In Morocco, taxi services are an essential mode of transportation, particularly in cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez. Here’s an overview of taxi services in Morocco:
1. TYPES OF TAXIS:
– Grand Taxis: These are usually large, old Mercedes cars painted in white with a beige stripe. They operate between cities and towns and are shared among passengers. Grand Taxis have fixed routes and departure times.
– Petit Taxis: These are smaller cars, typically painted in red or blue. They operate within cities and can be hailed on the street. They run on a metered fare system.
2. Fares: Petit Taxis in Moroccan cities operate on a metered fare system, although some drivers might try to negotiate a fixed price, especially with tourists. It’s important to ensure the meter is running to avoid any misunderstandings about the fare.
3. Availability: Petit Taxis are readily available in most urban areas, and you can usually find them waiting at taxi ranks or hailed on the street. Grand Taxis operate on specific routes and might depart once they have enough passengers.
4. Safety: While taxi services are generally safe in Morocco, it’s essential to take precautions as you would in any other country. Make sure to use licensed taxis, agree on the fare before starting the journey (especially with Petit Taxis), and keep an eye on your belongings.
5. Language: In major cities and tourist areas, many taxi drivers speak basic English, French, or Spanish, in addition to Arabic or Berber languages. However, communication might be a challenge in more remote areas.
6. Apps: Some cities in Morocco have taxi-hailing apps similar to Uber or Lyft, which can be convenient for travelers. These apps allow you to book and pay for taxis through your smartphone.
7. Tips: Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s customary to round up the fare or add a small tip for good service.
Overall, taxis in Morocco are a convenient and affordable way to get around, especially within cities. However, it’s essential to exercise caution, negotiate fares when necessary, and ensure you’re using licensed taxis for a safe and reliable journey.
Moroccan Taxi Culture
Here are some additional points about taxi services in Morocco:
1. Etiquette: It’s customary for passengers to sit in the back seat of the taxi, leaving the front passenger seat for another passenger if needed. This is especially true for Petit Taxis.
2. Navigation: While many taxi drivers are familiar with the streets and landmarks in their cities, it’s helpful to have the address or destination written down or saved on your phone in case there’s a language barrier.
3. Shared Taxis: In some areas, particularly smaller towns and rural regions, shared taxis are common. These taxis operate similarly to Grand Taxis but may have a slightly different fare structure. Passengers share the taxi until it’s full or until they reach their destination.
4. Negotiation: While Petit Taxis are supposed to run on a metered fare system, it’s not uncommon for drivers to try to negotiate a fixed price, especially for longer journeys or tourist destinations. It’s up to you whether you want to negotiate or insist on using the meter.
5. Availability at Night: In major cities like Casablanca and Marrakech, you can usually find taxis available at most hours of the day and night, especially in busy areas. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, taxi availability may be limited late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
6. Safety Concerns: While taxis are generally safe in Morocco, it’s advisable to exercise caution, especially when traveling alone late at night. Stick to licensed taxis, avoid getting into unmarked or unofficial vehicles, and share your location or travel plans with someone you trust.
7. Payment: While some taxis accept credit cards, it’s more common to pay with cash. Make sure to have small denominations of Moroccan dirhams (MAD) to pay for your fare, as some drivers may not have change for larger bills.
Understanding these nuances can help make your taxi journeys in Morocco smoother and more enjoyable.
