How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Morocco?

Getting ready for a holiday in Morocco? You’re probably busy packing and planning all the things you’re going to do. However, one practical thing you should consider is how you’ll be communicating while you’re there.

To make the most out of your trip, consider swapping your UK SIM for a Morocco SIM card. This will help you avoid additional expenses and allow you to use translation apps and maps without having to search for Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in Morocco and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Morocco from the UK?

Using a Morocco SIM card during your vacation is a great way to save money. International calls or data usage usually aren’t included in UK monthly plans, so try not to get charged extra by your provider for using your phone abroad.

Another reason is that having a local SIM makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. You’ll have better network coverage and be connected all day long, since you won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi. Also, having a Morocco SIM card will allow you to use translation apps and maps whenever you need to.

If you’re still not entirely convinced, you could rely on international roaming instead. Various networks, such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile, have global roaming packages that include Morocco. Others, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, will have you pay roaming charges as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Morocco?

There’s a range of options you can choose from when buying a Morocco SIM card and most of them are fairly affordable. The prices start at 10 MAD, which is less than a pound.

At the moment, Inwi has the best deal available. You can get 10 GB of data for 10 MAD and use it for a week.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Morocco?¹

Getting a Morocco SIM card is pretty simple. There are many selling points throughout the country, such as official operator stores, convenience stores and train stations.

The safest way to buy a SIM card in Morocco is to visit a mobile operator store or their official website. The main mobile providers in Morocco are Maroc Telecom (IAM.PAR), Orange (ORAN) and Inwi.

Make sure your phone is unlocked, because you won’t be able to use a local SIM card otherwise. Once at the selling point, you’ll probably need to provide your passport and fill out some forms. Ask in advance if you can pay with your credit card or debit card or if it’s a cash-only store.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Morocco in the UK?²

You can get a Morocco SIM card in the UK, but your options will be limited and more expensive. For example, you can order one through SimCorner for £29 and use it for up to 15 days.

Can you buy a Morocco SIM card at the airport?¹

Yes, you can get a Morocco SIM card at an operator’s kiosk as soon as you land. You can do so at multiple airports, one of which is the Mohammed V International Airport.

Getting a SIM card at the airport is convenient because you’ll be able to use the data right away. This way, you won’t spend any money on international roaming.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Morocco

Here are some of the best SIM card options for a vacation in Morocco.

Maroc Telecom

Maroc Telecom is the largest mobile network in Morocco. They offer a variety of data-only SIM packages, starting at 500 MB for 1 day of validity.³

These packages are known as Jawal Internet Pass. The cheapest one costs £0.40 and it’s a daily pass with 500 MB of data. Their other short-term plans are the following: the 3-day plan with 1 GB of data which costs £0.80, the two 7-day plans with 2 GB or 2,5 GB of data at around £1.60 or £2 and the 14-day deal with 4.5 GB of data for around £2.40.

They also have monthly plans that cost from around £4 to £80 and include from 7,5 GB to 150 GB of data.⁴

Orange⁵

The Morocco SIM card plans from Orange have a 30-day validity period. With different combinations of data, unlimited social media use and calls, you can certainly find one that suits you.

Some of the best options for tourists are the £4 plan with 11 GB of data, the £8 deal with 20 GB, the £12 plan with 30 GB of internet and the £16 plan with 40 GB of data. Each of these plans has additional perks. Some include minutes for calls in Morocco, so making reservations and meeting local friends will be easy.

Inwi⁶

If you choose Inwi, you’ll be able to get a phone number and then purchase data recharges separately. They offer daily, weekly, biweekly and monthly refills.

If you’ll be staying in Morocco for up to a week, right now you can get their 10 GB deal for £0.80. The 14-day data plans cost £1.60 for 2 GB and £2.40 for 6 GB. Monthly deals have up to 100 GB of data included.

Since some of these prices are lower due to promotional offers, make sure you check for updates before your trip.

Best e-SIM cards for Morocco

The easiest way to avoid roaming fees while in Morocco is to buy an eSIM. You can even get one while still in the UK, as long as you activate it upon arrival.

Before getting an eSIM, make sure your phone is compatible with them. If it is, here are some of the best eSIMs you can use while in Morocco.

Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers. They have plans for Morocco only, but also regional plans for North Africa.

Airalo has four types of Morocco eSIMs. The cheapest one costs $8 for 1 GB of data and with a 7 day validity period. Then, there’s a $14.50 option with 2 GB of data valid for 15 days and two 30-day plans. They cost $20.50 and $31.50, depending on the data amount - 3 GB or 5 GB.⁷

If you plan on visiting other North African and Middle Eastern countries, you should consider Airalo’s regional plans. The 7-day one costs $15 with 1 GB of data, the 2 GB 15-day plan is $28 and the 3 GB plan valid for a month costs $39.⁸

Holafly⁹

Holafly only offers Morocco eSIMs with unlimited data. This can be an affordable solution if you’re travelling with a group, since you can share 500 MB of data per day with others through a hotspot.

Their prices start at £6 per day, but when you pay for more days, you get a better deal. For example, a 10-day Holafly eSIM costs £32 and a 20-day one is £49.

Maya Mobile¹⁰

At Maya Mobile, they have plans that can be used for 5, 10, 15 or 30 days. The cheapest 5-day option includes 1 GB of data and it costs £6. If you need more data and a longer validity period, their 10-day 5 GB data pass will cost you £23.

Spend like a local in Morocco with Wise

While you’re picking a Morocco SIM card for your trip, you’ll also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. Order a card for a one-time fee of £7, and you can spend and withdraw like a local in Morocco and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Register with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 11-July-2024