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Traveling to Morocco: phone and SIM card

  • May 30
  • 4 min read

We continue here our series of articles to help you organize your trip in Morocco and answer all your technical questions:

Top 10 tips for traveling to Morocco:

  • Maps of Morocco: visit the south or north of Morocco

  • The best time to travel in Morocco, weather in Morocco

  • Changing money in Morocco, managing one’s budget

  • Means of transport in Morocco

  • Passport, visa, vaccines to travel to Morocco

  • Phone to Morocco, take a SIM card

  • Shopping in Morocco

  • How to dress for a trip to Morocco

  • Traveling alone or alone in Morocco

  • Apprendre l'essentiel en Darija pour voyager

téléphone jaune et carte sim maroc

Phone and SIM card in Morocco: all the options to stay connected

Traveling in Morocco means diving into a world rich in discoveries, but also needing a good connection to share your experiences, get oriented or simply stay in touch. If you’re wondering which is the best solution for your phone and SIM card in Morocco, here’s a practical guide to choose between classic SIM, eSIM or international plan.



1. Prendre une carte SIM à l’aéroport

Upon your arrival in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir or Rabat, you will find stands of the main Moroccan operators (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi).

  • Advantages: convenient and immediate, no need to search in the city. Sellers generally speak English and French. They install for you the Moroccan SIM card in your phone and activate the chosen amount.


  • Disadvantages: the offers are often a bit more expensive and less flexible than in an official store. The sellers will often offer you 20€ of purchase but do not hesitate to ask for 10€, enough for a week and you can recharge in town if needed.


This choice is ideal if you need internet data right away to order a taxi or use Google Maps.


aéroport de marrakech

2. Buy a SIM card in the city

By going directly to an official store or an authorized dealer (often press offices, grocery stores), you will have more choices and better prices.

  • Advantages: competitive prices, more adapted formulas (calls, data, SMS).


  • Disadvantages: sometimes you have to show your passport and allow some time. If you stay for several days or weeks, it is usually the most economical option.


3. Take out a special plan with their phone company

Before leaving, check with your mobile operator in France, Belgium, Canada or other countries.

  • Some offer special plans for Morocco, with an envelope of data and international calls.

  • Advantages: no need to change SIM card or configuration, you keep your usual number.

  • Disadvantages: roaming rates are often high, except in the case of special promotions.


This is a practical solution for a short stay or business trip.


4. Use an eSIM in Morocco

If your phone is compatible, eSIM is a modern and flexible alternative.

  • You can buy online an eSIM dedicated to Morocco or an international eSIM before your departure.

  • Once you arrive, simply scan a QR code to activate the service.

  • Advantages: no physical SIM card manipulation, possibility to keep your main number in parallel.

  • Disadvantages: still limited to certain phone models, sometimes more expensive than a local SIM card.


Example: Holafly, a practical eSIM for Morocco

Among the eSIM solutions available, Holafly is very popular with travelers.

  • You order your eSIM directly online before leaving.

  • You receive a QR code by email that you scan to activate your data plan.

  • Holafly packages for Morocco usually offer between 5 and 20 GB of data depending on the length of your stay.

  • Key advantage: you can keep your usual number for WhatsApp or SMS, while using eSIM only for data.

Holafly is therefore an ideal solution if you want to arrive in Morocco already connected, without looking for a shop or waiting in line at the airport.


téléphone et gps au maroc

5. Rates, Wi-Fi and calls via apps

  • Cost of SIM cards in Morocco: a local SIM card generally costs between 20 and 50 MAD (2 to 5 €), with data top-ups from 10 MAD (1 €). A mobile data plan of 10 to 20 GB often costs €10-15.

  • Wi-Fi in hotels: most accommodation (hotels, riads, hostels) offer free Wi-Fi. The quality can vary, but it is enough to check your emails or browse the internet.

  • Use WhatsApp or Messenger: to avoid international call charges, you can make calls directly via data or Wi-Fi with WhatsApp, Messenger, or Skype. This is a very popular solution in Morocco, both for travelers and locals.


6. Disable mobile data to avoid roaming fees

Before inserting a Moroccan SIM card (or an eSIM), it is essential to deactivate the mobile data on your main SIM card.

  • If you leave your data enabled, your phone may automatically connect to international roaming, which can result in very high charges.

  • To avoid any unpleasant surprises, you can:

    • disable the "Mobile data" option in your smartphone settings;

    • or completely deactivate the SIM card of your original operator if you use a Moroccan SIM.•

  • Once this precaution is taken, you will be able to use your new local SIM card or eSIM without any risk of extra cost.



Conclusion: what solution should you choose for your phone and SIM card in Morocco?


  • Short stay / immediate need: take a SIM card to the airport.

  • Longer trip: buy a SIM card in the city.

  • Convenience first and foremost: special package from your operator.

  • Recent phone: opt for an eSIM like Holafly.

  • Reduced budget: enjoy free Wi-Fi and use WhatsApp for your calls.

  • Financial security: deactivate your mobile data to avoid roaming charges.


In summary, Morocco offers several solutions adapted to all types of travelers. It all depends on your budget, the length of your stay and your need to stay connected.


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