If you are traveling to Morocco, roaming charges can be expensive depending on your home mobile provider and plan. Before using mobile data abroad, it is important to check whether Morocco is included in your roaming package.
Morocco is outside the European Union and the European Economic Area, so EU “Roam Like at Home” rules usually do not apply. This means your normal European mobile plan may not include free roaming in Morocco.
Quick answer: to avoid roaming charges in Morocco, turn off data roaming on your primary SIM and use a Morocco travel eSIM, local SIM card or hotel WiFi instead. For most tourists, a Morocco eSIM is the easiest option because it can be installed before travel.
Top Morocco eSIMs
Morocco eSIM
Fixed
1 GB, 7 days4.00$2 GB, 15 days6.50$3 GB, 30 days9.00$Unlimited
Unlimited, 1 day5.00$Unlimited, 3 days13.00$Unlimited, 5 days21.00$
Africa eSIM
Fixed
1 GB, 7 days11.50$2 GB, 15 days21.50$3 GB, 30 days30.00$Unlimited
Unlimited, 1 day15.50$Unlimited, 3 days44.50$Unlimited, 5 days73.50$Does EU Roaming Work in Morocco?
Usually no. EU roaming rules apply inside the EU and EEA roaming area, not automatically in Morocco. Some mobile providers may include Morocco in special travel passes or international bundles, but this depends on your plan.
Before traveling, check your provider’s Morocco roaming rates for mobile data, calls and SMS. Do not assume your EU allowance works in Morocco.
Why Roaming in Morocco Can Be Expensive
- Morocco is usually treated as an international roaming destination.
- Mobile data may be charged per MB or per daily roaming pass.
- Video apps, maps, cloud backup and social media can use data quickly.
- Some plans may not include Morocco at all.
- Business or older contracts may have different roaming rules.
- Accidental background data can create unexpected charges.
Morocco Roaming Charges vs eSIM
| Option | Best For | Risk of Bill Shock |
|---|---|---|
| International roaming | Emergency use or included travel pass | High if not included |
| Morocco eSIM | Tourists who want prepaid mobile data | Low |
| Local SIM card | Long stays or local number needs | Low |
| Hotel WiFi | Backup internet indoors | Low |
| Public WiFi | Occasional use only | Low, but less secure |
Best Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges in Morocco
| Method | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Use a Morocco eSIM | Install before travel and use it for mobile data after arrival |
| Turn off primary SIM data roaming | Keep your home SIM active only for calls or SMS if needed |
| Disable automatic data switching | Prevent your phone from switching back to your home SIM for internet |
| Use hotel WiFi for heavy tasks | Upload photos, update apps and stream video on WiFi |
| Download offline maps | Reduce data use during road trips, medinas and desert tours |
Recommended Phone Settings to Avoid Roaming Charges
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Mobile Data | Morocco eSIM |
| Calls | Primary SIM if needed |
| SMS | Primary SIM if needed |
| Data Roaming on Morocco eSIM | ON |
| Data Roaming on Primary SIM | OFF |
| Automatic Data Switching | OFF |
| Network Selection | Automatic for the eSIM |
| APN | data.esim if required |
How to Turn Off Roaming on Your Primary SIM
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Select your primary SIM.
- Turn Data Roaming OFF.
- Go back to Mobile Data.
- Select your Morocco eSIM for mobile data.
- Turn Allow Mobile Data Switching OFF.
On Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections, SIM Manager or Network & Internet.
- Select your primary SIM.
- Turn Data Roaming OFF.
- Select your Morocco eSIM for mobile data.
- Turn automatic data switching OFF if available.
Why a Morocco eSIM Helps Avoid Roaming Charges
A Morocco eSIM gives you prepaid mobile data for your trip. This makes costs easier to control because you are not relying on your home carrier’s international roaming rates.
You can install the eSIM before departure, keep your home SIM active for calls or SMS if needed and use the Morocco eSIM for internet after arrival.
Morocco eSIM vs Local SIM Card
| Feature | Morocco eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Buy before travel | Yes | No |
| Physical SIM needed | No | Yes |
| Airport queue | No | Possible |
| Local phone number | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Best for short trips | Excellent | Good |
| Best for avoiding roaming data | Excellent | Excellent |
How Much Data Do You Need in Morocco?
| Travel Style | Recommended Data |
|---|---|
| Short city break | 3–5 GB |
| One-week Morocco trip | 5–10 GB |
| Two-week Morocco itinerary | 10–20 GB |
| Road trip or desert tour | 10–20 GB |
| Hotspot or remote work | 20 GB+ |
| Heavy TikTok, YouTube or video calls | 20 GB+ or unlimited |
Typical Data Usage in Morocco
| Activity | Approximate Usage |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp messages | Very low |
| WhatsApp voice calls | 30–50 MB per hour |
| WhatsApp video calls | 250–500 MB per hour |
| Google Maps navigation | 5–10 MB per hour |
| Email and browsing | 50–150 MB per hour |
| Instagram browsing | 100–300 MB per hour |
| TikTok or Reels | 500 MB–1 GB per hour |
| YouTube HD | 1–3 GB per hour |
APN Settings for Morocco eSIM
Most phones configure APN settings automatically. If mobile data does not work after arrival in Morocco, enter the APN manually.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | data.esim |
| Username | Leave blank |
| Password | Leave blank |
| Authentication | None |
Can You Keep Your Home SIM Active in Morocco?
Yes. Most Dual SIM phones allow you to keep your home SIM active while using a Morocco eSIM for mobile data.
- Use the Morocco eSIM for internet.
- Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS if needed.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
- Receive verification codes if supported by your home carrier.
- Use WhatsApp with your existing number.
Does WhatsApp Work Without Roaming?
Yes. WhatsApp works with mobile data or WiFi in Morocco where internet access is available. You do not need international data roaming on your primary SIM to use WhatsApp.
Your WhatsApp account can remain linked to your existing phone number even if you use a Morocco eSIM for data.
Internet Coverage in Morocco
| Destination | Expected Mobile Coverage |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | Excellent |
| Casablanca | Excellent |
| Rabat | Excellent |
| Fes | Very Good to Excellent |
| Tangier | Very Good to Excellent |
| Agadir | Very Good to Excellent |
| Essaouira | Good to Very Good |
| Chefchaouen | Good to Very Good |
| Atlas Mountains | Variable |
| Sahara desert tours | Variable to limited |
| Remote roads and villages | Variable |
How to Save Data and Avoid Extra Costs
- Turn off mobile data roaming on your primary SIM.
- Use your Morocco eSIM for mobile data.
- Use hotel WiFi for video streaming and large uploads.
- Download offline Google Maps before road trips.
- Turn off automatic app updates on mobile data.
- Turn off automatic photo and video backup.
- Disable background data for apps you do not need.
- Use lower video quality when streaming.
Common Roaming Mistakes in Morocco
- Assuming EU roaming includes Morocco.
- Leaving Data Roaming ON on the primary SIM.
- Allowing automatic mobile data switching.
- Using TikTok, YouTube or cloud backup on roaming data.
- Not checking the home provider’s Morocco roaming rates.
- Not buying a travel eSIM or local SIM before heavy data use.
- Letting children’s devices use hotspot without data controls.
What to Do If You Accidentally Used Roaming
- Turn off mobile data immediately.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
- Check your carrier app for current charges.
- Contact your mobile provider and ask about roaming caps or travel passes.
- Switch to hotel WiFi, a Morocco eSIM or a local SIM card.
- Disable background data and cloud backup.
Related Morocco Internet Guides
- Morocco eSIM
- Best eSIM for Morocco
- Buy eSIM for Morocco
- Mobile Internet in Morocco
- Internet in Morocco for Tourists
- Best SIM Card for Morocco
- Local SIM vs eSIM Morocco
- How to Get Internet in Morocco
- Morocco eSIM APN Settings
FAQ
Are there roaming charges in Morocco?
Yes, roaming charges may apply in Morocco depending on your home mobile provider and plan. Always check your provider’s Morocco rates before using mobile data.
Is Morocco included in EU roaming?
Usually no. Morocco is outside the EU and EEA roaming area, so EU “Roam Like at Home” rules generally do not apply.
How can I avoid roaming charges in Morocco?
Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM and use a Morocco eSIM, local SIM card or hotel WiFi for internet.
Can I use WhatsApp in Morocco without roaming?
Yes. WhatsApp works with mobile data or WiFi. You can use a Morocco eSIM for data while keeping your WhatsApp number unchanged.
Should I turn off data roaming before arriving in Morocco?
Yes. Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM before arrival if you want to avoid accidental roaming data charges.
What APN should I use for Morocco eSIM?
If manual APN setup is required for a NoveSIM Morocco eSIM, use data.esim.
Final Recommendation
Do not assume your normal mobile plan includes Morocco roaming. Morocco is usually outside EU roaming rules, and mobile data charges can be expensive if your plan does not include a suitable travel package.
For most tourists, the safest setup is to turn off Data Roaming on the primary SIM and use a Morocco travel eSIM for mobile data. Install the eSIM before departure, enable Data Roaming only on the eSIM after arrival, keep Network Selection on Automatic and use data.esim as the APN if manual setup is required.