Moroccan Dirham: Everything You Need to Know

Author

Reads 628

Detailed monochrome image of a Moroccan banknote showcasing intricate designs.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed monochrome image of a Moroccan banknote showcasing intricate designs.

The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, used by over 36 million people. It's a vital part of daily life in the country.

You can exchange your money for Moroccan Dirhams at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices.

The Dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes, but centimes are no longer in circulation.

Denominations and Usage

The Moroccan dirham has several popular denominations used in everyday conversation, including the rial and franc. These terms are not officially recognized by the state, but are widely used to refer to different values of the currency.

The rial is equivalent to 5 santimat and is commonly used when dealing with goods worth less than a dirham. In Arabic, the rial is used to refer to higher value goods, reaching up to 5,000 dhs (100,000 rial).

For very high-priced goods, such as cars, it's normal to refer to the price in santimat. The franc is equivalent to 1 santim and is used in French-speaking contexts.

Here are the current banknotes in circulation:

  • 20 dirham (purple)
  • 50 dirham (green)
  • 100 dirham (brown)
  • 200 dirham (blue)

It's worth noting that the Moroccan dirham is also accepted in trade markets in Ceuta, although the euro is the sole legal tender there.

Coins in Morocco

Close-Up Shot of Coins
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of Coins

Coins in Morocco are an interesting topic, and understanding their denominations and usage is essential for anyone traveling or living in the country.

The current coins in circulation are a mix of old and new designs, with some coins still bearing the image of King Hassan II.

One dirham coins, introduced in 1960, were initially made of silver, while the 1 and 5 dirham coins were made of nickel in 1965.

The 1 centime coin, minted in aluminium, is no longer produced, but it's still in circulation, along with the 5, 10, and 20 centime coins.

You can find the following coins in circulation: 10 santimat, 20 santimat, ½ dirham, 1 dirham, 5 dirhams, and 10 dirhams.

Here's a breakdown of the current coins in Morocco:

The new 2 dirham denomination was introduced in 2002, and the 5 and 10 dirham coins are bimetallic, featuring a unique security feature.

Pounds

In Morocco, you'll find that the dirham is the local currency, and it's not easily exchangeable outside the country. You can exchange your pounds for dirhams in banks, hotels, and Bureaus de Change in an airport or port.

Person Putting Rolled Banknotes in Glass Jar
Credit: pexels.com, Person Putting Rolled Banknotes in Glass Jar

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means it's not widely accepted outside of Morocco. This can make it tricky to exchange leftover dirhams back into pounds at the end of your trip. You'll need to exchange your dirhams for pounds at most banks, hotels, and at the airport to get a fair exchange rate.

One thing to keep in mind is that some locations may accept euros if you don't have dirhams, but you can expect less favorable exchange rates than what you'd get at a bank. It's always a good idea to keep your receipts when changing money, as this can help you track your expenses and ensure you get a fair exchange rate.

Here are the denominations of dirham coins that are currently in circulation in Morocco:

  • 10 santimat
  • 20 santimat
  • ½ dirham
  • 1 dirham
  • 5 dirhams
  • 10 dirhams

Morocco's Currency

Morocco's currency, the Moroccan dirham, is widely accepted in the country, and you can easily exchange euros, U.S. dollars, and British pounds at various locations.

Credit: youtube.com, Currency of the world - Morocco. Moroccan dirham. Exchange rates Morocco.Moroccan banknotes

Euros, U.S. dollars, and British pounds are all easily exchanged in Morocco, and some locations will even accept payment in euros if you don't have dirhams.

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency, and it comes in various denominations, including 20 dirham, 50 dirham, 100 dirham, and 200 dirham notes.

The dirham notes are colorful, with purple for 20 dirham, green for 50 dirham, brown for 100 dirham, and blue for 200 dirham.

You can also find coins in circulation, including 10 santimat, 20 santimat, ½ dirham, 1 dirham, 5 dirhams, and 10 dirhams.

Money in Morocco goes further than at home, with prices in shops and restaurants being much cheaper than in the UK.

Here's a breakdown of the current dirham notes:

Banking and Exchange

You can exchange your U.S. dollars to Moroccan dirham online, at an airport vendor, at a bank, and in most hotels. This gives you plenty of options to get the currency you need.

Credit: youtube.com, Exchange Rates: Dubai Dirham vs Moroccan Dirham - Which Currency Wins ? Morocco news | Dubai news

One U.S. dollar equals around 8.96 Moroccan dirhams as of August 30, 2021. This rate can help you plan your trip and budget accordingly.

Euros, U.S. dollars, and British pounds are all easily exchanged in Morocco. You can use these currencies to get the local Moroccan dirham.

If you don't have Moroccan dirham, some locations will accept payment in euros. However, you should expect less favorable rates than what you can get at a bank.

Here are some popular places to exchange your currency:

  • Online foreign exchange services
  • Airport vendors
  • Banks
  • Most hotels

Note: Be sure to check the current exchange rates before exchanging your currency.

Practical Information

If you're planning a trip to Morocco, it's essential to understand the local currency, the Moroccan dirham.

The Moroccan dirham is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 10.8 MAD per EUR.

You can exchange your money for dirhams at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices.

Morocco is a predominantly cash-based society, so it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

Credit: youtube.com, Moroccan Currency Explained for your Next Trip to Morocco 🇲🇦

You can also withdraw dirhams from ATMs using your debit or credit card.

Be aware that some businesses may not accept credit cards, especially in rural areas.

Make sure to have some small bills and coins on hand for tips and small purchases.

The dirham is divided into 100 subunits called centimes, although centimes are no longer in circulation.

It's always a good idea to check the current exchange rate before your trip to get an idea of how much your money is worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Moroccan dirham a closed currency?

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency to protect the country's economy from global market fluctuations. This restriction limits its exchange on the international market, maintaining economic stability.

Does Morocco use DHS or MAD?

Morocco's official currency is designated as MAD, although it's also commonly abbreviated as Dhs. You can use either abbreviation when referring to the Moroccan Dirham.

Adrian Fritsch-Johns

Senior Assigning Editor

Adrian Fritsch-Johns is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling content. With a strong background in editorial management, Adrian has a proven track record of identifying and developing high-quality article ideas. In his current role, Adrian has successfully assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including personal finance and customer service.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.