When traveling to Morocco, having access to data on your phone is extremely useful for maps, translations, and staying connected. One of the best options for hassle-free data is to purchase a local Morocco SIM card or eSIM. With the right SIM card, you can avoid costly international roaming fees and have much more data than just relying on WiFi hotspots. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a Moroccan SIM card or eSIM for your upcoming trip.
Table of Contents
I. Should I Buy a New Morocco SIM Card for My Trip?
Purchasing a local Morocco SIM card is highly recommended for trips of more than a few days. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Avoid expensive roaming charges from your home carrier
- Get high-speed 4G/LTE data on local networks
- Prepaid SIMs provide more data for less money compared to roaming packages
- Access useful apps requiring data like Google Maps, Translate, Ride-sharing, etc.
- Stay connected with family/friends via messaging apps and video calls
- Local number can be useful for reservations, ride-hailing, deliveries, etc.
Remember: For short trips under 3 days, you may be able to rely on WiFi and minimal roaming. But for longer visits, a SIM card will be a worthwhile convenience and cost saver.
II. Morocco SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
When looking to purchase a Morocco SIM card, you’ll generally come across three varieties:
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid SIM | Pay upfront for data, calls and texts. Top-ups can be done online or in stores. | – No contracts/credit checks – Flexible top-ups – Often have data-only packages | – Upfront costs for SIM and top-ups – Short expiration windows (60-90 days) |
| Monthly Contract SIM | Operate like a normal phone plan with 30-day renewals. More bundled options for residents/long-term visitors. | – More minutes/data for heavy users – Auto-renew each month | – Longer commitment (30+ days) – Require proof of residency – Early termination fees |
| eSIM | Software-based SIM installed on phone instead of physical card. Allows dual SIM with normal card. | – Easy online setup – Dual SIM functionality – No physical card to swap | – Fewer provider options – Setup fees may be high – Limited changing plans |
For most travelers, an eSIM will be the best mix of affordability, convenience and flexibility. Let’s look closer at the amount of data and pricing.
III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist Morocco SIM Card?
Morocco SIM cards are very affordable but data allotments can be limited compared to some regions. Here are general data usage guidelines for your trip:
- Light user (Maps/Social Media): 1 – 4 GB
- Moderate user (Streaming): 4 – 8 GB
- Heavy user (Videos/Work): 8+ GB
Keep in mind data-only SIMs will stretch further since they lack voice/text deductions. Also, WiFi will help minimize usage when available at hotels and cafes.
Purchase an initial data pack that aligns with your expected usage. Then top up more mid-trip if needed. Most packages have carryover data with top-ups.
IV. How Much Does a Morocco SIM Card Cost?
Costs for Morocco SIM cards are very reasonable, both for the initial purchase and data top-ups. Here are typical pricing estimates:
| Operator | SIM Card Cost | Data Cost |
| Maroc Telecom | 20 MAD (£1.60/$1.90) | 5MAD (40p/48c) for 500MB to 100MAD (£8/US$9.62) for 10GB |
| Orange Maroc | 20 MAD (£1.60/$1.90) | 5MAD (40p/48c) for 500MB to 100MAD (£8/US$9.62) for 10GB |
| Inwi | 50 MAD (£4/$4.80) | 5MAD (40p/48c) for 500MB to 200MAD (£16/US$19.24) for 20GB |
So for light users, expect to budget around $2-5 total for a SIM card and starter data pack. Moderate to heavy users will spend closer to $10-20 for more data.
V. Morocco eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
If you have an unlocked phone with eSIM capability, a digital eSIM is an alternative to using a physical SIM card in Morocco. Some benefits of eSIM include:
- Dual SIM functionality to keep your home SIM active
- Remote provisioning before departure
- No risk of losing a small plastic SIM card
Currently, the eSIM providers in Morocco are:
- moroccoessim.com: A seller of Orange Maroc, provides eSIM with high speed data from $15.
- Orange Maroc: Top operator now offers prepaid eSIM (~$12/5GB)
While eSIM is still an emerging option, for ultimate convenience it can be a good choice over swapping physical SIMs. Be sure to compare costs vs. regular SIMs.
VI. Where to Buy a Morocco SIM Card?
You can purchase a Morocco SIM card both before arrival or once you land in the country. Here are some options:
- Airport kiosks: Maroc Telecom, INWI and Orange Maroc shops in arrivals halls
- Mobile carrier stores: Official operator stores in cities sell SIMs
- Convenience stores: Grocery shops, tobacco kiosks and corner stores often have SIMs
- Electronics shops: Specialized mobile phone shops have the biggest selection
When purchasing in person, bring your passport as ID and cash in local currency (Dh). Top-ups can be done via vouchers, mobile apps, or terminals found across Morocco.
VII. How to Use Morocco SIM card
Using your new Moroccan SIM card is straightforward:
- Insert/Activate: Physically insert the SIM card into your phone or activate eSIM digitally.
- Unlock Device: Ensure your phone is unlocked to use foreign SIMs. Contact your home carrier in advance if unsure.
- Install APN Settings: For data/MMS, enter APN settings – available on SIM pack or Google “[Carrier Name] APN settings”.
- Top-Up: Add more data by purchasing top-up vouchers at stores, via mobile app, or on carrier website.
- Disable Roaming: Turn off “roaming” on your device to avoid unwanted roaming charges.
- Contact Carrier: Call or message your Morocco SIM provider’s customer support if any issues.
Once inserted and activated, connect to the local mobile network and enjoy your prepaid data! Be sure to turn roaming OFF so your phone only uses the local SIM.
VIII. Best Mobile Operators for Morocco SIM Cards
Three major mobile carriers in Morocco offer prepaid tourist SIMs:
Maroc Telecom
- Part of Etisalat group and largest provider
- Known for solid nationwide coverage
- Prepaid SIM and data packs sold under Jawal brand
- Stores found across all airports and cities
INWI
- Second biggest operator, owned by Moroccan consortium
- Focus on value plans and youth segment
- Competitive pricing on both SIMs and data
Orange Maroc
- Part of multinational Orange Maroc Group
- Wide retail presence across Morocco
- Offers eSIM capability along with physical SIMs
- Known for fast 4G speeds in urban areas
All three providers have extensive networks, with Maroc Telecom boasting the best nationwide rural coverage. Shop around for best deals on prepaid SIMs as promotions fluctuate.
IX. Tips for Saving Data for Morocco SIM Card
To help conserve your SIM card data, try these tips while traveling:
- Leverage WiFi: Use free WiFi whenever available at accommodations, restaurants, etc.
- Enable Data Saver: Turn on Data Saver mode on Android or Low Data Mode on iPhone.
- Limit Streaming: Avoid bandwidth-heavy video and music streaming when not on WiFi.
- Download Offline Content: For long drives/flights, pre-download playlists, videos, maps.
- Disable Auto App Updates: Stop apps updating in background which eats data.
- Limit Social Media: Set Social Media apps to manual refresh only or disable background data.
- Monitor Usage: Check your data remaining regularly to avoid surprise overages.
- Buy Local Top-Ups: When running low, purchase more data via vouchers instead of expensive roaming packs.
With a few adjustments, you can comfortably stretch a Morocco SIM card’s data allowance during your stay.
X. FAQs
Do I need to register my Morocco SIM card?
No, prepaid tourist SIM cards in Morocco don’t require registration or showing ID/passport. Simply purchase and use right away.
Can I use a Morocco SIM in other countries?
Morocco SIMs only provide cheap rates domestically. But they can still be used throughout Europe and beyond – you’ll just pay standard roaming rates.
Are Morocco SIM cards locked?
No, Moroccan SIMs are unlocked quad-band SIMs that will work in any unlocked cell phone.
How long is a Morocco SIM card valid for?
Prepaid SIMs typically expire after 60-90 days unless topped up. Data packages last 30 days from activation.
Can I get a Morocco SIM card at land borders?
Yes, arrival halls at land borders from Spain, Algeria, and Mauritania will also have SIM card kiosks available.
XI. Conclusion
A Morocco SIM card is a handy and affordable way to stay connected during your travels. For just $15-30 you can avoid roaming charges and get enough data for maps, social media and light streaming. Look for prepaid data SIMs from major providers like Maroc Telecom, INWI or Orange Maroc. With the right SIM, you’ll have seamless connectivity throughout your Morocco trip!
