Agadir

Currency

The dirham is a closed currency: you cannot buy it before you arrive and you are not supposed to take it out. Change at a bank or a licensed bureau in town rather than at the hotel desk, keep the receipt so you can change leftovers back at the airport, and be aware that many places quote euros to tourists at a rate that quietly costs you a tenth.

ATMs & cards

Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire, BMCE and CIH machines are all over the Talborjt and Founty districts. Every Moroccan ATM now charges a fixed fee of around 25 dirhams per withdrawal regardless of the amount, so take out more, less often. Cards are fine in hotels and supermarkets; the souk is cash.

Every Moroccan machine charges a fixed fee of about 25 dirhams a withdrawal whatever the amount. The dirham cannot be bought abroad, so change on arrival and change leftovers back before you fly.

Wherever you are: if the machine offers to charge you in your home currency, decline. That is dynamic currency conversion and the rate is set by the ATM's operator, not your bank.

Safety

One of the calmest places in Morocco and noticeably less hassle than Marrakech: Agadir was rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake as a resort, so there is no maze of a medina to get lost or pressured in. Normal beach-town care is enough. The Atlantic here has a real undertow — swim between the flags, and treat the surf beaches north of town with respect.

Our own assessment, not a sourced index.

Entry & visa

Health & emergencies

Required to enter

• Yellow fever certificate, but only if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present

Worth having

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Tetanus up to date
• Rabies for longer stays — stray dogs and cats are everywhere

Getting treated

Private clinics in Marrakesh and Casablanca are reasonable and inexpensive, and expect cash or an insurance guarantee up front. Public hospitals are basic. Pharmacies are excellent, widespread and can dispense a lot without a prescription.

Do not drink the tap water. Stomach upsets are the most common complaint by a distance.

Orientation, not medical advice. Entry rules change and what you need depends on your own history and where you have been — check with a travel clinic or your national health service four to six weeks before you go.

Food tip

The port grills are the point: pick your fish by weight at the stalls behind the marina and it is cooked in front of you for a fraction of restaurant prices. Otherwise tagine, harira and amlou — the argan and almond spread that is a local speciality, not a tourist invention.

Getting around

• Walking — the beachfront promenade runs the length of the town and is the main street in practice
• Petit taxi — orange, metered, and cheap; insist on the meter rather than a quoted price
• Bus — the Alsa network covers the town and runs out to Taghazout and Inezgane
• Cable car — up to the rebuilt Kasbah for the view over the bay, since 2022
• Airport: Al Massira is 30 minutes out; the airport bus and a petit taxi both do the run, and hotel transfers are common

Internet speed

Broadband here runs at 46% of the global median of 128 Mbps. Mobile runs at 68% of the global median of 110 Mbps.

Source: Ookla Speedtest Global Index · measured May 2026

Must-see

Things to do

• Walk the full length of the beach promenade at sunset
• Bargain in Souk El Had, one of the biggest markets in Africa
• Take the cable car up to the Kasbah
• Spend a day in Paradise Valley’s rock pools
• Learn to surf at Taghazout or Tamraght
• Eat grilled fish at the port stalls

Nearby day trips

Say a few words

Arabic

• Helloمرحبا — MarhabaMAR-ha-ba
• Pleaseمن فضلك — Min fadlakmin FAD-lak
• Thank youشكرا — ShukranSHOOK-ran
• Yes / Noنعم / لا — Na’am / LaNA-am / la
• Excuse meعفوا — AfwanAF-wan
• How much is it?بكم — Bikam?bi-KAM
• The bill, pleaseالحساب — Al-hisabal-hi-SAB
• Welcomeأهلا وسهلا — Ahlan wa sahlanAH-lan wa SAH-lan

Inshallah, meaning God willing, follows nearly any statement about the future and is conversational rather than religious.

Religion

Sunni Muslim

Islam is the state religion and the king holds religious authority. Non-Muslims may not enter most mosques — the Hassan II in Casablanca is the main exception. Ramadan changes opening hours everywhere.

Do's and don'ts

Do

• Haggle in the souks — the first price is an opening, and good humour is part of it
• Dress modestly, particularly women and particularly away from tourist areas
• Use the right hand for eating and giving
• Accept mint tea; it is the standard gesture of welcome

Don't

• Do not follow unofficial guides who offer to show you the way in the medina; the help ends in a demand
• Do not photograph people, market stalls or performers without asking — payment will be expected
• Do not enter mosques unless you are Muslim; almost all are closed to visitors
• Do not show public affection, and avoid discussing the monarchy critically