I am someone who typically loves to explore a city by foot. It is the best way to discover off-the-beaten-path cafes and shops and parks. Not to mention it’s great exercise and it’s free! I have used public transportation very little on my trip.
But in Casablanca, especially as a woman on my own, I have done most of my traveling in a Petit Taxi. Riding in a taxi may seem intimidating if you don’t speak the language, and that definitely complicates things, but with modern technology and a little bit of confidence, really anything is possible.
Types of Taxis
In most Moroccan cities, there are two types of taxis, Petit and Grand. Petit Taxis have a meter and only drive within the city. In Casablanca and Fez they are red, but I’ve heard they can also be blue or yellow or orange. Regardless of their color, they will have a sign mounted on top that says “Petit Taxi.” I have not used a Grand Taxi, but from what I have read and heard, they are always white. They are used for going longer distances and don’t have a meter. That means that you have to bargain for a price. You can hire one for the day to take you outside of the city or to the airport if you want to.
Hailing a Petit Taxi
Roads are a bit of a free-for-all in Morocco, so you’ll often see people hailing taxis right from the street. Each taxi takes 3 passengers typically, so if you see a seat open, it could be yours. Yep, Petit Taxi drivers will pick up passengers headed to different locations, as long as they are all in the same general direction. If one pulls over for you, stick your head in and tell the driver where you want to go. Try to use a fairly big landmark or neighborhood and show him a map on your phone if he still isn’t sure. If he isn’t going that way, close the door and wait for the next one.
Riding in a Petit Taxi
Once you get a taxi, slide on in. Take the passenger seat if it’s open because it’s easiest to communicate with the driver from there. Make sure the driver starts the meter and, if he doesn’t then you can either bargain a price or ask to step out if you are uncomfortable. I always open Google Maps on my phone so that I can give any directions if I am going to a less-well known place (like a hotel or cafe). It also helps to know some words like left (a gauche) and right (a droite).
Sometimes the taxis are pretty clean, but typically they are falling apart. Seatbelts are not even an option and seats are pretty grimy. Prepare yourself for a bit of a wild ride – lanes are definitely more of a suggestion than a rule here and your driver will no-doubt be swerving between them. It’s not uncommon for a three-lane road to be 4 cars across (not to mention the bikers weaving through traffic).
Paying Your Driver
Congratulations! You survived! Pay the driver the amount on the meter to the nearest dihram. Tipping is not expected. Pay in exact change if you can or close to it, most drivers don’t have much change. Then make sure to thank him and then grab all of your things! It’s important that you do this in a speedy manner because (if there aren’t other passengers) there will be cars honking behind you.
Keep in Mind
At this time, 10 dirham is approximately $1. I only went on one drive that cost me more than 30 dirham, so it’s a pretty cheap way to travel. Be aware that prices can double after 8 PM. And if you want to try something besides the taxi, in Casablanca there was a great tram system that cost only 6 dirham per ride. So getting around in Moroccan cities is easy and affordable!
Good luck and be smart!
