Western Sahara

Travel tips for Western Sahara: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Recent 2025-2026 reports show Western Sahara is a cash-based economy using the Moroccan Dirham. While upscale kite camps in Dakhla and major hotels accept cards, day-to-day spending at local restaurants, souks, and taxis strictly requires cash.

Try the food

  • Camel Meat (لحم الجمل): Slow-roasted or stewed camel meat, prized for its rich flavor and often served with rice.
  • Tidkit (تيدكيت): Sun-dried camel meat that is ground and mixed with animal fat to create a savory paste.
  • Couscous (كسكس): Steamed semolina granules topped with a hearty stew of meat and root vegetables.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
  • Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: سمح لي (Smah li)
  • How much is this?: بشحال هادا؟ (Bchhal hada?)
  • The bill please: الحساب عافاك (Lhsab aafak)
  • Yes / No: أيه / لا (Iyeh / La)
  • Goodbye: بسلامة (Bslama)

Essentials

Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Purchase a Maroc Telecom SIM card in major towns like Laayoune or Dakhla for the most reliable coverage across the territory.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Airports in Western Sahara