🗣️ Morocco · Language

Do Moroccans Speak English?

You can travel in major tourist areas using English, but do not expect everyone to speak it. French is often more useful in everyday situations.

Information checked 22 August 2026
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SHORT ANSWER

You can travel in major tourist areas using English, but do not expect everyone to speak it. French is often more useful in everyday situations.

TOURIST AREAS

English is common enough for many travel tasks

Hotels, riads, tour companies and attractions in Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Essaouira and other tourist centres often have staff who can communicate in English.

NATIONAL PICTURE

English proficiency is mixed

EF EPI 2025 ranks Morocco 68th globally with a score of 492. City scores are somewhat higher in places such as Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, Tangier and Casablanca.

FRENCH

French remains extremely useful

French appears widely in transport, menus, businesses and administration. Even a few French phrases can be more useful than English once you leave the most tourist-oriented settings.

LOCAL LANGUAGES

Arabic and Amazigh are part of daily life

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Amazigh languages are central to local communication. Learning a simple greeting or thank-you is appreciated.

SOURCES

Where we checked this

FAQ

Quick questions

Can I visit Morocco speaking only English?

Yes, especially on a standard tourist route, but communication will sometimes be easier with French or a translation app.

Is French useful in Morocco?

Very. French remains widely used in tourism, transport, business and signage.

Is Morocco high in English proficiency?

EF EPI 2025 gives Morocco a score of 492 and ranks it 68th globally, indicating mixed proficiency rather than universal English use.