Traveling to Morocco? Check out our guide to finding the best prepaid SIM card

Reduce your rates by using a local SIM

Using your home phone network in Morocco can be expensive, so consider switching over to a local SIM card to take advantage of better deals and plans. Morocco has some of the best prepaid SIM cards available, with deals that could reduce your bills. You can buy 1GB of data from Morocco’s leading telco provider for as little as MAD10 (US$1.06). So, whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer trip, check out the best SIM card options available on finder.com.

	Details	Features
Flexiroam X International SIM Card	If you're planning a trip that includes multiple countries, attaching flexiroam X can be much cheaper than roaming with your existing mobile number or buying a new SIM in each location.	Over 100 countries Three different starter pack options Data options from 1 to 5 GB Shipment takes 3 to 5 days Pay as you go plans	Go to site

Telco providers in Morocco

There are three main operators in Morocco: Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi. All three operators go through a strict approval process before being allowed to operate, and each one competes with the others to offer the best deals. Their services have all been tried and tested by both locals and travelers, and can be trusted. According to OpenSignal’s connectivity report, network coverage is strong around the main towns and cities, but as you head toward the countryside or desert regions, it can suffer. However, this will happen on any phone or provider you use there.

About Morocco’s operators

Morocco’s operators offer good roaming rates and sell prepaid credit, which allows users to take advantage of their cheap local offers and deals. All three providers offer customers 2G, 3G and 4G services. You can buy a SIM card by showing your passport, and your telephone number is already active when you purchase it. To add credit, there are several prepaid card machines around various towns and cities, and vouchers are stocked in stores and supermarkets.

Below, we have broken down each telco provider to highlight exactly what’s being offered during your visit to Morocco.

Maroc Telecom

Maroc Telecom, also known as IAM, is the biggest provider and is operated by UAE-based Etisalat. It offers customers 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services. Internet speeds are fast and network coverage is good. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers, but you will have to show your passport and register the SIM card with the retailer before it can be activated. Credit can be purchased from the same retail outlets or at supermarkets, corner stores and gas stations.

Prepaid SIM cards are called “Jawal 4G” and can be purchased for MAD30 with MAD10 credit. In order to use data on prepaid SIM cards, you must activate the data option separately by dialing 888 and selecting the data activation button.

There are also data-only SIM cards called “pochettes” that are for tablets, modems, routers and laptops. Pochettes can be picked up for MAD59 and come with 4GB of data valid for 10 days. Dial 580 to check your balance.

Data packs can be purchased for all prepaid SIM cards, both for voice and data, and data-only SIM cards. Upload credit by texting the number “3” to 555 or via e-recharge.

The following “Pass Jawal Internet” data packs can also be added to all prepaid SIM cards:

Dial 888 to select the relevant pack and to choose one of the language options: English, Arabic or French.

There are also social media packs available for Facebook with Messenger, WhatsApp and Twitter. The following options are available:

The best option for tourists is to purchase the “Pass Jawal International”. This package provides discounted calls, data and SMS for European countries, the US and Canada.

Maroc Telecom also offers many Wi-Fi hotspots in towns and cities across Morocco. Located in train stations, bus terminals, parks, airports, schools, universities and hotels, they offer some great deals that can be used for data usage.

“Wi-Fi Public Maroc Telecom” can only be used by Maroc Telecom customers. After you’ve selected the above-mentioned Wi-Fi router in your settings list, select “nouveau client” to enter your personal information and phone number. A PIN code will be sent to your phone via SMS. Enter the code and select “s’inscrire”. Finally, you will receive an SMS containing your username (nom d’utilisateur) and a password (mot de passe) to use the Wi-Fi service online.

The following Wi-Fi vouchers can be purchased:

Make sure you log off each time you have finished using your Wi-Fi because you will get charged for login time as opposed to time surfing the net.

Maroc Telecom’s APN: wap.iamgprs.ma, and website: http://www.iam.ma/

Orange

Orange is the second-largest operator in Morocco. 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services are available on a GSM platform. Internet speeds are fast and network coverage is good, although it can suffer the more you head toward the desert regions. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers, but you will have to show your passport and register the SIM card with the retailer before it can be activated. Credit can be purchased from the same retail outlets or at supermarkets, corner stores and gas stations.

Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased for MAD20 and are valid for one year. Dial #554# or 5554 to check your balance.

The following data packs can be added to all prepaid SIM cards:

There is also an international “Recharge Al Kharij” prepaid SIM card available for calls to most European countries, the US and Saudi Arabia. The following options are available:

Orange’s APN: internet1.meditel.ma, and website: http://www.orange.ma/

Inwi

Inwi is the smallest operator in Morocco. 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services are available on a GSM platform. Internet speeds are reliable and network coverage can suffer, especially the more you head towards the desert regions. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers, but you will have to show your passport and register the SIM card with the retailer before it can be activated. Credit can be purchased from the same retail outlets or at supermarkets, corner stores and gas stations.

There are three prepaid voice and data SIM cards available: Tic Tac, Koulchi and Zen. Koulchi and Zen are combo packs that include voice and data plans. Tic Tac is the basic SIM card and can be purchased for MAD20, with that same amount of credit uploaded.

Credit vouchers come in the following denominations: MAD10, MAD20, MAD25, MAD50 and MAD100, and are valid for up to 6 months. Validity can be extended for an extra 6 months (if you haven’t added any further packages within the timeframe) for MAD50. Dial *120*20*<voucher code> to top up credit. Dial *500# to check your balance.

The following “internet sur mobile” data packs for the Tic Tac SIM card are available:

The following data packs can be added to all prepaid SIM cards:

• 3G+ SIM-only Internet 3G+ with 3GB of data, valid for 14 days: MAD50
• 3G+ modem (Alcatel X602D) with 10GB data, valid for 1 month: MAD129

The following can be added to 4G/LTE SIM cards:

• 4G SIM-only Internet with 3GB of data, valid for 14 days: MAD50
• 4G modem (Alcatel L850) with 10GB of data, valid for 1 month: MAD299
• 4G MIFI (Alcatel Link 4G+ | Y858) with 10GB of data, valid for 1 month: MAD599

The following can be added to the data-only SIM card:

Inwi’s “Recharge International” prepaid SIM cards are a good option for tourists. They provide discounted calls, data and SMS for European countries, the US, Canada and some Asian countries. The following packs are available:

Inwi’s APN: www.wana.ma, and website in French: https://www.inwi.ma/

Some top tips from finder.com staff:

• The official languages in Morocco are Arabic and French. If you don’t know either language, then download Google Translate onto your phone before you travel. Please note that English is not widely spoken and is only understood by 14% of the population.
• Locals call a SIM card a “SIM” or “chip”.
• Ask the sellers to set up the SIM for you because they will know how to do it. If not, follow the instructions we have highlighted above or go to the official operator website to get advice.
• Remember, it’s always better to get things done early, before the shops get too busy. That way you are more likely to receive better assistance and avoid the crowds!

TripAdvisor tips for the best SIM cards and where to buy them

While it’s well known for reviews, booking hotels, flights and vacations, TripAdvisor also has many user comments that can help guide you through which SIM cards have been tried and tested in Morocco.

Here are some top tips from TripAdvisor users:

“To recharge normally you give them your phone number (the agency/rep or most small shops in the city (aka hannut!)) and tell them what you want. Previously, in my lack of language experience, if they didn’t speak English I showed them the picture with the data packs and pointed to the one I wanted, they take my number and send it instantly to the phone. You would get an SMS on the spot saying it is done.”

“When you land at the airport, there is a small kiosk type place in the baggage area where you will see a couple of young girls from Inwi network who will give you a free SIM card and also activate it for you. It will have some pre-loaded credit but when you get out into the city, go into any convenience store and buy a top up.”

“There are three local prepaid SIM card providers in Morocco and they all offer good deals for tourists. It’s much cheaper to use a local SIM while in Morocco to save on international calls and data.”

Pros and cons of Morocco’s top telco providers

All networks require you to have a SIM-unlocked, GSM-compatible international phone. To double check you have this phone, or whether it’s possible for your provider to unlock your device, contact your provider before you leave.

More questions about finding the best SIM?

Q: What shall I do if I lose my phone in Morocco?

A: Your phone is your lifeline. Make sure you keep it safe and always make a note of where it is. The importance of having a direct link to family and friends via social media or through phone services can never be underestimated! If you do lose your phone, retrace your steps and ask around. If you still have no luck, then cancel any plans or payment methods associated with the phone, report it missing and make a note of the crime number to make a claim on your insurance. Find a cheap replacement to keep in touch with the outside word!