The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is what is known as a "closed" currency: taking it out of the country is strictly regulated, which changes the way you prepare your travel budget from Paris.
What is a closed currency?
A closed currency is a currency whose circulation outside the country's borders is restricted by local regulations. This is the case with the Moroccan dirham: the Moroccan authorities limit the export and import of banknotes in MAD. In practice, you will not find dirhams in unlimited quantities at European exchange offices, and it is officially forbidden to leave Morocco with large sums in dirhams.
Unlike "open" currencies such as the US dollar or the pound sterling, which are traded freely all over the world, the dirham follows rules specific to the kingdom. This does not make your trip any more complicated, provided you understand the logic: you prepare your budget in euros in Paris, and you convert most of it on site.
How many dirhams should you exchange before leaving?
Since the MAD is a closed currency, the ideal approach is to leave with a small reserve of dirhams for your first expenses, then top up on site. A starting reserve generally covers the taxi from the airport, a first meal, a tip or an unexpected purchase before you have found a Moroccan ATM or exchange office.
To have this initial reserve before boarding, you can exchange your euros for Moroccan dirhams directly at our Paris office. As MAD banknotes are less common in Europe, we recommend that you book online in advance to guarantee the availability of the currency on the day of your visit.
The rest of your budget can then be exchanged in Morocco, where exchange offices and ATMs are plentiful in tourist towns. Always remember to keep your exchange receipts: they may be requested if you wish to convert any unspent dirhams back into euros before leaving.
Practical tips for managing your money in Morocco
- Carry cash: in the souks, small shops and rural areas, cash is still king. Bank cards are mainly accepted in hotels, large retailers and city-centre restaurants.
- Keep small change: small denominations make daily payments and tips easier, the latter being very common in Morocco.
- Anticipate the regulations: do not leave Morocco with a large sum in dirhams. Convert your remaining banknotes on site before returning, or spend them.
- Compare before exchanging: rates vary from one establishment to another. A commission-free exchange spares you the hidden fees that eat into your budget.
Exchanging your euros for dirhams in Paris: why plan ahead
Preparing part of your exchange before departure brings peace of mind, especially for the first few hours on site. At Paris Change, an exchange office approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), we offer more than 53 currencies commission-free, including the Moroccan dirham subject to availability.
Our single shop is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, a stone's throw from the Saint-Michel metro station (line 4) and the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame). We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, opening hours that are rare for a Paris exchange office.
To save time and secure the availability of your dirhams, you can book online and then come and collect your currency in store. This is particularly useful for a closed currency like the MAD, whose stocks are more limited than those of the major international currencies.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy Moroccan dirhams in France?
Yes, but in regulated quantities, as it is a closed currency. At Paris Change, you can obtain a reserve of dirhams subject to daily availability; booking online in advance is strongly recommended.
Should you exchange all your euros before leaving for Morocco?
No. The wisest approach is to leave with a small reserve for your first expenses, then exchange the rest on site, where the dirham circulates freely and exchange points are plentiful.
Are the displayed rates fixed?
No. Our counter rates (buying and selling) are indicative and change every day according to the market. We apply commission-free exchange, but the day's rate remains variable.
Prepare your trip to Morocco with peace of mind: book your dirhams online now, or come and meet us at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, open 7 days a week, to exchange your euros commission-free.
