Ouarzazate, Morocco 🇲🇦
#457
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ouarzazate is known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara.' It is famous for its Moroccan kasbahs and film studios. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 35,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD; ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange are prevalent SIM card providers with reasonable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banque Populaire offer services, and international banks are available in larger cities. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb, with prices starting around $20 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cards accepted in tourist areas but cash is preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers various options, starting from $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Taznakht is a budget option starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is recommended for tourists, close to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The outskirts of Ouarzazate provide a quiet environment, with options like La Maison des Arrangements. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ouarzazate Coworking Space - Offers reliable internet and a collaborative atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tissaliwin - Offers a comfortable atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized through local Facebook groups and expat gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ouarzazate Expat Community on Facebook organizes monthly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis have a fixed rate system; no popular apps are widely used yet. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ouarzazate is inland; the nearest beach is around 4 hours away in Agadir. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Air Maroc operates flights from Ouarzazate to larger cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Atlasglobal and Air France offer international routes from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National highways connect Ouarzazate to major cities, including Marrakech (about 4 hours drive). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ouarzazate does not have a train station; buses are used for regional transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares within the city typically cost around $0.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Ouarzazate to cities like Marrakech and Essaouira. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Provincial - Offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Ouarzazate offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Ouarzazate offers monthly memberships starting at $20. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats charge around $5 for a full wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is a popular delivery option in Ouarzazate. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tagine - A traditional Moroccan dish commonly served in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Kasbah Tazzarine offers vegetarian-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Arrahma offers delightful local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks offer fresh produce and goods, prices vary. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Souq are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local shops offer delivery services for essential groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | While limited, Café Restaurant Le Timgad has evening activities. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Boukra offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some restaurants serve local Moroccan wines alongside meals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in the city center sell affordable kebabs and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian dishes are available at several restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Aït Benhaddou - A UNESCO World Heritage site close to Ouarzazate. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee du Cinema showcases Ouarzazate's film industry. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kasbah Taourirt is an important historical site in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Tamaris Mosque - A notable local mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of Ouarzazate takes place every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kasbah district is the cultural heart of Ouarzazate. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ouarzazate Theater hosts various local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local souk operates every Sunday with crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Moroccan music can be experienced in local cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in various neighborhoods, depicting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at La Maison Oasis. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Space Ouarzazate showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old kasbahs showcase unique Moroccan architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local Amazigh culture is evident in the language and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Daraa Valley, only a short drive away, offers scenic beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Toubkal National Park, about 2 hours away, is perfect for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Draa River are great for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The foothills of the Atlas Mountains provide breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Draa Riverbanks are known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Campsites around Ouarzazate allow bonfires on designated nights. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices handle parcel delivery effectively. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in the market offer repair services at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabic and French classes are available through local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are limited; best options are cafes with Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers organize workshops and events for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options, but local cafes sometimes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Ouarzazate. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 38% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents are taxed only on Moroccan-source income. |