You’re standing in a bustling souk in Marrakech, the smell of cumin and grilled lamb is everywhere, and you suddenly realize you need to call home or check in with a local riad. You pull out your phone, look at the screen, and realize you have no idea how the numbers actually work here. It happens. Dialing the international code for Morocco isn't just about slapping a few digits in front of a number and hoping for the best.
It’s +212.
That’s the short answer. But if you stop there, you’re probably going to get a "number not recognized" recording in three different languages. Morocco’s telecommunications system, managed largely by the Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications (ANRT), has some quirks that trip up even seasoned travelers. Honestly, it’s mostly about that pesky leading zero.
The Basics of Calling the Kingdom
To reach anyone in Morocco from abroad, you start with your international access code. In the US or Canada, that’s 011. In Europe or the UK, it’s 00. If you’re on a smartphone—which, let's be real, you probably are—just hold down the "0" key until the plus sign (+) appears.
Then comes the international code for Morocco, which is 212.
After that, you’ll see the local Moroccan number. Usually, these are nine digits long. If someone gives you their number as 0612-345678, you must drop the zero. If you dial +212 0612..., it won't work. The zero is only for domestic calls within the borders of Morocco. Think of it like a "local mode" switch that you have to flip off when you're calling from outside.
Why the +212 Prefix Matters Now
Morocco has been rapidly modernizing its digital infrastructure. Companies like Maroc Telecom (IAM), Orange Maroc, and Inwi are fighting for every inch of the market. Because of this, the country has a massive mobile penetration rate—well over 100%, meaning many people carry more than one SIM card.
When you use the +212 code, you aren't just connecting to a phone; you're tapping into a network that covers everything from the high-rises of Casablanca to remote Berber villages in the High Atlas.
Landlines vs. Mobiles: Telling the Difference
You can actually tell what kind of phone you're calling just by looking at the first digit after the country code. This is super helpful if you're trying to figure out if you're calling a business or a personal cell phone.
- Mobile Numbers: These almost always start with a 6 or a 7. For example, if you see +212 6... or +212 7..., you're calling a mobile.
- Landlines: These start with a 5. Casablanca numbers often start with 522, while Marrakech uses 524.
Back in 2009, Morocco underwent a massive numbering plan change. They moved from nine-digit numbers (including the zero) to ten-digit numbers to accommodate the explosion of mobile users. If you find an old business card from a decade ago, the number won't work. You’ll have to update it to the current format.
The WhatsApp Factor
In Morocco, WhatsApp is king.
Hardly anyone sends traditional SMS anymore because data is cheap and WhatsApp is ubiquitous. When you add a Moroccan contact to your phone for WhatsApp, you must use the +212 prefix. If you save the number starting with 06, WhatsApp might not recognize the account.
Save it as: +212 6 [followed by the remaining 8 digits].
I’ve seen people lose hours of coordination time with tour guides or Airbnb hosts because they didn't include the international code for Morocco in their contact list. Don't be that person.
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Real-World Costs and What to Expect
Calling Morocco isn't always cheap. If you use a standard landline from the US, you might get hit with $2.00 or $3.00 a minute. It’s wild.
- Local SIM Cards: This is the pro move. When you land at Casablanca (CMN) or Marrakech (RAK), you'll see kiosks for Maroc Telecom or Inwi. They often give out free SIM cards, or you can buy one for about $5.
- Topping Up: You "recharge" your phone by buying scratch cards at small kiosks (hanouts). You'll see signs for Recharge. You'll dial a short code, enter the number on the card, and boom—you have data.
- VoIP is Your Friend: Use FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Telegram. Morocco used to block VoIP calls over mobile data years ago, but the ANRT lifted those restrictions after a massive public outcry in 2016. It’s all clear now.
Common Mistakes People Make
Most people forget the exit code of their own country. Or they get confused by the Moroccan "area codes."
Unlike the US, where area codes are strictly geographical, Moroccan mobile codes (6 and 7) are assigned to specific carriers. If you see a number starting with 0661, that’s historically a Maroc Telecom "prestige" number from back in the day.
Another weird thing? Sometimes you’ll see a number written as 05 22 XX XX XX. If you’re calling from a hotel in Fes to a restaurant in Fes, you dial all ten digits starting with 05. There is no such thing as "local dialing" without the area code anymore. Everything is ten digits, always.
How to Dial Out from Morocco
If you’re in Morocco and trying to call home:
- To the US/Canada: Dial 00 + 1 + Area Code + Number.
- To the UK: Dial 00 + 44 + Number (drop the first zero).
- To France: Dial 00 + 33 + Number (drop the first zero).
Essential Moroccan Phone Manners
Moroccans are incredibly polite on the phone. You’ll often hear a string of greetings before the actual conversation starts.
"Salam, Labas? Kulshi bikhayr?" (Hello, how are you? Is everything good?)
It’s considered a bit brusque to just jump straight into your question. Even if you're just calling a shop to see if they're open, a quick "Salam" goes a long way.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To ensure you stay connected without a headache, follow this checklist:
- Check your roaming: Before you leave, see if your carrier has an international plan. If not, turn off "Data Roaming" the second you hit the tarmac to avoid a $500 bill for background app updates.
- Update your contacts: Go through your phone now and add +212 to any Moroccan numbers you have saved. Ensure you've deleted that leading zero.
- Download Offline Maps: Google Maps works great in Morocco, but the Medina in Fes is a labyrinth that can eat your signal. Download the offline map area while you're on Wi-Fi.
- Buy a local SIM: Seriously. Look for the "IAM" (Maroc Telecom) logo. It has the best coverage in the desert and the mountains.
- Memorize the Emergency Numbers: * 19: Police (in cities)
- 177: Royal Gendarmerie (in rural areas)
- 15: Fire department and Ambulance
Staying connected in Morocco is easy once you understand that the international code for Morocco is your "key" to the country. Just remember: Plus-Two-One-Two, drop the zero, and you’re good to go. Whether you're calling a surf camp in Taghazout or a fancy restaurant in Rabat, you're now equipped to dial like a local.