Morroco - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

phendrich · 06-10-2005, 11:10 AM

I just posted a previous post, but have a question about Morrocco. I will be in Spain for a good time and figure that Morrocco is a possiblity since it's so close. How much is a ferry ride across the straight and are visas required in Morrocco and are they expensive? I am not trying to stay there long, but was curious if this was a possiblity and wanted to know peoples experience from the past.

Thanks,

Philip

phendrich@elon.edu

**tumblezweedz** · 06-10-2005, 11:55 AM

I took the ferry from Algeciras to Tangier many years ago, so I don't have current info on the fare, but it was dead easy - just go to the terminal, buy a ticket and get on the boat!

Try to get past Tangier though, if you really want to get a feel for the country. Tangier isn't the best advert for such a wonderful place.

If you happen to speak French, that will help a lot in getting around, of course Arabic would be better!

**urOZm8** · 06-11-2005, 02:03 AM

I also took a ferry from Algeciras to Tangier. There are frequent connections and it costs about 25 euro one way.

Travelling on my British passport I didn't have to get a Visa (neither did the Europeans and the other Australian I was travelling with).

tumblezweedz is right in saying that Tangier isn't that great a place and if you do happen to take this ferry be prepared to be heckled once you arrive there.

ev

**verstehen** · 06-13-2005, 05:03 AM

Tangiers is a pit. Leave it as soon as possible. I've lived here in Morocco for a year and I swear I was ready to kick the crap out of everyone who approached me there. I'm low on time at the moment, but will write more soon.

Rob

**verstehen** · 06-13-2005, 10:08 AM

Honestly my favorite places in Morocco are Essouara, Agadir, and Marrakech. They all give you some of the unique flavor of Morocco along with all the usual tourist comforts you've come to expect from European destinations.

That said, there are a few places in the North that I'd like to try out, including a place called Shefshawen (Not the proper spelling, but a phonetic one). If you really wanted a quick taste of Morocco, I'd leave Tangier straight away and go there.

If you want to get the real "Authentic Morocco/Berber experience, I suggest traveling north or southeast from Marrakech. The Northeast route takes you along the more agricultural edge of the High Atlas with traditional berber towns along the way.

Going southeast takes you into the more arid southern edge of the Atlas. Here you will find mountain oasis, mud-walled casbas and even more Unique Berber culture as this was the area that held off the French forces the longest during their colonization of the country. Skip Ourzazate on this route, except as a means to getting to Ait ben Haddu which is about 30km north of the town. OUrzazate is the biggest thing in the area, (other than Marrakech, but it's little more than a strip with pushy overpriced vendors with a movie studio at one end.

phendrich · 06-13-2005, 08:58 PM

Thanks,

I might be rushing the stay, but I'll be so close, I might give it a short stop. Thanks for the hlep.

Phil

phendrich · 06-20-2005, 08:58 PM

One more question about Morocco!!!

First off do Americans need to have a passport to enter the country and will I encounter a heavy tax either leaving or entering the country????

What about Fez? I know some friends of friends there. Is it worth the sightseee?? I Havent read to much about it yet, its good time to start.

Can I catch a cheap flight out of Tangiers, and is transportation cheap and easy in the country?

Thanks again,

Phil

darkvelveteyes · 06-20-2005, 10:20 PM

Of course Americans need a passport to enter Morrocco, or did you mean a visa, which that you will get when you enter the country. i'm not too sure on the tax thing, i don't think you'll have any heavy dues. When i traveled into Egypt it was really cheap so i'm assuming that Morrocco is similar with the pay and all.

**tumblezweedz** · 06-20-2005, 10:52 PM

I don't recall there being any tax at leaving, but check out a guide book for recent info. For sure if you have local contacts somewhere, it's worth visiting. We stayed with a family in Casablanca, and they introduced us to more of the culture, food and people in a week than three months in a hostel would ever have done. Arab hospitality is legendary for a reason! Everyone I know who has spent any time in Morocco has looked back on it as a life-changing experience.

We travelled by overnight train from Tangier to Casa, and then back by day. Getting the tickets was a breeze and cheap, and the ride was magical. Nothing like listening to Algerian love songs (sung and played by the guitarist in the next compartment) while rumbling across the moonlit desert, with occasional glimpses of villages in the distance. Don't know about flights, though, sorry.

tequilasunrise · 06-22-2005, 08:45 AM

Hey P:

I am headed to Morocco this summer as well. I checked the US State Website and US Citizens don't need visas to enter country. The website http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm can give you a lot of info on about train times, hotels in Tangier, etc... Hope this helps. Happy Travels.

Will

tequilasunrise · 06-22-2005, 08:53 AM

Hey P:

I am headed to Morroco this summer as well. I checked the US State Website and US Citizens don't need visas to enter country. The website http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm can give you a lot of info on about train times, etc... Hope this helps. Happy Travels.

Will

**urOZm8** · 06-23-2005, 04:32 AM

Quote:

What about Fez? I know some friends of friends there. Is it worth the sightseee?? I Havent read to much about it yet, its good time to start.

Can I catch a cheap flight out of Tangiers, and is transportation cheap and easy in the country?

You can catch a train from Tangier to Fes (I think you have to change stations as one track goes down the coast, the other out East) and is not that expensive.

Fes is most definitely worth it for the Medina (old medieval part of the city) There is restaurants, markets, work shops, tanneries etc. Donkeys carrying goods rush through tight alleys. It's all happening and so crazy!
The only problem is when you decided it's time to leave it's next to impossible to navigate your way out - may have to pay a little kid to guide you out!

ev

**U2fan** · 06-23-2005, 10:43 AM

be prepared for transportation to take a ton of time because the infrastructure is not good. for example from tangier to chefchouen which is not more than prob. 70 miles took hours......