Moving to Morocco: Things you should know before you immigrate to Morocco

Located at both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco is considered to be the perfect mix between European, African and Arab culture. This diverse mix of cultures and people has made Morocco one of the most diverse countries in the region. The Kingdom of Morocco has a long and unusual history compared to neighboring countries as it remained independent during most of its history. The country has long been a favorite destination for both expats and travelers. This is due to the pleasant climate, the level of safety and the possibility to experience a completely different world, even though it is practically bordering Spain. One of the other major factors that drive people here is the local cuisine. Delicious grilled meat, yummy couscous, and gently-spiced sauces, Moroccan food has everything one could desire. Add to that the growing economy and the relatively easy visa regulations and Morocco has everything to become the next expat hotspot.

International removals to Morocco with Eurosender

Morocco has a long history starting with the foundation in 788 AD by Idris I. Over the centuries the country has been ruled by numerous dynasties. During its history, it was the only North-African country that wasn’t occupied by the Ottoman empire. The current dynasty that rules the country, the Alaouite dynasty, came to power in 1632 and has ruled the nation until today. The current king of Morocco is Mohamed VI, who ascended the throne in 1999. Modern-day Morocco is a land of contrast. Even though all modern-day devices and facilities are present, such as the internet, cellphones and so on, the most popular form of transport is still by donkey or camel. The expat community in Morocco is not very big and is mainly concentrated in Marrakech, where most of them work in fields such as education and technology. Another group of expats you can find in Morocco are retirees. They are drawn to the country because of the warm climate and the low cost of living. So, when you are also thinking of moving to Morocco, join us when we guide you through all the things you need to know to make your relocation a big success.

Before you start packing your bags, you should gather at least some basic knowledge about the country that you are about to live in. With the convenient table below you will know all the facts about Morocco and more.

Relocating from the USA to Morocco can be a stressful event due to the distance, the difference in culture and the language barrier. Don’t worry, with the help of Eurosender your international removals to Morocco will be a piece of cake. The only thing you have to do is prepare your shipment and we will take care of the rest. The size of your shipment doesn’t matter. It could be a few suitcases with your most precious belongings, the content of your entire apartment on pallets or things that require an individual offer. With our convenient prices, our multilingual customer service and our 24/7 online tracking system, you can be confident that you will experience a seamless delivery service.

Living in Morocco

When you move to Morocco from the USA or the EU, there may be many things that you have to get accustomed to. Let’s start off with some of the things you should know about living in Morocco.

• English is not very common. You will be best off when you speak French, or even better, Darija (Moroccan Arabic). This way you will be able to communicate with the locals and avoid social isolation.
• Most cities and towns have an old part called “Medina” and a new part, which is called “Villes Nouvelle”. The reason for that is that when the French colonized Morocco, they didn’t touch the old “Medina’s”. Instead, they started building new towns outside of the city walls.
• The “Souk” is an internationally known word for market. On the Moroccan souk, you can buy everything your heart desires. From delicious spices to gorgeous clothing to antique carpets, anything can be found on these intriguing markets.
• Moroccan hospitality is unequaled in the world. When you are invited to a have a meal at someone’s home you will experience the warmth and friendliness of the Moroccan people. Don’t forget to bring a present for the host when you are the guest.
• Poverty is widespread in Morocco, unfortunately. As a result, you can find many beggars in the street, especially near crowded areas. It is harmless to give them a few Dirham but never show your wallet in public.
• Between 1400-1500 many Moroccan have their siesta and most shops are closed at that time. The same goes on Friday between 1200-1400 for Friday prayer.
• There are 13 official holidays in Morocco, of which Eid al-Fiṭr, which marks the end of the Ramadan, is one of the biggest. Independence day and the birthday of the king are also important holidays in the lives of Moroccans.
• 99% of the Moroccan population is Muslim. As you are a guest in their country, you will have to play by their rules and show respect and abide by their rules.
• Government services are extremely inefficient and there is a lot of bureaucracy. Getting your documents done, having your garbage collected or anything else that involves some kind of government service, requires too much time.
• In Morocco, people take off their shoes when they enter an apartment or house. Failing to comply is frowned upon. Another thing to keep in mind is that Moroccans only eat with their right hand as their left hand is considered to be unclean.

Visa Regulations for Morocco

When you move to a new country, you want to be sure that your paperwork is in order. Take a look at the brief summary of the Moroccan visa policy below.

• As in any other country, you need to start your visa plan before you move. Always contact the local embassy to verify which documents are required.
• Citizens from many countries, including the USA, EU, Canada, and multiple other countries, can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens from most African and Middle-Eastern countries need to apply for an entry visa and can then also stay for up to 90 days.
• When you intend to stay longer than 90 days you will have to apply for a residence permit. As Morocco is known for its bureaucratic hell, it’s best to start this procedure as soon as you arrive in the country.
• After getting your residence permit you renew it after one year.
• When you want to work in Morocco you need to get a work permit. The application process will mainly be the responsibility of your future employer.

Healthcare in Morocco

Even though healthcare in the bigger cities of Morocco is quite decent, it can in no way be compared to the standards applied in the West. Because of the large number of doctors and other medical personnel emigrating to countries with better financial opportunities, medical facilities are often understaffed. When leaving the cities and moving towards the countryside, there can be a total absence of medical facilities. As a result, those who can afford it, including most expats, choose for treatment in private clinics, which are quite affordable. Bear in mind that most medical personnel doesn’t speak English, so always have someone with you when you don’t speak French or Arabic.
Before traveling always contact your physician to check the need for any additional vaccinations.

School and education

School in Morocco is mandatory for all children between 7-13 years old. This doesn’t mean that all children actually go to school. Research has shown that especially in the rural areas this is more often the case. Besides that, the Moroccan education system is often underfunded and understaffed.
That is why most expats decide to send their children to private international schools, which can be found in larger cities such as Rabat, Marrakech, and Casablanca. In these schools, most education takes place in English and French, though Arabic is also taught. The only bummer is that this kind of education can be rather expensive, as the tuition ranges between $3.000 and 15.000.

The job market in Morocco

Even though the unemployment rate with 10% is quite high, the Moroccan economy has been steadily growing over the past decades. Most people live and work in the coastal areas and that is also where most business takes place. Being close to Europe has definitely helped the country grow its economy.

When you are looking for a job in Morocco you will probably end up in one of the big cities. Most international companies are located in Casablanca so you have a bigger chance of finding employment there. However, Rabat, Tangiers, and Marrakech also offer a wide range of opportunities for expats. The most perspective industries for expats are:

• Technology and engineering
• Communication and IT
• Manufacturing

Property information

Finding accommodation in Morocco can be a difficult task, especially when you don’t know the language. There are apartments in many price classes and when you decide to live like the locals you are able to rent an apartment when living on a shoestring budget. However, when you want to live an apartment and in a city where there are more expats, such as Marrakech, Rabat or Casablanca, the prices are much higher. Real estate agents usually charge one month rent as their fee. So, you might want to get in touch with fellow expats to find out about the best options in the area you want to live in.

Cost of moving to Morocco

A frequently heard question of our customers is: How much is shipping from the USA to Morocco? When you want to know the exact cost of moving house Morocco, there are several things you have to keep in mind.

• The desired delivery time
• The details of the pick-up and delivery address.
• The dimensions of your shipment.

When you know the details of your shipment, you are ready to place your order. Whether you are looking for the cheapest way to move furniture to Morocco, or any other item in your household, with Eurosender you can be sure that your average moving costs to Morocco are a bargain.

Besides offering you the cheapest solution for shipping your items to Morocco, Eurosender also provides you with the following services and information.

• Free packing advice for each kind of shipment.
• Shipping insurance, both standard and additional.
• 24/7 online tracking system.
• Free customer support in 15 languages
• Various payment methods

Cost of living in Morocco

Life in Morocco costs about half of what it would cost you to live the same life in the USA. However that is just an indication and as always, your expenses depend on the lifestyle you live. When you want to live in the center of a major city with all the luxury features you can imagine, of course, you will pay top dollar. However, when you use one of the expat networks you should be able to find a more affordable place that still allows you to live in comfort. Accommodation will probably take the biggest chunk out of your budget. On a more positive note, there are many things that are way cheaper in Morocco than in many other countries.

• Food is way cheaper than in many other expat locations and you can have breakfast somewhere for about $0.60 and a whole meal for only 2 bucks.
• When you want to learn the local language you are up for a bargain as the rates are much lower than in let’s say London.
• Taxis are cheap and a good alternative to the cluttered public transport.
• Even though public transport is not that good, the trains are a pleasant exception. Not only are they affordable, but they also offer you the chance to get a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes that the Kingdom of Morocco has to offer. You can buy your tickets directly at the railway station, where most ticket office employees speak English. Bear in mind that you can not always pay by card so be sure to bring enough cash with you.

Of course, there are also things that are more expensive in Morocco than in other countries. Let’s take a brief look at the things you might want to cut down on or avoid.

• Alcohol is allowed though it has about the same price level as in many other countries.
• Imported goods are expensive, especially when they are from Europe. This goes for all kinds of goods, whether it is beauty products, electronic appliances or medication
• Medical care is expensive when you don’t have medical insurance and you have to pay in cash for your treatment.

Driving in Morocco

When you want to drive a car in Morocco, you will need the following:

• Driving license
• International Driving Permit (IDP) This can be obtained at your local driving authority.
• Proof of insurance
• Although not obligatory, it is recommended to also have the car registration documents with you.

With all the paperwork in order, you are ready to start your Moroccan road trip. However, there are some things that you need to be aware of, as driving in the Kindom of Morocco has lots of surprises for you in store.

• Moroccan traffic cops have a reputation for being corrupt. Always tell them that you are cashless and that they can send the fine to the rental company or to your home address. This will be enough for them to back off.
• Cell phone service might be absent in some areas, so always make sure that you have an offline map. A good option is to download the offline version of Google Maps.
• Driving etiquette is something that is not practiced in Morocco yet. People may drive in the middle of the road, take over on the right side or sound their horn for unknown reasons. Always pay attention to other people on the road as their actions may surprise you. Parking on crossings is common practice but we advise you not to copy this.
• Around the big cities, the roads are in fair condition but in the rural areas, you may find the opposite. Potholes, dirt roads and the rain season are all things to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Other destinations?

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article were collected from other credible resources to be used for general information purposes only. Given that the legislative basis of the country and its economic development have a changing nature, the information provided in the article could be subject to change. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up-to-date and correct, Eurosender will not be liable for any inappropriate, incomplete, or inaccurate information. Certain links will lead to websites which are not under control of Eurosender. Thus, Eurosender accepts no liability in respect of materials, products or services being not under control of Eurosender.