How to Call Morocco
Complete guide to dialing Morocco (country code +212)
Planning to connect with someone in Morocco? Whether you're calling for business or keeping in touch with loved ones, understanding how to call Morocco correctly can save you time and frustration. Many people struggle with international dialing codes and end up making costly mistakes when calling Morocco. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about making successful calls to Morocco. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions from different countries, highlight the most common mistakes to avoid, share essential Moroccan phone etiquette to help your conversations go smoothly, and provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers you might need. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently calling Morocco like a pro, whether you're reaching a mobile phone or landline.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format for Morocco
To call Morocco from abroad, follow this structure: Exit Code + 212 + Local Number (without leading 0)
Morocco's country code is +212, but you must first dial your country's international exit code to place the call.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the United States:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 212 (Morocco country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From the United Kingdom:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 212 (Morocco country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, though some vary. Check your country's specific exit code, then follow the same pattern.
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Moroccan phone numbers begin with 0 when dialing domestically. Always remove this zero when calling from abroad. For example, if a Moroccan number is 0520-123456, you would dial only 520-123456 after the country code.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Casablanca Landline (0520-123456):
- From USA: 011-212-520-123456
- From UK: 00-212-520-123456
Example 2 - Rabat Landline (0537-654321):
- From USA: 011-212-537-654321
- From UK: 00-212-537-654321
Example 3 - Moroccan Mobile Number (0612-345678):
- From USA: 011-212-612-345678
- From UK: 00-212-612-345678
Moroccan mobile numbers typically start with 06 or 07, while landlines vary by city (Casablanca: 05, Rabat: 05, Marrakech: 05, etc.).
Quick Reference
The complete dialing format is:
[Your Country's Exit Code] - 212 - [Moroccan Number Without 0]
Remember to remove the leading zero from any Moroccan number before dialing internationally. Mobile and landline numbers follow identical international dialing procedures.
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Common Mistakes
Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
Many callers mistakenly dial the local number with its leading zero after the country code. When calling Morocco internationally, you must remove the first zero from the local number. For example, if the Moroccan number is 0520-123456, dial +212 520-123456.
Using the Wrong Exit Code
Different countries use different exit codes (011 for the US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Confusion here means your call won't connect. Always verify your country's exit code or simply use the "+" symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing Country Code with Area Code
Some people add Morocco's country code (+212) after dialing their exit code AND include it again thinking it's an area code. The country code appears only once, immediately after your exit code and before the local area code.
Incorrect Spacing or Formatting
Adding random spaces or hyphens can cause dialing errors, especially on landlines. Follow the format: +212-XXX-XXXXXX, where XXX is the area code (like 520 for Rabat).
Not Accounting for Time Zones
Calling at inappropriate hours wastes your money and annoys recipients. Morocco operates on GMT/GMT+1, so check the time difference before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Morocco, understanding local customs helps create positive connections and shows cultural respect.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with "Salam alaikum" (peace be upon you), the traditional Islamic greeting. For French-speaking contacts, "Bonjour" is appropriate. Taking time for initial pleasantries is essential—Moroccans consider rushing directly to business as impolite.
Business vs. Personal Calls
Business calls require formality, especially during first contact. Use titles like "Monsieur" or "Madame" and maintain professional language. Personal calls allow more warmth, but always show respect to elders through formal address.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during prayer times, particularly Friday afternoon prayers. The best calling windows are mid-morning (10 AM-12 PM) and late afternoon (4 PM-7 PM). Never call during Ramadan fasting hours unless urgent.
Formal or Casual Approach
Start formal until the other person shifts to casual conversation. Moroccans value relationship-building, so expect calls to be longer than typical Western business exchanges.
Voice Messages
Voicemail isn't widely used in Morocco. Many people prefer callback notifications or WhatsApp messages instead. If leaving a voicemail, keep it brief with clear contact information.
Cultural Notes
Extended conversations demonstrate respect and interest. Don't interpret lengthy calls as time-wasting—relationship-building is essential to Moroccan communication. Speaking some French or Arabic phrases, even basic ones, is greatly appreciated and shows cultural sensitivity.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 19
Ambulance (SAMU): 15
Fire Department: 15
Gendarmerie Royale (Rural areas): 177
Highway Emergency: 5050
Poison Control Center: 080 100 01 80
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Morocco. The primary emergency services (police, ambulance, and fire) operate 24/7. However, English-speaking operators may not always be available, particularly outside major tourist areas like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat. French and Arabic are the predominant languages used by emergency responders. In tourist zones, some operators have basic English capability. Response times vary significantly between urban and rural locations. It's advisable to have your hotel or a French/Arabic speaker assist with emergency calls when possible. Keep your location details ready, including specific addresses or landmarks.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Dial 160 for national directory inquiries and general information services
- International operator: 120 for assistance with overseas calls
Tourist Support
- Morocco Tourism Helpline: +212 537-278300 (multi-lingual support for visitors)
- Tourist Police: 0537-706406 (assistance with travel-related issues)
Embassy Contacts
Keep your embassy number saved. Major embassies are in Rabat, with consulates in Casablanca and other cities.
Other Useful Numbers
- Pharmacies (night service): 141 for locations of on-duty pharmacies
- Weather information: 0537-370370
- Railway information (ONCF): 2255 or 0890-203040
- Airport information: Varies by city; save your departure airport's number
Tip: Save the non-emergency police number 190 for minor incidents requiring police assistance.
Tips for Calling Morocco
When calling Morocco, note that the country operates on UTC+1 year-round (no daylight saving time). To catch people during business hours, aim for 9 AM to 6 PM Moroccan time, Monday through Friday. For international calls, early morning or late afternoon typically works best to align with European and American schedules.
Business calls should always be scheduled in advance—Moroccans value courtesy and preparation. Avoid calling during Friday afternoons, as many observe Jumu'ah prayers, and steer clear of Ramadan daylight hours when possible, as work schedules shift significantly.
Major holidays to avoid include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet's Birthday (dates vary annually on the Gregorian calendar). Also respect Throne Day (July 30) and Independence Day (November 18).
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details via follow-up email. Many Moroccans speak French, Arabic, or Berber as primary languages, with varying English proficiency. Mobile networks are reliable, but landlines may experience occasional quality issues. Using VoIP services like WhatsApp or Skype can improve connection clarity and reduce costs considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Morocco is +212. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Morocco from anywhere in the world. It's an essential prefix for all Moroccan phone numbers.
To dial Morocco from your cell phone, start by dialing + (or your country's international access code), then 212 (Morocco's country code), followed by the local phone number without the leading zero. For example: +212-XXXXXXXXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Moroccan phone numbers when calling internationally. If a local number is 06XX-XXXXXX, dial +212-6XX-XXXXXX instead. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Morocco.
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In Morocco, the main emergency numbers are: 190 for police, 150 for ambulance/medical emergencies, and 15 for fire services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Morocco, including mobile phones and payphones.
Yes, you can call Morocco directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Moroccan phone number, and make your call instantly without downloading any software or apps. It's convenient and straightforward.
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