Essentials
- City
- Marrakech, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
- Population
- Approx. 1,017,000
- Internet Speed
- Fiber (IAM/Orange) up to 100 Mbps; average 4G/5G mobile speeds 25-40 Mbps
- Currency & Banking
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD). 1 USD ≈ 10.10 MAD, 1 EUR ≈ 10.95 MAD
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; buy bottled water (e.g., Sidi Ali, 6 MAD for 1.5L)
- Power
- 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets
- SIM Card
- Maroc Telecom (IAM), Inwi, or Orange. Best coverage: IAM (5GB for 50 MAD)
- Banking for Expats
- Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE. Multi-currency cards like Revolut and Wise work at most ATMs (BMCI and Al Barid Bank are best)
- Accommodation
- Riads in the Medina, Modern Apartments in Gueliz/Hivernage via Airbnb or Mubawab
- Cashless Friendly
- Moderate; cards accepted in malls and New City (Gueliz), but cash is essential for the Medina and Souks
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb, Booking.com, and local agencies like Marrakech Accommodations
- Budget Accommodation
- Equity Point Marrakech (Medina), Bed Addict Hostel (Gueliz) - approx. 150-250 MAD/night
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- The Medina (historic center near Jemaa el-Fnaa) for atmosphere and landmarks
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Gueliz (The New City) for high-speed fiber, modern cafes, and western amenities
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- L'Blassa (Gueliz) - High-speed internet, modern design, approx. 1,500 MAD/month
- Best Cafe for Work
- 716 (Gueliz) or Cafe Clock (Kasbah) - Reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets
- Networking Events
- Marrakech Digital Nomads Meetup (organized via Facebook/Meetup.com) at Cafe de la Poste
- Social Events for Expats
- Mondays at Point Noir (Gueliz) or Internations Marrakech monthly gatherings
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Heetch (Legal ride-sharing) or InDrive (Negotiable pricing). Standard 'Petit Taxi' uses meters
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Medina Bike (Bike sharing) or Pikala Bikes (Cafe & Community rentals)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Essaouira (3 hours by bus/car), approx. 100 MAD via Supratours
- Top Regional Airline
- Royal Air Maroc (RAM)
- Top International Airline
- Ryanair, EasyJet, Air France, and Transavia
- Highway Access
- A1/A3 Autoroute connecting to Casablanca (2.5 hrs) and Agadir (3 hrs)
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Gare de Marrakech (Gueliz) - Modern hub for ONCF trains
- Public Transport Passes
- ALSA City Bus monthly cards (Ikhlass card), approx. 150 MAD/month
- Regional Travel
- Supratours or CTM buses (Inter-city) and ONCF trains
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Clinique Internationale Marrakech (Hivernage) - Multi-lingual staff
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga Marrakech (Gueliz) or Om Yoga Marrakech at Movenpick
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- City Club (Gueliz) or Passage Fitness (Menara Mall) - approx. 300-500 MAD/month
- Laundry Services
- Pressing de la Renaissance (Gueliz) or local laundry 'Mصبنة' shops in the Medina
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Glovo (Very active in Marrakech)
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Tanjia Marrakchia (Slow-cooked lamb in a clay pot)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Ayaso Concept Store (Gueliz) or Culture Vultures (Medina)
- Best Dessert Spots
- Pâtisserie Amandine (Gueliz) for high-end Moroccan cookies and pastries
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Carrefour Market (Gueliz) and Souk El Khemis (Fleas/Groceries)
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Jumia.ma (The Amazon of Morocco)
- Grocery Delivery
- Glovo or Carrefour Now via the Glovo app
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Hivernage district (The Lotus Club, Theatro, Epicurien)
- Local Brewery
- Casablanca (Beer) - widely available in hotels/licensed bars
- Wine Bars
- 68 Bar à Vins (Gueliz) - Excellent Moroccan and French selection
- Street Food Stalls
- Jemaa el-Fnaa Night Market (Stall #14 for seafood, Stall #1 for Tanjia)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Le Grand Café de la Poste (French Brasserie) and Pepe Nero (Italian-Moroccan fusion)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque
- Museums & Art Venues
- YSL Museum (Museum of Yves Saint Laurent) and MACAAL (African Contemporary Art)
- Historical Sites
- Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace
- Religious Sites
- Ben Youssef Madrasa (Islamic College)
- Annual Events
- Marrakech International Film Festival (December), Oasis Festival (Electronic music)
- Cultural Districts
- Sidi Ghanem (Design & Industrial district)
- Theater Venues
- Royal Theatre (Gueliz) - Mostly opera and orchestral performances
- Local Markets
- Souk Semmarine (Main Souk) and Bab El Khemis (Antiques)
- Music Scene
- Cafe Clock (Traditional Gnawa music nights)
- Street Art
- Murals in the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and Gueliz side streets
- Cooking Classes
- La Maison Arabe Cooking School or Amal Women's Training Center
- Art Galleries
- Comptoir des Mines Galery (Gueliz) and David Bloch Gallery
- Historic Buildings
- Dar el Bacha (Museum of Confluences)
- Local Heritage
- Berber (Amazigh) culture and the distinct red ochre architecture
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Ourika Valley (45 mins away) - Waterfalls and hiking
- National Parks Nearby
- Toubkal National Park (Home to North Africa's highest peak)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Menara Gardens and Palmeraie (Palm groves) trails
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Rooftop of Cafe de France overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset
- Birdwatching Locations
- Lalla Takerkoust Dam (40km from city)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Agafay Desert (Luxury desert camps 45 mins away)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Aramex (Gueliz) or DHL Express Marrakech
- Tech Repair Services
- Electro Planet (Menara Mall) or independent shops in Derb Ghallef area
- Table Tennis Spots
- Selected luxury hotels in Hivernage (e.g., Es Saadi)
- Language Classes
- IFM (Institut Français Marrakech) or ALC (American Language Center) for Darija
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Dar Moulay Ali (French Institute library)
- Community Centers
- Amal Center (Targa/Gueliz) - focused on women's empowerment
- Gaming Lounges
- Cyber Park (Arsat Moulay Abdeslam) – outdoor park with free public Wi-fi
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Casino de Marrakech (Es Saadi Gardens Resort)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 18,000 MAD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 720,000 MAD)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 10,000 MAD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 400,000 MAD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 16,500 MAD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 990,000 MAD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 9,000 MAD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 540,000 MAD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 15,000 MAD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,200,000 MAD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 8,500 MAD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 680,000 MAD)
- Corporate Tax
- Progressive rates: 10% to 31% depending on profit levels
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 15%
- Tax System
- Territorial/Worldwide (Residents taxed on worldwide income)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 38% for income over 180,000 MAD/year
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No, but Morocco is increasing alignment with OECD tax standards
- Property Tax
- Taxe d'Habitation (Residence tax) and Taxe de Services Communaux
- Property Transaction Tax
- Registration duty (4%) + Notary fees + Land Registry (approx. 6-7% total)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific DN visa yet, but 'Auto-Entrepreneur' status offers reduced taxes for freelancers (approx. 1-2% on turnover)
- VAT
- Standard rate 20%; 10% for tourism/hospitality