Emergency Numbers — What to Know
Morocco uses 15 for police (Sûreté Nationale in cities), 15 for fire, and 150 for ambulance (SAMU). 112 also works as a universal number. In Marrakech, public ambulance response can be slow (20–40 minutes); private hospital ambulances are faster. Operators speak Arabic and French; English availability is limited on public emergency lines. The Tourist Police (Brigade Touristique) in Marrakech are stationed near Jemaa el-Fna and major tourist areas — they speak French and some English.
Non-Emergency Resources
Private clinics in the Guéliz (new city) neighbourhood handle non-emergency medical care with French-speaking (and sometimes English-speaking) doctors. Pharmacies (pharmacies) are marked with a green cross and crescent; a 24-hour rotation (pharmacie de garde) operates across the city. Check the notice on any closed pharmacy for the nearest open one. Your embassy or consulate can assist with lost passports — most countries have consulates in Rabat or Casablanca, with honorary consuls in Marrakech.
Emergency Phrases
| English | Local |
|---|---|
| Help! | !عاونوني (Aaounouni!)ah-oo-NOO-nee |
| Call an ambulance | عيّطوا لسيارة الإسعاف (Ayyetou l-siyarat l-is'af)ay-YEH-too lah see-YAH-raht liss-AHF |
| I need a doctor | خصني طبيب (Khassni tbib)KHAHS-nee TBEEB |
| Where is the hospital? | فين السبيطار؟ (Fin ssbitar?)feen ss-bee-TAHR |
| Fire! | !العافية (L-aafya!)lah-AH-fee-yah |
| Police! | !البوليس (L-boulis!)el-boo-LEES |
Practical Tips for Tourists
Marrakech's best-equipped private hospital is Clinique Internationale de Marrakech — French- and English-speaking doctors, modern facilities, and direct insurance billing for many international providers. Polyclinique du Sud is another private option. CHU Mohammed VI is the main public hospital — the best-equipped in southern Morocco but expect crowds, long waits, and primarily Arabic/French-speaking staff.
Moroccan SIMs from Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi are available at the airport and ubiquitous shops. Emergency calls work from any phone. Wi-Fi is available at most riads and cafés; mobile data coverage is good.
Marrakech's medina is generally safe but disorienting — petty scams (overpriced goods, unofficial guides, taxi overcharging) are the main nuisance. Negotiate taxi fares before boarding (or insist on the meter, which drivers in tourist areas often resist). Heat exhaustion is a real risk from May to September — temperatures can exceed 45°C. Drink bottled water only. The Tourist Police presence around Jemaa el-Fna is visible and reassuring.
🇲🇦 See all Morocco emergency numbers
