATMs is usually around 2,000 dirhams per transaction, although this can vary depending on the bank.
Keep Small Change for Tipping
Tipping is very common in Marrakech, and it’s one of the main reasons you should always carry small notes and coins.
You’ll be expected to tip tour guides, drivers, waiters, hammam staff, porters and anyone who helps you with luggage. The amounts don’t need to be large, but not tipping at all can feel awkward.
Having small change on hand makes these interactions smoother and avoids the uncomfortable situation of trying to break a large note.
Where to Exchange Currency in Marrakech
While some shops and restaurants accept euros or US dollars, this almost always works in the merchant’s favour. The exchange rate offered is rarely good, even if they insist otherwise.
If you’re paying in cash, it’s best to pay in dirhams.
The best exchange rates are usually found at bureaux de change around Jemaa el-Fnaa. Airport exchange desks and hotel reception desks tend to offer worse rates, so I avoid them unless absolutely necessary.
Whenever possible, I prefer withdrawing cash from ATMs rather than exchanging money, as the rates are generally much better.
Where You Can Pay by Card in Marrakech
If you’re staying in a hotel, visiting well-known attractions or eating at more polished restaurants, you’ll often be able to use your debit or credit card without any issues. Most major tourist attractions accept card payments at their ticket offices. Places like the Majorelle Gardens, the Bahia Palace and Dar El Bacha are set up for visitors and make entry straightforward by accepting cards. This is helpful, as ticket prices can add up, and it saves you from carrying large amounts of cash.
You’ll also find that higher-end restaurants in Marrakech usually accept cards, particularly those aimed at tourists or located in neighbourhoods like Gueliz and Hivernage. Many luxury riads with on-site restaurants also take card payments, especially for set menus or tasting experiences. That said, splitting the bill can sometimes be an issue, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you’re dining as a group.
Large supermarkets such as Carrefour or Acima are another place where card payments are standard. These are useful for stocking up on bottled water, snacks or essentials, and they feel much closer to what you’d expect back home in terms of payment options.
Where You Usually Can’t Pay by Card in Marrakech
Taxis within the city almost always operate on a cash-only basis. Even if a driver agrees to a fare in advance, they’ll expect to be paid in dirhams at the end of the ride. The same applies to most forms of local public transport, which rely on cash, although long-distance train or bus tickets can usually be paid for by card at stations.
Small corner shops, neighbourhood cafés and local bakeries also tend to accept cash only. These are the places you’ll likely pop into for bottled water, a quick coffee or a snack, and having cash makes these everyday moments much easier.
In the souks, card payments are rare. Whether you’re buying ceramics, leather goods, spices or clothing, cash is expected, and bargaining is part of the process. Street food stalls in Marrakech and market vendors are also firmly cash-only, which is worth remembering if you’re planning to eat your way through Jemaa el-Fnaa or grab snacks while wandering the Medina.
This is where carrying cash really pays off. It gives you freedom to explore, taste and shop without constantly worrying about payment options, which is exactly how Marrakech is best experienced.
Final Thoughts: Cash or Card in Marrakech?
So, do you need cash in Marrakech? Yep!
While cards are useful and increasingly accepted, cash remains essential for navigating the city comfortably. It allows you to shop in the souks, eat at local spots, tip freely and experience Marrakech in a more authentic way.
My advice, based on years of visiting, is simple. Bring both. Withdraw cash from ATMs once you arrive, keep small notes handy, and use your card when it makes sense.
For more articles about Marrakech, check out oy recommendations below:
- Unique things to do in Marrakech
- Is Marrakech safe for solo female travellers?
- The best spices to buy in Marrakech
- How to get from Marrakech airport to the city centre
Like it? Pin it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
