Money, currency and payments: understanding the dirham and getting organized for the 2025 CAN

In Morocco, the Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the official currency.

Even though credit cards are widely used in major cities, supporters will need cash dirhams for transportation, small purchases, souks, or snacks around the stadiums.

This guide offers practical information to help you manage your budget in Morocco — banknotes, coins, exchange options, card usage, tips, and quick conversions to compare with your original currency.

The Moroccan dirham (MAD): how does it work?

• Official currency of Morocco: the Moroccan dirham (MAD), also written as DH.
• 1 dirham = 100 centimes (also called santimat in darija).
• There are four denominations of banknotes:

20 MAD

50 MAD

100 MAD

200 MAD

• Common coins: ½, 1, 2, 5, 10 dirhams

Supporter tip: always carry small bills! Taxis and small shops often lack change.

Converting your money: quick reference

Exchange rates fluctuate, but here are practical equivalents for supporters from the main AFCON nations, as well as visitors from Europe and the United States:

For a quick estimate: 100 MAD ≈ 10 € / 10 $ / 6,100 XOF 

Paying in Morocco during your stay

In major cities, tourist areas and modern establishments (mid‑range hotels, restaurants, large stores and “tourist” shops), credit cards — debit or credit — are generally accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard.

Many ATMs and bank branches are available and accessible in most major cities and tourist areas, making it easy to withdraw dirhams. The same goes for the numerous exchange offices, which are open at least six days a week, including Saturdays.

Recommended practice: inform your bank of your trip to Morocco and activate the tourist allocation.

Also, be aware of fees and conversion rates: card withdrawals or payments may incur charges — from your bank and/or the local bank — and the rates can sometimes be unfavorable.

Always check, at the time of payment or withdrawal, if the amount is being converted into dirhams (MAD) rather than in your original currency — this type of « automatic conversion » can be disadvantageous.

However, outside major cities — in rural areas, small villages, traditional markets, souks, small shops and street vendors — cards are often unnecessary or simply not accepted. In these cases, cash (dirhams) is essential.

Good money habits for supporters

It is advisable to always carry some cash — even if you plan to use a card — for small purchases, snacks, souvenirs, taxis and tips.

If you withdraw dirhams from an ATM, choose machines located inside a bank or in a secure location.

When exchanging money (euros, dollars…) into dirhams, do so at licensed exchange offices or banks rather than with « street changers, » to avoid scams and ensure a fair rate.

If you buy in a souk or a small shop, use small bills (20, 50, 100 MAD notes).

Tipping is common, especially in restaurants, cafes, taxis and services (guides, porters, etc.) — and it is given in cash.

Even if you pay for everything by card, always keep some cash on hand for tips or small, unexpected expenses.

Recommended strategy during a stay like the AFCON:

• Exchange or withdraw dirhams upon arrival at the airport to be operational from the start (taxi, transportation, immediate needs).
• Check your bank’s fees for foreign transactions (withdrawals, payments) and inform them of your trip to avoid any card blocks.
• Keep the exchange receipts — they may be useful before returning home.
• Compare the rate before accepting a card conversion.
• Do not rely on card payments in taxis.
• Check for any taxes — sometimes applied in hotels.
• Use your credit card for larger expenses, hotels, modern restaurants, souvenirs in tourist shops.
• Use cash (dirhams) for taxis, markets, souks, tips, transportation, or modest meals.