💻 Marrakesh for digital nomads: life and work
Online, remote work, freelancing – these three words have long been a description of many types of work. The boom in remote professions has naturally grown exponentially. The ability to earn money from anywhere in the world allows a person to travel and live in different countries. And Moroccan Marrakesh doesn’t fit in here at all – what wealthy person would voluntarily go to Africa to fulfill duties from there? Meanwhile, this country has become the second most attractive country for remote work on the black continent. How and why this happened – we understand the material.
“Red City,” named after the city's 900-year-old sandstone walls, offers constant but average internet connectivity, several bustling co-working spaces, and vibrant street art. Despite the not-so-attractive description, more and more people are traveling to Morocco.
Good transport links
Despite the fact that Marrakech is located far away from other major cities, thanks to the comfortable and high-speed TGV trains you can quickly and conveniently get to anywhere in the country.
And outside of it are Ryanair, Transavia and TUI Airways. Budget European airlines offer flights from Marrakech to the EU sometimes for $40.
By the way, a digital nomad visa, a long-term visa or a temporary residence permit for those who earn income from a remote location are not yet issued in Morocco.
Convenient places to work
Walking even through the old part of the city – the famous red labyrinths built almost a thousand years ago – you can find convenient cafes for work. Well-functioning Wi-Fi, credit card payments (which are not available everywhere) and English-speaking staff indicate that the government is interested in improving conditions for digital nomads.
According to reviews from the nomads themselves, the best cafes for work are Henna Art Cafe, Attay and Cafe des Epices. The latter is located on the roof, offering a beautiful view of the Medina – the old part of the city.
Those who have already worked in Marrakech write in comments in local groups that the city itself, with its charming markets, intricate architecture and vibrant art scene, is very inspiring for ideas and creativity.
the cost of living
As in any other country in the world, rental prices vary depending on the level of comfort requested. But, in general, monthly rates for fully equipped apartments start from $650.
Product prices:
- Chicken fillet, kg – $18
- Sliced cheese, 100 g – $3
- Philadelphia, 150 g – $8
- Potatoes, kg – $1.63
- Eggs, 12 pcs – $5.45
- Milk, l – $2.45
- Spaghetti, kg – $4
- Couscous, kg – $4.36
- Water, 1.5 l – $1
Rich story
Marrakech, which is called the heart of this country, was once the center of one of the largest empires in the Mediterranean. Imperial grandeur can still be seen in luxurious palaces (eg Bahia), monumental religious monuments (Koutoubia Mosque), ornate madrassas, centers of knowledge and science in the Middle Ages.
Outside of Marrakesh there is another natural attraction of Africa – the Atlas Mountains. This mountain system is one of the highest on the African continent. In addition, Marrakesh is a kind of gateway to the Sahara Desert. Numerous guided tours depart daily from the Medina tourist area.
True, modern trends can also be seen on the streets of the old city. Marrakech has a lot of street art – not only graffiti, but also commissioned works from professional artists.
Overall, art can be found almost everywhere in Morocco's Berber capital, from colorful tiles on the walls of the riad to artful food presentation and eye-catching Islamic calligraphy pendants. The latter hang from the rearview mirrors of most cars.
Marrakech is a unique city: it combines rich culture and history. Here you can easily feel like a fairy-tale character and a hero of oriental legends. A varied cuisine, developed infrastructure and a pleasant climate contribute to a constant influx of tourists. Even if you're not a digital nomad, immersing yourself in this culture will still be a pleasure.