Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you considering moving abroad to Morocco? Or just simply moving abroad? Then you have come to the right place, because I am going to share a my experience of moving to Morocco for UK has been.
Moving abroad can be a complex process. And then moving abroad away from your core friends and family to Morocco! I have already lived abroad in Singapore, but this move was slightly different. It was me moving to Morocco from UK and I wasn’t moving abroad with family. But this was a dream come true: I’ve always wanted to move abroad as a diplomat, but never fully believed it would become a reality. However, when God knew the end for me.
I can still vividly recall those days of intense studying International Politics during my undergraduate years at university. Back then, I held onto the hope that my degree would one day lead me to a diplomatic role on foreign shores.
I applied for many roles and was consistently rejected, believing it wasn’t my destiny. It was when I was close to the end of my Postgraduate Masters, where I studied Global Diplomacy at SOAS, that an opportunity finally presented itself.
Last year, I took a chance and applied for a diplomatic posting, initially for Egypt (it was later decided that the posting would be in Morocco). To my astonishment and immense gratitude, within just a few weeks, I received news that shocked and elated me!
I’ve now settled into life in Morocco, and I want to share the journey, from getting the role to adjusting to life in Casablanca. Whether you’re moving abroad for work, study, or adventure, I wanted to share some moving abroad tips and how moving to Morocco has actually been for me so here is a step-by-step guide helps you prepare.
What is a Diplomat?
A diplomat serves as an official representative of their home country. In my case, I represent the United Kingdom. Diplomats are based both in London and across embassies, high commissions, and consulates around the world. Our work focuses on everything from policy and trade to culture and crisis response.
Arrival and First Impressions in Moving Abroad to Morocco
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I’d visited Morocco before, but this time, it was different. I have been here for over a year already, so much has happened I have gone to Fes, Rabat, Tangier and many other places. I have also experienced my first tragic earthquake that occurred in September. This was a life changing experience, it reminded me of the critical roles that diplomats play in supporting foreign nationals and local communities. Which the British I have to say have done really well with.
My first impression of Casablanca? It’s a dynamic and vibrant city. Definitely great for moving abroad with family, solo or even and even and as couple. Unlike Marrakech, which I visited back in 2015, Casablanca feels a lot more cosmopolitan and urban compared to the other cities in Morocco. But now that I have moved here I will be sharing more on moving abroad tips and travelling to other cities. Either way you can think of Casablanca as a traditional architecture city mixed with modern skyscrapers. It has a European flair but with its own North African soul. And the people? Incredibly warm and welcoming.
Moving Abroad to Morocoo: My Step-by-Step Guide
In my previous international travel experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to live, visit and study in Singapore, which you can read more about here. I want to share some valuable steps that I have taken for my move abroad:
Research
Before the move, I did my homework. I wanted to better understand Morocco’s culture, religion, and everyday life. As it’s a Muslim-majority country, I looked into modest fashion, food availability, and even whether there was a visible Black culture in Casablanca.
- Bab Marrakech
- Medina Market
- Marjane
I also downloaded key apps like Glovo (their version of Deliveroo/Uber Eats). Need to order some dinners after long days of conferences etc.
Tip: If you’re moving to Morocco for work, ask your future colleagues for advice before you relocate. It can make the transition so much smoother. It certainly did for me.
Finances and Budgeting
I set up a bank account with Monzo to avoid international charges to transfer the funds needed. This helps so that when I get paid monthly to my standard UK bank account, I can transfer money to my Monzo account every month.
I also use my Monzo to withdraw money, as cash is highly used in Morocco, especially when using taxis, getting my hair or nails done, etc. If you are moving abroad, consider getting an account that doesn’t charge International fees. You can get a Monzo card here.
So far, I’ve found that my cost of living is lower than in the UK, but it still helps to have a clear monthly budget.
Packing and Storage
Packing for an international move is undoubtedly challenging. Adding to the complexity, I had to make a significant decision regarding my property – whether to sell or rent.
Given the circumstances, I chose to rent out my property while abroad. This decision meant I had to relocate a substantial portion of my belongings into storage. I opted for Yellow Self Storage. If you’re considering moving abroad and using storage, you can receive a 50% discount. Feel free to contact me via email at info@mybreakingviews.com.
To ensure a smooth transition, I started this process well in advance. It involved determining what to bring along, what to sell, and what to donate. To streamline the selling process, I used to platforms like Vinted for selling clothes and Trift+ for donating and selling clothes.
Vaccinations and Health For Moving to Morocco
I visited doctors to ensure I received all the necessary vaccinations for my international stay. These are the vaccinations I received:
- Rabies vaccine
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
I already had Yellow Fever and was advised not to drink tap water, so I’ve been drinking bottled water since my move. I recommend speaking with a health specialist about what vaccines you may need if you are considering a move abroad. The vaccines you need will depend on the country you are moving to and your home location. You can also check vaccines or medicines on the Find a Clinic page.
Accommodation
One of the advantages of a diplomatic posting is that accommodation is often arranged for you. This removed a major stress from the move for me. That said, I know many people ask how to find affordable housing abroad. If you’re relocating without official support, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Facebook Groups – Start with groups like Casablanca Expats or Morocco Apartment Rentals you can also use this to network and buy cars funtiture etc. You can also about moving abroad with family.
- Short-term Airbnb stays to help you decide where you’d like to live long-term while you look
- Local networks and expat referrals often lead to hidden gems not listed online
Some landlords request several months of rent upfront, so be prepared if you’re house-hunting in Morocco or other international cities
Languages
The primary languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic and French. To gain a decent amount of the local language, I enrolled in an intensive language course at Kings College London, where I was fortunate to benefit from alumni fees.
In addition to formal instruction, I’ve used apps like Duolingo and Google Translator to facilitate communication with locals during my stay. My goal during my time here is to immerse myself as much as possible in the French language, hoping to acquire a proficient level of fluency.
Goodbyes and Farewells as I Move Abroad to Morocco
Saying goodbye to friends and loved ones is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally significant aspects of preparing to leave for an extended period. Spending quality time with my family and friends was essential to my move abroad.
I proactively organised various activities with my friends and family, from delightful brunches to memorable dinners. Here are a few suggestions:
- Black Food Market – This has been a fantastic way for us to bond over our shared love for one thing – food! It’s an experience we all cherish.
- Brunches/Dinners: We’ve explored diverse culinary delights at places like Hotto Potto, Orginal Flavas, Bochacha, The Skinny Kitchen, Prodigy Lounge, and many others. These dining experiences have been delicious, fun and a great way to spend time with loved ones.
- Get-togethers and Game Nights: Hosting get-togethers and game nights has been a great way to connect with my close friends and family.
Final Views on Moving Abroad to Morocco
Despite my international travels and my flight back to London being just a quick 3-hour journey, I often return for friends’ birthdays and special events. Spending quality time with my loved ones is also now convenient, given my frequent flights for broader international adventures.
I hope that these steps prove helpful to anyone considering a move abroad. If you have any questions or need further advice. Please don’t hesitate to ask; I will do my best to answer.
Would you consider moving abroad to Morocco? Or somewhere else? Let me know in the comments.
If you liked what you just read be sure to follow along for more content: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok I try to share a vlog of my time living abroad once a month!
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Speak soon,
Adebola MBV
