Chefchaouen, Morocco 🇲🇦
#456
35.170083, -5.276658
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is a small city located in the Rif Mountains, known for its vibrant blue-painted buildings. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 42,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 25 Mbps (varies based on location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi offering prepaid SIM cards with 4G data |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs available, major cards accepted, local banks like Banque Populaire |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include riads, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings in the medina and suburbs, with prices starting from MAD 150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred; some larger establishments may accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local agencies, typically starting from MAD 300-500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Hostel Souika starting from MAD 80 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Hafa offers a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Restaurant Aladdin is popular among nomads, providing great coffee and decent internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups on social media and occasional meetups in cafés. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Networking through Facebook groups like 'Expats in Chefchaouen' for meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available but usually not booked via apps; negotiate fares upfront. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some local shops rent bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Morroco's beaches like Cabo Negro, approximately 60 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Arabia offers flights from nearby Tangier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and easyJet fly into Tangier. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 national road connects Chefchaouen to Tangier and Fes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chefchaouen does not have a train station; buses are the main form of long-distance transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available; no formal passes, tickets purchased on boarding. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to major cities like Tangier, Fes, and Tetouan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Provincial Al Mansour, local public hospital for emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at various local studios; check community boards for schedules. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gym options are limited; consider outdoor activities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; service typically costing around MAD 40 for a small load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated food delivery service; local cafés and restaurants usually offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tagine and Couscous are must-tries in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Rainbow Café is well-known for its vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Sidi Bouhadid serves local pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks in the medina offer fresh produce and meats at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like Jumia for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local markets preferred for fresh groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife mainly vibrant in local cafes; limited bar options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited to larger cities; consider local Moroccan beers available in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine is available in restaurants; no dedicated wine bar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the street vendors in the medina for affordable local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Moroccan and European cuisine scattered throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ras El Maa waterfall and the medina's blue-washed streets. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kasbah Museum offers insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Medina and historic kasbah are significant spots. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mosques scattered throughout the city; Hassan II Mosque is the main one. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals occur frequently; check local announcements. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The medina, with its vibrant arts scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional cultural performances in public squares. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Am market offers traditional crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music often featured in cafés. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals in the medina contribute to the town's vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available for Moroccan cuisine; check local listings. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; check local cafés for rotating art displays. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Local architecture reflects a blend of Berber and Spanish influences. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Significant Berber cultural influences observable in festivals and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking opportunities in the Rif mountains; Tisouka Waterfall nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Talassemtane National Park offers stunning landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various local paths for hiking; guided tours available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Great views from the mountains around the town. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rif mountains offer excellent birdwatching spots. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas not specified, but camping options available in surrounding nature. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Locally available through service points; international shipping via small shops. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Small local tech shops may offer basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; found in some local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors available for Arabic and French in the community. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; cafes often serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community initiatives help integrate locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; homes and cafés may offer gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Chefchaouen; nearest options in major cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MAD 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MAD 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MAD 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MAD 320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MAD 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MAD 540,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MAD 7,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MAD 420,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MAD 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MAD 680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MAD 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MAD 520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | No worldwide income taxation for non-residents; expats taxed on Morocco-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 38% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No, not applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate for real estate transactions. |