Moroccan Dirham Wiki: Exchange Rates and Economy

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The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, and it's a fascinating topic. The Dirham is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 10.47 MAD.

You can exchange your money for Moroccan Dirhams at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices. Be aware that some places may charge commission fees.

The Moroccan economy is primarily driven by agriculture, industry, and services. According to the World Bank, agriculture accounts for about 14% of the country's GDP.

Tourists can also use credit cards and ATMs to withdraw Dirhams, but be mindful of the exchange rates and fees associated with these services.

What is the Moroccan Dirham?

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency of Morocco, controlled by the Bank al-Maghrib, the country's central bank.

One Moroccan dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes, with each unit called a santim.

As of August 30, 2021, the exchange rate between the Moroccan dirham and the US dollar is roughly 9 MAD to $1 USD.

The Moroccan dirham has been the official unit of exchange in Morocco since 1960, when it was formally released.

The exchange rate from one Moroccan dirham to the US dollar is approximately $0.10.

Suggestion: Morocco Dirhams

Denominations and Availability

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

The Moroccan dirham has several unofficial denominations, including the rial, which is equivalent to 5 santimat, and the franc, equivalent to 1 santim.

These denominations are widely used in Morocco, particularly when dealing with goods that are valued lower than a dirham.

In some cases, the rial is used for higher value goods, reaching up to 5,000 dhs (100,000 rial).

Coins

Coins are a fundamental part of the Moroccan dirham, and the country has a rich history of issuing various denominations. The first coins introduced in 1960 were silver 1 dirham coins.

In 1965, nickel 1 dirham and silver 5 dirham coins were added to the mix. The 1 santim coin, introduced in 1974, was made of aluminium, while the 5 to 20 santimat coins were minted in brass, and the highest three denominations were in cupro-nickel.

The 1 santim coin was only minted until 1987, when new designs were introduced, replacing the 50 santimat without changing the size or composition. A new 5 dirham coin was introduced in 1987, and it was bi-metallic.

For another approach, see: 5 Kronur

Dramatic display of skill and tradition during Moroccan Fantasia horse festival.
Credit: pexels.com, Dramatic display of skill and tradition during Moroccan Fantasia horse festival.

The 10 dirham coin, introduced in 1995, was also bi-metallic. In 2002, cupro-nickel 2 dirham coins were introduced. The 2012 series of coins included a latent image as a security feature on the 5 and 10 dirham coins.

Here's a summary of the current coins in circulation:

The current coins in circulation are a mix of old and new designs, and the country continues to issue new coins with advanced security features.

Banknotes

Banknotes are a crucial part of our monetary system, and understanding their denominations and availability is essential for everyday transactions.

The most common denomination of banknotes in circulation is $20, which is used by over 80% of consumers in the country.

In some regions, $100 bills are more widely accepted than others, with a higher concentration in urban areas.

Banknotes with higher denominations like $50 and $100 are less frequently used in everyday transactions, but are still widely accepted.

The availability of $5 and $10 banknotes is limited in some areas, making it difficult for people to make change.

Recommended read: Where Are Dinars Used

Moroccan Dirham Availability

Person Putting Rolled Banknotes in Glass Jar
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You can't buy the Moroccan dirham before arriving in Morocco because it's a closed currency. This means you'll need to exchange your money for dirhams once you're in the country.

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency of Morocco, controlled by the Bank al-Maghrib, Morocco's central bank. The dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes, or cents.

You can only bring in or take out 1,000 dirhams, and the remaining currency must be exchanged. This is a strict rule, so be sure to plan accordingly.

The exchange rate from one Moroccan dirham to the US dollar is around $0.10, or roughly nine MAD (Moroccan dirhams) equals one USD. This rate may change, but it's a good idea to check current rates before your trip.

The Moroccan dirham is widely accepted in trade markets in Ceuta, although the euro is the sole legal tender there.

Economy and Exchange

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency of Morocco, and it's widely accepted in the country. The dirham is subdivided into 100 santimat.

You can exchange your currency for dirhams at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices. The Moroccan government regulates the exchange rate to maintain stability.

Tourists can also use ATMs to withdraw dirhams using their debit or credit cards. Be aware that some ATMs may charge a withdrawal fee.

Economy

Vibrant Moroccan geometric pattern with colorful tiles and traditional motifs.
Credit: pexels.com, Vibrant Moroccan geometric pattern with colorful tiles and traditional motifs.

Morocco's economy is considered a relatively liberal economy governed by the law of supply and demand.

The country has made significant progress in recent years, with a steady yearly growth of 4-5% from 2000 to 2007, and a 4.9% year-on-year growth in 2003-2007.

Morocco's economy is now the sixth largest in Africa by GDP (PPP), making it a major player in African economic affairs.

Agriculture is the largest employer in the country, employing about 40% of the nation's workforce.

The industry is expected to be severely impacted by climate change, which poses a significant threat to the country's food security.

Morocco produces enough food for domestic consumption except for grains, sugar, coffee, and tea, with more than 40% of grains and flour being imported from the United States and France.

The country's economy is also heavily influenced by its trade relationships with Europe, with high-quality agricultural products being exported to the continent.

A fresh viewpoint: Coins from Morocco

U.S. Dollar Exchange Rates

Terra cotta tagine pot on desert wall offers a glimpse into Moroccan culinary culture.
Credit: pexels.com, Terra cotta tagine pot on desert wall offers a glimpse into Moroccan culinary culture.

The U.S. dollar exchange rates can be a bit tricky to navigate, but don't worry, I've got you covered. As of August 30, 2021, one U.S. dollar equals around 8.96 Moroccan dirhams.

If you're planning a trip to Morocco, it's essential to know the current exchange rate to avoid any financial surprises. The exchange rate may fluctuate over time, so it's always a good idea to check the current rate before making any transactions.

One U.S. dollar can buy you a decent meal in Morocco, but the exchange rate can vary depending on the location and time of year. For example, in major cities like Marrakech, the exchange rate may be slightly different than in smaller towns.

To give you a better idea, let's take a look at the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Moroccan dirham. As of August 30, 2021, one U.S. dollar equals around 8.96 Moroccan dirhams.

Understanding the Dirham

A savory traditional Moroccan tagine served with sauce, capturing ethnic cuisine's rich flavors.
Credit: pexels.com, A savory traditional Moroccan tagine served with sauce, capturing ethnic cuisine's rich flavors.

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency of Morocco, controlled by the Bank al-Maghrib.

You can break down one Moroccan dirham into 100 centimes, or cents, with each unit called a santim.

The dirham has a rich history, derived from the name of a historical Greek currency called the drachma.

Prior to 1882, Morocco issued copper coins, silver dirhams, and golden benduqui, but a modern system of coinage was introduced in 1882.

The Moroccan dirham comes in both coin and banknote forms, with banknotes featuring an image of King Mohammed VI and the royal crown.

The current series of banknotes is in circulation alongside a series of banknotes issued during the reign of King Hassan II.

The banknotes have denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirhams, while the coins currently in circulation are 5, 10, and 20 centimes, and 0.5, one, two, five, and 10 dirhams.

In 1960, the dirham was reintroduced to replace francs, with one dirham equal to 100 francs.

On a similar theme: Sterling Coins in Circulation

Travel and Currency

Banknote Lot
Credit: pexels.com, Banknote Lot

Traveling to Morocco can be a breeze if you're prepared with the right currency. Euros, U.S. dollars, and British pounds are all easily exchanged in Morocco.

You can expect to get less favorable rates at locations that accept euros if you don't have Moroccan dirham. However, it's still worth exchanging your money to get some local currency.

Some locations will accept payment in euros, but you should be aware that you'll get a worse exchange rate than if you were to exchange your money at a bank. This is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.

If you're planning to exchange your money at a location, it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand, such as Moroccan dirham. You can exchange your money at a bank or at a location that accepts euros.

Here are some common currencies that are easily exchanged in Morocco:

  • Euros
  • U.S. dollars
  • British pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't you take Moroccan dirham out of the country?

You can't take Moroccan dirham out of the country because it's a closed currency that can't be exchanged outside of Morocco. Any leftover dirham become souvenirs once you leave the country.

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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