Ouarzazate, Morocco 🇲🇦
#457
30.920193, -6.910923
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ouarzazate, known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara,' is famous for its Berber heritage and film studios. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-20 Mbps; varies by provider and location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD; ATMs available, major cards accepted in some places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment through cards; banks include Banque Populaire and Attijariwafa Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash transactions; some places accept cards, especially in hotels. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Auberge Riad Watier and budget hotels are available. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ksar Ghilane, known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Restaurant La Terrasse, offers Wi-Fi and a good ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups organized through Facebook groups for expats and nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at local cafes and cultural events in town. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Locally, taxis are common; no major ride apps. Negotiate fares. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Options available through local shops, particularly near tourist areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach is in Essaouira, approx. 4 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Air Maroc offers flights to larger cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Lufthansa provide connections from major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The N10 highway connects Ouarzazate to Marrakech and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ouarzazate has no train station; buses are the main transport mode. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited options; buses can be used to travel to nearby towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from CTM and Supratours connect Ouarzazate to many cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Provincial de Ouarzazate is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Le Kasbah provides wellness retreats and yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Facilities are limited, with some small gyms available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; inquire at your accommodation. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps; local delivery options may exist, but dining out is common. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tagine with lamb or chicken, a Moroccan staple. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cuisine includes vegetarian tagines and local salads; few dedicated vegan spots. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie El Massira offers a variety of Moroccan sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souks in the medina are great for local produce and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and local online marketplaces available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; basic groceries can be found in local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars; local cafés are the main social hubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Soft drinks and local herbal teas are common; limited alcohol production. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local wines can be found in some restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street food includes grilled meats and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some options for Italian and French cuisine available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO site, and Taourirt Kasbah. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cinema Museum and local art exhibitions in galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Heritage sites include ancient kasbahs and fortresses. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local mosques; respectful attires advised for visits. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | FESTIVAL OF THE DESERT and local Berber celebrations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The medina offers rich cultural insights and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at local cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Craft markets at the medina and Ouarzazate souk. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music festivals feature traditional Moroccan music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Traces of local art and murals around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available at local culinary schools and restaurants. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Exhibitions at various local galleries showcasing regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various old adobe buildings reflect Berber architecture in the medina. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich Berber culture and traditions heavily influence the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Atlas Mountains and nearby desert landscapes for exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Toubkal National Park is within driving distance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; trails exist in the surrounding mountains. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from Aït Benhaddou and mountains are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various locations near riverbanks and rural areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas exist in parks, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal service available; international services through DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; ask locals for community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Available through local expat groups and language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; some cafes are suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host various events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Very few options; primarily local entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31%; varies for different sectors. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%; applicable to distributable profits. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 38%; applies to high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20%; standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules; some regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value; varies locally. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate on property transactions. |