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Recommendations


Trip to (a few nights’ stay in) Essaouira. A complete white artists’ city (UNESCO World Inheritance) on the Atlantic Coast. It has an amazing beach, relaxing atmosphere, and delicious fresh fish from the harbor. See the album Essaouira. It is a two-hour drive from Marrakech.

A day in the mountains (Atlas) or a trip to the Ouzoud waterfalls (a two hour drive from Marrakech).

A trip to the desert on the back of a Dromedary (camel) to a Bedouin tent where you will stay the night. It is an unforgettable experience.

A visit to the King’s cities of Morocco (e.g. Fes, Meknes, or Rabat)

Mountain biking, cycling, hiking or mountain climbing in the Atlas or desert (dependent on the season)

If you have any questions or wishes, you can always mail us at: marionriadimilchil@gmail.com


Important addresses


Dutch Embassy
40 Rue de Tunis
Quartier Tour Hassan
Rabat
Tel +212(0)537 219 600
E-mail: rab@minbuza.nl


Emergency Contact


Police: 19
Fire and Ambulance: 15


Travel Tips (1)


Language : French is the second official language in Morocco and is spoken by almost everyone. Sometimes you can use English, as for some people can understand it, but it is not actively spoken.

Money : The currency is Dirham. Roughly 10 Dirham = 1 Euro. ATMs are available in every city. It is important to have worldwide coverage on your credit card (that can be done via internet). You can withdraw 2000 Dirham per transaction.

Purchases : Negotiating is a part of the Moroccan culture. If you want to buy something in the soeks, you should try to get an approximate 40% reduction on the price. In the beginning it might be difficult, but you will notice that you will become accustomed to it. You might just start to enjoy it!

Tipping : It is customary to tips the service (e.g. 10% of your bill in a restaurant is plenty).

Safety : As for all the large cities, make sure that if you carry valuable items with you (e.g. money, camera, mobile phones) that they are well protected. If you find a salesman too pushy, be clear but polite about what you want. Saying “non merci” should be enough to clarify your disinterest.

Customs : On arrival in Morocco (and departure) you need to not only show your passport, but also fill out a so-called “tourists statement” (fiche d’embarquement). At the airport are stands with these papers. You need to fill out your personal information and reason of travel in Morocco. Pens are sometimes supplied, but it's smart to bring your own.

Food/Drink : There is a large variety of restaurants (i.e. genuine Moroccan or international dishes). From fancy, lounge restaurants to local dining. Alcohol is served in most restaurants, however there are certainly restaurants wherein this is not the case. Our staff in the Riad can advise you and help you with your needs, and you can always enjoy the delicious authentic Moroccan food served in Riad Imilchil.


Travel Tips (2)


The center of Marrakech’s Medina is represented by the lively Place Dje-Maa El Fna. The square is surrounded by many little hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and more. There is so much to see, you will hardly be able to take it all in. Only being there is an adventure in itself.

A few things to know to make sure that your visit at the square is pleasant :
Make sure that you have pocket money with you. The monkey and snake owners, as well as other entertainers, know exactly how to “serve” the tourists. They will place a monkey on your shoulder or a snake around your neck (especially with children) and rapidly take a photo, they will then ask you for money. If you don’t want this, say clearly but firmly, “non merci” to avoid an unpleasant situation.

Religion : Morocco is an Islamic country, and the most inhabitants are Muslim. Muslims pray five times per day, and in the early morning you may be awakened by Mosque’s call for the early prayer. The Ramadan is the most important period of the year for Muslims. The start of Ramadan changes per year based on the cycle of the moon. During Ramadan (of which lasts a month) there will be no eating or drinking from sunrise until sunset.

Toilets : Public toilets are hard to find, and are not always that hygienic. The toilets in restaurants, hotels, and by famous tourist locations are often surprisingly clean and tidy. It is not an unnecessary luxury (especially if you are traveling with children) to bring hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes along.

Health : You should never drink tap water from your raid, hotel or from restaurants. Ensure that you always have bottled water with you to drink and use when brushing your teeth. Bottled water is available everywhere in Morocco, but if you go by bike or foot into the mountains we advise you to bring water sanitizing tablets along.

Tajine is the most important dish in Morocco. The food in the Tajine (commonly with chicken) is thoroughly cooked. You can always enjoy this dish with no worry of bacteria. You should be careful with unwashed fruit. Make sure that you only eat fruit that has been washed with clean water. You could consider taking a Hepatitis A shot before traveling to Morocco. For more information, please contact your doctor.







































































































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