If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through forums and blog posts trying to figure out what to expect at the airport. I get it – I did the same thing before I moved to Morocco back in 2013, and honestly, the information changes so fast that even advice from a few months ago can send you on a wild goose chase.
I recently went through the full arrival process at Marrakech Menara Airport and gathered fresh intel from fellow travellers who just landed. A lot has changed – from where the SIM card stalls are located to whether the famous “fee-free” ATM is still actually free. So grab a mint tea, settle in, and let me walk you through exactly what to expect when you touch down in the Red City.
SIM Cards: Where Are They Now?
First things first – if you read older guides saying the SIM card stalls are in the baggage claim area, that information is out of date. The kiosks for Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi have moved outside the security area. When you exit through the doors after customs, look to your left and you’ll spot them right there. You can’t miss them.
Here’s what you need to know about buying a SIM in early 2026:
Maroc Telecom (IAM) is now cash only at the airport stall. Their cheapest package at the airport is currently 200 MAD for 40GB of data. They’ll set up the whole thing for you, pop the SIM in your phone, and make sure you can browse without Wi-Fi before you walk away. Convenient? Yes. The best deal? Not necessarily.
The savvy traveller’s tip: You can actually ask for a free SIM card with no plan loaded on it. Just insist – politely but firmly – that you only want the blank SIM. Then, once you’re in Marrakech, head to any Maroc Telecom shop or top-up kiosk and load data at the much better rate of about 10GB for 50 MAD (less than £5). That’s a quarter of the airport price for the same amount of data. If you only need a few gigs for maps and WhatsApp during a short trip, you can go even lower – 1GB costs just 10 MAD.
Another option worth considering: if your phone supports eSIM, you can take that free physical SIM to a Maroc Telecom store in the city and have it converted to an eSIM for around 20–30 MAD. Handy if you want to keep your home SIM active in the second slot.
Bottom line: Don’t feel pressured into the 200 MAD airport package unless you genuinely want 40GB and the instant convenience. For most visitors on a week-long trip, the free SIM plus a 50 MAD top-up in town is more than enough.
ATMs and Getting Cash: The Situation Has Changed
Ah, the great ATM debate. If you’ve done any research at all, you’ve probably come across advice to avoid the ATMs near the exit and instead walk over to the domestic departures area to find the Al Barid Bank ATM – the one that famously didn’t charge withdrawal fees. That advice was golden… until recently.
The big update for 2026: As of early January 2026, Al Barid Bank ATMs have started charging a 35 MAD fee per withdrawal for foreign cards. This is a confirmed change – there have been official reports and multiple travellers have verified it. On top of that, the Al Barid ATMs now push “dynamic currency conversion,” which offers to charge you in your home currency (pounds, euros, dollars) instead of dirhams.
This is crucial: ALWAYS decline dynamic currency conversion. When the ATM asks if you’d like to be charged in your home currency, say no. If you accept, you could be hit with an extra 5–10% on top of the withdrawal fee due to a terrible exchange rate. Always choose to be charged in Moroccan Dirhams and let your own bank handle the conversion – their rate will almost always be better.
Some travellers have reported that the fee warning doesn’t always display clearly, so keep a close eye on every screen during the withdrawal process. If you withdraw 2,000 MAD and notice you’re being charged slightly more than expected on your bank statement, that 35 MAD fee is likely the culprit.
Finding the ATM: If you still want to use Al Barid (or any ATM in the departures area), head to the right after exiting the baggage claim area towards domestic departures. Cross the large open area diagonally past the information desk in the centre, and you’ll find the Al Barid ATM to the left of the luggage wrapping stall.
One thing to note: the ATM may dispense only 200 MAD notes. If you need smaller denominations for taxis, tips, or the medina, you’ll need to break those larger notes. Your riad or a small shop purchase can help with that.
Since all ATMs now charge fees, the smart strategy is to withdraw a larger amount in one go (up to the 2,000 MAD limit) to minimise how many times you pay that 35 MAD charge. Some airport ATMs from other banks like BMCI allow higher withdrawals – up to 10,000 MAD – for the same flat fee, which might be worth considering if you need more cash.
Currency Exchange at the Airport
In the baggage claim area, you’ll find two currency exchange booths and a duty-free shop. A word of caution: avoid the Global Exchange booth. They’re known for offering poor rates, and several travellers have reported losing a noticeable chunk of money there. If you need to exchange cash, compare rates at the other booth or, better yet, wait until you’re in the city where exchange offices near Jemaa el-Fnaa (such as the one at Hotel Ali or the Western Union exchange on the opposite side of the square) tend to offer much more competitive rates.
Remember, you can’t buy Moroccan Dirhams before arriving in Morocco – it’s a closed currency. So if you’re carrying euros, pounds, or dollars, you’ll need to exchange or withdraw once you land.
Passport Control and Customs: What to Actually Expect
I’ve seen some truly dramatic warnings online about passport control at Marrakech taking upwards of three hours. Let me put your mind at ease: while it can get busy when multiple flights land at once, most travellers report waits of 15 minutes to an hour. Some lucky ones breeze through in under five minutes. It really depends on timing.
Here’s what they’ll ask you at the booth:
Where you’re staying: Have the name and address of your riad or hotel ready. A printout of your booking confirmation works perfectly and makes things smoother than fumbling through your phone.
Your occupation: They’ll ask what you do for work. Just answer honestly and simply – it’s a standard question, nothing to worry about.
Thumbprints: They’ll take your thumbprints at the counter. Again, completely standard procedure for all visitors entering Morocco.
Good news: Morocco has eliminated the old landing card requirement. You no longer need to fill out a paper form before approaching the booth – just have your passport ready.
After passport control, you’ll collect your bags in the baggage claim area (where you’ll also find those exchange booths and duty-free). Then you’ll pass through customs, which involves putting your bags and jackets through an X-ray scanner. It’s quick and painless.
The Hotel Police Form: Don’t Panic
When you check into your riad or hotel, you’ll be asked to fill out a form (or they’ll fill it out for you). It asks for your personal details, occupation, and a number that was written in your passport by the officer at passport control. This is a completely standard police registration form that almost every accommodation in Morocco requires. It’s the law, and it’s nothing to be concerned about – think of it as their version of hotel registration.
Can You Survive on Just Wi-Fi?
Maybe you’re thinking, “Do I really need a SIM card? Can’t I just use hotel Wi-Fi?” The short answer is: it depends on your plans.
If you’re staying at a resort-style hotel and mostly chilling by the pool with the occasional day trip, Wi-Fi might be enough. Switch on airplane mode, then connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi. As long as you keep airplane mode on, you won’t be charged for roaming data or calls.
Pro tip: If your home phone plan includes Wi-Fi calling, you can enable that feature while on airplane mode. This lets you make and receive calls and texts over the hotel’s Wi-Fi at your normal home rates. Just check with your provider before you fly.
However, if you’re planning to explore the medina, take day trips, or navigate Marrakech on foot, having mobile data is genuinely useful. Google Maps (or Organic Maps, which works offline too) can be a lifesaver in the winding alleys of the medina. And that 50 MAD top-up giving you 10GB of data for 30 days is such a small investment for the peace of mind it brings.
Also worth noting: some hotels and riads have weak Wi-Fi in the rooms, particularly in older medina properties with thick walls. Having your own data as a backup can save a lot of frustration.
Your Marrakech Airport Arrival Checklist
Before you fly: Notify your bank you’re travelling to Morocco. Print out your accommodation booking confirmation. Download offline maps for Marrakech. Check if your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
At passport control: Have your passport and accommodation details handy. Be ready to give your occupation and thumbprints.
In baggage claim: Grab duty-free if needed. Avoid Global Exchange. Collect your bags and head through customs (X-ray scanner for bags and jackets).
After exiting security: SIM card stalls are to the left of the exit. Ask for a free SIM or pay 200 MAD for the loaded package.
For cash: All ATMs now charge fees (typically 35 MAD). Withdraw a larger amount to minimise charges. Always decline dynamic currency conversion. Expect 200 MAD notes.
At your riad: Fill out the standard police registration form – it’s normal and required.
Have you arrived at Marrakech airport recently? I’d love to hear about your experience – especially if anything has changed since this was written. Drop a comment below and help keep this guide fresh for fellow travellers!
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Bewildered in Morocco – Real stories, real tips, from someone who calls Morocco home.
