Money in Tangier: dirham, cards, exchange
You can't buy dirhams before you leave, and you can't take them out of Morocco. Cash withdrawals, cards, exchange, how much cash to carry, accommodation taxes and customs rules: what you need to know to pay in Tangier.
- The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD, DH); taking dirhams out of Morocco is illegal (Australian government).
- Plenty of ATMs in town; cards accepted in big cities and tourist spots.
- Cash is essential in the medina, small cafés, taxis and the airport bus (40 MAD).
- Foreign currency above the equivalent of 100,000 MAD must be declared on arrival and departure.
- Change money at a bank or licensed bureau, never in the street.
The Moroccan dirham
Morocco's currency is the dirham, written MAD or DH. The Australian government points out that it is illegal to take dirhams out of the country: you get dirhams on arrival and change or spend what is left before you leave. Prices shown on this site are in dirhams, with the date of the source.
Withdrawing cash
According to the Australian government, ATMs are widely available in cities and most large towns. Tell your bank before you leave so that your card works in Morocco, and check the fees for withdrawals abroad. Prefer ATMs inside a bank branch or a shopping centre, and withdraw during the day.
Paying by card
The same government says credit cards are generally accepted in larger cities and tourist centres: hotels, larger restaurants, shopping centres and big shops. In the medina, small cafés, stalls, taxis and markets, rely on cash. Ask whether cards are accepted before you order or buy.
When you need cash
Always keep some notes and coins: for petits taxis, the airport bus (40 MAD, paid on board according to Bladi.net), cafés, tips and some site entrances. The bus between Tanger Med and the city is also paid in cash, about 7 to 10 MAD. Small notes are useful: small shops struggle to give change for a large note.
Changing money
Change money at a bank or licensed exchange bureau, at the airport, the port or in town, never in the street, and count your notes at the counter. Keep the exchange receipt: you may be asked for it to change dirhams back into foreign currency before you leave (check with the exchange bureau). The Australian government states that foreign currency above the equivalent of 100,000 MAD must be declared on arrival and departure.
Accommodation taxes
On top of the room price, two legal taxes apply, according to Hespress (29 April 2026): the tourist tax, set by each municipality, up to 3 DH per person per night in one- or two-star hotels and up to 30 DH in luxury hotels (children under 10 exempt), and the tourism promotion tax, from 2 to 15 DH per night. On a booking platform, the total can reach about 50 DH per night. Check whether they are included in the price shown.
Bargaining and checking
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy dirhams before you leave?
As a rule, no: taking dirhams out of Morocco is illegal, so you get them on arrival, from an ATM or an exchange bureau.
Are bank cards accepted in Tangier?
In hotels, larger restaurants and shopping centres, generally yes. In the medina, taxis and small cafés, carry cash.
Where can you change money in Tangier?
At a bank or licensed exchange bureau, at the airport, the port or in town. Never in the street.
What should you do with leftover dirhams?
Spend them or change them back before leaving the country; keep your exchange receipt, as it may be requested.
Sources
- Smartraveller (Australian government), Morocco · accessed 22 October 2026
- Hespress English, taxes added to hotel bookings in Morocco · article of 29 April 2026, accessed 22 October 2026
- Bladi.net, "At last, a bus to Tangier airport" (in French) · article of 3 June 2024
- Smart Morocco Travel, “Tangier Med to Tangier: Bus, Taxi or Transfer? (2026)” · article of 17 August 2026, accessed 22 October 2026
Article written from these documentary sources, without a verification visit unless stated otherwise. Prices and opening hours change: check them before you go.