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Guide
Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦
#455
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, known for its rich history and culture, blending modern architecture with historical sites. |
👥 Population | Approximately 1.6 million people. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 25 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD, 1 USD ≈ 10 MAD. Local banking includes Bank of Africa, BMCE, and Attijariwafa Bank. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Orange, Inwi, and Maroc Telecom. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Most major cards accepted; international money transfer services also available. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb, and local rentals through platforms like Jumia House. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Increasingly cashless, but cash is still widely used, especially in markets. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate websites like Ajnad.com for short stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Sidi Makhlouf and Riad Le Cheval Blanc are recommended. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Medina offers charm and proximity to attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Agdal is popular for co-working spaces and cafes with good internet. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | SOWA, a popular coworking space with a vibrant community. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cornershop Cafe offers great coffee and a conducive working atmosphere. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetups typically shared via local Facebook groups or platforms like Meetup.com. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community groups active on Facebook and WhatsApp. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and local taxis are common; remember to negotiate fares in traditional taxis. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing services like Yassir are available in some areas. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ain Diab Beach is about 15 km away, offering recreational activities. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Air Maroc operates regional flights efficiently. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc are major international carriers. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the A1 and A2 highways. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rabat Ville train station connects with major Moroccan cities. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rabat tramway requires tickets purchased at machines or online. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (ONCF) connect Rabat with cities like Casablanca and Marrakech. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | CHU Ibn Sina is the leading public hospital in the city. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and Café offers classes and relaxation spaces. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | N1 Fitness Club is a popular local option. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laveo is a known laundromat that provides washing services throughout the town. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Jumia Food are popular for local food delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tagine and couscous are must-try Moroccan dishes. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Anima, a well-rated vegetarian restaurant with healthy options. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | For Moroccan pastries, try Pâtisserie Rbatia. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk El-Rmil offers fresh produce and local goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online marketplace for various goods. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour offers online grocery shopping and home delivery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Medina has some great bars like Le Piano Bleu. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Casablanca Beer is the most known local brewery. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Café Maure, located in the Kasbah, offers a selection of Moroccan wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the Medina offer traditional snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Brussels offers a variety of international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hassan Tower and the Royal Palace are notable sites. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Chellah ruins reflect the city's rich history. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a key religious site. |
🎉 Annual Events | Mawazine Festival celebrates music and culture every May. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The Medina and Agdal are rich in culture and vibrancy. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre National Mohammed V hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Souk El-Rmil for traditional Moroccan goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Various music festivals occur throughout the year, particularly in summer. |
🎨 Street Art | Engaging street art can be found in the Agdal district. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a class at La Maison Arabe for traditional Moroccan cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 38 showcases local artists and exhibitions. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Kasbah of the Udayas is a historic site worth visiting. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Rabat is recognized for its combination of Berber, Arab, and French influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Bouknadel Exotic Gardens are a 15-minute drive from the city. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Ifrane National Park is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bouregreg Marina offers beautiful walking and biking paths. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Kasbah of the Udayas offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rabat Beach and nearby wetlands are great for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Rabat allow bonfires at designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Chronopost are reliable options for parcel delivery. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services available in various neighborhoods; check out Tech Store for reliable assistance. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables and clubs for enthusiasts. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various schools offer Arabic and French language classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco is a quiet place to study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centers like the Princess Lalla Salma Foundation host cultural events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often host gaming competitions and have gaming setups. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not prevalent in Rabat; consider visiting nearby Casablanca for gaming. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 31% standard corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Moroccan income only. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 38% maximum income tax rate. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations exist. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on property rental value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% standard rate during property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income if working remotely. |