Digital Nomad Life in Morocco
Summary: Morocco is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Morocco are Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat. Digital nomads like living in Morocco because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 in Morocco. The culture of Morocco is a mix of Arab, Berber, and African influences. Morocco is known for its hospitality, colorful markets, and delicious cuisine. The country is also known for its vibrant music and art scene.
How do I meet people in Morocco?
When we asked people living in Morocco about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Morocco often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending networking events and meetups," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Morocco.
What is life like in Morocco?
When we asked people living in Morocco what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Morocco as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore a new place. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of accommodation options, from traditional riads to modern apartments. The cost of living is relatively low, making it a great place to live on a budget. The country is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, Morocco is a great place to learn a new language, as many locals speak both French and Arabic. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and vibrant culture, Morocco is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Morocco.
Where should I live in Morocco?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Very difficult and expensive to rent here if you want a pool and garden, we ended up buying a villa. We found our home on the internet and by asking local people about what was for sale in the area," said one person in Marrakech.
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Morocco is to use online resources such as websites and social media. Websites such as Airbnb, Expat.com, and EasyRoommate are great for finding short-term and long-term rentals. Additionally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to search for rental postings from locals. Additionally, it is possible to find a place to live by asking around in the local community. Many people in Morocco are willing to help newcomers find a place to live, and asking around can be a great way to find a place to stay," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Morocco.
What do I need to know before moving to Morocco?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Morocco, they said:
"Before retiring in Morocco, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Morocco. Finally, it is important to learn some basic Arabic or French, as these are the two main languages spoken in Morocco," remarked one member in Morocco.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Morocco?
"Expats in Morocco appreciate the country's rich culture and history, as well as its vibrant and diverse cities. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people, the delicious cuisine, and the stunning landscapes. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to explore the many cultural attractions, such as the ancient medinas, mosques, and souks," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Morocco.
"I appreciate so much the way Moroccans have a strong social network of family and friends to help each other and support each other in a multitude of ways. I appreciate observing in my Amazigh family relationships that even when there are squabbles, they pull together again and help each other when its needed. I appreciate greatly the "TRUE GENEROSITY" of sharing themselves and materially with others. I also enjoy the way the men in our family help their wives, mothers, grandmas, etc., with the chores of daily life," explained one person living in Khemisset, Morocco.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Morocco?
"Expats in Morocco often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. Language barriers can be difficult to overcome, as many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and adhere to, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Furthermore, the local cuisine can be quite different from what expats are used to, which can be a challenge to adjust to. Finally, the climate in Morocco can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, which can be difficult to adjust to," said one person in Morocco.
"One new challenge was adapting from American culture where women can easily go most anywhere unaccompanied without a thought about it. And, no one sees that as strange. But, in a smaller city such as Khemisset, women travel in family groups with other female relatives, or with male relatives, or with their children and its not common for a woman to walk the streets, or travel by oneself. In my family, most of the daily shopping for food, etc., is done by men. It actually takes a lot of the burden of running the household off the women," said one expat who made the move to Khemisset.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Morocco for a while?
"Proof of income Proof that you're not a criminal, you need to go to the police department and register. They'll give you a printed form. For retirees it's the most efficient process I'd been in. They want us, we help their community. Other countries are not quite as welcoming. Usually, it's an economic problem. Ecuadorians, for example, have been priced out of many housing markets because of the influx of people from wealthier countries," explained one expat living in Rabat, Morocco.
"If you plan to stay in Morocco for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency permit. This permit is issued by the Moroccan Ministry of Interior and is valid for up to one year. You will also need to obtain a valid visa before entering Morocco. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or you may need to apply for a visa in advance," said one person in Morocco.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Morocco?
We asked people in Morocco if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Morocco. It is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection, as this is considered inappropriate in Morocco. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as religion or politics. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to avoid engaging in activities that are illegal in Morocco. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local people and their culture, and to avoid making assumptions or judgments about them," remarked one member in Morocco.
"Yes. I learned quickly that my habit of ambidexterity and using both hands to do things needed retraining to break that habit. Its not good to reach for food with your left hand.. Oh my gosh. Thats a huge social blunder. And, so much hugging between members of the same sex, holding hands etc., which really I never was a hugger back in the USA. I also needed to learn no shaking hands with men," explained one expat living in Khemisset, Morocco.
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What are healthcare services like in Morocco?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Morocco, they replied:
"Let's be quite clear: public health services are massively oversubscribed by Moroccans-who all pay for private treatment if they can afford it. Morocco is the only country I have ever visited where there is an almost universal distrust of doctors, on the basis that they will invariably recommend the treatment which earns them the most money. On the other hand, my experience of a private clinic in Marrakech, after a serious accident, was very positive except that absolutely no-one spoke any English (fortunately not a problem for me). I was told in the UK that the scanner which had been used was more 'state of the art' than the one in my large local UK hospital & that the medical treatment I had received was up to European standards. It was, however, very expensive-so first class medical insurance is essential. Pharmacies are serious places, as in France & require properly validated prescriptions for any serious medicines," explained one digital nomad living in Morocco.
"Healthcare services in Morocco are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Morocco can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," said one member in Morocco.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Morocco?
"I enjoy living in Tangier with its beaches ,culture and proximity to Spain. Before covid I would jump on a ferry and arrive in Tarifa Spain within one hour for a mini break. My main sadness is the distance from Tasmania Australia to Tangier Morocco which accounts for the desire to live in Sth East Asia post Covid," explained one expat living in Tangier, Morocco.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Morocco, as well as the country's rich culture and history. They also enjoy the warm climate and the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the country. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and lack of infrastructure to be challenging. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from different backgrounds," said one digital nomad in Morocco.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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