Depending on the timing of your departure (both in your departure city and Marrakech), it can be very busy at the check-in offices and passport controls. This will take longer than flights within Europe, so take that into account. We personally advice to be 2,5 hours before the departure of your flight at the airport to do the check-in and passport control.

In Marrakech, we advise you as well to book your airport transfer upfront. Via Hicham Transport you will have fixed rates. More info here.

The Marrakech passport control is one of the most feared parts of the travel, as you might have seen in some viral videos on TikTok lately. But no worries, it's not always like this. But depending of the moment & timing, it can be busier than usual, so better take some 'safety time' into account to be sure. Tip for people coming with kids: you are allowed to pass into the family priority line.

Upon arrival, they usually ask the following 4 questions during the control, so be prepared to have the info:

1. Show your boarding pass (so don't throw it away before 😉)
2. What is your job occupation ?
3. The address of your hotel in Marrakech ? (= Le Palais Paysan, Douar Akrich, KM 20 Route d'Amizmiz, Marrakech)
4. Reason for your visit ? (Tourism / Wedding visit)

Most European network providers do not cover mobile data in their plan in Morocco. Meaning if you use your mobile data, you will be roaming which is very expensive. So we advice to turn of your roaming before your flight takes off.

You should be allright without mobile data, most restaurants and the hotel have WiFi networks available for guests.

If you really like to have mobile data, prepaid SIM cards are an excellent option in Morocco. Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange are the largest telecom operators who offer prepaid SIM cards. And important to know: the SIM-cards themselves are available for FREE at the airport (10-20DH elsewhere), so make sure they don't charge you for the card itself. You only pay for the data you want to use. On average 1 gigabyte of mobile data costs on average 10DH or about 1€. You charge your SIM by little recharge cards where you need to scratch the code to active your data. These recharges can be bought in different stores where you can find the logo of one of these providers. There are also stands in the Airport Arrival Hall, but they price them a bit higher usually. So you could take your free SIM there but buy your recharges later in the city. Although they are free cards, SIM card registration is still mandatory in Morocco and is done immediately upon purchase, so make sure you have a valid ID with you. If your phone allows eSIM, you can easily set it up and keep your current phone number active as well. Tip: even with the prepaid card only, you can keep your WhatsApp active on your own Belgian number for example).

In short : YES, we advice you to always have some cash in Dirhams on you. Paying by card is not the norm in Marrakech, esspecially when it comes to the most local things such as markets, taxis and even some restaurants. Therefore, having cash with you will always come in handy. Morocco’s local currency is the Moroccan Dirham and in terms of exchange rate, a simple rule of thumb will help you to calculate the price: divide the price in dirham by 10 and you will be very close to the value in euro. ATMs for cash withdrawal with credit cards can be found in most squares and fuel stations. You can also exchange cash Euro against MAD in the airport, but the commission rates might be higher.

At the hotel, you won't need any cash. All personal extra's (massages, snacks, drinks) can be paid by card upon check-out.

Let there be no doubt: we expect sun, sun, sun & hot temperatures 😎☀️. So keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack your suitcase accordingly. For many this might be the first sunny moments after winter, so don't forget your sunscreen 🧴. Even though temperatures can rise high during the day, Marrakech is known for its possible drop in temperature at night. Combined with occasional wind (we will be in an open location), we still advise to foresee some extra layers to use in the morning and evening / night. 

The city has many things to offer. Depending on the time you have, you can even go for some day trips outside the city. 

As most of you stay close to the city, we can advise to do:

• Les Jardins Majorelle & Yves-Saint-Laurent Museum (city)
• Koutoubia visit (city)
• Medina & Souks visit (city)
• Golf sessions (around the city)
• Hammam & spa to relax (in the city)
• Agafay dessert (1h drive from city)

There are many good places to go eat in and around the city. Here is a list of some of our favourite places: 

• La Kabana (Rooftop - Food & Cocktails)
• Les Jardins Du Lotus
• NOMAD Restaurant Marrakech Medina (rooftop)
• Café Des Épices Marrakech Medina (rooftop)
• SHTATTO Rooftop
• Mandala Society (Rooftop Medina, trendy coffee and food bar)
• LE KILIM Restaurant Gueliz
• EL FENN Hotel Restaurant
• BÔ ZIN (with live music / dj)
• Mamma Mia Gueliz (Italian pizzeria)
• Azar Restaurant (typical restaurant with dansers animation)
• Entrepotes (Asian tapas)
• Baromètre (cocktail bar with tapas)
• Comptoir Darna كومبتوار دارنا
• So Lounge Marrakech
• Palais Jad Mahal
• La Famille
• O Mammy Burger Marrakech
• The Queen Victoria
• Black Chich African Fusion Gourmet

Morocco is known for its hammams, spas and good massages. So it's to moment to enjoy them. You can book a hammam & spa treatment in Le Palais Paysan during your stay (more info here). 

Next to that, if you are in the city there is 1 place to be: Les Bains de Marrakech. The reference of hammam & spa in Marrakech since over 15 years. Being a longtime client of our company, M|Y Brand Design, they are offering a special discount to our guests who book a treatment. If you want to go, don’t wait too long, because they are usually quickly fully booked. Do not hesitate to ask us for help!