Looking to book a car rental for your next trip to Morocco? Then I have got you covered! Below is everything you need to know before you book your Moroccan car rental.
Is It A Good Idea To Rent A Car In Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is a great way to explore and visit all of Morocco’s top tourist destinations. Many of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations are far apart and require vehicle transportation to visit.
Having your own rental car allows you to explore each destination at your own place. From the Moroccan Sahara dunes to the historic architecture of Aït Benhaddou, there is plenty to discover.
Plus being able to pick up snacks and take bathroom breaks whenever you want, is a huge bonus.
Is It Easy To Drive In Morocco?
Yes, it is easy and safe to drive in Morocco. Morocco highways and rural roads are typically in good condition and not very busy.
However bigger Moroccan cities, such as Casablanca or Marrakech, can be congested resulting in traffic jams. Make sure to always follow traffic rules and pay attention to your surroundings.
It is common in Morocco for pedestrians to cross the street suddenly or for drivers to honk as a form
of communication.
As the behavior of Moroccan drivers and pedestrians may be foreign to you, it is best to exercise caution and keep close attention to your surroundings.
What Are The Requirements To Rent A Car In Morocco?
Before you book a rental car for your next trip to Morocco, it is important to check the
rental requirements.
- Identification: You must have a valid driver’s license, with a photo, to drive in Morocco. Driver’s licenses from the United States and the EU are typically accepted. If your foreign driver’s license does not have a picture, it may not be accepted, a your passport and driver’s license picture must match. If this is the case, you may have to obtain an International Driver’s License.
- Age Requirements: You must be at least 21 years old and have 1 year of driving experience to book a car rental in Morocco. Many car rental companies also have age restrictions and only rent to individuals who are over 23 to 25 years old. So if you are 22 or under, it may be best to confirm and book your car rental in advance.
- Credit Card: When picking up your car rental you will be expected to provide your driver’s license, passport and a valid credit card. The credit card must have a available limit of at least 1000 USD. Car rental companies typically reserve a deposit of at least $1000 USD, in case there is damage to the vehicle.
Where To Rent A Car In Morocco?
Airports and bigger cities, such as Casablanca or Marrakesh, are where you will find the majority of car rental companies.
Although smaller towns may have car rental companies available, it is typically easier to pick up your car rental in a larger city and then drive to your rural destinations.
When considering which type of car rental company to use, it’s important to assess the pros and cons of each.
International companies will offer more well-known brand names and a larger fleet of vehicles, but they may also be more expensive.
Local companies may offer lower prices and greater local expertise, but they may not have the same level of recognition or as many rental options.
Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is very affordable in comparison to the USA and many European countries. With prices as low as $20 – $25 USD per day, renting a car can be an easy way to travel, without breaking the bank.
| Type of Car | Day Rental |
|---|---|
| Economy | $25 |
| Compact | $30 |
| Mid-size | $40 |
| Full-size | $50 |
Remember that these are only estimates and may vary based on the rental provider and the time of year.
To discover the greatest offer, it’s always a good idea to shop about and compare costs from different providers.
Manual vs Automatic: In Morocco a manual transmission is more common and readily available. Automatic vehicles will typically have a higher rental cost and may not be available at every car rental company.
Parking: Parking in cities can be challenging, due to congestion and poor markings. Guardians or parking assistants are typically available throughout the city, to make sure that you are parking correctly. Make sure to keep a few dirhams on you to tip the Guardians for their services.
Tickets & Tolls: It is always smart to keep a bit of extra cash on you while driving in Morocco. When driving from one city to the next it is common to encounter tolls, costing anywhere from 5 to 60 dirhams. Try your best to avoid speeding or violating traffic laws, as tickets are expected to be paid immediately. Keep at least 1000 dirhams on you in case you are required to pay for a traffic violation.
Can A Foreigner Rent A Car In Morocco?
Yes, a foreigner can rent a car in Morocco. Many visitors to Morocco use car rentals as a way to explore the various cities and towns spread throughout Morocco’s diverse landscape.
Make sure to bring a valid driver’s license, passport and credit card, with a minimum availability of $1000 USD, to secure your car rental.
Tips For Renting A Car In Morocco
- Book your car rental online. It typically cost the same price to book a car rental online verses in person.
- Take a video of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as the mileage and gas levels before you start driving. This will provide you documentation of any damage on the exterior or interior of the vehicle, in case the company tries to dispute the damage later.
- Check the contract! Some car rental companies will try to charge you a cleaning fee upon returning your car rental. If it is not in the contract, don’t pay the fee.
- Fill up on gas before heading out. When driving from one destination to the
next, you may not encounter other drivers or gas stations for an extended
period of time. This is normal, so be prepared. - Check if the car comes with air conditioning. Many of the cars available for rent in Morocco do not come with air conditioning. With blazing temperatures that can hit as high as 45C, an air conditioner is a must.
- Make sure you have a spare tire. Moroccan roads are typically in good condition, but a flat tire can still happen. As drivers can be sparse on roads and highways between cities, it is important to have a spare tire kit available, just in case.
Renting a car in Morocco offers boundless opportunities for exploration and freedom. As you venture from the Sahara’s golden dunes to the historic wonders of Aït Benhaddou, your journey unfolds on your terms.
Yet, adapting to Moroccan driving customs may require a bit of patience. Navigating bustling cities and interpreting local traffic cues takes time.
Remember, while renting a car enriches your adventure, acclimating to Morocco’s driving rhythm is part of the journey. Embrace the experience, stay cautious, and relish the unique road that lies ahead.