Maroc Telecom is the leading telecommunications provider in Morocco. Getting a local Maroc Telecom SIM card or eSIM allows tourists to stay connected with mobile data during their trip to Morocco at an affordable rate. This guide covers everything you need to know about using Maroc Telecom when traveling in Morocco – their network coverage, SIM card options, rates, top-up, USSD codes, and alternatives.

Maroc Telecom SIM card featured image

I. Quick facts about Maroc Telecom

Maroc Telecom (IAM) is the incumbent and market leader telecom operator in Morocco. Some key facts:

  • State-owned telecom monopoly until 1999
  • 51% owned by UAE’s Etisalat since 2014
  • Over 20 million mobile subscribers
  • GSM 900 / 1800 MHz
  • 3G / 4G / 4G+ mobile networks
  • Also provides fixed line, ADSL internet and IPTV services

With over 98% population coverage and over 99% 3G/4G coverage, Maroc Telecom has the best mobile network in Morocco in terms of availability and data speeds.

II. Morocco Maroc Telecom Coverage and Speed

1. Maroc Telecom coverage in Morocco

IAM coverage

Maroc Telecom has close to complete 2G and 3G population coverage in Morocco. Its fast 4G/LTE network already covers 99% of the population as of 2023.

So you can expect a strong Maroc Telecom mobile signal and high-speed data connectivity almost everywhere in cities and populated areas in Morocco. Their network extends along highways and roads connecting major towns and tourist places.

However, coverage can be spotty in remote unpopulated desert or mountainous regions away from main roads and populated centers.

2. Maroc Telecom speed

Morocco-Mobile-Operators-Speed

Maroc Telecom uses advanced LTE technology offering excellent data speeds – with average download speeds of around 29.6 Mbps on 4G in 2023, refer to OpenSignal report. This is enough for HD video streaming, calling apps, and mobile internet.

Their new 4G+ network is capable of near-fiber speeds over 100 Mbps in areas with good coverage. So you can expect a fast and responsive mobile internet experience on Maroc Telecom 4G in Moroccan cities and tourist destinations.

III. Maroc Telecom connectivity options for travelers to Morocco

When traveling to Morocco, you have many options to connect to the local Maroc Telecom mobile network and internet:

Option Pros Cons
Prepaid SIM Flexible pay-as-you-go rates. Easy to top up. Requires SIM purchase. Only 30 days.
Postpaid Plan Keep number. Monthly billing. Unlimited options. Higher costs. Harder to cancel. Needs registration.
Roaming Use home carrier abroad. No SIM swap. Roaming charges can be high. Slower data speeds.
WiFi Hotspots Free basic access some spots. Casual data. Availability limited. Subject to conditions.
eSIM Activate digitally without SIM. Remote activation. Device compatibility still limited. Cannot use on all devices.

Prepaid Maroc Telecom SIM card offer a cheap and hassle-free option to get data, make calls and send texts while traveling in Morocco. But physical plastic SIM cards can get damaged, misplaced, or stolen.

An eSIM securely stores your Moroccan number and data plan digitally, while avoiding physical SIM hassles. But unlike regular SIMs, eSIMs need a compatible phone and availability is currently limited for Maroc Telecom.

IV. Best Maroc Telecom SIM card for tourists & cost

Maroc Telecom’s prepaid SIM and data packs are called Mobisud or LaJiYa. These visitor/tourist SIMs provide prepaid data, calling and texting – excellent for short trips.

The LaJiYa SIM tourist packs come with flexible 1GB data + domestic calls + texts valid for 1-7 days. Cost 50 MAD (~5 USD) for 7 day pack.

Data-focused Mobisud packs with just data e.g. 15GB for 140 MAD (~14 USD). Additional data top-up available.

So a LaJiYa tourist SIM good option for short 1-week trip with light usage. Get Mobisud data-packs for longer heavier data usage. Both work for 4G speeds subject to coverage.

V. Does Maroc Telecom Morocco support eSIM?

Yes, Maroc Telecom launched prepaid eSIM support in late 2022 for tourists. But availability still limited for now.

You should be able to purchase a Maroc Telecom Morocco eSIM if you contact them directly. Or via third-party providers like Airalo if you activate from abroad.

But easiest option is still to get regular prepaid Maroc Telecom SIM card locally once you arrive. eSIM good alternative to avoid changing physical SIMs.

VI. Where can you buy a Maroc Telecom SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to buy Maroc Telecom SIM card for Morocco?

Maroc-Telecom-store-1

You can purchase a Maroc Telecom prepaid tourist SIM at convenient locations across Morocco:

  • Maroc Telecom branded stores and retail outlets
  • Airport shops after arriving at major airports
  • Local tobacco shops or convenience stores

Bring along your passport as ID proof. Tourist SIM packs are meant for foreign visitors, activated instantly.

Cost is 50 MAD for 7 days plan with domestic calls and 1GB 4G data. Data-only SIMs start around 100 MAD for 15GB.

Overall easy availability in Morocco makes prepaid Maroc Telecom SIM card the top choice for many visiting tourists and travelers.

2. Where to buy Morocco Maroc Telecom eSIM?

Maroc Telecom Morocco eSIM is harder to find compared to regular SIM cards in 2023. Limited eSIM availability currently.

Your options:

  1. Ask Maroc Telecom shop if eSIM stock available
  2. Contact Maroc Telecom’s customer service to email eSIM
  3. Purchase eSIM online from third-party providers like Airalo.

For tourists abroad, best option is to buy Maroc Telecom Morocco eSIM delivery online internationally via Airalo or similar eSIM store.

Activate instantly on your phone via provider app before you travel. More convenient but pricier than local SIM.

VII. How to activate Maroc Telecom Morocco SIM card/eSIM?

1. How to use Morocco Maroc Telecom SIM card?

Activating a standard prepaid Maroc Telecom SIM card in Morocco is very easy:

  1. Insert into unlocked phone after arrival
  2. It will auto-detect and bring up SIM activation menu
  3. Enter your passport number when asked
  4. Choose prepaid pack – recommended LaJiYa tourist SIM
  5. Make payment if additional credit needed
  6. You will get SMS confirmation when activated

Once Maroc Telecom SIM card is activated, you can reload top-up credit or data packs via vouchers, their app, or *144#. Enjoy 4G data plus calls & SMS in Morocco.

2. How to activate Maroc Telecom Morocco eSIM?

esim

If you have purchased a Maroc Telecom Morocco eSIM internationally before traveling, follow below simple steps:

  1. Enter eSIM activation code provided into eSIM provider app
  2. App will push virtual SIM to phone if supported
  3. Follow prompts to activate Morocco plan on eSIM
  4. May need new account creation and payment
  5. Takes only a few minutes, offline process

You can also generate QR activation code from Maroc Telecom emailed eSIM profile for scanning.

If you get Maroc Telecom eSIM after reaching Morocco, local provider assistance may be needed for tourists.

VIII. Morocco Maroc Telecom Call & SMS Rates

Morocco Maroc Telecom has low calling and SMS rates. Prepaid credit can be used for both calls & texts.

Calls/SMSRate (USD)
Local Calls$0.14/minute
Domestic Calls$0.14/minute
International Calls – Europe$0.23/minute
International Calls – USA & Canada$0.46/minute
Local SMS$0.14/message
International SMSFrom $0.49/message

Notes:

  • Rates are for prepaid plans
  • Calls are charged by the minute
  • International rates vary by destination region
  • Plans do not include calls/SMS, only data
  • Calls to premium numbers not included
  • Additional packages available for discounted bundles
  • Prices converted from MAD to USD at current exchange rate

So very cheap to call locally or domestically in Morocco. International calls decent rates to stay in touch abroad if needed. SMS rates low cost too. 

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Morocco Maroc Telecom SIM card/eSIM

Maroc Telecom prepaid customers can check balance, plans or recharge by dialing special access codes on your phone dial pad:

  • *100# – To check remaining prepaid credit
  • *133*4# – Check data balance and plan validity
  • *144# – Main prepaid menu for plans, packs and more
  • *145*5# – Activate 5GB YouTube and Social Media pack
  • *145*15# – Buy 15GB data pack for 140 MAD
  • *145*20# – Activates 20 GB for 200 MAD validity 30 days

So USSD access codes helpful to quickly check data or credits without installing app or visiting store. Works on both Maroc Telecom SIM and eSIM.

X. How to Top-up Maroc Morocco Telecom SIM card/eSIM

When Maroc Telecom prepaid balance runs low, you can recharge or top-up your Morocco SIM or eSIM using:

  • Vouchers – Buy top-up vouchers from stores, enter code
  • Online banking/Cards – Recharge online via website or My IAM app
  • International Transfer – If you have Moroccan account, remit to it
  • Stores/Retailers – Pay cash at reopened Maroc Telecom stores

Make sure to top-up main balance for calls, SMS. Get data packs for extra mobile internet from bonus balance. Quick and easy recharges.

For Maroc Telecom eSIM, best to have international payment card linked for automatic refills when the local balance is low during trip.

XI. Alternatives to Morocco Maroc Telecom

The two other major operators in Morocco besides Maroc Telecom are:

Best Morocco eSIM data plans
  • moroccoesim.com – Top choice eSIM suppliers to travelers who stay and explore Morocco in 3-30 days. Morocco eSIM keeps a low price and ensures the best data plans.
  • Inwi – Second largest operator, owned by Morocco’s royal family. Decent footprint and speeds.
  • Orange Morocco Morocco – Part of French giant Orange Morocco. Focus on urban areas but still good coverage.

Both Inwi and Orange Morocco have prepaid SIM packs for tourists similar to Maroc Telecom. But network coverage outside cities lag behind the market leader Maroc Telecom.

For best speeds and connectivity, Maroc Telecom recommended first choice if visiting Morocco. Their network unlikely to disappoint or have coverage gaps at main tourist spots.

XII. FAQs about Maroc Telecom in Morocco

Can I use my home country SIM card in Morocco?

Yes, but not recommended due to extremely high roaming rates if you don’t have a special international roaming package.

Is Maroc Telecom SIM card free in Morocco?

No, you must pay for prepaid credit and data packs. But tourist SIM packs with 7 days plan available for around 50 MAD only with calling, texting and 1GB data.

Does Maroc Telecom SIM work in Western Sahara?

Yes, Maroc Telecom has good coverage and prepaid SIM cards work without an issue in Western Sahara areas like Dakhla. Rates same as Morocco.

How to check Maroc Telecom data usage?

Dial *133*4# to check remaining data in your pack. You can also check in My IAM account app or text ‘Conso’ to 909.

Can I use Maroc Telecom SIM in Europe?

Maroc Telecom SIMs work in Europe for calls, texts and data but at high roaming rates. Not feasible daily usage. Get a separate EU local SIM card if visiting Europe after Morocco.

XIII. Final Words

A Maroc Telecom SIM card is your connection key to stay in touch from incredible Morocco. With excellent population coverage, fast 4G speeds, and affordable rates – Maroc Telecom truly reliable when discovering Moroccan cities or the Sahara. While the eSIM alternative exists and may appeal to some, it has limited availability for now. Stick to regular prepaid Maroc Telecom SIM card for a smooth visitor experience across Morocco.