Morocco’s telecommunications sector is well-established, with three principal operators — Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi — providing mobile, fixed-line, and broadband services nationwide. Setting up a connection is relatively simple: prepaid SIM cards are available for as little as 20–30 MAD and can be purchased with a passport. Fixed-line connections are predominantly handled through Maroc Telecom. All operators fall under the authority of Morocco’s national telecoms regulator, the ANRT.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Country dialling code | +212 |
| Domestic number format | 10 digits (always dial the full number, including the leading zero, for domestic calls) |
| Major operators | Maroc Telecom (IAM), Orange Morocco, Inwi |
| Prepaid SIM card cost (as of 2025) | Approx. 20–30 MAD (~€2–3) from operator stores |
| SIM registration requirement | Passport mandatory for all SIM purchases |
| Number porting timeframe (as of 2024) | 1 business day; free of charge |
| Telecoms regulator | ANRT (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications) |
What are the international dialling codes for Morocco, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?
Morocco’s country calling code is +212. To reach a Moroccan number from outside the country, dial your international access code (usually 00 or +), then 212, followed by the local number — omitting the leading zero from that number. For instance, a Casablanca number that begins with 0522 would be dialled as +212 522 when called from abroad.
The numbering system is administered by the ANRT and operates as a closed plan, meaning that the complete 10-digit number must always be dialled for domestic calls (starting with 0), or the 9-digit version when using the international format after +212. Whether you are calling someone across the street or in another region of the country, all ten digits are always required — there are no abbreviated local dialling formats.
Casablanca is notable in that it uses a range of prefixes from 0522 to 0529, spread across different operators and districts. This stands in contrast to most European cities, where a single area code is the norm. The table below lists the standard area code prefixes for cities that are particularly popular with expatriates:
| City | Area Code Prefix | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | 0522–0529 | Multiple prefixes across operators and districts |
| Rabat | 0537–0538 | Capital city; also covers Salé |
| Marrakech | 0524 | Popular expat and tourist hub |
| Fès | 0535 | Major northern inland city |
| Tangier | 0539 | Northern gateway city |
| Agadir | 0528 | Coastal resort city, popular with expats |
| Meknès | 0535 | Shares prefix zone with Fès region |
Moroccan landlines in urban zones use the 05 prefix, while rural and southern areas use 02. Mobile numbers are identifiable by their 06 or 07 prefix. When a number starts with 06 or 07, you are dialling a mobile phone, which often attracts a higher rate when called from a landline. It is advisable to confirm numbers with the relevant contact before calling, as prefix allocations can differ between operators.
Who are the major landline providers in Morocco, and how can you contact them?
All three of Morocco’s mobile network operators — Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi — provide some form of fixed-line or fixed-wireless telephony. That said, when it comes to traditional copper-wire or fibre-based landline services, Maroc Telecom (known in Arabic as Ittisalat Al Maghrib, or IAM) is overwhelmingly the dominant force, particularly beyond the country’s main urban centres.
Maroc Telecom (IAM) is Morocco’s historic national telecommunications operator and the leading provider of fixed-line telephone connections and ADSL/fibre broadband throughout the country. IAM is the sole operator running both submarine and national cable infrastructure, giving it a commanding position in the fixed-line market. While other providers can lease Maroc Telecom’s infrastructure, none can match its residential fixed-line reach. Their official website is www.iam.ma (available in Arabic and French). Customers can reach the helpline by dialling 1441 from a Maroc Telecom line, or by using the contact form on the website.
Orange Morocco delivers fixed broadband services — both ADSL and fibre — bundled with voice calling, primarily in major urban centres including Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. Their website is www.orange.ma, and customer support is available on 0801 000 500 (free when called from an Orange line).
Inwi likewise offers fixed broadband and voice packages in urban areas. As Morocco’s third-largest telecoms provider, Inwi operates over 380 branches and has built a network reaching more than 92% of the country’s territory. You can visit their website at www.inwi.ma, and their customer service team can be reached by dialling 0520 from an Inwi line.
For the most accurate fixed-line tariffs and bundle options, it is always best to consult each operator’s website directly, as pricing is subject to regular revision. As a broad reference, as of 2024–2025, combined landline and broadband packages began at roughly 100–150 MAD per month — but readers should verify current figures with providers before committing to any plan.
Who are the major mobile phone providers in Morocco, and how can you contact them?
Morocco’s mobile market is among the more developed in the region, with a penetration rate of 137.5%. The three operators competing in this space — Maroc Telecom (IAM), Orange Morocco, and Inwi — collectively offer voice, SMS, and mobile internet services, with varying levels of speed and coverage depending on location.
On 7 November 2025, all three operators simultaneously launched 5G services across Morocco’s main cities. Each operator provides both prepaid (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid (contract) plans. Here is a brief overview of what each offers:
| Operator | Website | Customer Service | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maroc Telecom (IAM) | www.iam.ma | Dial 1441 | Nationwide and rural coverage |
| Orange Morocco | www.orange.ma | Dial 500 (free from Orange) | Urban speed and 4G performance |
| Inwi | www.inwi.ma | Dial 0520 | Competitive data pricing |
Signal quality is strong in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fès. In more remote environments — such as the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains — Maroc Telecom’s infrastructure gives it a meaningful advantage over the other two operators. Anyone planning to spend time in rural or mountainous terrain would do well to consider this when selecting a network.
Inwi, the most recently established of the three operators, has built a reputation for cost-effective data plans, making it an appealing option for residents seeking affordable internet access. Based on findings published in early 2025, Orange leads on most 4G mobile performance indicators in Morocco, while Maroc Telecom performs comparably and edges ahead on video streaming quality.
Since pricing changes regularly, it is always worth consulting each operator’s website before making a decision. As of 2025, SIM cards were selling for around 20–30 MAD at operator outlets, with data bundles priced very competitively by global standards. Confirm current tariffs directly with providers before purchasing, as rates are subject to change.
How do I get a landline connected in Morocco?
Establishing a new fixed-line connection in Morocco is primarily a matter of working with Maroc Telecom, which controls the underlying fixed-line network across most of the country. The procedure involves contacting Maroc Telecom by visiting a branch or using the online portal, submitting the required documents, and arranging a technician visit. The following steps outline what is typically involved:
- Check service availability: Go to www.iam.ma or dial 1441 to find out whether fixed-line or fibre services are accessible at your address. Older medina properties and certain rural locations may have restricted availability.
- Gather your documentation: You will generally need a valid passport or national identity card, evidence of your address in Morocco (such as a tenancy agreement, recent utility bill, or a certificat de résidence), and your tax identification number if you are registered as a resident. Both renters and property owners may apply, though landlord consent may be needed for any installation work in rented accommodation.
- Submit your application: Applications can be lodged in person at a Maroc Telecom branch (use the store locator on their website to find the nearest one), by calling 1441, or through the online customer portal. Services are delivered primarily in French and Arabic, though staff at some branches in larger cities may be able to assist in other languages.
- Pay any connection deposit or fee: A connection fee or upfront deposit may apply at the time of application. The amount depends on the type of connection requested (standard PSTN, ADSL, or fibre) and any bundled services selected. Consult the Maroc Telecom website for current figures, as these are periodically updated.
- Schedule the technician visit: A technician will be booked to install the line and, where applicable, a modem or router. In urban areas, appointments are typically available within one to two weeks; in rural locations, the wait may be longer. Ask Maroc Telecom to confirm the expected timeframe when you submit your application.
- Activate your service: Once the installation is complete, your line should be operational. Keep a note of the installation reference number you are given, as you will need it for any future correspondence with customer services.
If you are moving into a furnished rental property, a landline connection may already exist under the landlord’s name. In such cases, it is worth discussing with your landlord whether the account can be transferred or whether your name can be added. For the most current documentation requirements and applicable fees, contact Maroc Telecom directly or refer to the ANRT for guidance before starting your application.
How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Morocco?
Moroccan law requires that every SIM card be registered to a named individual using a valid identity document — anonymous or unregistered SIM cards are not permitted. A passport is compulsory when purchasing a SIM, regardless of your nationality or how long you have been in the country. This requirement applies equally to all three operators and means that, unlike some countries where prepaid SIMs can be bought and used without identification, Morocco enforces mandatory registration across the board.
Buying a prepaid SIM card is a quick and uncomplicated process. Operator counters are located in the arrivals halls of major international airports, including Casablanca Airport and Marrakech Menara Airport, making it easy to get a local number as soon as you arrive. Large retail outlets such as Carrefour and Marjane also carry mobile phone products. In-store purchases typically take between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked: Your device must be unlocked from any existing carrier before a Moroccan SIM will function. If it remains locked to your home network, contact that network and arrange for it to be unlocked first.
- Choose your operator: Decide between Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi based on where you plan to spend most of your time. Maroc Telecom is the best option for rural or remote areas; Orange and Inwi are strong competitors in urban environments.
- Visit an official store or authorised reseller: Official operator branches are found in every city and offer clear pricing alongside professional service. Purchasing directly from an official outlet minimises the risk of registration errors or fraudulent SIMs.
- Present your passport: The store assistant will photocopy your passport and register and activate the SIM on your behalf. Residents holding a Moroccan Carte de Séjour (residency card) may present that document instead of a passport for ongoing contract applications.
- Choose your plan and top up: Request that the seller activates a data plan alongside the SIM, making clear that you want a data bundle specifically — calls and data are often offered as separate options.
- Check your balance before leaving: Before departing the store, verify that your chosen plan is active and that the correct data or credit amount is reflected on your account.
Postpaid (contract) SIMs are available to residents who can provide a valid Moroccan residency document (Carte de Séjour) or who are formally registered with the Moroccan tax authorities. Tourists and newly arrived expats who do not yet hold residency documentation will generally find themselves limited to prepaid options at first. This mirrors the experience in many countries — such as France or Germany — where settling into a contract takes time. Morocco’s prepaid market is competitively priced, however, and many long-term residents continue using prepaid plans indefinitely.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi both support physical SIM cards and eSIM. Orange Morocco’s physical SIM cards are widely available, but its eSIM offering is more restricted — check their website or contact customer support for the latest information. International eSIM providers such as Airalo also offer Morocco data plans, which can be convenient to activate before travel, though they tend to cost more than locally purchased prepaid cards.
How do I pay my telephone bill in Morocco?
Several payment methods are available for settling mobile and landline telephone bills in Morocco. While cash remains widely used — more so than in many northern European countries — digital payment channels have grown substantially in recent years.
For prepaid mobile users, account credit is replenished through top-ups (recharges). You can add credit at any telecom outlet, at most hanouts (local convenience stores), or through each operator’s mobile app. Scratch-and-dial recharge cards are sold at small shops throughout the country — simply ask for a “recharge” card for your specific network. Online top-ups are also available through each operator’s app or website, though in-person purchases at physical points of sale generally require cash or a Moroccan-registered card.
Postpaid (contract) and landline customers receive a monthly bill and can settle it through a variety of channels:
- Online through the operator’s customer portal: All three operators maintain web portals allowing customers to log in, review their bill, and pay by bank card. Maroc Telecom’s portal is at www.iam.ma; Orange’s is at www.orange.ma; and Inwi’s is at www.inwi.ma.
- Direct debit (prélèvement automatique): Contract holders can arrange for their monthly bill to be collected automatically from a Moroccan bank account. This is the most convenient long-term arrangement and is particularly recommended for expats who have opened a local bank account.
- In person at operator branches: Bills can be paid at any official store or authorised payment outlet, including Maroc Telecom agencies and their designated partner locations.
- At post offices and Barid Bank: Barid Al-Maghrib (the Moroccan postal service) and Barid Bank branches serve as payment points for telecoms and utility bills, making this a practical option for those living outside major cities.
- Via mobile banking apps: Moroccan mobile banking platforms, including the CIH Bank app and others, support telecoms bill payments and prepaid top-ups.
Late payment policies differ by operator, but as a general rule, a bill that goes unpaid for 30 days or more may lead to service suspension, and prolonged non-payment can result in disconnection. This is broadly in line with standard practice across the telecoms industry, though exact grace periods may vary — review your contract terms carefully and contact your operator promptly if you anticipate difficulty meeting a payment deadline.
Are there any practical tips for using phones in Morocco as a newcomer?
International roaming: Using your home country’s SIM card while in Morocco can result in unexpectedly high charges. Morocco is not covered by EU roaming rules, which means that even travellers from European Union countries will be billed at standard international roaming rates by their home operators. The simplest and most cost-effective solution is to buy a local prepaid SIM on arrival — ideally at the airport as you come through arrivals.
Number porting: If you already hold a Moroccan mobile number and wish to switch operators, the process is now highly efficient. Since April 2024, the ANRT reduced the number portability timeframe to a single business day (24 hours), down from the previous two-day window. The transfer is free of charge for all subscribers and applies across all three operators — Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi — for all number types. To initiate a port, visit a branch of the operator you are moving to and request a porting form. Your existing operator will supply a RIO code (Relevé d’Identité Opérateur), which the new operator uses to process the switch. Morocco’s one-day turnaround compares favourably with many other countries where such transfers take several working days.
eSIM availability: eSIM technology is supported in Morocco, but not uniformly across all operators and plan types. Maroc Telecom and Inwi both offer eSIM alongside physical SIM cards, while Orange Morocco’s eSIM availability is more limited. If you have an eSIM-compatible device and would prefer not to deal with a physical card, contact your chosen operator before travelling to confirm eSIM support for your specific plan, as availability for prepaid accounts in particular can be restricted.
Coverage quality: Network coverage in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fès is consistently strong. In more isolated locations — the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and remote rural towns — Maroc Telecom’s infrastructure gives it a clear lead over its competitors. Opensignal analysis has found that while Morocco has positioned itself as a leader in mobile network experience across Africa, users in more remote parts of the country do still encounter signal gaps, and a notable proportion of time can be spent on older 3G or 2G networks. For expats living in popular urban destinations, this is unlikely to be an issue; those relocating to rural communities should test coverage in their specific area before signing up for a contract.
Language of service: All three operators primarily deliver customer service in Arabic and French. Some staff in major tourist cities such as Marrakech and Agadir may be able to assist in other languages, but this is not guaranteed. When purchasing a plan, it is worth confirming whether support in your preferred language is available.
Keeping a foreign number: It is not possible to port a number from a foreign network into the Moroccan system — number portability only operates between Moroccan operators. If you need to remain reachable on your home-country number, the practical solution is a dual-SIM handset or a phone that supports eSIM, allowing you to run both numbers simultaneously. This setup is now natively supported by most modern smartphones.
The regulator: Should you encounter an unresolved problem with your operator — whether relating to billing, service quality, or a refused number port — you can lodge a complaint with the ANRT (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications), which functions as Morocco’s independent telecoms regulator and is responsible for enforcing consumer rights across the sector.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my foreign phone number when I move to Morocco?
Foreign numbers cannot be ported into the Moroccan network. Number porting within Morocco is restricted to transfers between the three Moroccan operators. If you want to remain reachable on your existing home-country number, the most practical approach is to use a dual-SIM phone or an eSIM, running your foreign number alongside a new Moroccan SIM. Many expatriates keep their home number for international contacts while using a local Moroccan number for everyday calls and data.
Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Morocco?
A local address is not required to purchase a standard prepaid SIM. All that is needed is a valid passport, and tourists or newly arrived expats can register a prepaid SIM immediately upon arrival. A local address becomes relevant when applying for a postpaid (contract) plan, as operators will typically ask for a Moroccan residency card (Carte de Séjour) in that case.
Which mobile network has the best coverage in rural Morocco?
Maroc Telecom offers the most extensive network coverage across Morocco, making it the most reliable choice in rural and remote areas — including the Atlas Mountains, desert regions, and smaller towns far from the main cities. If your time in Morocco will involve frequent travel away from urban centres, Maroc Telecom is generally the recommended option. Orange and Inwi perform well in cities but their reach is considerably more limited in very remote parts of the country.
Is 5G available in Morocco?
Yes. In November 2025, Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange Morocco all launched 5G services simultaneously, with initial coverage concentrated in the largest cities. Since the rollout is still progressing, it is advisable to consult each operator’s coverage map on their official website before selecting a 5G plan, as the extent of coverage continues to expand.
How much does mobile data cost in Morocco?
Mobile data in Morocco is very affordably priced by international standards. As of 2025, small prepaid data purchases were broadly available at around 10 MAD (~€1) per gigabyte, while monthly bundle plans offered considerably better value — for example, 5 GB for approximately 50–70 MAD. Always check current pricing directly on each operator’s official website, since promotional offers and standard tariffs change frequently.
Can I use WhatsApp and other internet calling apps in Morocco?
Yes. After a period during which VoIP and internet calling services were subject to restrictions, Morocco’s telecoms regulator ANRT directed operators to restore access to over-the-top (OTT) calling applications. Services such as WhatsApp, Skype, and equivalent apps are now accessible over both Wi-Fi and mobile data connections. It is still worth verifying the current status with your operator, given that the regulatory picture around VoIP has shifted over the years.
How long does it take to get a landline connected in Morocco?
Following successful submission and approval of your application documents, a technician appointment is usually scheduled within one to two weeks in urban locations. More remote or rural properties may involve a longer wait. When you apply, ask Maroc Telecom to give you an estimated timeframe, as this can vary depending on your region and current demand.
Who regulates telephone services in Morocco if I have a complaint?
Morocco’s independent telecoms regulator is the ANRT (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications). The ANRT supervises all three operators, sets service quality standards, and provides a formal channel for consumer complaints. If you have an issue with your operator that you have been unable to resolve directly, the ANRT is the appropriate body to approach. Their website offers guidance on the complaints process in both Arabic and French.