
Rabat, Morocco
An expat retiree offers some amazing advice for living in Rabat, Morocco. However, there is some sage advice offered for expats regardless of how old you are or where you want to live.
Rabat
After having retired and taught English in 5 countries, on 4 continents (including the US), Morocco is best for me. It offers a peaceful, affordable lifestyle with fresh foods and adequate health care. Moroccans are good people. Very welcoming and nice. Because they are polite and expect you to be polite, learn at least a few words such as please and thank you.
If you plan to stay, develop a relationship with a few vendors; we don't shop at the supermarket except for occasional 'exotic foods', they're expensive.
Up to a point, respect the dress code. No, women don't need to wear a hijab, but please forget the shorts and sleeveless tops unless you are going somewhere 'western', then throw something over your shoulders on your way there.
Most of the year
The Atlantic and the Med, main roads are good, trains are very inexpensive. First class is worth the little money extra. It's convenient to go to Gibraltar and Spain. Easy flights to London.
Not lived, but spent up to 3 months in different countries.
Almost 7 years.
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Four Not Counting Morocco
Language. I've never had problems with different cultures because I grew up in a multicultural setting. Go into any culture with an open mind. Be willing to try the language, no matter how badly you butcher it.
Graciously accept the local foods when offered. people will respond in a good way. Never say a version of 'this is not what we eat back home', or 'this is not how we do it back home'. Do not compare. If back home is better for you, that's ok. You had a new adventure, and it was not suited to your needs.
Learning the 'secrets' of a place. The best restaurant, the elderly woman who loves to tell stories in broken English, volunteering with a project and finding how the real people live. Great food everywhere.
I thought I'd eventually end up in Morocco, but had to float around to check out other places. If you have any idea, start language lessons rather than wait and 'pick it up'. That's my biggest regret.
I am still getting acquainted with Rabat, I moved from a different city.
Proof of income
Proof that you're not a criminal, you need to go to the police department and register. They'll give you a printed form. For retirees it's the most efficient process I'd been in.
They want us, we help their community. Other countries are not quite as welcoming. Usually, it's an economic problem. Ecuadorians, for example, have been priced out of many housing markets because of the influx of people from wealthier countries.
At this point, just renting. Not difficult. I have friends who helped me, so it was not a problem.
I knew ahead of time because I had spent time here before, and am moving from another area. Rabat is more expensive because it's the capital.
You have to prove your income. If you bring money into the country and convert it to Dirhams, you cannot export them. I'm not sure of the procedure, so won't comment further. There are multi-national banks that can guide you.
I live very carefully, don't drink, don't smoke, so can't answer for anyone else. It depends on lifestyle. My favorites are enjoying the ocean, and a Moroccan mint tea. It also depends on what kind of neighborhood you choose.
I know it's good, here in Rabat. However, in other areas it is not as good. My guess is if you need very high tech medical treatments, you'd probably be better to go to the UK or the EU.
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Very safe. Pickpockets are around, but have never had a problem. Nothing like Barcelona.
Some areas have the tram there's bus service, which some people don't like. Taxis are cheap. If you go for a big taxi, you may have to wait until enough people jump in, going the same direction. If you hire it by yourself, it's expensive. Car? Forget it.
Yes.
If you're very attached to home/family, it will be harder. I've been an adventurer since I was a kid. Choose a place you think you'd like, spend 3 months there. Not a 3 week "honeymoon" when you still have stars in your eyes. When reality sets in, do you still love it? If so, welcome home.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Guide to Living in Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Rabat
Morocco Forum
Join our Morocco forum to meet other people living in Rabat, Morocco.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Rabat.
What are the best hospitals in Morocco? Is Moroccan healthcare free? Should I buy expat health insurance? Are my medications available in Morocco? Answers to these and more questions that expats living in Morocco and people moving to Morocco need to know.
An expat retiree offers some amazing advice for living in Rabat, Morocco. However, there is some sage advice offered for expats regardless of how old you are or where you want to live.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk more about what it's like to live in Morocco and offer advice to newcomers..
What is it like to move to Morocco in 2022? Members offer advice for newcomers.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Rabat, Morocco: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Rabat
Morocco Forum
Meet other people living in Rabat.
What are the best hospitals in Morocco? Is Moroccan healthcare free? Should I buy expat health insurance? Are my medications available in Morocco? Answers to these and more questions that expats living in Morocco and people moving to Morocco need to know.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Rabat.
An expat retiree offers some amazing advice for living in Rabat, Morocco. However, there is some sage advice offered for expats regardless of how old you are or where you want to live.
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