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Flights to Fez
Finding flights to Fez is easy and affordable. You can fly
to Fez in about 3.5 hours from Amsterdam Schiphol ( www.airarabia.com ),
Rotterdam/The Hague Airport ( www.transavia.com ),
Eindhoven Airport ( www.ryanair.com ),
and various airports in the border regions of Belgium and Germany.


By Car
If you have the time, a beautiful road trip to Morocco is
also possible. There are several ferry crossings available from Spain and
France ( www.Autonaarmarokko.nl ).
There is a large, new guarded parking lot a 10-minute walk from the house.
There is also a free shuttle service to and from the parking lot.


Fridays
On Fridays, people eat couscous and go to the mosque. Many
shops and restaurants are closed on this day, making the medina very quiet—a
perfect time to wander and take beautiful photos. The large covered souk in the
medina is also closed, making it harder to find your way to the other side of
the medina. To reach the Blue Gate (Boujloud), a taxi is a good alternative.


Taxi (Petit Taxi - Red)
There is a taxi stand 5 minutes from the house. For 10-20
dirhams, you can be taken to the Blue Gate (Boujloud). When it's busy, some
taxi drivers may try to charge more. To avoid surprises, it is advisable to ask
if the meter is on; if not, agree on a price beforehand. For areas outside Fez,
there are white taxis.


The Medina
There are over a thousand streets in the medina where only
pedestrians and donkeys are allowed. It’s easy to get lost. Pay attention to
signs pointing to Rcif to find your way back to the house. From the square near
the house, you can walk into the medina towards the Blue Gate (Boujloud). It’s
a bit of a climb. From Boujloud, you can easily walk downhill via one of the
two main streets: the large street (Talah Kabira) or the small street (Talah
Sghrira), leading towards Rcif in the medina.


Tips for Walking and Shopping in the Medina
You will encounter people on the street who want to help you
find your way—sometimes genuinely well-intentioned, often to earn some money,
and sometimes quite annoying. Usually, Google Maps works well enough. I
recommend asking for directions at a small shop. Sometimes someone will walk
with you, whether or not to earn some money. Depending on how lost you are, you
can make use of this. Pay only what you want and walk away if they ask for
more. It's also common for them to say that a street is closed, which is
usually not true. The large covered souk is only closed on Fridays and usually
after 8:00 PM.


Bargaining and Negotiating
Bargaining is generally expected, although fixed prices are
becoming more common, and these prices will be displayed. When bargaining, it
helps to decide in advance if you really want the item and at what price.
Often, you can negotiate to about half the asking price or even a bit less.
There is always someone available to answer your questions, provide advice, and
assist.


Transfer
For 20 to 30 euros (depending on the time of arrival), we
can arrange a transfer for you. The driver knows the way to the house from the
square and will walk you to the door if needed. There are always men with carts
available to carry your luggage for 15 to 25 dirhams.


Tours and Excursions
We have partnered with a reliable company for walking tours
through the medina and car tours, which we can arrange for you.


Currency Exchange, Banks, and ATMs
Cash is mainly used in Fez. There have been bad experiences
with the exchange office at the airport. There is a nearby exchange office, and
there is also a bank close by where you can withdraw money. Some shops and
restaurants now also accept credit cards.


Mobile Internet
You can buy a SIM card with mobile internet. You keep your
number for WhatsApp, but you can no longer be reached via your Dutch number.
There are usually good deals available at the airport from Orange or INWI.


Drinking Water
We recommend not drinking tap water. Mineral water is
available at every corner. To avoid unnecessary plastic waste, we recommend
bringing a filter bottle to Morocco. We have had good experiences with
Lifestraw.


Alcohol
Alcohol is only served in a few restaurants. An up-to-date
list of good restaurants (with and without alcohol) is available in the house.
There is a liquor store in the Carrefour supermarket in Borj Fez, located 5-10
minutes away by taxi. Out of respect for the locals, it is advisable not to
walk around with visible alcohol on the street.