Daily budgets at a glance
Backpacker tier: hostels, street food, public buses. Mid-range: riads, restaurants, trains, day tours. Comfort: 4-star riads, private drivers. Luxury: top riads (Royal Mansour, La Mamounia), private guides everywhere.
Currency basics
Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency — you can only buy it inside Morocco. Use airport ATMs on arrival (avoid airport exchange counters).
Where to save
Eat at local 'snack' restaurants instead of tourist-strip cafés. Take CTM/Supratours buses instead of private transfers. Stay in riads outside the most touristy medina arteries.
Where to spend more
A licensed guide for Fes medina is worth it on day one. A private driver for the Sahara loop beats a 20-person tour bus, especially for small groups.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: round up locally; ~10% in tourist places. Riad staff, drivers, guides and hammam attendants all expect a modest tip — keep small notes handy.
Common money traps
Henna 'gifts' that turn into a bill. Children offering to 'show you the way' for hours. Currency exchange inside souk shops (worse than ATMs). Carpet sellers who 'just want to show you'.