Guidelines and Recommendations
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For a Successful Stay in the Region...
Discover this practical guide designed to facilitate the organization of your stay in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region and ensure you have a successful and serene vacation.
Passport and Visa
To avoid any inconvenience upon your arrival in Morocco, make sure you have a valid passport in your possession. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. For all nationalities, the maximum duration for tourist travel is 90 days.
Embassies and Consulates
When preparing for your departure, note down the contact details of your embassy and consulates located in the region. You can renew your documents there in case of loss and obtain all kinds of advice (health, security, etc.). Generally, each diplomatic office has an emergency number to be used only when necessary. A social service is usually available to assist you, even in emergencies.
Currency
The Moroccan national currency is the dirham. It is not convertible outside the Kingdom’s borders, so consider currency exchange and other payment methods. Exchange offices can be found at airports, in certain hotels, and in most banks. The counters will require your passport for the transaction.
Telephony and Connectivity
Your mobile phone will work without any issues in Morocco, but roaming charges can be high. To save money, opt for a local SIM card or e-SIM, available at Rabat-Salé Airport or at mobile operator stores. Simply ensure that your phone is not locked by your carrier.
Accessible and High-Performance Healthcare
In recent years, the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region has witnessed significant healthcare investments, including the upgrading of hospital facilities, the creation of community health centers, and improved medical staff training. Present priorities include extending health insurance coverage, advancing specialized services in oncology, cardiology, and pediatrics, while reinforcing primary healthcare to ease the burden on regional hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the answers to your practical questions to ensure you have a pleasant stay in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region.
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra is a welcoming region where different cultures and traditions coexist harmoniously. Casual and respectful attire is generally appropriate throughout the city. Swimwear is acceptable on beaches, by pools, and in aquatic leisure areas, but it is advisable to adopt more modest clothing in business districts, administrative buildings, and shopping centers.
When visiting the medina, historical sites, and places of worship, more conservative attire is recommended out of respect for local traditions. In mosques open to visitors, it is necessary to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, arms, and legs. Women must also bring a headscarf to cover their hair. This mark of respect helps preserve the authenticity of these places and facilitates interactions with the local population.
Tipping in the Rabat region is more a matter of custom than obligation. The amount you leave depends on the type of establishment, the quality of service received, and your personal appreciation. While it is common and appreciated to leave a tip, particularly in restaurants, cafés, and for tourist services, it remains entirely at your discretion. As a general rule, a 10% tip is considered generous in restaurants, while a few dirhams are sufficient for small services. Whatever your decision, you will always be welcomed with the legendary warmth and hospitality of Morocco.
As with any destination, visitors are asked to respect local laws and customs. Morocco being a country with Muslim traditions, certain rules of etiquette should be observed: alcohol consumption is permitted in hotels, licensed restaurants, and tourist establishments, but remains prohibited in public spaces. Likewise, it is advisable to show discretion in public displays of affection, out of respect for local sensitivities.
In the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, as throughout Morocco, the two official languages are Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Amazigh (Berber).
Other commonly spoken languages include:
- French: widely present in administration, education, and the tourism sector. The vast majority of the population in Rabat understands and speaks it, which greatly facilitates communication with French-speaking visitors.
- Spanish: mainly spoken in the northern regions of Morocco, it remains present in Rabat, particularly in the business world with Spain.
- English: increasingly present, particularly in the tourism and business sectors and among the younger generation.
The Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, arid, and clear summers, and cool, partly cloudy winters. Temperatures range from a maximum of 31°C to a minimum of 17°C throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of around 24°C.
Best times to visit:
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are considered the most favorable periods, offering mild weather, sunny days, and moderate tourist crowds. Summer (June-September) is also excellent for enjoying the beaches and water activities, although it is the high tourist season.