Morocco Sim Card: How to Stay Connected?
Having internet connection as soon as you land is now a reality almost everywhere in the world!
There’s no need to look for a shop at the airport since eSIMs hit the market.
In fact, you can install your eSIM even before your departure and activate it in just a few clicks upon arrival.
However, you also have the option to buy a local SIM card once you’re in Morocco, a country with excellent network coverage! I could even receive my WhatsApp messages on top of the dunes at Erg Chigaga!
So, you won’t have any trouble staying in touch with your loved ones, hosts, and guides.
But I know what you’re wondering: what’s the best option to have network access during your trip?
That’s exactly why I wrote this article. After three trips to this country I love, including a two-month trip working full-time, I know what you need.
Let’s find out how to buy your Morocco SIM card!
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MOROCCO SIM CARD: THE GUIDE
Local SIM card to buy on-site or eSIM to install before your flight—here are all my tips!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What kind of connection can you expect in Morocco?
Don’t expect to find 5G in the kingdom. However, 4G is available almost everywhere, and if not, you can rely on 3G, which is more than enough to send a message on WhatsApp, for example.
So, you won’t have any problems browsing during your stay in Morocco, especially if you’re visiting the most popular tourist spots.
In the more remote areas, especially along the roads, there may be some difficulties. But don’t worry—like I mentioned in the introduction, I even had network coverage in the Sahara dunes!
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Why buy a local SIM card?
No matter the destination, I always buy a local SIM card, and Morocco was no exception. Here’s why:
- The Moroccan network is very, very good, so no matter the operator, I’m covered.
- A local SIM card allows you to communicate, make last-minute bookings, check Google Maps… without any issues.
- It’s also the most economical solution.
- I know the country well, so I can go a few days without network if I don’t have time to top up, and it’s fine.
- I speak French and a bit of Darija, so I have no trouble recharging my credit even in a small remote village.
👉 If you don’t see yourself in this scenario, keep reading: a bit later I’ll talk about eSIMs, a very practical alternative for traveling in Morocco without worrying about connectivity.
Who are the operators in Morocco?
If you also want to use local SIM cards, you should know that 3 main companies cover almost the entire country:
- INWI: This is the operator I use every time, and I recommend it. I usually travel to big cities or the desert, and it works quite well.
- Orange: Based on online reviews, it seems to offer faster speeds across the country, especially in desert areas.
- Maroc Telecom: According to my research, this operator provides the best coverage in the country. It’s the one to choose if you plan to travel outside tourist areas.
Where can you buy a SIM card on-site?
AT THE AIRPORT
The solution most tourists choose is to buy their Morocco SIM card at the airport. In fact, most operators have stands in the arrivals area with plans designed specifically for travelers.
So, if you need internet as soon as you leave the airport, go for it. However, keep in mind that top-ups there are more expensive than in the city.
IN OFFICIAL STORES
If, like me, a bit of adventure doesn’t scare you, you can head into the city and buy a SIM card in one of the official stores (you might be asked for your passport).
Some employees speak English, so they’ll be able to advise you — although I’ve noticed they often try to sell you the most expensive top-up option.
My advice? Check the prices and offers of the operator you prefer online before you go. That way, you’ll know exactly what plan to ask for when you arrive.
The seller will sell you the SIM card, install it in your phone, and load your credit.
IN LOCAL SHOPS
My favorite option is to buy my SIM card in small grocery stores, local phone shops, or even copy shops.
In a local store, I’m sure to pay the same price as locals. Just like with official stores, it’s best to check online in advance and decide which offer you want.
⚠️ Be careful to choose the right plan. It’s not enough to say “I want to recharge 50 dirhams.” There are plans for calls, others for data, and some that mix both — you have to be specific!
I recommend only recharging data and using WhatsApp for calls since this app is widely used by Moroccans.
In any case, your hosts, hotel receptionists, or even your regular waiter will likely be happy to help you if needed.
Also, think about downloading your operator’s app. It lets you check your balance and access loyalty bonuses.
However, I’m not sure if you’ll be able to top up online — I use INWI, and it’s impossible to recharge through the app. Same issue on their website, since my credit card isn’t Moroccan…
How much does a local SIM card cost?
At airports, staff often offer free SIM cards — a great way to attract customers!
In local shops, expect to pay between 20 and 30 dirhams for a physical SIM card without any credit.
What plans are available for a Morocco SIM Card?
I recommend choosing top-ups that allow you to use internet only or both internet and calls.
Here are some tables summarizing the plans that I think are the most interesting for tourists.
INWI
ORANGE
MAROC TELECOM
There are also monthly plans available with all these operators, but since you’ll most likely need to sign a contract, I don’t recommend this option.
Why choose an eSIM?
If you don’t want to deal with any hassle upon arrival in Morocco, I recommend getting an eSIM card before your trip — it comes with plenty of advantages:
- You’ll have internet on your phone as soon as you land.
- No risk of roaming charges.
- Easy top-up directly through the app.
- No need to remove your current SIM card or worry about losing it in your bag.
- No more searching for that tiny pin to open your SIM tray.
- No stress about prices or scams when buying a SIM card locally.
You simply download an eSIM Morocco from one of the many specialized companies, choose the coverage you want, and voilà — you have a second Moroccan line.
If you’re traveling for a short period, this is the best option: simple, efficient, hassle-free, and the best part is that it works from the moment you set foot in Morocco. One less thing to worry about, and your mental load gets lighter!
Spotlight on Airalo’s offer
You can choose an eSIM specifically for Morocco, for North Africa, or even a global one — but since this article is about Morocco, let’s stay focused.
Airalo offers connectivity through Orange, which provides solid coverage in cities and most remote areas. It’s perfect if you’re visiting for a few days and exploring the country’s most popular destinations.
Validity period: options range from 3 to 30 days
Available plans: 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, and unlimited data — you can top up anytime!
Price range: between $6 and $40.50
Hotspot sharing: allowed — ideal if the Wi-Fi lets you down and you need to work, for instance.
👉 Buy your Airalo eSIM here and stay connected from the moment you arrive in Morocco.
Internet on your phone or via WiFi?
Most hotels and camps, even in the middle of the desert, have Wi-Fi, and generally, it works very well.
Sometimes, though, there can be issues in hotels if your room is far from the router. This happens more often in cities than in small towns or villages.
There are also occasional outages, so having internet on your phone can save you some inconvenience.
But not always — I experienced this myself: for an entire day near Tinghir, both the Wi-Fi in my riad and my INWI network were down.
And since I work online, you can imagine my frustration. If you also work remotely, you can buy a portable Wi-Fi router to carry with you and stay connected everywhere. All Moroccan operators offer them.
However, I’d personally recommend topping up 10 GB or 20 GB of mobile data on your phone and using your hotspot to share the connection with your laptop if needed.
That’s what I do — I have regular meetings and need to upload videos daily, and since Wi-Fi is generally reliable, it’s more than enough!
I hope this article has given you all the information you need to stay connected in Morocco and enjoy your trip 100% without having to worry about your connection!
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