2018 International conference on Pulses

About Morocco

Located on the westernmost tip of North Africa, bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the country enjoys the perfect geographic situation over most neighboring countries.

Morocco is one of the most colorful, mysterious and stimulating travel destinations on earth. With its evocative and magical cities, a wealth of antiquities, thousands of miles of spectacular coastline, the stunning Great South and the unique and picturesque villages and valleys of the diverse and colorful mountain chains of the Rif, the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas, the Anti-Atlas and the largest Sahara desert in the world dotted with fascinating traditional villages, dunes and oasis. Morocco enjoys a wonderful climate and a rich and fascinating history.

No matter how well seasoned a traveler you are, you will find plenty of things to do and explore in Morocco; it is the unique blend of the African, Berber, Arab and Mediterranean cultures and the magical land of medieval and fabled cities.

Moroccan cuisine has gained international respect; and Moroccans consider their traditional cooking to be on a par with Chinese, French and other great cuisines of the world.

Moroccans are friendly, polite, and curious about learning other cultures. They are easy going, tolerant and have a great sense of humor, not to mention their generosity and hospitability.

Marrakech, Stunning and Magical

Marrakech is one of the oldest imperial cities of Morocco; founded around 1060-1106) by Youssef Ibn Tachafine. With a stunning view over the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains and surrounded by thousands of palm trees & agricultural fields, this picturesque city is unique and perhaps the most fascinating in Morocco.

Known for its red-colored ramparts and a thousand year old palmerie, Marrakech is a city of secluded palaces, museums, mosques and markets. A guided tour of the cities majestic palaces and monuments is a must before winding down in the ancient center of the Medina.

City Highlights:

The Menara Gardens, El Badii Palace, Dar Si Saïd (Museum of Moroccan Arts), The Koutoubia Mosque, The Saadiyine Tombs, El Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrassa, The medina (old city) markets, Jamaa El Fna Square…

Morocco travel information:

Religion

Islam is the majority and constitutionally established state religion in Morocco. The vast majority of Muslims in Morocco are Sunni belonging to Maliki school.

Safety

The tourism industry is very important to Morocco. Accordingly, the Moroccan authorities actively promote tourist safety. There are tourist police offices in every major city.

Language

Arabic is the official language, Berber is also spoken in most parts of the country. French, being the second language, is widely spoken by the large majority of the population. English is also popular in schools, hotels, restaurants and shops catering for tourists.

Time

Morocco follows GMT, daylight saving time is observed during summer.

Currency

The major unit of currency in Morocco is the dirham (DH). In 1 dirham there are 100 centimes. There are coins for 0.5,1, 2, 5, and 10 DH; 20, 25, 50, 100 and 200 DH notes and is labeled in Arabic and French. Foreign currencies can be exchanged to Dirham at any bank or currency exchange facility found at every corner in most cities or at every airport in the country.

Banking & banking hours

Main banks like the BMCE, Credit du Maroc, Wafabank, and Banque Populaire are available in every part of the country and the easiest way to get cash is to use your Visa or cash card at an ATM cash dispenser. Credit cards are widely accepted at banks, most hotels, brand name stores, restaurants and supermarkets. Most banks are open between 8:30 a.m and 3:30 p.m.

Office hours

Office working hours for most government offices and private businesses are from 8:30 a.m and 4.00 p.m.

Electricity

Electricity throughout Morocco is 220V; you may find some 110V outlets in some hotels and Riads in Morocco. Please pack a suitable adaptor with two-cylinder prongs (the French type).

Postal services

Posting letters is relatively easy, with Barid Al Maghrib post office, available in numbers in every town and city selling the appropriate stamps. Postage costs to Europe are 8.5dh for a letter and 7.5dh for a postcard, for posting mail to other countries, please check with Barid Al Maghrib. It is best to post the letter in the yellow drop box inside or just outside this building as these are emptied daily.

Telephone

Mobile phones are widely used in Morocco since there are three different service providers; the network coverage is pretty descent in general. International roaming prices are expensive. It might be worth getting a local simcard which allows free incoming calls, and cheaper international calls. How to Dial the international call: 00 + country code + number. When calling Morocco from abroad: 00212 + the number.

Internet

Internet is widely available for free in hotels, Riads and cybercafés which are found in most cities and towns and for a few dhs an hour you can take care of most of your online chores if you are not equipped with a laptop.

Tipping

As it is known throughout the world, tipping is expected but not fixed in hotels, restaurants and cafés, by guides, porters and car park attendants as well as others who render small services. Make sure you have small change at the ready.

Airport Casablanca Mohammed V

Casablanca main airport is 30 km southeast of Casablanca. This international airport is modern, equipped with anything you can think of from cafés, gift shops and post boxes to currency exchange offices and car rental companies. There are also ATM Machines on the main floor. A grand taxi is 300MAD to Casablanca city centre and 1200MAD to Marrakech.

Airport Marrakech Menara

Marrakech airport is just 6 km outside the city. Modern and very well equipped. Reliable transportation is available any time to the city center, Jamaa el Fna square, train and bus stations.