Morocco : FAQs and General Information:

Government

It is politically stable kingdom with a King in firm control and respected by the population. He is very forward thinking and has strong political and economic relations with Europe.

Safety

The only crime that exists in the area is petty theft. The police are well organized and little goes on without their knowledge. Most of the theft occurs when people leave their bags on the beach and go surfing (similar to Costa Rica). Morocco is a developing country and there are poor areas. In Taghazout and the surrounding regions 95% of the population lives in housing with electricity and water. The area is affluent in comparison to the rest of the country due to tourism.

Vaccines

Hepatitis and Typhoid are recommended. There is no malaria. Medical facilities are quite good in Agadir but comprehensive health insurance and travel insurance are required.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Agadir; lots of clubs playing modern chart music and so on, only a couple worth visiting not super cool but fun. There are more traditional clubs with a more Moroccan feel about them. Girls in the clubs are beautiful though the vast majority will dance with you and let you buy them drinks but the meter comes on after that.

Other Activities

There’s a market in Agadir selling everything a local or tourist would want. We can arrange trips to Marrakech, which is a great trip if the surf goes flat. The markets (Souks) and the whole experience are great fun and as you would imagine Morocco to be. Also day trips can be arranged to Essaouira a fortified Portuguese city to the north where most of the country’s artists reside.

Currency

The Moroccan currency is the dirham. Exchange rates at last time of checking were around 15.5 dh to the £1, 10 dh to the € and 8.5 to the $. Dirhams can only be obtained within Morocco. There are exchange facilities in the airport as well as ATMs. There are also a number of ATMs in Agadir. There are no ATM’s in Taghazout. Please note: traveller’s cheques cannot be exchanged at the airport or in Taghazout and only in a few places in Agadir.

Weather / Climate

Air: Average air temperatures range from 68F° to 79F° , December to February being the coolest.

Water: Average water temperatures range from 61° to 72F° again with December to February being the coolest. 3-2 Fullsuit is recommended for winter/spring. Springsuit or trunks possible in fall months

Women

Morocco is the regarded as one of the most tolerant of all Muslim countries and women don’t get hassled too much particularly in tourist cities like Agadir or relaxed villages like Taghazout. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up arms and legs a bit when walking around town.

Clothing

Shorts and tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed particularly in mid winter when the evenings can be chilly so warm clothes are a good idea during that period.

Communications

Mobile Phones : Nearly all European networks work in Morocco. Contact you network for call charges. Coverage is good

Public Phones : There is an abundance of public phones, coin and cards, in Taghazout. International call charges are relatively cheap

Internet : DSL connection in Taghazout at an internet café. There also is high-speed access in Agadir, roughly twenty minute drive.

Activities

Taghazout and the surrounding area offer a whole range of other activities. If you feel like a break from surfing or for anyone who doesn't surf then horse and camel riding, trekking and quad biking are all close by and easily organized. For those who just want to relax there are miles of empty golden sandy beaches to discover or you can sunbathe and chill out in the privacy of the villa. The Souq's of Agadir provide the essential Moroccan shopping experience. Two day trips to the ancient city of Marrakech (3.5 hours NE) can be organized. The beautiful seaside town of Essaouira is only two hours to the north and is a popular one or two day trip.

Shopping

There is a great market (Souq) in Agadir which has all the stuff you would expect in Morocco, an abundance of leather goods, woodwork, ceramics, rugs, carpets and clothing are all on offer. Non threatening haggling is part of the fun. There is also a small market in the town square of Taghazout that sells local wares.