What You Need to Know:
When traveling in Morocco, getting around by taxi or ride-hailing services like Careem is a convenient and often essential part of the experience. Whether you’re exploring the medinas of Marrakech, heading to the beaches of Agadir, or navigating the busy streets of Casablanca, understanding how to use these transportation options will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Types of Taxis in Morocco
In Morocco, there are two main types of taxis: **petit taxis** and **grand taxis**. Each serves a different purpose and operates under different rules.
- Petit Taxis:
– Function: Petit taxis are small, usually compact cars, and they are designed for short trips within a city or town. These taxis are metered and can carry up to three passengers. They are ideal for getting around the city quickly and cheaply.
– Color Code: Each city has its own color for petit taxis. For example, in Marrakech, they’re usually beige, in Casablanca, they’re red, and in Tangier, they’re blue.
– Cost: Petit taxis are metered, and fares are generally affordable. However, it’s important to make sure the driver turns on the meter when you start your trip. If the driver refuses, it’s best to negotiate a price beforehand or find another taxi.
– Availability: You can hail a petit taxi on the street or find them at taxi ranks, often near major attractions, bus stations, or hotels.
- Grand Taxis:
– Function: Grand taxis are larger vehicles, often older Mercedes cars, that operate on fixed routes between cities and towns or between key locations within a city. They can carry up to six passengers, and the fare is usually shared among them. Grand taxis are an essential mode of transport for locals traveling between towns or to rural areas.
– Cost: Unlike petit taxis, grand taxis don’t have meters. The fare is usually fixed per seat, but you may need to negotiate the price for long-distance journeys or if you’re traveling with fewer people.
– Availability: Grand taxis can be found at designated taxi stands, particularly near bus and train stations. They typically wait until they are full before departing, so be prepared for a possible wait if you’re the first to arrive.
Using Careem in Morocco
While Careem has become a staple in many cities worldwide, its presence in Morocco is still somewhat limited. As of now, Careem only operates in Casablanca, the country’s largest city and economic hub.
- Careem in Casablanca:
– Availability: Careem operates similarly to how it does in other countries, allowing you to book a ride via the app. It’s often a more comfortable and predictable option compared to taxis, especially if you’re not familiar with local customs or the language.
– Cost: Careem rides are generally more expensive than petit taxis but can offer more convenience, especially for travelers who prefer cashless transactions or want to avoid haggling over fares. The app will provide a fare estimate before you book, so there are no surprises.
-Safety: Careem in Casablanca is considered safe, with the added benefit of tracking your journey via the app and having customer support available if any issues arise.
- Alternatives to Careem:
– In cities where Careem doesn’t operate, you can use InDriive or local ride-hailing apps like Bolt or stick to traditional taxis. These apps work similarly to Careem and offer another convenient option for getting around.
Tips for Using Taxis and Careem in Morocco
- Know Your Destination:
Before getting into a taxi, it’s important to know the exact name of your destination and ideally, have it written down in Arabic or French. Many drivers may not speak English, so being able to communicate where you want to go is essential.
- Negotiate Wisely:
For grand taxis or petit taxis without a meter, always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Be polite but firm, and if the price seems too high, don’t hesitate to walk away and find another taxi.
3.Carry Small Change:
Taxi drivers often don’t have change for large bills, so it’s a good idea to carry small denominations of Moroccan dirhams to make paying easier.
- Be Aware of Nighttime Rates:
In some cities, taxi fares increase after 8 PM. If you’re traveling at night, expect to pay around 50% more than the daytime rate. This is standard practice, but it’s always good to confirm the fare before starting your journey. It starts counting from 3 MAD.
- Safety Considerations:
While taxis and Careem are generally safe in Morocco, it’s always wise to take precautions. If you’re traveling alone, especially at night, consider sitting in the back seat and keeping your valuables secure. For Careem, make sure the driver and vehicle details match what’s shown in the app before getting in.
- Avoid Unofficial Taxis:
Occasionally, you might be approached by drivers offering rides in unmarked cars. It’s best to avoid these and stick to official petit and grand taxis or use Careem or a similar service.
Final Thoughts
Using taxis and Careem in Morocco is straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether you’re haggling over the price of a petit taxi ride in Marrakech or booking a Careem in Casablanca, these transportation options offer flexibility and convenience for getting around the country. By following the tips above, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, allowing you to focus on exploring the beauty and culture that Morocco has to offer.
