Insurance Morocco has well-qualified doctors in the larger towns and
cities. State hospitals provide free or minimal charge emergency
treatment, but full health insurance is essential.
Dental Services Have a thorough check-up before leaving home. In case
of emergency, ask a consulate in a major city to recommend a local
dentist, who will be French-speaking. Medical insurance is essential.
Weather The sun is very hot, so cover up with light cotton clothes, wear
a hat, use high-factor sunscreen and drink plenty of bottled water. Avoid
too much alcohol and caffeine as these contribute to dehydration.
Drugs Although pharmacies are well supplied, check expiry dates as drugs
deteriorate quickly in the heat. Drugs can be expensive, so bring a
supply of painkillers, anti-diarrhoea pills and a sunburn remedy. Do not
buy illegal drugs.
Safe Water Drinking unboiled water can cause stomach problems. Use
bottled water and do not eat raw food, especially salads washed in local
water. Bilharzia, caused by blood flukes, can be caught by swimming in
oases or slow-flowing rivers.
WILDLIFE SOUVENIRS
Importing wildlife souvenirs sourced from rare or endangered species may
be illegal or require a special permit. Check your country's customs
rules.
CONCESSIONS
Students and Youths Student cards are redundant in Morocco, but Royal
Air Maroc gives a 25 per cent discount to under-26s on internal flights.
InterRail passes for under-26s also extend to the Moroccan rail system.
Senior Citizens There are no general concessions for senior citizens,
but beach-front hotels south of Agadir offer good rates for long-stay
guests. However, many do not have lifts or ramps for wheelchairs.
TRAVELLING WITH A DISABILITY
Facilities for visitors with disabilities are rare in Morocco, and
medinas are tricky places to get around. Although Moroccans are usually
helpful, it is still difficult to get around hotels, public transport
and most of the monuments. Check with a specialist organisation for
travellers with disabilities before travelling: Tripscope in London (tel:
020 8994 9294; www.justmobility.co.uk/tripscope), and AccessAbility in
the USA (tel: 800/6105640). The AA Disabled Travellers' Guide gives
details of accessible transport in Britain and abroad.
CHILDREN
Moroccans love children and will welcome and entertain them wherever you
go. While Western-style amusement parks are rare, most kids will be
happy to stroll through the souks, or to enjoy the country's fabulous
nature, mountains and beaches. The food is usually pretty child
friendly, as well.
TOILETS
Most hotels have Western-style toilets, but almost everywhere else you
will find squat toilets, which are usually cleaner and more hygienic.
Toilet paper is not always provided in restaurants or public loos so
always travel with some tissues.
