Planning a trip to Morocco? One of the most important aspects to consider is how you'll power your electronic devices. Morocco uses different power outlets and voltage than many other countries, so it's essential to be prepared.
Understanding Morocco's Electrical System
Morocco operates on a 220-240V, 50Hz electrical system, which is standard across much of Europe and Africa. The country primarily uses Type E and Type C sockets.
- Type C: This plug outlet (known as the type C socket or Europlug) is recognised by 2 holes adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
- Type E: A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Type E power outlets will be typically used by most Moroccans.
Do You Need a Plug Adapter?
If your devices use plugs like Type A/B (US), Type G (UK), or Type I (Australia), you’ll need a travel adapter to fit Morocco’s Type C and Type E sockets. A universal travel adapter is often the best solution.
Here’s a quick guide:
- US, Canada, Japan: You need a Type A/B to Type C/E adapter, and maybe a voltage converter.
- UK, Ireland, Australia: Get a Type G or I to Type C/E adapter.
- Most of Europe: Type C plugs usually work, but check for Type E compatibility.
- India, South Africa: You’ll need a Type D or M to Type C/E adapter.
Important: US plugs won't fit in a Moroccan power outlet so you will need to bring a power adapter for Morocco.
Read also: What to Wear: Morocco Edition
An adapter which works in Germany or France will work in Morocco.
Please be aware that a plug adapter for Morocco (or power adapter) only changes the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a plug outlet found in Morocco, but won't convert the voltage from 220 volts to another voltage.
If your device can run on 220 volts or is dual voltage but your plug won't fit in a Moroccan power outlet then you'll need a suitable plug adapter for Morocco such a Type E power adapter.
Voltage Converter: Yes or No?
The best way to tell if an appliance is either dual or single voltage is to look for numbers printed on the supplied power adapter or on the appliance itself, normally on the rear or near to where the power cord sits.
Many modern gadgets-smartphones, laptops, and camera chargers-are dual voltage (100-240V). Check your device’s charger for a label like “Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz.” If you see that, you only need an adapter.
Read also: Discover Essaouira, Morocco
However, if you’ve got older, single-voltage gear (like some hair dryers or shavers) designed for 110-120V, you’ll need a voltage converter to avoid frying them. If your device doesn't run on 220 volts and isn't dual voltage you'll also need a power converter for Morocco to convert the voltage from 220 volts to the correct voltage on your device.
Warning: If your device won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your device.
If it works with multiple voltages, like a computer (check, check, check), laptop (check), phone charger (check), hearing aid battery charger (check), CPAP machine (check and check again) which will have something on it 100-240v, you just need to change the shape of the plug which is what an adapter does.
Bottom line: as you will see with a search in the various European Forums, is if it needs a converter (hair dryer, straightener, water boiler etc., which is only designed for 110-120v - printed either on the label, item or plug) leave it home. If you plug it in via an adapter (which only changes the shape of the plug) it will fry with suitable smoke and sparks and flame.
Specific Electrical Setups in Morocco’s Top Destinations
- Marrakech: Most accommodations, from luxury riads to budget hostels, feature plug sockets in Marrakech that adhere to the Type C and Type E standard.
- Casablanca: Within hotels and apartments throughout Casablanca, the electrical setup mirrors European countries, using the morocco plug types of Type C/E sockets.
- Fes: Most accommodations provide the standard electrical outlets in Morocco, with both Type C and Type E sockets.
- Chefchaouen: Smaller guesthouses offer a more rustic experience but are equipped with the necessary Moroccan plugs.
- Agadir: Hotels and resorts offer morocco power adapter facilities compatible with Type C/E, making beachside stays convenient for international travelers.
Travel USB Chargers: A Convenient Solution
When you are travelling to more than one country then the best travel adapter for Morocco to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger.
Read also: Morocco Time Information
- As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads.
- If your type of device supports Fast Charge then you will benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.
- This will allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to bring multiple power chargers on your Moroccan trip or occupying additional wall sockets.
Normal travel USB chargers include 4 or more USB charger ports, meaning you now only need to bring a single charger to charge all your devices.
By only needing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for charging your devices at the airport or on a flight.
Because of their flexible nature a travel USB charger takes the uncertainty out of travelling to an unknown country as they are guaranteed to work almost anywhere in the world.
Larger USB chargers should also include power outlet strips to use multiple low powered devices such as laptops, but please note these are unsuitable for high powered domestic such as hair dryers or clothes irons.
A 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions.
There is an increasing number of smaller rechargeable electronics such as electric shavers that utilise USB charging for a power source. Therefore if you have to replace a device it might need a USB power adapter so check that your travel adapter has enough spare ports to power these too.
We recommend buying an adaptable power adapter of this nature online.
Power Converters: For High-Wattage Appliances
Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons.
You will find certain models are able to convert voltage for low wattage electronics. Even if your electronic device isn't dual voltage it should still be used with a Moroccan power outlet when using a travel power strip. This can make them a cheaper and lightweight substitute for a power converter.
All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes.
BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports.
A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance is incompatible with 220 volts.
Voltage from power outlets in some countries might be unstable, a surge in power might damage your electrical items. Supplied with interchangeable adapter heads which make them versatile in a large number of different locations. Perfect when travelling to multiple countries. All in one compact design. Easy to use.
Skip High-Wattage Appliances: Hair dryers and kettles can be tricky. Use hotel-provided ones or grab a dual-voltage version.
Other Essential Travel Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth experience powering your devices in Morocco:
- Be Prepared for Power Outages: Be prepared for regular blackouts and limited access to power in some areas of Morocco, it is advised to bring a portable power bank if you need to keep your mobile phone charged whilst staying in an area without power or during a power cut.
- Portable Power Bank: Portable power banks are invaluable batteries for travel, especially in unfamiliar locations.
- Solar Power: The sunshine in Morocco should be suitable enough to recharge solar power bank reliability, but will need to be exposed to strong sunshine to provide adequate power for a single charge cycle.
- Backup and Share: Always back up your photos when you have access to stable power in cities like Marrakech or Casablanca, where internet speeds are more reliable.
- Power Banks: Invest in a durable power bank to extend your device’s battery life when exploring remote areas or during long train travels.
- Test It Out: Plug everything in at home to make sure it works. No one wants surprises in a Moroccan souk!
While travelling to Morocco increased use of mobile phones for taking photos, storing calendars, GPS, social network sharing and streaming videos will syphon off power excessively.
Because Morocco has power outages and having limited access to power in some areas you might find that whichever power adapter you use doesn't function anyway.
For much longer journeys it's worth considering packing an appropriate airport-suitable power charger that can be used with different outlet types, one which can be packed in carry-on luggage and can be used to quickly charge tablets and phones just prior to a lengthy trip.
Because not all airlines have power outlets available we recommend bringing a travel portable power bank for recharging on the go.
Forgot Your Adapter? No Problem:
If you land in Morocco without an adapter, you can pick one up at electronics shops in Gueliz (Marrakech), supermarkets like Carrefour, or even airport stores (though they’re pricier). Still, I’d grab one beforehand on Amazon to save time and money.
Additional Items for Your Morocco Packing List
In addition to your US-to-Morocco power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway.
- Neck Wallet
- Filtered Water Bottle
- Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
- Jet Lag Relief
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Cooling Towel
- Travel Insurance for Morocco
- Windproof Travel Umbrella
- Quick-Dry Travel Towel
- Hanging Toiletry Bag
- TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
- Packing Cubes
- Travel Scarf
- Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Mosquito-Repellent Wristbands
With the right preparation, you can easily keep your devices powered and stay connected throughout your Moroccan adventure. Safe travels!
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