Currency in Western Sahara: MAD Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Western Sahara with the Moroccan dirham.
What's in this Western Sahara currency guide?
What currency is used in Western Sahara?
The official currency of Western Sahara (country code: EH) is the Moroccan dirham, with symbol د.م. and currency code MAD.
What is a good Moroccan dirham exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Moroccan dirham
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the official currency of Morocco, a country located in North Africa. Here are a few things to know about the Moroccan dirham:
- The Moroccan dirham is abbreviated as MAD and is divided into 100 centimes.
- The Bank Al-Maghrib is responsible for issuing and regulating the Moroccan dirham.
- The exchange rate for the Moroccan dirham is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
- Morocco has a diverse economy, with a significant portion of the country's GDP coming from the service sector. The country is also a major producer of agricultural products such as wheat, barley, and citrus fruits, and has a growing tourism industry.
- The Moroccan dirham has been relatively stable in recent years, but the currency has faced challenges due to economic challenges such as high inflation and a large trade deficit. In addition, Morocco has faced political instability and conflict, which have also had an impact on the value of the Moroccan dirham.
The Moroccan dirham banknotes and coins
The Moroccan dirham is issued in both paper and coin form. The paper currency comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirhams, while the coinage comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirhams.
The design of the Moroccan dirham features various cultural and historical symbols of Morocco. The front of the banknotes typically features a portrait of a historical figure or a depiction of a cultural or natural feature of Morocco. The back of the banknotes typically features a depiction of a historical monument or a traditional Moroccan design. The coinage also features cultural and historical symbols, such as the national motto and the coat of arms of Morocco.
For more MAD information check out our selection of Moroccan dirham news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Western Sahara?
The domestic currency in Western Sahara is the Moroccan dirham.
What is the Moroccan dirham currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Moroccan dirham is MAD — symbol is د.م..
What does the Moroccan dirham look like?
Here is an example Moroccan dirham banknote:
Which countries use the Moroccan dirham?
It is the domestic currency in Morocco and Western Sahara.
Is the Moroccan dirham a closed currency?
Yes the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency. Which means that you may find it difficult to purchase the currency (MAD) before departure and will probably need to buy it upon arrival. If you do manage to buy some of the currency or have some left over from a previous trip, make sure you are aware if you are allowed to bring this closed currency into the country.
For more information and a full list of closed currencies please refer to our guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and MAD?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to MAD (US dollar to Moroccan dirham)*.
| USD | MAD |
|---|---|
| $ 111.00 | د.م. 1,000 |
| $ 555.00 | د.م. 5,000 |
| $ 2,220 | د.م. 20,000 |
| $ 11,100 | د.م. 100,000 |
More amounts
*Converted at the current USDMAD interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Western Sahara
As mentioned above, the Moroccan dirham is a closed currency. Which means that you may find it difficult (or be permitted) to purchase the currency (MAD) before departure and will need to buy it upon arrival in Western Sahara.
For these types of destinations, using a pre-paid travel card is a good solution. As no travel cards support loading closed currencies like the MAD you will incur currency conversion or foreign transaction fees if you use a travel money card in Western Sahara.
However, using a pre-paid travel card is still a good idea as you can avoid ATM fees and also you can avoid using (and losing!) your main bank or debit/credit card.
Western Sahara: Travel Guide
Traveling to Western Sahara requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Western Sahara is a territory located in North Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, and Mauritania to the east and south. The territory has been the subject of a long-running dispute between Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the territory, and the indigenous Sahrawi people, who are represented by the Polisario Front, an organization that seeks independence for the territory.
The history of Western Sahara is complex, but it was a Spanish colony until 1975, when Spain withdrew and the territory was divided between Morocco and Mauritania. The Polisario Front, with support from Algeria, began an armed struggle for independence, which led to a ceasefire in 1991. However, a final resolution to the conflict has not been reached and the territory remains under Moroccan control.
The UN has recognized Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, and the Sahrawi people have been seeking self-determination through a UN-led process of negotiations. The Polisario Front has proposed a referendum on independence, while Morocco has proposed autonomy for the territory.
Due to the ongoing dispute and tensions between parties, it is not considered safe for tourist and travelers to visit Western Sahara, and the US state department has advised against all non-essential travel to the area.
It is important to note that The status of Western Sahara is not resolved and the situation on the ground can change unexpectedly, it is recommended to stay informed about the situation and follow the guidance of the local authorities.
Money in the Western Sahara
The official currency of Western Sahara is the Moroccan Dirham, as it is controlled by the Moroccan government.
Western Sahara is a mostly cash-based economy, and credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. Moroccan Dirhams can be obtained from banks and currency exchange offices in the territory, and it's important to note that the exchange rate of foreign currency to the Moroccan Dirham is set by the Moroccan Central Bank, which it can fluctuate depending on the global economic situation.
Due to the disputed status of Western Sahara, the banking system is relatively underdeveloped. There are a few banks in the territory, but they are all branches of Moroccan banks. It's also rare to find ATMs that accept foreign debit and credit cards, it's advised to bring enough cash to cover expenses.
As the economy and infrastructure of Western Sahara is highly linked to that of Morocco, it's important to note that you may be able to find more and better services in larger cities in Morocco.
Everyday Costs in in Western Sahara
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Western Sahara? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Traveling in Western Sahara (EH): Costs and Considerations
For travelers venturing to Western Sahara (EH) for a mid-range 1-week stay, budgeting is crucial to ensure a comfortable experience. A good estimate for daily expenses would be around 800 MAD (Moroccan Dirham) per day, which totals to approximately 5,600 MAD (around 580 USD) for the week. Here are some typical daily expenses you might encounter:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 70 MAD
- ☕ Coffee: 15 MAD
- 🚌 Public transport fare: 10 MAD
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 100 MAD
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 300 MAD
Overall, Western Sahara offers an average cost of living compared to other destinations. When we compare it to the United States, where mid-range daily expenses could easily reach 100 USD, Western Sahara remains notably more affordable. Compared to Australia, where costs can be exorbitantly high, especially in metropolitan areas, Western Sahara stands out as a budget-friendly alternative for travelers looking to experience the unique culture without breaking the bank.
Living as an Expat in Western Sahara
For expats settling in Western Sahara, understanding the typical monthly living costs is crucial. One can expect to spend approximately 10,000 MAD (around 1,000 USD) per month, factoring in rent for a modest apartment, utilities, groceries, and leisure activities. For effective money management, it’s recommended to open a local bank account, as this can often incur lower transaction fees than international ones. Using a debit or credit card is generally convenient, but it’s wise to keep some cash on hand for smaller vendors.
When it comes to sending and receiving money, consider using online transfer services like Wise or OFX instead of currency exchanges at banks, which might offer less favorable rates. Additionally, exchanging money locally may provide a decent rate, but it's advisable to do a little research beforehand to avoid any unfavorable deals. Keeping an eye on the currency exchange trends and integrating these options into your financial planning can save expats and travelers a significant amount in the long run.
USD/MAD Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/MAD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Western Sahara - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Western Sahara you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Western Sahara
When sending money to Western Sahara it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Moroccan dirham amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted MAD amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Western Sahara.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Moroccan dirham deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Western Sahara
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Moroccan dirham currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the MAD exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Moroccan dirham bank account: A local MAD bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Western Sahara. It may also be more convenient to use a local MAD bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Western Sahara. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Western Sahara. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Western Sahara, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Western Sahara.
Western Sahara - Is it safe?
The safety situation in Western Sahara can vary depending on the specific location and current events. The territory is currently under Moroccan control, and a long-standing dispute over its sovereignty continues, which can lead to tension and sporadic bouts of violence.
There are also regular protests and demonstrations in Western Sahara, particularly in the larger cities such as El Aaiún and Dakhla, and these can sometimes turn violent. The Moroccan authorities have been known to disperse these protests forcefully, which can lead to injury or arrest.
Mining and oil exploration activities also bring foreign workers to the area, but they also have been known to face harassment, especially if they work in mines that are operated by companies with links to Morocco.
While most foreigners are not targeted in Western Sahara, it's important to note that the political situation in the area is unpredictable and can change rapidly. There are also many restrictions for travelers. Access to certain areas may be restricted, and there have been reports of harassment, arrest and even detention of foreigners trying to access certain areas, particularly in refugee camps and those areas where the Polisario Front is present.
Due to the ongoing disputed status and tensions in the area, the US State Department advises against all travel to Western Sahara and the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) also recommends against travel to the area. If you do decide to travel to Western Sahara, it's important to stay informed about the situation, follow the guidance of local authorities, and be prepared for restrictions on movement and communication.