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History | General information | Useful addresses | Visiting | Excursions
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General information about Marrakech
Imperial city, the epitome of Morocco, Marrakech has about more than 700.000 inhabitants. Today, it is the tourism capital of the kingdom. The "Red City" is 242 km south Casablanca and with the opening of the highway that links the two cities it is at only two 2hours and a half.
Currency :
The currency of Morocco is the dirham
1 euro = about 11dirhams
It is forbidden to import or to export dirhams
You could get money from banks by international credit card or through cash machines. The majority of hotels, restaurants, shops accept payment by credit cards.
Currency exchange can be done in banks as well as in hotels’ front-desks.
Bank Opening hours :
Opening hours vary according to banks and seasons. Generally from 8.30 am to 11.30 am and from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm; in summer working hours are continuous from 8.30 am to 2pm, with special working hours during Ramadan.
In Marrakech the banks are mainly located in the boulevards Mohamed V and Mohamed VI.
Taxis in Marrakech:
If you do not wish to use, the cheap commuter transportation that links all the city, take a taxi. These are less costly than in France, but ask the driver to run the meter, because it is often ignored. But this behavior is gradually fading. The small taxis can not leave Marrakech. At night the price is legally increased by 50%; but negotiate the rate before and mainly when leaving the discotheque. On your longer journeys, you may take big taxis.
Tourist guides in Marrakech :
If you desire to visit Marrakech or to go on an excursion, hire the services of an official guide (with a budge), be careful of unofficial guides that approach you in the street because they do not have the right to practice and are prosecuted by the police.
Driving in Marrakech :
Be careful, driving is very special in Marrakech. Buses, cars, moppets and bicycles as well as the pedestrians and donkeys are al around you. You should always concentrate on the road. Roads are in good conditions well maintained, though sometimes they are very narrow (the medina). Respect priority in the cross roads and the stop signs as well as the three colored lights, because the police are watching. At night many vehicles do not have light.
Security in Marrakech:
Marrakech is a secure city where delinquency is minimal. But do not take things for granted. Do not show your bills out of your pockets and do not recklessly show your wallet or your camera, temptation is universal. Pay attention to pickpockets in Jama Alfna square.
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