Whether you subscribe to the “New Year, New Me” mentality or “It’s just another day”, it is the beginning of a new year and getting used to writing takes a bit of time.
It’s 2023!
If January 1st was just another day for you, then treat this blog post as a well timed update for your continuing travels and bucket list checks. But if January 2023 marks the beginning of a new era for you and your lifestyle changes, then treat this as the sign you were waiting for.
Travelling to Morocco has seen a lot of changes and challenges over the last 3 years. Between border closures and obscure travel requirements, it was difficult to reach Taghazout Bay and the amazing waves that rolled through. So we’ve put a list together of some tips as you plan your trip to Morocco in 2023.
PASSENGER LOCATOR FORM
The COVID-19 pandemic is nearly a distant memory for most of us. Because of Morocco’s strict track record with shutting down the whole country, we haven’t been surprised that many travellers are still unsure if travel is possible and wonder what the situation is like to travel to Morocco.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccines are no longer necessary to enter into Morocco, but the government still requires visitors to submit a Passenger Locator Form upon entry into Morocco. The link to this form can be found here: https://www.onda.ma/form.php
Morocco’s Passenger Locator Form in 2023.
We recommend that you print and fill out the form prior to your departure as it will save time when you arrive in Morocco and need to go through Border Security. If you don’t have the chance to print out the form prior to travel, we suggest that you bring a pen. The forms are usually within the Arrivals terminal when you step inside, but pens will be scarce.
When booking with us, we’ll supply you with the addresses and contact details of your accommodation.
SECURITY CHECKS
Once you pass Border Security with your passport stamped there will be anywhere from 2 to 6 extra security checks until you leave the airport. Don’t worry, this is normal and unchanged from pre-pandemic times.
SIM CARDS
If you arrive in Agadir Al Massira Airport, it’ll be a short walk to the baggage pick up area. This part of the airport has seen a lot of changes over the last five years between currency exchange and duty free shops. The most notable and important change is that mobile phone providers in Morocco are handing out free SIM cards.
Mobile phone providers handing out free SIM cards at Morocco’s airports. They’re all similar value for money.
Should you feel the need to be connected during your stay, our recommendation would be grabbing an INWI SIM card. There’s no real price difference between providers, but the coverage by INWI is best throughout Taghazout Bay and surrounding area in our experience. If part of your lifestyle change is to limit how much you’re spending online, both the Villa and Surf House have excellent WiFi for when you’re back from surfing all day.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
If you’ve booked 5 or more nights with us, we cover your airport transfers. So once you’ve picked up your bags you can head right outside of Agadir Airport where a taxi will be waiting for you. If you’re staying less than 5 nights, it’s not a problem for us to arrange the taxi but you’ll have to pay them directly.
CASH
Unless it’s really urgent, we recommend not to pull out cash at the Agadir Airport cashpoint or change money as the fees and rates are quite a bit higher than what we have in Taghazout Bay. Aourir has several banks in the main street where you can withdraw local currency and the next village, Tamraght, has a currency exchange on the main street. It’s no problem for us to arrange a quick stop at either.
Morocco’s local currency is DIRHAM
If you’ve travelled to Morocco to surf with us in Taghazout Bay recently, are there any other travel tips and information on arrival you think we’re missing? Let us know in the comments below.