Sim Cards, Phone-Data, and Wi-Fi, Oh My!

Phones, phone companies and internet access are completely different here than in the States.

CARRIERS:
Here in Morocco there are 3 phone companies: Maroc Telecom, Orange (Meditel), and Inwi. They all provide phones, data, sim cards, and wifi – but you do not have to go to a real store to get all set up if you only want a Moroccan number.
Some internet cafes/random phone shops or even hanouts (a hole in the wall convenience shop) provide all the necessary materials to get set up, however it might be easiest to go to the big-name carrier first, as some smaller shops might overcharge. If you decide to go to the “real store” make sure to bring your passport!

You don’t feel obligated (nor does it seem like most Moroccans desire) to have the biggest/most expensive phone as most Americans do. There are many “burner” or typical smartphones that range from $150-$250 that you can easily get. Also, life-sucking contracts with hidden fees are not really a thing here, either.

I got super lucky and had a Moroccan friend go with me to a local phone/camera shop in Fes and was hooked up that way. I have Orange (as I used that company in France) but Maroc Telecom would be the better route to go as the service with them is more reliable. I guess you could say they’re the ‘Verizon’ of Morocco.

SIM CARD:
If you already have an unlocked phone, you can simply purchase a sim card from the 3 carriers I listed above along with some data et voila, you have a working Moroccan number. The area code is +212 which I think is a fun fact for you to know.

DATA:
Buying data, minutes, SMS(texting) for your phone is extremely cheap.

What you need to ask for is a “recharge”.
Simply just go to a hanout. Most carry them (some even have a sign outside their shop that shows the carriers they provide).
With a recharge, you can get minutes, SMS, and/or data. You can get a recharge for any value. Just ask what your hanout offers. I pay $5 for 5g of data. It’s a great deal, because when I was in France, I spent $20 for 2g/month – crazy I know. You can also get special offers thru the company so just watch out for monthly text messages from them and see what their offers are.

WIFI:
My apartment didn’t come with wifi and unfortunately, Maroc Telecom changed their rules so you can only sign up for wifi if you are Moroccan or have your carte de sejour. I will not have my carte de sejour, the document that proves I officially live here, until December/January so I have not had any wifi at my place since I got here and probably won't get it since I have been managing just fine so far.

Now you might be thinking, “How on Earth can you live/work with no wifi at the apartment?”, but I am required to be at the centre for “office hours” during the week, so that is enough time to be able to lesson plan and check emails. It’s just a good thing I don’t like to watch movies or series because then I think it would be harder living at home with no wifi.