Travel to Morocco

[deeshla 0]

As most of you know my hubby and I will be flying to Morocco in a few weeks. I have a few last min questions for those who have been to Morocco. Thanks!

1. Did you have to get any vaccinations before your trip?

2. What exactly is the weather like this time of year?

3. How long should we give ourselves before our flight to go through security and check-in?

4. Where exactly can I find the new airport security laws?

5. What can I expect when I get to the airport in Casablanca?

6. Do we have to pay any tariffs for any of our items we take to or from Morocco?

7. Am I allowed to bring my videocamera on the plane or do I have to check it? (really don't want to)

8. If I happen to get sick or injured while in Morocco, is there such a thing as travelers insurance? If so, where can I find it and who is the best provider?

Ok that's all I can think of for now. Thank you very much for reading this and hopefully replying.

Janine

1.) No. Nothing is required or needed.

2.) I would have to ask - where are you going in the country? In January and February it is biting ###-numbing cold to the point of wanting-to-die cold. I mean it. If you are going to the south, desert or mountain areas be prepared for extreme cold. If you are going to the coast, well then lucky you! It won't be as bad. I am sure your husband has told you how cold the inside of concrete homes get. There will always be the sun to thaw you out during the day.

3.) 2-3 hours

4.) Not sure about that one, but don't sweat it. Just don't bring any liquids in your carry-on.

5.) Pretty straight-forward. Someone might try to bribe your husband (Moroccan in America = rich person in their eyes) though.

6.) Nope. Just don't take out any dirhams.

7.) You can bring it.

8.) Depending where you are, you can get good, affordable health care in Morococ. Please, whatever you do, do not go to a public clinic (sbitar, dispensaire or centre de sante - I have worked at these places and they are subpar by Western standards). Look on the consular website for a listing of English-speaking doctors. Bring a first aid kit, but know that Moroccan pharmacies will have everything you need.

Good luck!

Amanda

Edited after reading other replies -- IT IS COLD IN MOROCCO. Even if there is an amazing Saharan sun beating down on you during the day, nights will be cold unless you are on the coast. Bring more than a jacekt -- bring a coat and long underwear (omy favorite -- silk long underwear from L.L. Bean).

Those of you saying Morocco is warm this time of year are NUTS.

[~Jackie~ 30]

When is your trip Janine?

Jackie

[Mrs. Forgetful 2]

Okay, we are leaving Feb 16th and returning March 11th. We are going to Tanger, the very tip of Morocco. We are flying out of JFK (NY) and lukily we have a straight flight.

My doctor gave me the Hep A vac. and my tetanus, she also gave me pills for typhoid(just in case). My friend had her typhoid shot before she went her first time too.

On the way back in the airport when you go to leave, make sure your husband is with you...I had one incident where they asked me to open my bags and then wanted to take my video camera...they asked for my husband to pay for their breakfast instead...Morocco is notorious for asking for and taking bribes. Also, RAM has taken my camera batteries before boarding every time...I hate them for that! I avoid them for this reason among other reasons.

They might steal my cam battery?! That things expensive! Aye Aye Aye! He better be standing right with me. Expecially since he just bought it for me 3 days ago!

I was wondering if they could possibly make me pay tariffs on my iPod, video cam, digital cam, or dvd player? I heard one time something about that and that you have to have proof that you purchased it in the US or something like that.

Thanks for all the info!

Ja nine

[Mrs. Forgetful 2]

didn't know if anyone saw my last question....

[brnidokiegurl 0]

I read something like that to but dont know when or where like if you go with say a laptop and dont come back with it guess they feel you profited in someway and would have to pay, maybe best to have some receipts handy coming and going

[~kiyah~ 14]

Okay, we are leaving Feb 16th and returning March 11th. We are going to Tanger, the very tip of Morocco. We are flying out of JFK (NY) and lukily we have a straight flight.

My doctor gave me the Hep A vac. and my tetanus, she also gave me pills for typhoid(just in case). My friend had her typhoid shot before she went her first time too.

On the way back in the airport when you go to leave, make sure your husband is with you...I had one incident where they asked me to open my bags and then wanted to take my video camera...they asked for my husband to pay for their breakfast instead...Morocco is notorious for asking for and taking bribes. Also, RAM has taken my camera batteries before boarding every time...I hate them for that! I avoid them for this reason among other reasons.

They might steal my cam battery?! That things expensive! Aye Aye Aye! He better be standing right with me. Expecially since he just bought it for me 3 days ago!

I was wondering if they could possibly make me pay tariffs on my iPod, video cam, digital cam, or dvd player? I heard one time something about that and that you have to have proof that you purchased it in the US or something like that.

Thanks for all the info!

Ja nine

Oh yes...the cam battery went into the checked baggage on the way out just in case, I can't afford to buy another one. So did the rechargable camera batteries. They actually wanted to take my video camera itself, so maybe it was related to tarif, etc...they opted for my husband to buy them breakfast instead.

I would take receipts if possible for the video camera. the last time I went in november I had no problems with them wanting to take my video camera...it was the time before that in March that I had that problem. It's kind of touch and go whether you weill have issues like this or not, but it is better to be prepared.

~Kiyah~

[Mrs. Forgetful 2]

You think it's safe to put the battery in the checked bag? I dunno... If they ask to turn it on and I don't have the battery that would look mor suspicious than anything. I think we'll have to take our chances.

[sereia 0]

Okay, we are leaving Feb 16th and returning March 11th. We are going to Tanger, the very tip of Morocco. We are flying out of JFK (NY) and lukily we have a straight flight.

My doctor gave me the Hep A vac. and my tetanus, she also gave me pills for typhoid(just in case). My friend had her typhoid shot before she went her first time too.

On the way back in the airport when you go to leave, make sure your husband is with you...I had one incident where they asked me to open my bags and then wanted to take my video camera...they asked for my husband to pay for their breakfast instead...Morocco is notorious for asking for and taking bribes. Also, RAM has taken my camera batteries before boarding every time...I hate them for that! I avoid them for this reason among other reasons.

They might steal my cam battery?! That things expensive! Aye Aye Aye! He better be standing right with me. Expecially since he just bought it for me 3 days ago!

I was wondering if they could possibly make me pay tariffs on my iPod, video cam, digital cam, or dvd player? I heard one time something about that and that you have to have proof that you purchased it in the US or something like that.

Thanks for all the info!

Ja nine

i would bring the battery with you in case they want you to turn it on.

as far as the whole proof of purchase thing.....i've never ever experienced that in over 30+ flights i've had in the past few years.

it sounds like you are definitely prepared! make sure to note that in your carry on luggage all liquids and gels must be placed in a quart sized ziplock bag. and they must be under 3 ounces each. all others must be checked. be careful or else they will throw it away! have fun!!!

and yes, i agree with the poster above (and i said it in my original post) it is cold there! check weather.com for the temperature of when you will be there but also take into account if they have heating in the place you still stay or not. my fiance's apartment didn't and i was freeeeeeeeeezing!

[Mrs. Forgetful 2]

As far as I know they have heat in his house. Whenever I have see his sisters or mother they have been sitting at the computer in tank tops. So either they have the heat really high, or they are crazy and freezing there butts off. Oh well, either way, I will be prepared and will have all of my hooded sweatshirts packed.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

[balmytigeress 0]

I'm still fresh from my trip to Morocco so I might say more than you need to read, but here goes....

When I was at the Casa airport, I had to fill out a small form, they were located on the right side of the room as I walked in through the sliding doors. I wasn't sure what was expected of me and I didn't speak french or arabic. One guard spoke a little and tried to help, but I think he was getting frustrated. It wasn't hard to get past immigration if you knew to fill out the form.

I hope you have been warned to drink bottled water not tap (except where it has been boiled, as for tea) and avoid milk products. Freshest ingredients are safer, check that all meat is thoroughly cooked. However careful you are, there are high chances you will have some digestive upset while you are there. Bring something for that like Imodium.

Squat toilets are more common than sit downs, and aren't that hard to get used to. Carry a small packet of kleenex - even if you clean up in the traditional way (left hand and bucket of water), you may prefer to dry off with something. TP is not always available.

Definitely cold weather. Rachid lives near Rabat and the day I returned to the US, he said I missed the cold weather (I left from Casa 1/24).

I don't know what you know about JFK. It is a huge airport, look for a map telling which terminal each airline is located. Use Skytrain to get to other terminals. If for some reason you have to spend the night there, I can tell you from experience that terminal 4 is open all night and the 1st floor is a decent place to park yourself. Terminal 4 also has the largest selection of stores and places to eat.

Going thru security: have quart sized bag with 3oz liquids out, remove shoes and coat when a bin is offered, do not wear a belt with metal buckle unless you don't mind taking it off. Put those and any loose items into the bin so they don't get lost. All carryon bags, purses, passport holders, or whatever also go through the metal detector. The fewer things you have to remove and put back on, the smoother the line goes for everyone. They really won't let you bring even a bottle of water. Although when I left the airport at Casa on my return trip, I brought a bottle of water onto the plane, and no one said anything until I tried to board from Amsterdam to JFK.

Have a great time! I weigh too much to fit in one of your bags, you'd have to cut me into 3 peices. Know the maximum dimensions and weight allowed for your luggage. I noticed several people had trouble getting their bags checked in because they were too heavy.

BT