Other practical information for North Africa

Luggage and equipment to bring

From spring to autumn, pack light clothing plus a woollen layer for evenings and higher altitudes. In winter, however, warmer clothes are useful if you’re not staying only on the coast or in the far south. Winter is also the rainy season in some areas, such as the north of Morocco.

For the desert, sunglasses, sun protection, a hat, and optionally a *cheich* (a long local scarf) are essential. Don’t forget a warm layer for the evenings.

Otherwise, a torch can be handy in poorly lit alleys or for desert nights, as can earplugs (for the muezzin and other early-morning noises). If you’re staying in budget hotels, pack a towel, toilet paper, and a lightweight sleeping-bag liner for questionable bedding.

That said, North African countries are generally well-stocked, and you’ll find all the equipment and supplies you might need in major cities.

Communications

Phone

Internet

Post

Time difference

Electricity

Opening hours

Weights and measures

North African countries use the metric and decimal system, just like France.