Living in Morocco and visiting Morocco are two different experiences. A short stay, such as a holiday or summer vacation, can be fun and enjoyable. However, living in Morocco long-term can be challenging for various reasons. That said, it can also be a positive experience, depending on the city you choose and your preferences.
Morocco is a third-world country with a developed tourism industry but underdeveloped education and healthcare systems. This is why vacations in Morocco are more fun than long-term stays. In terms of personal income, Morocco is considered a low-range country. This is another reason why living in Morocco could be challenging.
So, In a nutshell, living in Morocco might not be suitable for you unless you're able to afford private services and high living costs in major cities. Expatriates in Morocco should expect lower salaries compared to Western countries. However, if you can earn a good income remotely as a remote worker or digital nomad, then living in Morocco can be a great experience.
This post will help you determine if living in Morocco is right for you. We'll also provide tips on how to live comfortably in Morocco and recommend the most suitable cities based on your reasons for considering this move.
Living In Morocco As a Retiree
Morocco is a great country for retirement. In fact, many elderly people from Europe, and recently North America, have chosen to retire in Morocco, spending at least a few years away from their homeland. This is due to the relaxing atmosphere Morocco has, especially in coastal towns and cities.
Retirees often have enough money to live in Morocco without needing a job. While the country can be expensive for local young adults starting their careers, retirees from Western countries find it cheaper to settle in Morocco. Most of them choose the city of Essaouira for its charming atmosphere; however, many others opt for larger cities like Tangier and nearby towns.
Overall, living in Morocco is suitable for retired people, but there are some inconveniences. People who suffer from certain medical conditions might find it challenging to access high-quality healthcare. Medical services and establishments are underdeveloped and may not be able to offer much help, especially in small cities and towns.
If you're a healthy person considering to retire in Morocco, we recommend choosing Essaouira. This city has a laid back atmosphere that will help you forget your stress from years of work.
Expatriates in Morocco
Expatriates in Morocco have varied experiences depending on their work and its location. The type of job and its location significantly influence whether an expatriate has a positive experience. A well-paying job in a major city like Casablanca or Rabat typically leads to a more comfortable life.
Salaries are typically low in Morocco unless you work for a foreign company. According to the World Bank, the gross national income (GNI) per capita in Morocco was around $3,190 in 2022, highlighting the economic difficulties faced by many residents. Therefore, with a Moroccan salary, expatriates might be forced to live in smaller cities where the cost of living is lower.
Many expatriates in Morocco work in the mining industry. These types of jobs are usually located in rural areas rich in minerals. It is challenging to live in such rural areas or nearby towns, as they don't offer many off-work activities for the workers and their families. Additionally, it is difficult to find good schools for children in these areas.
Studying and Living in Morocco
Studying in Morocco can be an interesting experience. Spending your college years in this culturally rich country will provide you with the opportunity to live in a vibrant environment and explore beautiful towns and cities. However, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of before moving to Morocco for your studies.
Most colleges in Morocco offer a poor educational experience and lack student life activities. In simpler terms, Moroccan universities are boring and have low-quality programs. This is not limited to public universities; private institutions are not much different. However, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane seems to be an exception.
Additionally, language barriers can be a challenge since most courses are taught in French or Arabic. Therefore, studying at a Moroccan university will require you to take French courses alongside your studies. However, Al Akhawayn University is an exception in this Matter as well. Its courses are provided in English, and the entire program follows the American standard.
Passport Bros in Morocco
Morocco isn't suitable for passport bros. Since dating and marriage usually attract passport bros to other countries, they won't be able to achieve these goals successfully in Morocco. As in other Islamic countries, Morocco forbids relationships outside of marriage, and marriage itself is complicated.
If you're a passport bro, be aware of the difficulties you may face when deciding to marry a Moroccan woman. First, it is forbidden for Muslim Moroccan women to marry non-Muslims. Therefore, you are expected to convert to Islam before being able to marry a Moroccan woman. Additionally, Moroccan society is conservative, and the majority of Moroccans oppose dating.
That said, passport bros are welcome to visit Morocco as any other visitors. However, they are expected to respect the country's religious rules and cultural customs. Marrying a Moroccan woman will require them to overcome many hurdles, but it might be worth it in the end. Overall, it's always a wise idea to visit Morocco and learn about the lifestyle of the locals before making any judgments.
In conclusion, living in Morocco is a different experience compared to just visiting for a few days. Living in Morocco might be suitable for you if you're able to make enough money or if you're financially independent. Raising a family in Morocco is also feasible despite many challenges. Whatever the reason for choosing to live in Morocco, we advise you to do thorough research, especially about the city you're considering moving to. So, do you think living in Morocco is for you?
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