Casablanca – Essential Information
For International Travelers & Residents • MoroccoCloser
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
Police Emergency (within cities)
19
From mobile: 112 (European emergency number – works in Morocco)
Royal Gendarmerie (outside cities)
177
For rural and suburban areas – Morocco’s national police force
Fire Department & Medical Emergencies
15
Fire and medical emergencies – 24/7
SAMU (Emergency Medical Service)
141
+212 (0)522 98 98 98
Emergency ambulance service – equivalent to 911 medical
Poison Control Center
+212 (0)537 68 64 64
24/7 emergency poison control – English may be limited
How to effectively alert emergency services:
- Identify yourself: Give your name and phone number
- Exact location: Full address, floor, entry code, landmarks
- Nature of emergency: Accident, medical issue, fire, etc.
- Number and condition of victims: Approximate age, visible injuries
- Potential risks: Fire, explosion, collapse, traffic danger
- Don’t hang up until you receive instructions
- Speak slowly and clearly – language barriers may exist
MEDICAL SERVICES
Ibn Rochd Hospital (Public Hospital)
+212 (0)522 48 30 30
1 rue des Hôpitaux, Casablanca – Main public hospital
Note Public hospitals may have limited English
Clinique Dar Salam (Private Clinic)
+212 (0)522 85 14 14
Reputed private clinic – better English likely
Clinique Le Littoral (Private Clinic)
+212 (0)522 79 93 13
Private clinic – Avenue des FAR, Casablanca
SOS Médecins Casablanca (House Call Doctors)
+212 (0)522 25 30 49
+212 (0)688 81 71 87
Doctors available for house calls 24/7
Tip Ask for English-speaking doctor
On-Duty Pharmacies
List posted on every pharmacy door. Rotation system ensures 24/7 coverage.
Note Many medications available without prescription
Moroccan Red Crescent (Red Cross)
+212 (0)522 60 06 41
Humanitarian aid and emergency relief
Travel Insurance & Medical Evacuation
Before traveling: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
AXA Assistance Morocco: +212 (0)5 22 54 23 23
Mondial Assistance Morocco: +212 (0)5 22 31 31 50
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
U.S. Consulate General Casablanca
+212 (0)522 64 20 99
8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca
Emergency after-hours: +212 (0)661 13 19 39
🇺🇸 U.S. Citizens Register with STEP for alerts
Canadian Embassy in Rabat (Serves all Morocco)
+212 (0)537 68 74 00
13 bis, Rue Jaâfar As-Sadiq, Rabat
Emergency: +1 613 996 8885 (Collect from abroad)
🇨🇦 Canadian Citizens Register with Registration of Canadians Abroad
British Consulate Casablanca
+212 (0)522 85 78 78
Villa les Cèdres, 2 Avenue du Mekki El Bitaouri, Casablanca
🇬🇧 UK Citizens Embassy in Rabat, Consulate in Casablanca
Australian Embassy (Based in Rabat)
+212 (0)537 63 78 00
9 Rue des Ifs, Hassan, Rabat
Emergency: +61 2 6261 3305 (From overseas)
🇦🇺 Australian Citizens Register with Smartraveller
French Consulate General Casablanca
+212 (0)5 22 48 93 00
1 rue du Prince Moulay Abdellah, Quartier Liberté
Emergency after-hours: +212 (0)6 61 17 83 58
Important for all travelers:
- Register with your embassy before or upon arrival
- Keep embassy contact details with you at all times
- Passport copies: Keep digital and physical copies separate from original
- Emergency contacts: Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Travel insurance is essential – verify medical evacuation coverage
TRANSPORTATION
Mohammed V International Airport – Casablanca
+212 (0)522 53 90 40
Main international airport in Morocco, 30km from city center
Tip Allow 2 hours for international flights
ONCF (National Railway Office)
+212 (0)537 77 47 47
Main stations: Casa-Voyageurs, Casa-Port, L’Oasis
Recommended Fast trains to Rabat (1h), Marrakech (2.5h), Tangier (2h)
CTM (Intercity Buses)
0800 09 00 30
Toll-free number – Most reliable intercity bus company
Casa Tramway
+212 (0)522 99 83 83
Modern tram system with 2 lines across Casablanca – Ticket: 6 DH (~$0.60)
Easy to use Ticket machines have English option
Taxis in Casablanca
Petit Taxis (Small taxis): Red color, city trips only, 3 passengers max
Grand Taxis (Large taxis): Older Mercedes, shared intercity trips
Important Always ensure meter is running or agree on price beforehand
Ride-Hailing Apps
Careem: Uber’s subsidiary in Morocco (most reliable)
Heetch: Popular especially at night
InDriver: You propose the price
Car Rental
International companies at airport and city locations
Driving Tips International driving permit recommended, drive defensively
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Currency & Money
Moroccan Dirham (MAD): 1 USD ≈ 10 MAD • 1 CAD ≈ 7.5 MAD • 1 GBP ≈ 12.5 MAD • 1 AUD ≈ 6.5 MAD
ATMs: Widely available, accept international cards
Credit Cards: Accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger stores
Cash: Essential for markets, small shops, taxis
Western Union: +212 (0)537 77 80 80 for money transfers
Language
Arabic (Moroccan dialect) • French (widely spoken) • Berber
English: Increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, younger generation
Helpful Phrases “Salam” (Hello), “Shukran” (Thank you), “La, shukran” (No, thank you)
Climate & Clothing
Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild 10-20°C (50-68°F), rainy
Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm 25-35°C (77-95°F), humid coastal breeze
Modest dress appreciated, especially outside tourist areas
Safety & Security
Casablanca is generally safe but exercise normal precautions
Avoid: Poorly lit areas at night, flashing valuables
Scams: Be wary of unofficial guides, inflated prices
Emergency numbers: Keep 19 (Police), 15 (Fire), 141 (Ambulance) handy
Travel advisories: Check your government’s travel advice before trip
Time Zone & Business Hours
Time: GMT+1 (Same as UK in winter, 1hr ahead in summer)
Business hours: Typically 9am-12pm, 2pm-6pm (long lunch break)
Friday: Reduced hours, many close for
📍 Police Stations and Prefectures in Casablanca
- Police Prefecture Ben M’Sik ☎️ +212 5 22 57 70 37
- Police Prefecture Hay Hassani – Aïn Chok ☎️ +212 5 22 90 91 89
- Police Station Aïn Chock (Bd Aïn Taoujtate, Casablanca 20250) ☎️ +212 5 22 90 91 89 / +212 5 22 58 08 13 📱 Mobile: +212 6 24 81 35 44
- Police Station Anfa (Anfa District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
- Police Station Maarif (Maarif District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
- Police Station Oasis (Oasis District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
- Police Station Bourgogne (Bourgogne District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
- Police Station Polo (Polo District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
- Police Station Anassi (Anassi District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
- Police Station Sidi Marrouf (CNSS Sidi Maâ District, Casablanca) – Contact via Central Prefecture
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