Gas station etiquette, fuel types, and payment methods across the country.
Gas stations in Morocco work a bit differently than Europe or North America, so here's the inside scoop. First, there's almost always an attendant who pumps the gas for you - it's not self-service like you might be used to. Pull up, leave your car running or not (your choice), and tell them how much you want in dirhams or ask them to fill it up ('le plein' in French or 'aamar' in Arabic). Tipping isn't required but 5 dirhams is appreciated, especially if they check your oil or clean your windshield. Know your fuel type before you go - most rental cars take 'Sans Plomb' (unleaded petrol, usually 95 octane) or 'Gasoil' (diesel). Double-check your rental agreement - putting the wrong fuel is expensive to fix. Diesel is cheaper but petrol cars are more common in our fleet. Major chains are Afriquia (green), Total (red), Shell (yellow), and Petrom. They're all reliable with consistent quality fuel. Prices are government-controlled and similar everywhere - currently around 13-14 dirhams per liter for petrol. Gas stations are plentiful in cities and along major highways, but can be sparse in rural areas. My rule: never let your tank drop below quarter-full, especially if you're heading to remote areas like the desert or deep Atlas Mountains. Some stations close late at night in small towns, though highway stations typically stay open 24/7. Most stations now accept cards (Visa and Mastercard), but always carry cash as backup - some smaller stations are cash-only. When you return your rental, fill up at the last station before the airport or rental location to avoid refueling charges. Keep your fuel receipts - some companies want to see them. And here's a insider tip: the Afriquia stations often have decent bathrooms and small shops where you can grab snacks and water for the road.