Calling Morocco from the USA: Your Essential Guide to the Morocco Country Code

Morocco, a land of vibrant souks, ancient medinas, and stunning desert landscapes, continues to captivate American travelers and business professionals alike. Whether you’re planning a trip, connecting with family, or conducting international business, understanding how to dial into this North African gem is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive guide for Americans on utilizing the Morocco country code to ensure seamless communication.

Understanding International Dialing from the U.S.

Making an international call from the United States involves a specific sequence of numbers. It’s not as simple as dialing a local number; you need to inform your phone carrier that you’re making an overseas call and specify the destination.

The general format for dialing internationally from the U.S. is: U.S. Exit Code + Country Code + Area Code (if applicable) + Local Number

For calls to Morocco, the specific elements are:

• U.S. Exit Code: This is 011. It signals to your phone company that you’re making an international call.
• Morocco Country Code: This is 212. This unique three-digit code identifies Morocco as the destination country.
• Local Moroccan Number: This is the specific phone number you wish to reach in Morocco, typically 9 digits long.

The All-Important Morocco Country Code: 212

The Morocco country code is 212. This is the cornerstone of any successful call to Morocco from the United States. Without it, your call will not connect. When dialing from a mobile phone, you can often substitute the “011” exit code with a “+” sign, which automatically represents the international access code. So, you might see the format written as +212.

Dialing Steps for Success

Let’s break down how to call Morocco, step-by-step:

Calling a Landline in Morocco:

1. Dial 011: This is the U.S. international exit code.
2. Dial 212: This is the Morocco country code.
3. Dial the Moroccan Area Code: Moroccan landline numbers typically begin with “05”. When dialing from abroad, you omit the leading zero from the Moroccan number’s area code. For example, if a Moroccan landline number is 05XX XXX XXX, you would dial 5XX XXX XXX after the country code. Common landline prefixes start with 5, followed by two more digits indicating the region (e.g., 522 for Casablanca, 537 for Rabat, 524 for Marrakech).
4. Dial the Local Subscriber Number: This is the remaining digits of the landline number.

Example for a Moroccan Landline: If the Moroccan landline number is 0522 123 4567, you would dial: 011 212 522 123 4567 (from a U.S. landline) or +212 522 123 4567 (from a U.S. mobile phone).

Calling a Mobile Number in Morocco:

1. Dial 011: The U.S. international exit code.
2. Dial 212: The Morocco country code.
3. Dial the Mobile Prefix: Moroccan mobile numbers typically begin with “06” or “07”. Similar to landlines, you omit the leading zero when dialing from abroad. So, a mobile number like 06XX XXX XXX would become 6XX XXX XXX.
4. Dial the Local Subscriber Number: The remaining digits of the mobile number.

Example for a Moroccan Mobile: If the Moroccan mobile number is 0661 112 233, you would dial: 011 212 661 112 233 (from a U.S. landline) or +212 661 112 233 (from a U.S. mobile phone).

Key Considerations for Americans Calling Morocco

Time Zones:

Morocco observes Western European Time (WET), which is typically UTC+1. During daylight saving time, it may switch to Western European Summer Time (WEST), UTC+1. The Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the U.S. is UTC-5, and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is UTC-4. This means Morocco is usually 5 to 6 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast. Always check the current time in Morocco before placing a call to avoid disturbing your contact in the middle of the night or early morning.

Cost of Calls:

International calls can be expensive. Before you dial using the Morocco country code, consider these options to manage costs:

• International Calling Plans: Many U.S. mobile carriers offer international calling packages or add-ons that can significantly reduce per-minute rates to Morocco.
• VoIP Services and Apps: Services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Meet allow for free or very low-cost calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. If both you and your contact in Morocco have the app, this is often the most economical choice.
• Prepaid Calling Cards: These can be a cost-effective way to make international calls, offering set rates per minute.

Cultural Nuances:

While dialing correctly is important, remember the human element. Moroccans generally appreciate politeness and a respectful approach. When initiating a call, a simple “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) can go a long way. Be prepared for potentially longer greetings and inquiries about well-being before getting straight to business.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Call Not Connecting: Double-check the entire dialing sequence: the U.S. exit code (011 or +), the Morocco country code (212), and ensure you’ve omitted the leading “0” from the Moroccan local number.
• Poor Call Quality: This could be due to network congestion or your internet connection if using VoIP. Try again later or switch to a different calling method.
• Unexpected Charges: Review your phone plan’s international calling rates before making extensive calls to avoid bill shock.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the international dialing process to Morocco is straightforward once you understand the essential role of the Morocco country code, which is 212. By following the correct dialing format, being mindful of time differences, and considering cost-effective communication methods, you can maintain clear and reliable connections with individuals and businesses in Morocco from anywhere in the United States. Whether it’s for travel planning, personal connections, or professional endeavors, the gateway to communication with Morocco is now open to you.