Is Morocco Cheap for Brits? A Realistic Budget Guide
Is Morocco cheap for Brits? Compared with the UK and most of Western Europe, Morocco is generally good value, especially for food, local transport and mid-range riads. It is not the cheapest destination in the world, though: tours, imported goods and luxury stays can cost as much as in Europe. Your budget depends mostly on how you travel.
Prices and exchange rates change often, so this guide compares costs in general terms rather than giving exact figures. Check current prices before you book.
Morocco vs the UK: Where You Save
| Cost | Compared with the UK |
|---|---|
| Local food and street food | Much cheaper |
| Restaurant meals | Usually cheaper, except upscale tourist restaurants |
| Mid-range riads and hotels | Often good value |
| Taxis and local transport | Cheaper |
| Guided tours and desert camps | Fair value, but not rock bottom |
| Alcohol | Can be expensive and is sold in limited places |
| Imported goods | Often similar to or more than the UK |
Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury
| Style | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels or simple guesthouses, street food, buses and shared taxis |
| Mid-range | Comfortable riads, restaurant dinners, a Sahara tour with a desert camp |
| Luxury | Boutique riads, private drivers, luxury desert camps and spas |
The Biggest Costs for UK Travellers
- Flights, which vary a lot by season and are cheapest outside school holidays
- Accommodation, where riad quality ranges widely
- Tours and activities, such as a Sahara trip, which are often worth the price
- Souvenirs, where bargaining is expected
How to Save Money
- Travel in shoulder months rather than school holidays
- Eat where locals eat and try set menus
- Agree taxi prices before you get in or ask them to use the meter
- Book desert tours directly with a local operator and compare what is included
- Take some cash in dirhams for small purchases
For more detail, read Is Marrakech expensive? and our UK travel guides: travel to Morocco from the UK and travel to Marrakech from the UK. Planning the desert? See the Morocco desert tour from Marrakech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco cheaper than Spain?
For many everyday costs, yes. Food, transport and mid-range accommodation tend to be lower.
Can I use pounds in Morocco?
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham. You can exchange pounds or withdraw dirhams from ATMs.
Is a Sahara tour expensive?
It depends on the length, transport and camp type. Compare what is included, such as meals, camel ride and accommodation.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is common in restaurants, for guides and for drivers, and is appreciated.
Plan Your Morocco Trip
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