Convert NZD to MAD Exchange Rate

Local shop with colourful spices in Morocco

Best Place to Buy Moroccan Dirham in New Zealand

Planning your Moroccan adventure? Whether you're getting lost in the labyrinth souks of Marrakech's ancient medina, haggling for handwoven Berber rugs and colorful spices, watching the sunset over the golden Sahara dunes from a desert camp, exploring the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, or navigating the chaotic magic of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, you'll need Moroccan Dirham before you go.

Travel Money NZ makes it simple. Visit one of our stores across New Zealand to buy Moroccan Dirham. With our Price Beat Guarantee, you're getting a competitive rate on your Morocco currency.

Where to Buy Moroccan Dirham Near Me

Looking for Moroccan Dirham near you? Travel Money NZ has stores nationwide, making it simple to get MAD cash before your flight..

Need MAD fast? Same-day service available with competitive rates and no hidden fees.

How to Get a Great NZD to MAD Exchange Rate

Morocco offers ancient medinas, stunning desert landscapes, vibrant souks, world-class cuisine, warm hospitality, and incredible cultural experiences. A strong NZD to MAD exchange rate means more Moroccan Dirham in your pocket for all those unforgettable moments.

At Travel Money NZ, we offer competitive NZD to MAD rates, zero hidden fees, and convenient locations nationwide.

Lock In More Moroccan Dirham with Our Price Beat Guarantee

Found a better published cash NZD to MAD rate in New Zealand? Show us, and we'll beat it.

Our Price Beat Guarantee applies to in-store cash purchases — the easiest way to maximise your Moroccan Dirham before you fly.

More MAD means more dirhams for Moroccan adventures and memories.

Price Beat Guarantee applies to in-store Moroccan Dirham cash purchases only. Terms and conditions apply.

Cash rate

Purchase in store

*Online rate not available in store

Card rate

Purchase in store

Code

MAD

Symbol

د.م.

Coins

1, 5, 10 & 20 santimat, ½, 1, 2, 5 & 10 dirhams

Banknotes

20, 50, 100 & 200 dirhams

Convert Moroccan Dirham to NZD – Exchange After Your Trip

Back from Morocco with MAD left over? We'll buy it back at competitive rates.

Whether it's unused cash from Marrakech, leftover dirhams from your Sahara adventure, or remaining currency from your medina explorations, just bring it to any Travel Money NZ store — no appointment needed.

Many travelers return with some dirham since Morocco is affordable and your currency stretches further than expected, especially if you master the art of haggling in the souks.

Buy Back Bonus

Purchased your Moroccan Dirham from Travel Money NZ before your trip? You could qualify for our Buy Back Bonus — a better MAD to NZD exchange rate when you sell back leftover currency.

Just bring your original receipt and we'll give you extra value for your remaining dirhams.

Buy Back Bonus applies to in-store cash purchases only. Terms and conditions apply.

How to save money while in Morocco

Traveling in Morocco on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on experiences—it’s all about spending smartly. Whether you're buying spices, crafts, or enjoying mint tea, we’ll help you savour Morocco without breaking the bank.

Embrace your haggling skills in the vibrant medinas; it’s practically a sport here and could save you a fortune on those beautiful Moroccan lamps or handwoven rugs.
Skip the fancy restaurants and dive into the local street food scene with irresistible treats like piping-hot tagines or sweet chebakia.
Love adventure? Take a public bus for a scenic (and wallet-friendly) ride to nearby towns.
And don’t forget: your dirhams can stretch further if you explore free gems like the enchanting Jardin Majorelle or wander through picturesque blue alleys in Chefchaouen.

All about Moroccan currency

A quick guide to money in Morocco

In Morocco, the currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and you'll mostly be using cash, especially in local markets and smaller shops. While big cities like Marrakech or Casablanca might accept cards, you'll get the best deals (and a more authentic experience) when you pay with dirhams. So make sure to keep Moroccan cash in your wallet—it'll be your best friend as you explore the country!

What countries use the Moroccan Dirham?
The Moroccan Dirham is used in Morocco and Western Sahara… meaning if you happen to get a bit lost on your tour of Edg Chebbi (and wind up in Western Sahara), good news – the dirham is their currency too!

Moroccan notes and coins

Every dirham is worth 100 santimat, so you’ll find smaller coins worth 1, 5, 10 and 20 santimat each.

Strangely, the lowest dirham coin is regarded as a 1/2 dirham (not 50 santimat), then rising through 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams apiece.

Since 2002, Moroccan banknotes are worth 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams respectively.

Fun facts about Moroccan cash

The notes are beautifully adorned with imagery of Morocco’s cultural and historical treasures, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas, the majestic Atlas Mountains, Hassan II Mosque as well as depictions of notable historical figures.

Travel Money Trivia - Morocco edition

The Moroccans have a less than flattering word for ‘money’, which translates directly as ‘dirt of the world’
Morocco has had three completely different currency systems in the last 100 years, using the rial until 1912, then the franc until 1960.

Good to know

Currency Limits: If you’re traveling to or from Morocco, you can bring in or take out up to MAD 1,000 (about NZD 150) without needing to declare it. If you have more than that, you'll need to declare it at customs.

What is MAD?
MAD is the currency code for the Moroccan Dirham, Morocco's official currency. The symbol is "د.م." (Arabic) or "DH" or "Dhs".
One Moroccan Dirham divides into 100 centimes (santimat in Arabic), though centimes are rarely used in everyday transactions. The dirham has been Morocco's currency since 1882, when it replaced the Moroccan rial.
Important: This is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), not to be confused with the UAE Dirham (AED) used in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both currencies share the name "dirham," but they are completely different and not interchangeable.
The Moroccan Dirham is a relatively stable currency, and exchange rates with the NZ Dollar remain fairly consistent.
What's the difference between Moroccan Dirham and UAE Dirham?
Both are called "dirham," but they're completely different currencies:
Moroccan Dirham (MAD):
- Currency code: MAD
- Used in: Morocco (North Africa)
- Symbol: د.م. or DH or Dhs
- Countries: Morocco only
  
  UAE Dirham (AED):
- Currency code: AED
- Used in: United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.)
- Symbol: د.إ or Dhs
- Countries: UAE only
  
  The name "dirham" comes from the ancient Greek "drachma" and is used by both countries, but MAD and AED are entirely separate currencies with different values and exchange rates.
Where can I exchange NZD to Moroccan Dirham?
Travel Money NZ has stores across New Zealand where you can buy Moroccan Dirham in person.
We offer competitive NZD to MAD rates, our Price Beat Guarantee means you'll get great Moroccan Dirham.
Skip the airport kiosks and poor exchange rates. Sort your Morocco currency before you fly.
Tip: Morocco is moderately cash-dependent, especially in the medinas and souks — bring substantial dirham before you go.
What currency does Morocco use?
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), abbreviated as "د.م." (Arabic) or "DH" or "Dhs".
The dirham is divided into 100 centimes. Morocco has used the dirham since 1882, and it remains the sole official currency throughout the country.
Important note: While some high-end hotels in Marrakech and Casablanca may accept US Dollars or Euros, the official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, and you'll need MAD for virtually all transactions, especially in souks, markets, and authentic local experiences.
What is the symbol for Moroccan Dirham?
The Moroccan Dirham uses the symbol د.م. in Arabic or DH or Dhs in Latin script.
You'll see it written before or after the amount, like: 100 DH (one hundred dirhams) or 100 Dhs.
The official currency code is MAD (used internationally and in financial contexts).
In everyday use in Morocco, you'll most commonly see "DH" — for example, a restaurant bill might show "150 DH" or market vendors might write prices as "50 DH/kg".
What's the best way to pay in Morocco — card or cash?
Cash is essential for the authentic Moroccan experience — souks, haggling, street food, taxis, and the vibrant markets that make Morocco unforgettable.
Why cash dominates in Morocco:
- Souks and medinas are cash-only (heart of Moroccan shopping)
- Haggling culture requires cash (better negotiating power)
- Taxis cash-only (and you must negotiate fare beforehand)
- Small restaurants and street food vendors don't accept cards
- Tipping culture requires cash
- Traditional markets prefer cash
- Small businesses often cash-only
- Rural areas and desert camps entirely cash-based
  
  When cards work:
- Hotels and riads (most accept cards)
- Upscale restaurants in Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
- Shopping malls in major cities
- Some tour operators (though many prefer cash)
- ATM withdrawals (backup option)
Can I sell leftover Moroccan Dirham back to Travel Money NZ?
Absolutely. If you return from Morocco with unused Moroccan Dirham, bring them to any Travel Money NZ store and we'll buy them back at competitive MAD to NZD rates.
And if you originally purchased your Moroccan Dirham from us, don't forget to bring your receipt — you may qualify for our Buy Back Bonus and get an even better exchange rate on your leftover dirham.
No appointment needed — just walk in with your unused MAD and we'll convert it back to New Zealand Dollars.
Note: Moroccan Dirham is officially a "closed currency," meaning you're technically not supposed to take it out of Morocco. In practice, small amounts for personal use are usually tolerated, and Travel Money NZ will buy back your leftover dirham without issue.
Many travelers return with leftover MAD since Morocco is affordable and dirham stretches further than expected, especially if you mastered haggling!
How do I convert MAD to NZD?