Morocco, a vibrant mix of desert dunes, mountain ranges, and ancient medinas, offers travelers a sensory-rich experience steeped in tradition. Whether you’re navigating the souks of Marrakech, camping in the Sahara, or wandering the blue streets of Chefchaouen, knowing how to handle your money is essential. While cards are accepted in hotels and some urban businesses, cash is still widely used, especially in markets, taxis, and rural areas. This guide provides essential information on cash and ATMs in Morocco, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Where to find ATMs in Morocco?
Major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier have an extensive network of ATMs. Machines are located near medinas, shopping malls, train stations, and bank branches. Banks such as Attijariwafa Bank, Banque Populaire, and BMCE operate most of the ATMs. They typically support international cards and dispense Moroccan dirhams (MAD).
Tourist Spots:
In tourist-heavy areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech), the Blue City of Chefchaouen, the Kasbah of the Udayas (Rabat), and along the coastal promenades of Essaouira or Agadir, ATMs are generally available near hotels, cafés, and souvenir shops. Still, machines may run out of cash during peak travel seasons, so it’s wise to withdraw earlier in the day.
Rural Areas:
In the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and Berber villages, ATM access can be scarce or nonexistent. Towns like Merzouga or Imlil may have just one machine (if any), and network reliability is a concern. Always withdraw enough cash in a major city before heading to remote regions or embarking on trekking or desert excursions.
Best ATMs to use in Morocco for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Morocco are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Al Barid Bank,
- CDM,
- BMCI, and
- Banque Populaire.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There is one known Global ATM Alliance member bank in Morocco.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Morocco, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in MAD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in MAD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Morocco?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Morocco. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Only a handful accept other card types such as CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, and Discover cards but this is not very common.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Morocco are generally available 24/7, particularly in cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez. Machines in smaller towns may be less reliable or have limited cash availability.
What are ATMs called in Morocco?
Locally, ATMs are called “GAB” (Guichet Automatique Bancaire) or “Distributeurs automatiques” in French. However, most ATMs do not have any signage except the name of the bank.
Language options at ATMs
Most ATMs offer Arabic and French, with English available on many machines in cities and airports.
Don’t know the language? Use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Morocco?
ATMs in Morocco issue only Moroccan dirhams (MAD). They do not usually dispense USD, EUR, or any other foreign currencies. Please note – Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency so you cannot buy or sell it outside Morocco so withdraw or exchange as much as you need only.
ATM withdrawal limits in Morocco?
ATMs in Morocco have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of MAD 2,000 to MAD 4,000 per transaction, with the most common being MAD 2,000. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day and do not usually have daily withdrawal limits so you can make multiple transactions if you need more cash.
ATM Fees in Morocco
There is only one fee-free ATM in Morocco. Majority of the bank ATMs in Morocco charge MAD 22 to MAD 36 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Morocco. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Morocco
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Morocco?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Morocco. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Morocco. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Morocco is a popular travel destination, and while generally safe, tourists should be cautious when using ATMs, especially in cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez. Pickpocketing and card skimming can occur in busy or poorly monitored areas. Stick to ATMs located inside banks, malls, or upscale hotels to reduce risk. Avoid using machines late at night or in isolated spots. Always cover your PIN, keep cash out of sight, and regularly check your bank account for any suspicious transactions during your trip.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Morocco takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Morocco?
Yes, its possible. There is only one fee-free ATM in Morocco. Majority of the bank ATMs in Morocco charge MAD 22 to MAD 36 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Morocco?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Morocco and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently confirmed in Morocco. Despite proposals and planned installs, no crypto machine has been verified in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, or Marrakech. Peer‑to‑peer and online platforms remain the primary way to access crypto.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Morocco
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in Morocco.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no retail ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate consumer banking ATMs in Morocco.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not maintain ATMs here.
