Morocco FAQ

1. Why book with Memphis Tours ?
- There are many reasons to book your trip through Memphis Tours. We have been in the business of operating high quality tours since 1955 and pride ourselves on using this experience to create consistently high quality, personalized tour experiences. Our network extends in Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Dubai, Oman, Spain and Greece, so we are able to provide a level high of service anywhere you would like to travel in these countries and even beyond.

2. Is there a discount for booking my tour far in advance?
- Memphis Tours is happy to offer an “Early Bird” discount for clients who pay the full cost of their Morocco tour in advance. If full payment for your tour is received six months before the date of your arrival, we will gladly reduce the quoted cost of your Morocco trip by 5%. “Early Bird” rates require full, non-refundable pre-payment. “Early Bird” discounted tours will not be eligible for date changes or refunds.

3. Is there a special rate for private groups booking with Memphis Tours?
- Yes, Memphis Tours does provide a discount for private trips to Morocco booked with large groups. For groups of ten or more people, there will be a discount dependent upon the nature and length of the trip. For groups over fifteen people, the total price of the tour will be reduced by the full cost for one person in the group. This discount does not apply to tours that include bookings for international and domestic flights.

4. How can I contact Memphis Tours to book a tour?
- Memphis Tours is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives.
-Our toll free number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage.

5. How will being a solo traveler affect the price of my tour?
- We are offering two quotations on our website, one named Single and the other named Solo. The prices of “Single” quoted on our website for single person accommodations assume that the person would still be traveling with a group. The price includes the cost of private accommodations in hotels, but not other expenses necessary for a solo tour. We also are quoting the prices of Solo traveler on our website. The Solo traveler would be responsible for all fees for guides, transportation, etc. by themselves and as a result the price would be higher. Please check our prices on the website, or enquire with us by email, telephone, or live online chat if you would like to understand more about the price of solo tours.

6. What do I need to do to book a tour and confirm my reservation?
- Booking a tour is simple. All you need to do is contact our representatives via one of the methods listed above in question 4. You will receive a prompt response outlining the options available to you and then you can build a tour that will suit your needs in terms of budget, number of days, and points of interest with the help of one of our travel consultants. Once a plan has been decided, Memphis Tours will send you a detailed itinerary that includes all necessary information and plans for your trip. At this point, you will have to confirm your reservation with payment of a deposit. Your reservation will not be confirmed until payment of this deposit is received by Memphis Tours. The balance of payment will be due on arrival to begin your tour.

7. How much will I have to pay as a deposit? How will I pay it?
- The deposit required will be 25% of the total price of the tour, except during peak travel times around Christmas and New Years, when the deposit will be 50% of the total price. You can pay the deposit using a credit card (Visa and MasterCard are accepted) or a bank order directly to Memphis Tours. Our representatives will be willing to provide any additional information or support you need to complete this payment.
- If payment of the deposit in one transaction is not possible, please contact Memphis Tours to enquire about the possibility of making the payment in installments.

8. Is there any surcharge on transactions completed using a debit or credit card?
- Memphis Tours does not charge any additional fees or surcharges on any debit or credit card transactions. We accept Visa and MasterCard.

9. If I am forced to cancel my trip with Memphis Tours will I receive a refund?
-The refund policy of Memphis Tours is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. The amount refunded depends on how far in advance we are notified about the cancellation.
- If you have booked a Shore Excursion in Morocco from a cruise ship with Memphis Tours and weather conditions or circumstances otherwise outside of your control prevent the ship from coming into port then a full refund will be granted for whatever amount you have paid in advance.

1. Is Morocco safe to visit?
-Tourists have been visiting Morocco for years and Moroccans have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Moroccan cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequent. Morocco is very well secured, Police in every location, there is so many checking points, this is what makes Morocco safe and 100% secured to make sure everybody are safe and comfortable in Morocco.

2. Is Morocco considered a safe destination in comparison to other countries in the world?
- Morocco generally has a very low crime rate. Travelers will be safe in Morocco if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.

1. How can I obtain my visa to visit Morocco?
- Visitors to Morocco must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the scheduled return date to enter Morocco and you can obtain a visa from Morocco Consulate before departure. Also, entry visa is available upon arrival Morocco airports against USD 27 per passport for specific nationalities and need to check before.
-Some nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. For more info and details on entry visa to Morocco please check with the Moroccan consulate or embassy at your country

2. Can I extend the period of my tourist visa beyond its expiration?
- It is possible to extend a tourist, Applying for an extension should be done no later than 15 days after entering the country. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating. Extension is possible from the local/Main Police station near your area where you residing during your stay and you have to give an application in writing a letter with attested(stamped from province)copies of your passport, pictures and reason of your extension
You will be allowed extension within a week, and before you departure you need to report to the same police station so that they can inform the airport authorities and when you leave Morocco it will be absolutely normal and fine.

3. Can I combine my visit to Morocco with another country?
- Tourists visiting Morocco sometimes visit other countries in the Middle East or North Africa in the same trip. Memphis Tours offers tourism services in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Dubai and Oman which you can research on our website.

1. Can I bring a personal supply of cigarettes and alcohol with me when I am visiting Morocco?
- It is always recommended for travelers who wish to have their own supply of cigarettes and alcohol with them in Morocco to purchase them upon arrival. There are duty free shops in the airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Tangier and Rabat. Tourists are allowed to purchase up to 3 liters of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes on arrival.

1. Do Moroccans speak languages other than Arabic?
- English and French are studied in school all over Morocco. This is why most Moroccans, who live in the cities, speak or understand at least some English words or phrases, and most of Moroccans are speaking French well. Fewer Moroccans can speak Italian, Spanish, and German; however, professionals in the tourism sector are accustomed to visitors who cannot speak Arabic. They speak enough English and many other languages to fulfill the needs of most travelers.

2. Do I have to learn Arabic in order to enjoy my visit to Morocco?
- Many travelers enjoy their stay in Morocco without learning a single word of Arabic; however, it is always good to learn a few Arabic words to expressing greetings or thanks. If you are planning to visit some places other than popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to learn some Arabic phrases. Generally, Moroccans are friendly and are happy to help anyone, especially foreigners and tourists, even if there is a language barrier.

1. What are the opening hours for monuments and historical sites in Morocco?
- Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Morocco open from 9 AM until 6 PM. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.

2. What are the opening hours for shops and different stores in Morocco?
- Most of the shops in Morocco open from around 10 AM and stay open until 10 PM; however, many shops, cafes, and restaurants especially in main cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir, and Rabat stay open much later and some facilities and shops are open 24 hours a day in touristic areas. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, opening hours may change significantly with shops closed during the middle of the day and staying open much later.

1. Is it allowed for non-Muslims to enter historical mosques in Morocco?
- Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit mosques in Morocco. Tourists are more than welcome to visit most mosques at anytime expect when they are being used for prayer, on Friday and during the five prayers of the day.

2. Is there any special dress code to be followed during visiting a mosque in Morocco?
- There aren’t really special clothes to be put on while visiting a mosque in Morocco; however, modest dress would be highly recommended and in some mosques, it`s better for women to cover their hair and perhaps their arms and legs. Both women and men will be asked to remove their shoes before entering a mosque.

3. What are the most important historical mosques in Morocco?
- Morocco features a large number of remarkable and historical mosques. The most notable among them are Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Bab Berdieyinne in Meknes, Bou Inania Madrasa in Fez, Mosque of Mulai Idris in Fez, Tangier Grand Mosque and Sidi Bou Habib Mosque in Tangier. Tourists are welcome in all of these mosques on any day, except Friday.

4. Are tourists allowed to enter the Christian monuments in Morocco?
- In Morocco churches are treated the same as mosques. Most churches and monasteries welcome tourists and foreigners, except during Lent. Modest dress is also advisable while visiting Christian places in Morocco.

1. Can I take photographs of the people, streets, etc. in Morocco?
- Moroccans are well known all over the world for their tolerance and hospitality; however, it is always polite to ask permission before taking a photograph of people, especially women, and stores or products. Photography is non-permitted around army bases, airports, dams and bridges. In most places where photography is prohibited there will be signs to notify you.

1. What is the check-in and check-out time in the hotels in Morocco?
- The same as many hotels all around the globe, the check-in time in most hotels in Morocco is around midday, 12 or 1 PM. If you arrive in the hotel late at night or in the early morning, you may have to pay for an extra night to get to your room immediately without having to wait until the normal check-in time.

2. What different types of hotels are there in hotels in Morocco?
- Accommodations for travelers in Morocco fall across a broad range—everything from world class luxury to simple hostel accommodations are available. The nicest hotels compare well with luxury hotels anywhere, coming from international hotel chains like Movenpick, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Sofitel. A step down from these is a variety of local hotels that ranges from luxurious to simple. Moroccans hotels have their own rating system that loosely classifies them on a 5-star scale; however, this scale is different from international standards used elsewhere.

1. Are there any health issues that I should worry about in Morocco?
- Generally speaking, tourists face few unique health problems in Morocco, but occasionally travelers experience some gastric disturbance resulting from drinking tap water or eating from a local restaurant not recommended by their tour guides or the receptionist in hotel. Some travelers might suffer sunburn or heatstroke from the heat and sun during the summer if they are not careful; however, taking the proper precautions and drinking bottled water can eliminate any health risks.

2. Are there certain vaccinations to be taken before traveling to Morocco?
- There are no obligatory vaccinations that should be taken before being granted with the visa of Morocco. However, it would be recommended for the senior people and for young children to take vaccinations against Hepatitis C, Typhoid, and an oral dosage of Tetanus.

1. What is the official currency in Morocco?
- The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency of Morocco. Made up of 100 centimes per unit, the currency is issued by the Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco’s central bank). Historically, the Moroccan Dirham originates from the Byzantine Empire’s Drachm, and was used in Arabia and the Levant in pre-Islamic times. The name “Dirham” stems from the Roman word “denarius” .

2. Will I be able to exchange dollars, Euros, or other currencies in Morocco?
- There are a large number of banks and exchange offices that can change cash and travelers’ checks in Morocco. Moreover, many touristic shops, restaurants, and bars will actually accept dollars or Euros at rates that are relatively close to the official ones. Makes sure you know the current exchange rate of dollars or Euros to Moroccan Dirham (MAD)..

3. How common is the use of credit cards in Morocco?
- Credit cards are widely used in Morocco in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Morocco are Visa, Master Card, and American Express.

1. Is it a common practice to give tips in Morocco?
- Many people in the tourism sector depend on tips, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary in Morocco. It is a customary attitude for expressing ones satisfaction of good services rendered to him by staff on duty with him. We advise if you are willing to offer it, this would be great and if not, you are not obliged to do it.

Additional Questions?
If you have any other questions, which have not been answered here, please contact us by telephone, email, or by live online chat. You can find our email, telephone numbers, and a link to the live chat at the bottom of our homepage.

1. Is it a common practice to give tips in MoroccoAre your tours really for individuals, families, small groups of friends?
- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends, whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group for a tour.

2. How many people are normally on a tour?
- We can never tell exactly (neither guarantee) how many people will be on the specific route. Normally, it is about 10-20 persons in a group. In some cases, it could be more, in other days you travel with just a few more people or even by your party only. In summer (high season) groups tend to be larger, in winter.
- smaller. Also, it is possible that on different sections of the route number of travelers will change. For example, if you are on the trip of 10 days, there could be travelers that only do a 5-day trip and after your paths will split.

3. Is there is a guide in the bus?
- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) is with a group during the whole trip, except for the routes when just a very few people are signed up. Those small groups will be travelling with an experienced and English speaking driver-guide. For the city tours, we use local professional and licensed guides.

4. In what languages guides explain?
- In English and Spanish, all our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If happens that there are only English speaking clients are on a bus, tour will be run in English only.

5. When during the year do you run your tours?
- Most of our tours are running all year long. Some (to northern parts of Spain, for example) – are only running from March till October. In any case, under each tour’s description it says exactly when it runs. Example: ‘’Sundays all year’’ - means that on every single Sunday of the year the tour will start, no matter how many people signed up, even if it’s you only.

6. What cities tours start from?
- Madrid and Barcelona (also says in the description of each specific tour – where it starts). First four tours on the list are from Barcelona, the rest from Madrid.

7. What are the meeting points for the tours?
- In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz str., 3). The meeting point is in the City center, one of the streets right off Plaza Espana.
- In Barcelona, it is the reception of Hotel ‘’Catalunya Barcelona 505’’ (address: Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022 Barcelona)

8. Do you pick up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?
- By default, not. We do not pick up from the hotels, because that would delay the tour scientifically. Sometimes the groups get larger and to pick up everybody from their hotels would take us half of the day.
However – if your hotel is on the way of the bus route on leaving day, - we will pick you up. So, one week before travel we ask you to give us your hotel name in Madrid, and then we can tell if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or must go to meeting point at 7.45am. In Barcelona, it is always a meeting point at the reception of ‘’Catalunya Barcelona 505’’ hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?
- Buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are modern and with air- conditioning.

10. Are meals included?
- Lunches and dinners are included everywhere where it’s mentioned in the itinerary (section ‘’Itinerary”). Buffet Breakfasts are included every morning in all hotels you are staying in during your tour.

11. I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, any problem?
-No problems at all. Just tell this to our tour leader and he’ll advise and help. On top, many dinners are buffet, so you can simply choose what you like. For allergics, if in doubts, please remind your case to tour leader in the restaurants, or ask staff about content of the dishes.

12. What time are you coming back to Madrid on the last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?
- Normally we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of excursion (depending on the specific tour). However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on this same evening/night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible delays may cause you being late for your flight.

13. I need a night in the hotel or transfer from/to airport to be booked before or after the tour.
- Sure. Just let us know about it.

14. Can I just show up for the trip without reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?
- Unfortunately, not. The tour needs to be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

15. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?
- No, as in each tour there are more people. However, if you are a group of 20+ persons, the route can be customized upon your request as the tour could be run privately for your group. Please ask us regarding conditions.

16. How much should I pay and when?
- We require 50% in the moment of reservation, and 50% in no less than 2 weeks before the trip or you can pay total amount once.

17. How would I pay?
- You should pay through our online secured payment link which will be sent to you by our sales person

18. What is the cancellation and refund policy?
10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% are fully refundable Between 40 and 30 days before your arrival date, 25% of the entire tour price will be deducted. Between 29 and 15 days before your arrival date 50% of the entire tour price will be deducted. Between 14 and 7 days before your arrival date 75% of the entire tour price will be deducted. Between 7 and 1 days before your arrival date100% of the entire tour price will be deducted.

19. Are the taxes included in your prices?
- VAT and Tourist Taxes are always included, except for Tourist Tax of Cataluña (region where Barcelona is located) that needs to be paid at the hotel. The amount is currently 1 euro per person and per night.

20. Most of the multiday tours start and finish is in Madrid. But what are the options for a Day Tours and excursions in Madrid self, if we have few days in the Capital before or after multiday tour?
- We have numerous day tours around Madrid and to surroundings, if you have time before or after your multiday tour. Please check our separate website for the options. If you start from Barcelona and have some free time there, please check this link.

21. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?
- Please check the information on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain and the visa requirements for Morocco you can find here On all trips to Morocco you also need to make sure that your Schengen visa will allow you a multiply entrance to European Union as you must enter Spain once again.

22.I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need Visa to enter Spain.
- Yes, we help our customers to get Visa, after a trip is confirmed and the deposit is paid. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, we write to Spanish Embassy/Consulate sealed and signed letter where we confirm that you booked and partly (or fully) paid a tour with us. Please note, that we do not guarantee the issue of visa, neither can influence the process, - the decision is always up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country, - but we do everything that depends on us to help you.