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What to Before Moving to Morocco From the USA

Posted Country Guides / November 16, 2021

When moving to Morocco from the United States, there are certainly some things you need to know before making a move. Moving abroad will put you in a country that is distinctly different from America, so it’s important to be ready for the changes that lie ahead. Here are a few things you should be prepared for when moving from America to Morocco.

Learn Some Country Facts Before Moving Abroad

When it comes to the whole process of moving internationally, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. A huge chunk of your time will be spent planning and creating a moving abroad checklist that will eventually make the whole move easier.

Additionally, between deciding only to use international moving services or adding packing assistance to the mix, you should learn a thing or two about the country you’ll soon call home. And here are some facts that will make moving to Morocco and adjusting process that much easier:

  • It is the second-largest country in North Africa,
  • The country is known by the nickname Arab West,
  • Morocco’s capital is Rabat,
  • It is a member of many international organizations such as the African Union, Arab League, and The Francophonie,
  • The Sahara Desert covers 90% of its surface area,
  • The country has a great influence on Muslims around the world for being one of the Caliphates in the history of Islam,
  • Its currency is the Dirham,
  • It has a high-income economy ranked at 43 in 2005 on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index,
  • The country is dedicated to renewable power generation and aims to further raise the share of renewables, such as solar and wind energy.

All of these facts will help you figure out how to move overseas in the easiest way possible. Not only that, it is always good to know what to expect when you are relocating halfway across the world because the culture shock will last shorter. Don’t make the common moving mistake of diving into the adventure unprepared.

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There Are Some Legal Requirements Americans Should Fulfill Before Moving Overseas

One of the best tips for moving to Morocco (MA) is to prepare the documents in advance. The process for Americans is relatively straightforward, but there are some legal requirements that must be met in order to establish residency.

The first step is gathering documents that will help you obtain a visa. The visa allows you to stay in the country for a period of three months, during which time you must complete the residency application process. To apply for residency, you will need to provide proof of your identity and citizenship, as well as proof of your marital status and relationship with any dependents who will be living with you. You will also need to provide proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or letters from your employer.

Once you have obtained the visa, you will need to arrange for a residence permit. In order to do this, you must present certain documents at the local police station or post office of your district in MA. You will receive a sealed envelope containing a document that needs to remain on file with your district’s police station or post office.

You will need to present the following at the police station or post office:

  • Within two weeks of arriving in MA, you must visit a doctor and receive an official certificate stating that you do not have any contagious diseases. This is your only chance for this requirement! If you fail to get health clearance within two weeks of arrival, it will be very difficult to obtain later.
  • You will also need proof of residence, which you can obtain after your initial visit to the police station or post office.

After these requirements are met, it is possible that the process of obtaining residency could take up to several months. However, keep in mind that you are traveling during COVID-19, so some rules and regulations might change. That’s why it is best to contact the Embassy in the US and ensure you have all the right documents.

Relocating to MA Will Be Good for Your Budget

If you want to avoid dipping into your savings, figuring out how to balance finances abroad is a must. To do so, you should compare the cost of living in the US with the ones in MA. Luckily, the data from the website Numbeo shows that living overseas will be great for your budget since most things are more affordable in MA.

To help you get all of your finances in order, we made a table comparing the basic costs such as transportation, utilities, and housing.

Location Transportation Monthly Pass Utilities Rent Per Month - One Bedroom Apartment Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment
Morocco $16 $40 $180 $70
United States $65 $170 $1,100 $330

There Are Plenty of Job Opportunities for Foreigners in Arab West

MA is a great place to work, with plenty of opportunities for foreigners. If you’re looking for a job, here are some great options to consider. Firstly, teaching English is a popular option for expats. There are many language schools and opportunities for teaching English as a second language. If you have teaching experience, this could be a great way to find work.

Another option for working is to find a job in the tourism industry. There are many hotels and restaurants that hire foreigners, and oftentimes they will provide training and orientation to help you get started.

If you’re looking for a more challenging job, there are also plenty of opportunities in the business world. Many international companies operate in the country, and there are also opportunities to start your own business.

There are also opportunities for volunteering with animals. Many Moroccans believe that cats and dogs have spirits and must be treated like family, so it is common to see stray cats and dogs around the country. If you’re an animal lover who couldn’t move with pets, you could volunteer at a local animal shelter to help feed and take care of the animals.

Healthcare Has Been Improving in Recent Years

MA has made great strides in healthcare in recent years. The government has made a concerted effort to improve access to quality healthcare for all Moroccans, and the results have been impressive.

There are now dozens of hospitals and clinics throughout the country, and most Moroccans have no trouble accessing quality healthcare when they need it. In addition, the government has implemented a number of programs to improve public health, including vaccination and disease prevention programs.

Public vs. Private Healthcare – What’s the Difference?

The Moroccan government guarantees access to healthcare for all citizens and resident foreigners, but the quality and availability of care varies greatly depending on where you go and who you see. Public hospitals and clinics largely offer free services to patients, while most private hospitals require payment for their services. There are many public hospitals and clinics, but not all of them offer high-quality care.

In modern, well-equipped hospitals and clinics, you’ll find a relatively high standard of medical treatment and technology. However, in older facilities, you may find that the quality of care is lower because the hospital lacks the equipment needed to diagnose or treat patients properly.

There Will Be Plenty of Great Places to Live In

Putting the roof over your head should be one of the most important details of relocating to another country. To help you pick the best location to settle in, we made a list of the most popular cities for newcomers:

  • Rabat is the capital and is located on the Atlantic coast. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history, and it’s one of the best places to live in. There are plenty of things to do here, making it a great place to raise a family. Besides that, the people are friendly, and the cost of living is relatively low. Rabat is also close to the beach, so you can enjoy the sun and sand whenever you want.
  • Casablanca is one of the most populous cities in MA. It is located on the Atlantic coast and is the largest city in the country. Moving to Casablanca, Morocco, will put you in the center of Moroccan business and industry, which is perfect for career chasers.
  • Fez is a city that is known for its history and culture. It is one of the oldest places in the country, and it is home to some of the most important religious and historical landmarks. If you are looking for a city that offers a rich cultural experience, Fez is definitely worth considering.
  • Living in Tangier would be a great experience. The city is located on the north coast of Africa, and it has a rich culture and history. There are a lot of things to see and do, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The weather is warm all year round, and the cost of living is very affordable.
  • Living in Marrakesh can be an amazing experience. The city is full of culture and energy, and there is always something to do. The markets are a great place to find souvenirs, and the restaurants are some of the best in the country.

If you want to see how exactly a day in Casablanca looks like, check out the video below.

Breaking the Language Barriers Is Kind of a Must

You’ll be relocating to a multilingual country, so be prepared to break the language barrier because there are languages spoken in the nation. The most common languages are Arabic, French, and Tamazight. All the three mentioned languages are official languages. Moroccan Arabic is also one of the major dialects of Arabic, which greatly varies from one region to another in the Arab world.

The research shows that around 98% of Moroccans speak Arabic, while 63% speak French, 26% speak Berber, and only 14% speak English. With this in mind, you should consider learning a second language. And even though learning a language abroad is way easier, consider checking out a few phrases even before the move.

For more tips about learning a new language, in this case, Moroccan Arabic, check out the video below.

You’ll Probably Experience Only Two Seasons

The climate and weather in MA can be quite extreme. There is a Mediterranean climate in the north with wet winters and hot, dry summers. The south has a desert climate with very little rain and high temperatures all year round. In the middle, there is a continental climate with very cold winters and hot summers.

In general, MA has two seasons – a very hot dry season from May to October and a milder winter from November to April. In winter, especially in mountainous areas such as in the Rif Mountains of the Middle Atlas, it can be quite cold, and snow can fall occasionally.

With different weather conditions, packing for the move, and shipping overseas, your things will be quite an adventure. That’s why you should do it, after picking the place to settle in.

Rich Culture and Traditions Will Leave You Speechless

Preparing for the move will take a lot of your time. You’ll be thinking about hiring the best international moving company, finding work and a house, and you might forget about the adaptation process that follows. This might cause you to experience a culture shock because a country like MA, with rich traditions and history, is unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

There is much tradition from how people dress to how they eat. One of the most important traditions is the way families celebrate weddings. Weddings are a very important event in Moroccan culture, and they often involve a lot of celebration. One traditional wedding ceremony involves the bride and groom circling around a ceremonial fire seven times. This tradition is believed to bring good luck to the couple.

Another tradition that is often seen at Moroccan weddings is the henna ceremony. Before the wedding, the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with henna designs. These designs are often very intricate and beautiful. It is believed that the henna on the bride’s hands and feet will add to her future beauty.

Street Food Is a Big Deal in Arab West

The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Berber flavors. The country is known for its tagines, a type of slow-cooked stew, as well as its couscous. A typical Moroccan meal will include a variety of dishes served at the same time.

Street Food is available everywhere and at any time. There are hundreds of small stalls offering quick snacks such as fried fish, harira soup, brochettes (kebabs), grilled sausages, and merguez.

The most popular dish that you should try when dining out is definitely Tagine. Most restaurants serve traditional home-style tagine. They are called “Tagine de…”, for example, Tagine de poulet” (chicken), or “Tagine du poison).”

Moving to Morocco From USA Will Be a Once in a Lifetime Experience

Although the process of relocating overseas can be daunting, it is also an exciting opportunity for a new adventure. This is especially true when you are going to such a rich and prosperous country such as the Arab West. No matter where you decide to settle in the country, you’ll certainly run into friendly people and plenty of job opportunities. So, don’t wait too long, pack up your bags, hire an overseas moving company, and start the unforgettable journey of becoming Moroccan.

Blake Shaw

Bostonian and residential moving and packing expert. Blake Shaw enjoys bar-hopping, music, and writing insightful content.

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