SWIFT Regional Conference in Africa
Practical information
Published 11 March 2009
Dates: 18 - 21 May 2009
Venue: Palmeraie Golf Palace hotel in Marrakech
 Registration fee
Full delegate passes: EUR 1.700
Currency and Exchange Rate
The official currency of Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Notes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 MAD and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited; all local currency must be reconverted prior to departure. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited but must be declared if in excess of the equivalent of MAD15.000.
Credid cards:
– Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Morocco. However, it is advisable to clarify with your credit and debit card companies on outlet acceptability and any special promotional offers available. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. The Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and traveller's cheques can be used in tourist areas.
Electricity
110 or 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz, depending on the age and the geographic location of the building.
Food and Drink
Exercise caution when eating food sold at the main marketplace Djemma El Fna, and other small restaurants. Many of the dishes, including goat head and bowls of local snails may be too adventurous for the unaccustomed palate. Salads prepared haphazardly have caused cases of diarrhoea.
It is highly recommended that visitors to Marrakech DO NOT drink tap water and avoid ice in drinks.
History
Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech was once the capital of an empire that stretched from Spain to Senegal. In days of old, Marrakech's location on the crossroads of ancient caravan routes from Timbuktu made it a key destination for trade and a reprieve for weary sub-Saharan traders carrying gold, salt and slaves bound for Europe.
Today, Marrakech is a reverberating collision of Africa and Europe, West and East, bohemia and high culture, Arab cities and Berber villages. Framed by the snow-capped Atlas mountains, thousand-year-old palm groves, and wrapped in faded red, ochre walls, Marrakech casts a magic spell. One's senses are stimulated by the brilliantly coloured spices, entrancing music, rich folds of carpets, delectable cuisine, whirling dervishes, intertwining tile geometries and perfumed gardens shimmering in the still waters of reflecting pools.
Hotel Reservations
Insurance
No travel insurance has been provided, you must arrange your own travel insurance.
Language
Arabic is the official language of Morocco. Nevertheless, due to its close relations with France in recent times, almost all of the Moroccan population speak French.
Registration Fee
Full delegate pass: EUR 1.700.
Included:
– accommodation for the nights of Monday 18 May, Tuesday 19 May, Wednesday 20 May, Thursday 21 May 2009.
– access to all conference sessions
– breakfast, coffee breaks, lunches
– welcome cocktail and dinners on Tuesday 19 May, Wednesday 20 May and Thursday 21 May 2009.
All extra costs incurred at the hotel during the conference and not included in the aforementioned will be charged to the delegate.
Safety
Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is an increased threat from international terrorism and it is wise to be vigilant when away from your hotel. Violent crime is not a major problem but sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities.
Telephone
The international country dialling code for Marrakech is +212 followed by the city code which is 24.
Time
Marrakech is GMT + 0
Weather
Spring, which comes late by European standards in Marrakech (around April to May), is perhaps the best overall time to visit with average temperatures ranging between 72.6° F (22°C) and 82.4°F (28°C).
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