Taking a Taxi in Morocco
This article represents the second in a series regarding transportation in Morocco.
I have heard it stated that “taxi” is the one word recognized throughout the world. Perhaps the name recognition gives some indication of the wide-spread use of this form of transportation. If you spend anytime in Morocco you will most likely use taxis as a means to get around. This article will describe some of the basics of taxis in Morocco.
There are two common types of taxis in Morocco; the small (petit) variety and the big (grande) variety. One of the fun things in Morocco is that the small taxis in each city have a unique color. Casablanca and Fes both boast small red taxis, whereas Rabat has blue, and El Jadida off-white. These small taxis operate within the cities and generally go to the destination that you indicate, with you paying based on distance traveled. In some places you will find small taxis that run specific routes, in which case you pay a set price. In contrast, big taxis operate on routes between cities. These taxis charge a set rate per person, and have fixed routes. When traveling by a big taxi, the taxi driver will not disembark until the vehicle is full of passengers.
Small Taxis
Finding and Entering
To use a small taxi, there are at least two options to hail one. The first option is to find a taxi stand with a line of taxis. The second (and most common) option is to hail one on the street. If you know which direction you will be headed, then try to orient yourself on a street going that direction. Stick out your hand at or below waist level, indicating the number of passengers in your traveling party. Small taxis can take up to three adult passengers, and taxi drivers will sometimes attempt to pick up other passengers on the route so as to have a full car. You can hail a taxi from any place on the street, although I prefer to position myself at a visible location typically on a corner. I also like to think ahead to find a place where the taxi driver can safely pull over. If the driver pulls over, then through the open window say the place you want to go. If he agrees, then you hop in and greet with a customary “Salam alaikum.” If he declines, then you wait for the next taxi.
Price
Once you are seated in the taxi, take a look at the meter which will either be in the center console in front of the gear shift (most common), or in the rearview mirror. The base rate depends on which city you are in and what time of day. A local friend told me that the day rate is from 8am to 8pm. In Casablanca the day meter starts at 2.00 dh and goes up in increments of 0.20 dh. In Fes the day meter starts at 1.20 dh and increases at the same rate. At night, the rates increase by 50%. In Casablanca, the night base rate is 3.00 dh and increases at a rate of 0.30 dh. In Fes, the night base rate is 2.10 dh and increases at 0.30 dh. Be careful that the taxi driver is using the correct meter as sometimes a taxi driver will put on the night meter during the day.
There is a minimum cost, which also depends on the city. In Casablanca, I have heard that the minimum cost is 7.50dh. In Fes it may be 5dh. In some cities there is a set price (or two) no matter where you are traveling in the city; Nador is one example. When paying the taxi driver, it is not necessary to pay in exact change, although it is helpful to have smaller bills. I try to pay with a 50 dh bill or smaller, but I have seen people pay with 100 dh bills. 20 dh bills are my preference.
It is not required to tip, although I often add a little to the final price because I want to be kind. A friend of mine once told me that taxi driving is not a lucrative business; oftentimes the driver has to pay to rent the vehicle, so the price shown on the meter is not going entirely to his pocket. Additionally, a taxi driver is only allowed by law to charge per party. This means that a party of three pays the same price as a party of one traveling the same route. As a result, if the driver has picked up a party of three, he is unable to pick up other passengers, and is therefore missing out on additional business. Doing the math, the driver makes the most if he picks up three individuals traveling in the same general direction. Therefore, if I am traveling in a party of two or more, I like to tip a little extra because the driver was unable to pick up other travelers.
Other Notes
You will discover that there are no seat belts in the back seat, and the driver will not require you to wear a seat belt in the front passenger seat. Also, you will get into and out of the vehicle on the right (curb) side. This means that you may have to slide across the back seat to get to the seat behind the driver. Secondly, if there is someone already in the backseat and you are entering with a party of two, the driver may have you play musical chairs so that your party can sit together. Thirdly, make sure to shut the door lightly as you enter and exit the vehicle. Americans have a tendency to slam shut car doors, so just be mindful not to be a brute when closing the door.
Lastly, be leery of the taxi drivers who are parked outside of train stations and major commercial centers (like Morocco Mall). These drivers are often looking to make a few extra dirham by taking advantage of travelers unfamiliar with the taxi system. Many times the drivers coming up to you are not planning to use the meter, and they will quote you a price; this price is double or more what you would pay using the meter. In situations like this, walk past the wave of drivers and find one outside the train station on the street. If you are comfortable paying the price they quote you, then go ahead and enter their vehicle. But if you are looking to pay the correct price, then avoid these drivers.
Conclusion
We hope that your experience riding in taxis is a positive one! Comment below if you have any questions about getting around Morocco.
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