Communications

Internet

Internet use has exploded in Morocco, and cybercafés are everywhere, even in the smaller towns. On average they charge 10 DH to 20 DH an hour. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafés, so it's easy to keep in touch with friends and family with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Take the same security precautions you would anywhere with your electronics, and always use a surge protector.

Phones

The country code for Morocco is 212. There are nine digits in local numbers, starting with "0." The area codes are as follows: Agadir, 0528; Casablanca, 0522; Settat and El Jadida, 0523; Marrakesh, 0524; Fez and Meknès, 0535; Oujda, 0536; Rabat, 0537; Tangier, 0539; Taroudant, 0528; Tetouan, 0539. Mobile phones (numbers starting 06) are now far more widespread than landlines and many Moroccans have two numbers. When dialing a Moroccan number from overseas, drop the initial 0 from the area code. To call locally, within the area code, just dial the number (local numbers are six digits).

For international calls from Morocco, dial 00 followed by the country code. Country codes: United States and Canada, 1; United Kingdom, 44; Australia, 61; New Zealand, 64. Note that when calling from out-of-country into Morocco you always drop the "0," and the number becomes nine digits.

Calling Within Morocco

Public phones are located on the street, and you must purchase a telecarte, or phone card, to use them. They come in denominations from 10 DH to 100 DH. You insert the card and then place your local or international call.

Téléboutiques are everywhere in Morocco. These little shops have individual coin-operated phones. You feed the machine with dirhams to make local calls. You can also make international calls by calling directory assistance or calling directly.

Access directory assistance by dialing 160 from anywhere in the country. Many operators speak English, and all speak French.

Calling Outside Morocco

To call the United States directly from Morocco, dial 001, then the area code and phone number. Calls from Morocco are expensive, but rates are cut by 20% if you call after midnight. The cheapest option in direct international dialing is from a public phone, using a telecarte.

AT&T has a local access number for making international calls, which is useful if you already have a calling card.

Contacts

AT&T Direct Access. 00/211–0011.

Mobile Phones

GSM mobile phones with international roaming capability work well in the cities and along major communication routes. 4G is widespread, but roaming fees can be steep, especially for data, so use Wi-Fi whenever possible. It's almost always cheaper to send a text message than to make a call, since text messages have a very low set fee (often less than $0.25).

Alternatively, if you just want to make local calls, you can buy a new SIM card in Morocco with a prepaid service plan (note that your provider will have to unlock your phone to use a different SIM card). You'll then have a local number and can make local calls at local rates. Morocco currently has three mobile-phone companies, Inwi, Maroc Telecom, and Orange. All offer prepaid calling cards and phone sales. A simple phone costs as little as 100 DH. If you're spending more than a few weeks in the country or traveling in remote spots, these are indispensable. You will need your passport to buy a SIM card, even just a pay-as-you-go one.

Contacts

Cellular Abroad. Cellular Abroad rents and sells GMS phones for use in Morocco. 800/287–5072; 310/862–7100; www.cellularabroad.com.

Mobal. Mobal rents mobiles and sells GSM phones that will operate in most countries, including Morocco. 888/888–9162; www.mobalrental.com. Open 24/7.

Planet Fone. Planet Fone rents cell phones and international mobile broadband data keys. 888/988–4777; www.planetfone.com.