Converting Dirhams to Dollars/Sending Money Out of Morocco?

In Morocco it's illegal to export or import more than one thousand dirhams which is why you can't get the money sites to make a transfer, however you can import or export any amount of other international currencies, so just bring US dollars or a Visa debit card to withdraw cash dirhams in any of the many Atm's dotted around Moroccan cities and towns.

Keep all exchange transaction receipts and if you have a surplus of Moroccan dirhams when you are about to fly home you can go to a money exchange bureau and change your dirhams back into dollars, there will obviously be a commission charge levied for this convenience, I don't know how much, but better than being stuck with dirhams which can be difficult to change outside Morocco without incurring a very poor exchange rate.

I would also advise against using Paypal, back in 2011 they permitted some criminal element from Facebook Ireland to hack into my account and start spending my money. I eventually received a full refund, but no apology which would have constituted an admission of incompetence, it was a very stressful experience, so I closed my Paypal account.

None of the answers has really addressed the question. If the amount of money you hoped to receive for 50% payment of the ticket is less than the amount of money you expect to spend whilst you are in Morocco, just ask for the money in dirhams when you arrive.

If it's more you have a problem that dirhams can't be exchanged within Morocco without proof of prior purchase (which you won't have) so all you could hope to do is a "black market" deal with a trusting tourist that you befriend to exchange the dirhams into dollars, euros or sterling.

..... you could just buy a one-way ticket to Casablanca/Morocco and let your friend buy your return ticket in Morocco. When I have relatives visiting me, I'm delighted to buy return flights for them.!
RAM fares between JFK and Casablanca or vice versa cost about $630, that's about 6,000Mad.

Is it not possible for Moroccans to buy foreign currencies at a bank or forex bureau?
Then your friend could pay you partly in dirhams - for you to spend while you're there - and the balance in dollars, for you to take home with you.

Thanks all for your replies!

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.