Tangier – Gateway to Africa
Practical Guide for International Travelers: Emergencies, Transport, Culture & Day Trips
For residents, tourists, and international visitors • Crossroads of Continents • Cultural Melting Pot
Emergency Services in Tangier
Tangier Port Authority: +212 (0)539 94 20 20
Maritime Rescue Center: 16 (at sea) or 112
Police Maritime: +212 (0)539 94 30 30
For International Travelers: Always carry travel insurance with medical coverage. Contact your embassy in case of serious incidents.
Main Police Station: Place de France, Ville Nouvelle
Tourist Police Unit: Specialized in assisting foreigners – Bab Kasbah
Call Police24/7 emergency response
Multiple stations throughout the city
Call FirefightersMultilingual assistance (English, French, Spanish)
Help with lost documents, translation services
24/7 during tourist season
Medical Services & Healthcare
Main public hospital – Avenue Hassan II, Tangier
24/7 emergency service – English-speaking staff available
Specialties: Trauma, cardiology, general medicine
Contact HospitalPrivate hospital with international standards
English-speaking doctors, modern facilities
Accepts international insurance
Contact Clinic24-hour pharmacy rotation system
Check posted schedules at any pharmacy
Emergency prescriptions available
1. Food/Water precautions: Drink bottled water, avoid street food
2. Sun protection: High UV index year-round
3. Medications: Bring prescription medications with original packaging
4. Vaccinations: Routine vaccines + Hepatitis A recommended
Medical care in private hospitals can be expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers Morocco. Many standard policies exclude certain activities. Consider supplemental insurance from providers like World Nomads or Allianz.
For US/UK/CA/AU Travelers: Check if your health insurance covers Morocco. Many US insurance plans have limited international coverage. The UK’s NHS doesn’t cover treatment abroad.
Local currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger stores. ATMs available throughout the city.
Embassy Contacts & Consular Services
US Consulate: +212 (0)539 62 21 39
UK Consulate: +212 (0)539 93 48 10
Canadian Honorary Consul: +212 (0)539 94 55 60
Australian Honorary Consul: +212 (0)539 94 50 50
Spanish Consulate: +212 (0)539 94 20 60 (nearest major consulate)
Emergency after-hours for all embassies: Contact your country’s foreign affairs department
Location: Rabat is 250km south – train available (2.5 hours)
Expatriate association with regular meetings
Assistance with local services, networking
Monthly social events at various locations
STEP Program: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure
Emergency Contact: +1 888 407 4747 (from US) or +1 202 501 4444 (from abroad)
Consular District: Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Nador, Oujda
Travel Advice: Check UK Foreign Office website for latest updates
Passport: Should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay
Emergency Contact: +44 20 7008 5000 (Foreign Office)
Visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Registration: Register with Registration of Canadians Abroad service
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry
Emergency Contact: +1 613 996 8885 (collect call accepted)
Smartraveller: Register travel plans on Smartraveller website
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date
Emergency Contact: +61 2 6261 3305 (reverse charges accepted)
Transportation – Getting Around Tangier
15km from city center – 20 minute drive
International flights: Direct to major European cities
Domestic flights: Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir
Airport taxi: Fixed price 150 DH to city center (~$15)
Bus: Line 70 to city center (10 DH)
Main railway station – connects to all major cities
High-speed trains (Al Boraq): Casablanca (2 hours), Rabat (1.5 hours)
Regular trains: Fez (4 hours), Marrakech (5.5 hours)
ONCF Information: 2255 from any Moroccan phone
One of Africa’s largest ports
Ferries to Spain: Algeciras (1 hour), Tarifa (35 minutes)
Companies: FRS, Intershipping, Balearia
Shuttle bus: From Tangier city center to port
Petits taxis: Blue color, max 3 passengers, use meter
Grands taxis: Beige color, shared taxis for longer distances
City buses: Extensive network, 5 DH per ride
Car rental: Major companies at airport and city center
Ride-hailing: Careem available in Tangier
Cultural Highlights & Must-See Attractions
Kasbah Museum: Former sultan’s palace, archaeological museum
Grand Socco: Main square, entry to Medina
Petit Socco: Historic square, former meeting point
American Legation Museum: First US diplomatic property abroad
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon
Place de France: Central square, cafes, people-watching
Boulevard Pasteur: Main shopping street
Marché Central: Central market, fresh produce, spices
Saint Andrew’s Church: Anglican church with interesting history
Cultural centers: Institut Français, Cervantes Institute
Playa de Tangier: Main city beach, restaurants, water sports
Cap Spartel: Lighthouse, meeting point of Atlantic and Mediterranean
Grottoes of Hercules: Natural caves, mythological significance
Malabata Beach: Less crowded, good for swimming
Water safety: Strong currents, swim in designated areas
1. Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees in Medina
2. Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
3. Haggling: Expected in markets, be polite
4. Ramadan: Respect fasting hours, avoid eating/drinking in public
5. Language: Arabic and French widely spoken, English in tourist areas
Food, Dining & Shopping
Tangia: Traditional slow-cooked meat dish (not tajine)
Fresh seafood: Grilled fish at port restaurantsMint tea: Served sweet, social ritual
Pastilla: Sweet-savory pastry with pigeon/chicken
Street food: Try msemen (pancakes), harira (soup)
Medina/Kasbah: Le Nabab, Restaurant Ahlen, Dar Naji
Ville Nouvelle: Restaurant el Morocco, La Fabrique, Anna e Paolo
Port area: Restaurant de la Mer, El Reducto
International cuisine: Good range of Italian, French, Asian options
Budget tip: Local “snack” restaurants offer good value
Medina markets: Leather goods, ceramics, spices, textiles
Grand Socco Market: Daily market, fresh produce
Modern shopping: Marjane supermarket, Tanger City Center mall
Artisan workshops: Rue de la Liberté for leather, ceramics
Bargaining: Start at 50% of asking price, negotiate politely
Water: Drink bottled water only (Sidi Ali, Sidi Harazem)
Ice: Avoid ice in drinks unless at reputable establishments
Fruits/vegetables: Wash with bottled water or peel
Street food: Choose busy vendors with high turnover
Restaurant hygiene: Look for places popular with locals
Day Trips & Excursions
Distance: 115 km (2 hours by car)
Transport: Grand taxi or bus from Tangier
Highlights: Blue-painted streets, mountains, handicrafts
Recommended duration: Day trip or overnight
Tour option: Many operators offer guided trips
Distance: 46 km (45 minutes by train)
Transport: Frequent trains from Tangier Ville station
Highlights: Medina walls, street art, beaches
Best time: Summer for cultural festival
Combination: Can combine with Rabat trip
Distance: 60 km (1 hour by car)
Transport: Train or grand taxi
Highlights: UNESCO Medina, Royal Palace, museums
Cultural significance: Andalusian refugee settlement
Market day: Sunday – largest in region
Ferry: Fast ferry to Tarifa (35 minutes)
Gibraltar: Day trip possible (bring passport)
Spanish cities: Seville, Cordoba, Granada accessible
Visa requirements: Schengen visa needed for non-EU citizens
Customs: Allow time for border formalities
Practical Information – Climate & Safety
Spring (Mar-May): 15-25°C, pleasant, best time
Summer (Jun-Aug): 25-35°C, busy, beach season
Autumn (Sep-Nov): 20-30°C, good for sightseeing
Winter (Dec-Feb): 10-18°C, rainy season, fewer tourists
Microclimate: More humid than other Moroccan cities
General safety: Tangier is generally safe for tourists
Petty crime: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas
Faux guides: Decline offers from unofficial guides
Night safety: Stick to well-lit areas, use official taxis
Scams: Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers
Language: Arabic (official), French (business), some English
Mobile networks: Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi
SIM cards: Available at airport and city centers
Wi-Fi: Available in hotels, cafes, some public areas
Electricity: 220V, European-style 2-pin plugs
Budget range: $50-150 per day depending on style
Meal costs: Street food $2-5, restaurant $10-20
Accommodation: Hostels $15-30, hotels $50-150, luxury $200+
Tipping: 10% in restaurants, small change for services
Bargaining: Expected in markets, not in fixed-price stores
Essential External Resources
Official tourist information for Tangier
Official US travel advisories and information
Official UK government travel advice
Canadian official travel recommendations
Australian government travel advice
Train schedules and tickets for Morocco
Ferry schedules and port information
Real-time currency exchange rates
