Stay Online in Morocco: SIM cards and Internet

Last Updated on November 27, 2024

SIM card in Morocco – is it worth getting a local prepaid card? How do I get data in Morocco? These are one of the most common questions I get from my travellers. As a freelance digital nomad who has lived in Morocco for 10 years, I am happy to share my practical tips for staying connected while travelling there.

The internet connection in Morocco is generally good, but there are some limitations to keep in mind. While many cities and public places offer free Wi-Fi, the connection isn’t always reliable. In urban areas, cafes and modern hotels usually have decent Wi-Fi, but in Medina-located riads, the thick walls and older infrastructure can lead to spotty connections. Similarly, in mountain villages and more remote areas, Wi-Fi availability is limited.

Is it worth getting Sim card in Morocco?

Is It Worth Getting a local prepaid SIM Card in Morocco? Absolutely! Here is why:

Avoid Costly Roaming Fees
Roaming in Morocco can be incredibly expensive, and using your home carrier’s data plan could lead to massive phone bills. Unless you have a special international plan with unlimited data (common for some U.S. travelers), it’s best to rely on a local SIM card to stay connected.

Stay Connected for Convenience
Even if you’re aiming to unplug while travelling, having a local SIM card in Morocco is invaluable for essential services. You’ll appreciate it when navigating with Google Maps, using translation apps, or staying in touch with locals. Can you use WhatsApp in Morocco? Yes, and WhatsApp is actually a must-have communication app here (e.g. to contact your riad etc).

Affordable and Accessible
Local prepaid SIM cards in Morocco are easy to purchase and have affordable data plans. They’re a practical solution for travellers who want to explore without worrying about connectivity issues or high costs.

Best SIM card in Morocco?

If you’re planning to buy local prepaid sim card in Morocco, you’ve got three main options for mobile networks:

• MAROC TELECOM
• ORANCE
• INWI

While all three offer similar deals and pricing, their performance can vary depending on where you are. In my experience, Maroc Telecom has been the most reliable, especially when I’ve wandered off the beaten path into remote corners of Morocco. It’s been a lifesaver for staying connected where others didn’t quite deliver!
However, again, in the cities, some parts some other internet providers are working better, but in general, never had many complaints with Maroc Telecom’s sim card and data.

Morocco SIM card cost

The SIM card itself is very cheap and costs around € 1. What about data prices in Morocco? All mobile network operators have special packages for both the Internet and calls. To ease up counting, I always say that IGB of data costs around € 1 or $ USD. So, e.g., for €20 EUR ($22 USD), you get 20 GB of data. All these internet providers often have special offers, so just check upon arrival.

Sim card in Morocco: where to buy

I think the easiest place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Morocco is at the airport you land (more about Marrakech airport you can read in my article here). While some might argue that it’s a bit more expensive, the convenience is well worth it. After a long flight, do you really want to hunt for a phone store just to save a few euros? Probably not!

You’ll need to show your passport to purchase a Moroccan prepaid SIM card. Sellers may scan your passport or take a picture of it during the process.

ACTIVATE YOUR SIM CARD

Once you’ve chosen your SIM card, make sure to ask the seller to:

1. Activate the SIM card – This step is essential, as the activation process involves entering codes and responding to messages in Arabic or French.
2. Top up your credit for data – Be specific that you want a data-only plan, as there are different options for calls or data. Repeat this to ensure you get the right plan.

While the airport might be the easiest place to grab a prepaid SIM card in Morocco, it’s not your only option. If you’re exploring cities like Marrakech, here are some alternative ways to get connected:

Street Vendors – in popular areas in Marrakech like the Gueliz district of Marrakech (near the Zara store), you’ll often spot street vendors wearing branded T-shirts of mobile networks like Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi. These vendors sell prepaid SIM cards for around 30 DH, and here’s the best part:

• They typically don’t ask for a passport.
• The price is often negotiable—so don’t be shy about bargaining!

Hanout Shops – small local shops, called Hanout, also sell prepaid SIM cards. These shops are dotted all over Morocco, so you’re likely to find one in any neighborhood.

Official Telecom Stores – You can also buy SIM cards directly from the official stores of major telecom providers like Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange. Just search for their nearest office on Google Maps. However, be prepared for long queues, as these stores are often busy with locals solving their internet or phone-related issues.

How to Top Up Your Prepaid SIM Card in Morocco

LOCAL SHOPS – You can do it at small local shops known as Hanout or in supermarkets. Simply tell the seller the amount you want, and they will provide you with a top-up card. Scratch the card to reveal the code and follow the instructions to add the credit to your SIM. For convenience, you can also ask the shopkeeper to top it up for you.

In someshops, the seller may request your phone number and transfer the credit directly to your phone. Wait for a confirmation code on your phone; the process is complete.

VIA INTERNET You can also try to top up yourself via the internet providers’ pages, e.g., Moroc Telecom here. However, I am not sure if you can pay with a non-Moroccan bank card. But you can always ask your Moroccan friends or riad staff to do it for you. As you can see in the photo below, Maroc Telecom asks you to choose your top-up plan—go for the Pass Interner and choose the amount you want.

IMPORTANT TIPS:
– Specify whether you want a top-up for data only or for both data and calls. If not specified, your credit may only cover calls. In general, you only need data to be able to use the Internet.

eSIM card in Morocco

Using an eSIM for your trip to Morocco is a convenient and hassle-free way to stay connected. With an eSIM, you can activate a local data plan before you even arrive, avoiding searching for physical SIM cards or visiting telecom stores. It’s a great option for modern travellers, allowing you to seamlessly switch between your home network and the Moroccan plan without carrying multiple SIM cards. Plus, you save time at the airport and get instant connectivity as soon as you land.

Best e-sim in Morocco? There are many eSIM card options for travelling, but I have been using Airalo myself on my trips abroad. Although budget-wise, it’s still cheaper to get a local SIM card, having an eSIM card will definitely save you time and hassle – you can install/activate the eSim before even coming to Morocco, so you are connected to the Internet right after landing.

Great news—with code BLONDIE, you get a 10 % discount on your Airalo eSIM for Morocco! Simply click this link, and the discount code will be automatically applied. Or, add code BLONDIE after checking out with your Airalo eSIM purchase.

Pricewise, buying a local Moroccan prepaid SIM card is still cheaper than eSIM plans in Morocco. However, if you don’t need tons of Internet/Data when you travel or it’s only for a short trip – eSIM is definitely a good choice.

Useful tips for staying connected in Morocco:

• To call Morocco from overseas, dial the international access code + 212.
• You will get many messages to your Moroccan sim Card, mostly promotions in Arabic.
• In Morocco, almost everyone is using “WhatsApp” application for communication.
• Before coming to Morocco, download the offline Google Maps. I found it very convenient when the the Internet connection is weak and you still need directions 😉
• Many riads/hotel in the Medina/old towns don’t have a good Internet connection, especially in the rooms – you might need to go to the terrace. If you are a digital nomad, or Internet is very important for your trip, consider renting hotel in the new town.

MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:

p.s. This post contains an affiliate link. If you click on my affiliate link, I will receive a commission and you pay the same. AND… Win/Win! The products that I advertise are the ones I believe in.