Everything you need to know to prepare your stay in Morocco and enjoy it peacefully; in addition to practical information, you will find some cultural advice and recommendations but also the “must do” to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
2023 Annual Meetings Venue
The 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF will be held in the city of Marrakech, on the site of Bab Ighli, a large area of more than 54 hectares located at the exit of the city in the direction of the Ourika valley.
This site is located in the middle of the most important hotel zones of Marrakech (L’hivernage, Guèliz, Agdal, Ancienne Medina) and it is close to the main historical sites and 10 minutes-drive from the Marrakech-Menara airport.
The site of Bab Ighli, has already hosted several events including the COP22 in November 2016 as well as the United Nations Summit on Migration in December 2018.
Geolocation coordinates of Bab Ighli site: (31.606407, -7.993242)
Visa entry to Morocco
Simplified entry formalities for Annual Meetings participants
The visa is an authorization of entry and stay for a limited period of time on the Moroccan territory and is issued by the competent Moroccan authority.The Kingdom of Morocco will take all necessary steps to facilitate the granting of visas to participants.
Air Links
No less than 25 leading airlines serve Morocco. Beyond the political and economic capitals, Rabat and Casablanca, all the major regional industrial centers and tourist destinations are widely served, first and foremost Marrakesh, but also Agadir, Tangier, Fez, Meknes, Essaouira, Oujda and more.
Customs and Changes
Morocco is subject to foreign exchange controls and regulation that restricts the export of foreign currency and dirhams (MAD), the national currency.
Car Rental and Taxi Airport
At the exit of both Casablanca and Marrakech airports, passengers could either take shuttle buses, taxis or call a car rental agency.
Practical guide
Currency
The national currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). €1 (EUR) is worth between 10.50 and 11 MAD.
Money Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged into dirhams at foreign exchange offices and most bank branches.
Means of payment
Cash is preferred for amounts under MAD 100. Beyond that, bank cards are widely accepted.
Dressing appropriately
The weather in Morocco is still generally good in October but the evenings are cool and it can rain; it is recommended to bring sweaters and raincoats, just in case.
Telephone communication
The fixed-line network works perfectly but the most convenient way is to buy a prepaid SIM card from one of the three local operators (Maroc Telecom, Inwi, Orange).
Electrical outlets
The network operates on 220 volts; the plugs are standard IEC 60320; we recommend bringing a universal adapter.
Internet and WIFI
The internet network is highly developed in Morocco (an optical fiber network connects many cities); WIFI is available in most hotels, restaurants and cafés.
Transport
Planes, trains, coaches, large and small taxis, rental vehicles … to each destination its best means of transport.
Opening Hours
They vary but, generally speaking, businesses are open from 9 am to 6 pm, often 8 pm. On Friday, which is prayer day, shops close around 12 pm and reopen around 4 pm, while the shops in the medina remain mostly closed on that day.
Accommodation
The country offers a wide range of hotels, from two-star hotels to luxury resorts, all the major international chains are represented, not to mention an increasing number of guest houses and ecolodges.
Etiquette
Don’t miss out on these souvenirs
Practical & emergency numbers
*Please note: emergency numbers are accessible from landlines and mobile phones, but only with a SIM card from one of the three Moroccan operators (Maroc Télécom, Orange Maroc and Inwi); they are not accessible from a mobile phone equipped with a SIM card from a foreign operator, even with the roaming option.
Morocco’s most famous cities
Casablanca
The city that never sleeps
Rabat
Rabat, gentle lifestyle
Fez
Fez, Morocco’s spiritual capital
Tangier
Tangier, the Rebel
Marrakesh
Marrakesh, an exotic and trendy city
Dakhla
Dakhla, Between Sea and Desert
Agadir
Agadir, the Pearl of the Atlantic Ocean