WHY START PLANNING NOW?
Because it’s super important to me that you’re there! To make the trip worthwhile, you could combine it with a few days of vacation. For those working remotely, I will organize a co-working location in Marrakesh.
FLIGHTS
Flights could get pricy. It's peak season and the following weekend is Easter. Book your flights timely.
UPDATE: From some locations it might make sense to wait with the booking.
I received the feedback that from some cities the flights to Marrakesh are extremely complicated and expensive at the moment. This could be because it is still quite far out and not all airlines have published their connections or full contingents. A friend recommended to check for flights in the next weeks and months and see how they behave and what’s available.
For example: Apparently Ryanair has a beautiful direct connection to Marrakesh at the moment but it is not available for April yet. Still keep in mind that the event is around the Easter holidays which will impact the pricing.
PRESENTS
Please, please don’t! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone taking this long journey upon them. You coming and being absolutely on fire is the greatest gift I could think off - let’s raaage!!!
PASSPORT
You will need a passport with 6 months validity to enter Morocco. EU & US passport holders will receive a visa on arrival. You will be rejected with an ID.
INTERNET
Also, you will not have EU roaming. Some providers allow you to buy data packages once you connect. On my travels I use the Airalo App to get an e-sim card. I recommend installing it before you depart.
MONEY
The local currency is Moroccan Dirham. There are money exchangers and ATM (recommend) when you leave the airport. It’s part of the Moroccan culture to negotiate and haggle, especially on the market. Always start with half the price when buying something.
TRANSPORT
Yassin and his team are supporting us during the week. You can always text him on WhatsApp. Especially for scheduled rides like the airport pick up or day trips out side the city.
There are taxies everywhere and tourist prices are fine (still negotiate). InDrive is the local Uber and works great. The drivers still might ask for more than the rate. You can tip slightly but don’t need to budge on them pushing.
SAFETY
The streets of Barcelona and London are more dangerous than Marrakesh. Still, don’t be naive and trust your gut. Keep your purse close in crowds, etc. The locals know that crime is bad for business and will always support if you feel like something is off.
For the ladies & just to be sure: During the night I recommend being at least with one other person in the Medina. Also, Morocco is a Muslim country. If you show a lot of skin the men might stare or comment (not as bad as Italy though).
AIRPORT DEPARTURE
Since some of you like to play the game to board the plane on final call. Leaving from RAF is a bit messy. Plan with a solid 2 hours before departure, minimum.
1) There is a security check before you enter the airport building 2) You can not check in online. Every passenger needs to get their ticket at the counter. So there are usually lines. 3) Then there is the normal airport security 4) and eventually you gotta go through immigration.