Planning To Rent A Car In Morocco? 10 Things You Should Know

Discovering the country by road trip is the most practical and economical way to explore the stunning landscapes, from the Atlas Mountains to Sahara deserts through iconic, world-class cities (Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, Marrakesh, and Agadir), where traditional souks neighbor prestigious restaurants.

Every corner in Morocco deserves a visit. So why not experience a first-class trip, cruising across the country in the best cost-effective way?

Here are 10 things you should know if planning to rent a car in Morocco:

1. Renting a car makes you avoid stressing of transport issues

Such as making stops along the way or waiting for transport providers, sometimes for long and in inappropriate or risky places, having to deal with taxi drivers or being a scam target. Rent a car and ride VIP in your clean and recent vehicle at the lowest costs! No need to share your ride with strangers. You will be amazed how little the cost is compared to the qualitative service you’ll enjoy in return.

2. Have the most freedom to take in all the sites you wish to see

If you have your own car, you will be able to plan your own route and take the time to stop where you want! It would be interesting to get out of the already-planned itineraries and discover small villages (the most scenic areas including Ouzoud waterfalls, Merzouga deserts, and Draa valleys) instead of the typical touristic spots. Something that seems very difficult to do relying on other options that actually exist, such as old vans or the back of pick-up trucks which are only available early on market days, once a week, with considerable waits for departures.

3. Renting a car in Morocco is cost-efficient for groups and families with small children

Imagine the headache and the amount of money you will have to spend everytime you use public transportation when traveling with your entire family or with a group. Buses can be unbearably overcrowded and taxis are not permitted to go beyond the city limits, that’s without speaking about the 50% surcharge you’ll have to pay after 9 pm for your night-time trip.

It’s fair to say that most of the Moroccan taxi drivers have boy-racer mentalities. They only remember speed limits when facing a police roadblock. It is advised to treat them with caution, they consider any remark as questioning their driving skills.

4. Traveling in total comfort

Especially when you chose to treat yourself to a little extra luxury! It never hurts to ask and compare the offers, and maybe you’ll find out that it really doesn’t cost more than what you’ve planned to rent. Behind the wheel of a roomy, comfortable and chic designed vehicle, enter the world of luxury travels and live memorable excursions outside of the common tourist-trap areas. Free to visit any site you want, when you want.

5. Search the internet to compare all the operating rental companies

The country’s touristic draw attracts international and local rental companies. It’s easy to find a list of all the existing companies, but what is harder to find is the best companies, those that stand out of that entire list by their customer services and privileges.

We have the best offers to rent a car in Marrakech or any city in Morocco. Click here and send us a request to find exactly and quickly what you’re looking for.

6. Choose the cheaper and practical option

International rental companies are twice more expensive than local ones and that for the same average car: That’s true, being a big rental company doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality or the offered services follow! You can easily read or hear about bad reviews from those who previously trusted the well-known international agencies and ended up spending a fortune and getting a poor service!

7. Search for English car rental companies

Car rental representatives in Morocco often speak French. And the paperwork is usually in French too. Being an English user means that renting your car would put you in a position of misinformation and misinterpretation due to linguistic barriers. So, if you don’t speak French, spare yourself the entire confusing situation, and use an English car renting website that provides all the information you need to know, and answers your questions and queries concerning the cars, insurance, pickup and return, prices… All in English.

For your information, French is the third most spoken language in Morocco after Arabic and Berber(Amazigh). It is used by hotel staffs, petrol pump attendants and even police.

8. Bring the right required documents

Each car rental company has its own policy, but they usually require that you are at least 23 years old and holding your full driver’s license for one year.

You should also own a valid credit card to have on hold as security in case anything happens with the vehicle. Another option can be to hold your passport until the car is returned.

Some companies add an extra 100 MAD per day if you drove the car out of the city where it is rented (we don't).

Insurance only covers you on the main roads. And it’s recommended to verify it includes all the people traveling with you.

9. Learn about driving on Moroccan roads

Police checkpoints are frequently set up all over the country but are often very welcoming with foreigners. However, you should always ensure that you dispose of all the necessary documentation stored with you in the car’s glove compartment. Your rental agency will supply you with all the relevant registration and insurance documents.

Be aware of the speed radars that are commonly used, and respect Moroccan speed limits 60 Km/h in urban areas and 120 Km/h on the motorway. If you end up given a ticket for breaking the rules, then you will pay 150MAD for every 14Km that are over the limit.

And remember, in Morocco, you should drive on the right side hand of the road, so if you’re British, per example, go slowly the first days.

10. Verify the kind of fuel your hire car takes

Most rental cars take diesel, which is something to verify before leaving. It can cause serious problems if you put diesel in a petrol car. Anyway, rental companies often put stickers all around the vehicle (and on the car’s key) to tell you which fuel you should use.

Don’t forget that to refer to “petrol” in French, say “sans plomb” and you can call “diesel” by the word “gasoil”. Note that diesel is always so much cheaper at the filling station than petrol.

And remember to return the car with the same gas amount it had when rented.

Renting a car in Morocco offers many benefits, and it might be the best decision for you to get around the country, to explore nearly limitless sights and activities.

Whether alone or with family, you’ll be able to travel at your own leisure and have a unique perspective of the Kingdom.

Visit our website and get your luxury road trip option now!

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