Though Morocco is very suitable for independent travel, visitors should be aware of some basic Rabat practical information to be prepared when visiting the capital city. A bit of simple planning and foresight can help prevent problems and ensure that you have a great and memorable trip to Rabat.

Money in Rabat

ATMs are becoming more and more a mainstay in travel to Morocco and Rabat is no exception. There are numerous ATMs situated throughout the city at major banks and other tourist spots and they generally accept MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro, Cirrus and InterBank cards. Additionally, many major tourist areas accept credit cards, however there is generally a 5% surcharge for their use. Travellers cheques from American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook can all be exchanged in Rabat.

Both bargaining and tipping are a way of life in Morocco. Expect to tip anyone for any service they provide you. When willingly given, just a few dirham is adequate to make your life and travels here much easier. It is also expected to tip between 5% and 10% on a restaurant bill. Be sure to stock up on small coins at a bank when you exchange money so that you are well prepared for tipping.

Safety and Health in Rabat

Drug busts have become increasingly more common in recent years and the era of Morocco being a haven for marijuana smokers is long past.

Be careful of touts hanging around the entrances of the Medina or other attractions, as well as train stations. There are official guides that can be arranged through tourist offices and hotels and charge a fixed price - $14 US per half day. Remember to include a tip even on services that have a fixed price.

Women will most likely encounter some forms of sexual harassment in the form of leering, unwanted attention and continuous greetings when traveling in Rabat. The best way to diffuse the situation is to ignore it and avoid overreacting. It is rarely dangerous and can be minimized by dressing modestly and avoiding walking around the city alone at night.

Visiting Rabat should be as carefree and fun as it is memorable. Follow these simple tips to help ensure that your trip runs smoothly and you are well prepared for your trip to this stunning capital city.

National Tourism Office · 2, avenue d'Alger - Tel: 73.05.62

Central Post Office · Av. Mohammed V · Open Monday-Friday from 8.30 to 12.15 and 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. · In the Summer from 9.00 to 3 p.m. Telephone and Poste Restante · Rue Soekarno, in a side-building of the Post Office. · Open 24 hrs a day, seven days a week.

Police - Emergencies · Tel: 19 Fire Brigade and Ambulance · Tel: 15

Night Chemist · Rue Moulay Sliman · Open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Ibnou-Sina Hospital · Sur la route de Casa, à côté de la gare des bus - Tel: 67.44.11

Car rental Europcar · 25 bis, rue Patrice Lulumba - Tel: 72.23.28 Avis · 7, rue Abou-Faris-al-Marini - Tel: 76.75.03 Budget · Gare ONCF - Tel: 76.76.89 Hertz · 291, av. Mohammed V - Tel: 70.73.66

Railway Station Central Station · Av. Mohammed V - Tel: 76.73.53 Rabat-Agdal Station · Tel: 77.23.85 - Trains to Casablanca, Fès, Oujda, Tanger

Sport Royal Golf Club · at Dar es Salam. · Tel: 75.58.64 / 65 · 45 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones. · International Golf Championship in March. · Red course (handicap 18 required) · Blue and green courses(no handicap required).