When you rent a car in Morocco (for example picking up at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or in downtown Casablanca), a key question often arises: can you pay in Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD) rather than the local currency, the Moroccan Dirham (MAD)?
The fact is: the official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Wikipédia Most car hire terms state that the amount paid, the deposit/authorisation, or any outstanding charges are processed in MAD or via a credit card. For example, one local rental conditions page states that payment must be via a credit card in the driver’s name, with no mention of cash foreign-currency payments.
Another travel advice article warns that when renting in Morocco you should choose to pay “in dirhams” to avoid unexpected currency conversion or markup.
Thus: paying in EUR or USD is not the standard practice, and if you do it, it may come with complications (exchange rate issues, extra fees, authorization problems).

When Euro or USD Payments Might Be Accepted

Booking in Foreign Currency Online

When you book online in advance via an international aggregator or global car-hire platform, you may be shown a price in EUR or USD. For example, one website says:

“What currency should I use to pay for the car? … You can pay the confirmation fee on Orbit’s page in EUR, GBP, ISK and USD. When you pick up your car hire, you will pay the remaining balance in the currency of the pickup country.” 
This means: upfront payment or deposit may be quoted in EUR/USD, but the actual payment at pickup is often required in MAD (or authorised via a credit card) in Morocco.

On-Site Payment at Pickup: Local Currency Challenge

On arrival, when you present at the rental desk, agencies typically expect a major credit card for the deposit/pre-authorisation. For example:

• One international rental company in Morocco states: “Accepted payment methods … We accept all major credit cards. Prepaid and debit cards are not accepted.”

• Another source explains that the deposit may be frozen on the card (in MAD) and you should check your card limit accordingly.
  If you try to pay in EUR or USD cash, you risk: being refused, receiving a less favourable exchange rate, or being asked to convert to MAD at the desk. Many rental companies do not explicitly mention acceptance of foreign-currency cash.
  Therefore: while the booking process may allow EUR/USD, the functional payment at pickup is usually in MAD (or via card) — and this is where clarity from your provider is essential.

How MarHire Handles Currency & Payment Methods

Standard Payment Policy (MAD)

As part of MarHire’s commitment to transparency and local service in Casablanca, our default payment policy is:

• Rental cost and deposit/authorization in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) or via major credit card in the driver’s name.

• The credit card authorization is placed to cover the insurance excess / deposit, and the final settlement (plus any extras) will be in MAD.

• We do not recommend relying on paying in EUR or USD cash at pickup unless explicitly pre-confirmed.

If You Want to Pay in EUR or USD: MarHire’s Approach

If a customer prefers to pay (part or whole) in EUR or USD (for example international corporate client, or paying via bank transfer in foreign currency), MarHire can handle this under the following conditions:

• Prior arrangement at time of booking: We convert the amount into MAD + apply a clear exchange rate.

• The deposit/authorization still must be via credit card (in driver’s name) because local agencies require card hold in MAD.

• Any foreign-currency payment will be reflected in the contract in MAD equivalent and the local vehicle pick-up still uses the MAD base.

• We advise customers to choose to pay in MAD when possible to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) or foreign-currency mark-ups. Indeed, using your card abroad or paying in USD/EUR may trigger extra fees. See “Tips” below.

Tips for Customers: Avoiding Unfavourable Exchange Costs

• At pickup, if the desk asks “Do you want to pay in dirhams or your card’s home currency (USD/EUR)?” choose dirhams — this avoids DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) which often has worse exchange rates and hidden fees.

• Ensure your credit card has sufficient available credit for the deposit/authorization. Some local guides report holds up to USD 1,000–2,000.

• Notify your bank ahead of travel that you will use the card in Morocco, to avoid a decline.

• If you pay in foreign currency, check the contract carefully for the exchange rate used and whether you may end up paying more once the final settlement is converted to MAD.

Key Payment-&-Currency Terms to Know

• MAD: Moroccan Dirham — the local currency in Morocco.

• Deposit or Authorization: Rental companies freeze an amount (not always charged) on your credit card to cover potential damage/insurance excess.

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When a merchant offers to charge your card in your home currency (EUR/USD) rather than the local currency — often at a worse rate.

• Credit card vs Debit/Prepaid: Many Moroccan agencies accept only credit cards in the driver’s name; debit/prepaid may be refused.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I pay the full rental cost in USD or EUR when I pick up the car in Casablanca?
A. Generally no — the pick-up centre will expect payment in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) or via credit card charged/authorised in MAD. Foreign currency cash payment is rarely standard, so do ask your provider in advance. http://www.narsa.ma/fr

Q2. What if I paid online in USD or EUR and the booking confirmation shows that currency?
A. That’s fine for the booking deposit or pre-payment. But at pick-up, the contract will convert to MAD and local payment terms apply. Be sure to confirm with your rental agent (e.g., MarHire) exactly what currency the final payment will be in.

Q3. Will my credit card be charged in MAD or my home currency?
A. It depends on whether you accept DCC at the counter. If you pay in MAD (recommended), your card issuer will convert the MAD charge to your home currency at its currency rate. Avoid the counter asking to pay in USD/EUR which may mean a worse rate.

Q4. Does this affect the deposit amount?
A. Yes — the deposit/authorization is held in MAD value. Even if you intend to pay in USD/EUR, the local agency needs to authorise the hold in MAD equivalent. If your card limit is insufficient for the converted amount, you may face problems.

Q5. Do I need to bring USD or EUR cash to pay?
A. It’s safer to not rely on cash in USD/EUR unless explicitly confirmed. Instead bring a major credit card in the driver’s name and plan to settle the official amount in MAD.

Conclusion & Local Tip

In summary: when renting a car in Casablanca, via MarHire or any local trusted provider, the default and safest currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Paying in EUR or USD may be possible under special arrangement, but it introduces exchange-rate risk, unexpected fees and complications at pick-up. By booking in advance with MarHire, confirming payment currency and ensuring your credit card meets the required hold/authorization, you’ll enjoy a smooth start to your Moroccan journey.

Local tip: When you arrive at the pick-up desk in Casablanca, ask: “Will the charge be in MAD or my home currency?” If the agent offers you to pay in EUR or USD instead of MAD, politely ask for the MAD option — you’ll likely get a better deal that way. And always check your credit card’s available limit to cover the deposit in MAD before arriving.

If you like, I can draft a downloadable payment-checklist for customers of MarHire Car Casablanca that covers what currency/payment methods they should prepare. Would you like that?