Would like a suggestion about cellphone capabilities in morocco. Will be in Amsterdam on the way to Casablanca. Last year on way to Italy, got stranded in Amsterdam for awhile. Had a hard time connecting with my tour leader in Florence. Just a little nervous about going thru Ams again, but also would like the ability to call someone if necessary while in Morocco.
Posted by
Texas
531 posts
Spent 10 days driving Tangier-Fez-Merzouga-Marrakech..... had better cell service there than I do in my own home in Texas.... with the exception of overnight in Bedouin camp. You should be fine.
Posted by
Southeastern USA
996 posts
Not sure of your country of origin here, but we were in Morocco earlier this year so I can share the following as a US citizen with a US cell phone carrier.
Once we arrived in Morocco, our own cell phone provider offered no local plan although we were able to immediately connect to local coverage. We were paying the rates that they offered, not the coverage our cell phone provider offers in many other countries. The coverage in Casablanca was very, very good, but don't rely on data as it's far more expensive in Morocco.
The coverage in most parts of Morocco was excellent. There are parts of the Sahara where you might as well forget about contacting anyone, but otherwise you should be fine.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
So you used your cell phone from home? How did you find a plan while in country? How do you keep from getting roaming charges from your home carrier? I'm from the western US, have Verizon. Their website says they don't have any coverage in Morocco.
Guess the other question is, is there any way I'd be able to call Casablanca if I get stranded in Amsterdam again? Probably an unlikely situation but it did happen before...
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
We were in Morocco in March and coverage was fine-BUT T-Mobile(our carrier) has no partner in Morocco. They told us that it was $2.50 a minute and can't really remember what the data was, however, we were able to make calls and text when we had Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants. I'm pretty sure that AMS has excellent Wi-Fi, so hop on and use it for calls rather than depend on Verizon, which we dropped about 3 years ago as they could never bill me in the EU what they told me they had set-up before I left, resulting in me spending much time straightening out charges whenever I returned.
Posted by
Southeastern USA
996 posts
So you used your cell phone from home? How did you find a plan while in country? How do you keep from getting roaming charges from your home carrier? I'm from the western US, have Verizon. Their website says they don't have any coverage in Morocco.
Guess the other question is, is there any way I'd be able to call Casablanca if I get stranded in Amsterdam again? Probably an unlikely situation but it did happen before...
We also use Verizon. If you sign up for Travel Pass, you'll be able to call INTO Casablanca if you're stranded in Amsterdam using your home Verizon plan. Calling into Morocco is not the issue. The issue comes when you are actually IN Morocco. You can connect to cell phone service. It is NOT through Verizon, but your phone will still connect. You will have to agree to the rates. Phone/text rates aren't that bad. Data is obscene. Your best bet (with Verizon) is to use WiFi only while in Morocco.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you guys. Think that gives me some good direction.
Posted by
Texas
531 posts
I have AT&T as home carrier....did not arrange any special international calling plan...just used my phone as I would at home when I travel....my travel charges have never been more than $40-$50 more for a month of travel....I use it for emergencies and making reservations or checking directions to hotels. For days I use WiFi which is available in many places for free