When you think of the Kingdom of Morocco, you may have visions of Casablanca, the vibrant gardens of Marrakech, the Western Sahara, beautiful blue doorways, and ornate Islamic architecture. Do you also picture the dirham or santim? If you’re planning to visit Morocco, whether for tourism or a family reunion, you’ll want to know more about the official currency, the Moroccan dirham. Here’s what you need to know about Morocco’s currency and how to get the best dirham exchange rate.
Moroccan currency basics
- Currency code: MAD
- Abbreviation: DH
- Coin denominations: 1, 2, 5, and 10
- Banknote denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200
- Sentimat/centimes: 5, 10, 20, and 50
What is the dirham?
The dirham is the official currency of the Kingdom of Morocco and serves as the legal tender, with one dirham equal to 100 santimat. Morocco is a multilingual nation, where many people speak French, Arabic, and other local languages, and its currency is too. The Arabic word “santim” is “centime” in French, while the plural “santimat” becomes “centimes.”
Morocco isn’t the only country that uses the dirham as its currency unit. The dirham is also the official currency of the United Arab Emirates, and it’s a subdivision of the local currency in Libya and Jordan (the dinar) and Qatar (the riyal).
But it’s easy to distinguish the Moroccan dirham from the United Arab Emirates dirham, as it says “Bank al-Maghrib” on every banknote. The UAE dirham, on the other hand, comes from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. Dirham coins, however, can be a little harder to tell apart.
A short history of Morocco’s currency
The Arabic word “dirham” comes from the Ancient Greek word “drachma.” So, how did the term for Greek currency end up in Morocco? It’s simple: conquest and trade.
At the height of the Byzantine Empire around 600 AD, the Greek realm stretched across Northern Africa, particularly the seaports, all the way to Persia, and the Greeks traded with many others outside their empire.
The drachma entered other civilizations, including Persia, Moorish Spain, and the region that would later become the Ottoman Empire.
But as power changed hands, Morocco’s currency changed, too. Until 1882, Morocco still minted copper coins, along with silver and gold coins. The silver coins are called dirhams.
The dirham remained the second-most valuable currency after the Moroccan rial came into play. The rial lasted until 1921, when France invaded Morocco.
Ever heard of the 1942 movie Casablanca? It took place during the French occupation of the country, when the Moroccan franc, not the dirham, was the official currency.
After Moroccan independence in 1960, the dirham returned to the scene, this time as Morocco’s primary currency.
In what denominations will I find Moroccan Dirham?
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is available in various denominations, making it versatile for daily transactions. Banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirhams. Additionally, coins currently in circulation are available in ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirhams, as well as smaller denominations of 10, 20 santimat (centimes).
Coins:
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½ dirham
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1 dirham
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2 dirhams
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5 dirhams
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10 dirhams
Banknotes:
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20 dirhams
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50 dirhams
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100 dirhams
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200 dirhams
Copper coins, while less frequently used today, may still be encountered in local markets. Understanding these denominations can help you navigate financial transactions more smoothly during your stay in Morocco.
Understanding currency exchange in Morocco
Many factors affect currency exchange rates, from government stability to the state of the national economy. While the Kingdom of Morocco has been more progressive under the current king, Mohammed VI, the inflation rate has increased lately due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the war in Ukraine, and an extreme drought.
Morocco’s economy depends heavily on trade and tourism, and its overall growth also fluctuates depending on the health of its agriculture sector.
The Moroccan dirham’s value can rise and fall relative to other major currencies. You can exchange your EUR, GBP, or USD into MAD anytime, but check the current exchange rate to ensure you get the best price.
5 facts about the Moroccan dirham
What makes the dirham so special? Let’s dig into a few interesting facts about Morocco’s currency.
1. The first dirham notes were printed over old francs.
A new country has a lot on its plate. That’s one of the reasons why, when the modern dirham was first introduced in 1960, the 100 and 50 dirham notes were overprints on the original franc banknotes. The 100 dirham note was printed over the 10,000 franc notes and the new 50 dirham note over the 5,000 franc banknotes, where coins were minted in aluminium.
2. The actual plural of dirham is darahim.
Plurals in Arabic work a bit differently than in English. In English, we add an “s” to the end of a word to signify that there is more than one of that thing. That’s why an English speaker’s first instinct is to turn dirham into dirhams.
But in Arabic, some words create a “broken plural,” which is when the middle sounds change. That’s why dirham becomes darahim.
It’s OK if you stick to just using “dirham.” In tourist-friendly cities such as Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh, residents are familiar with the English or French versions of the word.
3. Countryside markets might use different names.
In the 18th century, the Moroccan currency system used the falus as a reference. This inspired alternative names for the dirham, including the “duro” and “real” for the silver dirham coins. You may still hear these terms used in the countryside markets of Morocco.
4. Dirham banknotes feature the current king of the Kingdom of Morocco.
If you’ve ever seen or held a dirham banknote, you may have noticed a man appearing on each one. That’s the monarch of the Kingdom of Morocco. Starting in 1987, the notes featured King Hassan II. Since he passed away in 1999, a new note displays his successor, Mohammed VI. This version appears from 2002 onward.
5. Both the rial and the franc are still used … sort of.
The dirham consists of 100 santimat, or centimes if you speak French. However, you can still hear some locals calling 5 santimat a “rial” and 1 santim a “franc.” This is likely because when the new currency appeared in the 1960s, one dirham equaled 100 francs. It was only in 1974 that the santim, which can also be linked to coins minted in nickel, replaced the franc as the lower denomination of Morocco’s currency.
Exchanging, Converting, and Using Morocco’s Currency
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you can’t buy it freely outside the country. Because of this, if you’re visiting Morocco, you should only exchange the amount you think you’ll need and spend all of it while in the country.
Generally, you’ll need cash for marketplaces, small shops, emergencies, and locations outside the major cities. You should be able to use your credit card or debit card at most mid-to-large hotels, luxury restaurants, and malls, which typically accept Visa and Mastercard.
If you plan to exchange your U.K. pounds, euros, or USD to MAD in Morocco, you’ll have two options when you arrive: foreign currency exchange agencies (or “bureau de change” in French) and the airport counter.
However, the easiest way to get travel money in Morocco is to use an ATM to convert British pounds, euros, or US dollars to Moroccan dirham. It’s a good idea to check with your bank, but ATM fees are usually less than those at a currency exchange office.
Check with your bank to find out about their out-of-network or international ATM fees before you travel. Here are some more tips on using Morocco’s currency:
- Break 100 and 200 DM notes when you can.
- Vendors prefer small notes like the 5, 10, and 20 DM.
- Keep exact change for taxis.
- If your restaurant bill doesn’t include a tip, consider giving a 10% tip.
- Don’t try to bring in money with traveler’s checks. Most Moroccan banks won’t accept them.
Will I be able to use my credit or debit card in Morocco?
While credit and debit cards are accepted in some places in Morocco, cash remains king. You can use your credit card at higher-end establishments such as hotels and upscale restaurants, but keep in mind that many local shops and markets primarily deal in cash. Foreign transaction fees may apply when using your credit or debit card, so it’s wise to check with your bank beforehand to avoid foreign transaction fees. To avoid these fees, consider using a travel money card that allows you to load and spend in Moroccan dirhams without incurring extra charges. Always choose to pay in the local currency to get the best rate, as opting for dynamic currency conversion can lead to inflated prices.
Can I use traveler’s checks in Morocco?
Traveler’s checks are generally not accepted in Morocco, making them an impractical choice for your travel money needs. If you’re considering alternative forms of cash, a travel money card can be a more beneficial option. These cards allow you to preload funds in dirhams, enabling you to make secure transactions directly at the point of sale, giving you easier access to cash without the hassle of exchanging currency. It’s crucial to plan your finances ahead of time, as the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, meaning you cannot exchange it back into other currencies once you leave the country.
Sending money to Morocco
As we mentioned, since the currency of Morocco is a closed currency, so you can’t buy and sell it outside the country. But you can still send money to friends or family members in Morocco or into your own Moroccan bank account from overseas.
For affordable money transfers to Morocco, look closely at fees. Since the exchange rate from USD to MAD, EUR to MAD, and GBP to MAD is fairly stable, focusing on lowering your transfer fees will save you more when using services like Xe.
You’ll also want to see where and how your loved ones can receive the funds you send. Look for transfer companies with a wide network of partners in Morocco, like Remitly.
Morocco Currency FAQs
Can I use my credit or debit card in Morocco?
Yes, but with limits. Credit and debit cards are accepted at higher-end hotels, restaurants, and some retail stores—mostly in urban centers like Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca. However, cash is still essential in rural areas, souks (markets), and small shops. Foreign transaction fees may apply, so check with your card issuer before traveling.
Can I exchange dirhams before arriving in Morocco?
No. The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, which means you can only obtain it within Morocco. You’ll need to exchange your foreign currency (like USD, EUR, or GBP) at Moroccan banks, airport counters, exchange bureaus, or ATMs once you arrive.
What’s the best way to get dirhams in Morocco?
Using an ATM is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to get Moroccan dirhams. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist hubs and offer competitive exchange rates. Just check with your bank about international ATM withdrawal fees before you travel.
Do vendors accept all banknote sizes?
Larger banknotes like 100 and 200 dirhams can be difficult to use for small purchases. Vendors and taxis often prefer smaller notes, such as 10s and 20s. Always carry change when shopping or traveling in more rural areas.