Complete Guide to Moroccan Markets: Currency, Numbers, and Bargaining

Shopping is a unique experience that combines culture, tradition, and commerce. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the currency system, master essential numbers, and navigate market interactions with confidence.

Understanding Moroccan Currency

One of the most confusing aspects for visitors to Morocco is the dual currency system used in daily transactions:

• The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• In markets, prices are often quoted in Ryal
• Key conversion: 1 Dirham = 20 Ryal
• Most locals use Ryal in everyday conversations
• Modern shops and restaurants typically use Dirham
• Always clarify which currency is being used before agreeing to a price

Quick Currency Conversion Examples

Essential Numbers in Darija

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Basic Numbers (11-19)

Basic Numbers (21-29)

Tens (10-90)

Number Combinations

Understanding how numbers are combined is crucial for price negotiations:

• 11-19: number + tach (except 11 = 7dach and 12 tnach ) (e.g., rbaatach = 14)
• 20-99: Unit + w (and) + tens (e.g., khamsa w (and) 3chrin = 25)
• 100+: Hundreds + w + units + u + tens (e.g., mya u tlata u sttin = 163)
• 1000+: Alf (thousand) + rest of number (e.g., alf w mya w tlata w sttin = 1,163)

Essential Market Vocabulary

Common Market Scenarios

Scenario 1: Basic Purchase

Buyer: "Salam alikum" Seller: "Wa alikum salam" Buyer: "Bcḥ7al had ___?" Seller: "Myat ryal" (5 dirham) Buyer: "B'dirham ch7al?" Seller: "Khamsa drahem" Buyer: "Safi, chukran"

Scenario 2: Bargaining

Buyer: "Bch7al had jellaba?" Seller: "Alf w myatayn ryal" (60 dirham) Buyer: "Ghali bzzaf! Sett myat ryal?" (30 dirham) Seller: "La la, tse3 myat ryal" (45 dirham) Buyer: "Safi, laysekher"

Cultural Tips for Market Shopping

• Always start with greetings before asking about prices
• Bargaining is expected - start at 50-70% of the initial price
• Stay friendly and patient during negotiations
• Learn to recognize if prices are in dirham or ryal
• Write down conversions if needed
• Shopping early in the day often gets better prices
• Compare prices across different shops
• Don't show too much enthusiasm about items you want to buy

Remember that shopping in Moroccan markets is not just about buying - it's about experiencing the culture and traditions. Take your time, practice your Darija, and enjoy the interactions. The more you use these phrases and number combinations, the more comfortable you'll become with the market environment.