How to Buy Bitcoin in Morocco: Step-by-Step and Secure Methods in Purchasing Crypto in North Africa

Buying Bitcoin in Morocco has gotten a lot easier since the country ended its six-year crypto ban in 2024. Now, the Moroccan government’s working on new rules to make cryptocurrency trading legal and safer for everyone.

Moroccan residents can buy Bitcoin through trusted exchanges like Kraken and Crypto.com. All you need is to create an account, verify your identity, and deposit funds using your local bank account or credit card. These platforms support payment methods that work with Moroccan banks, like wire transfers and electronic fund transfers.

It’s really just five main steps, and most beginners can get through them in a few days. You’ll need to verify your identity, link a payment method, and pick up some basic security habits to keep your investment safe. Knowing these basics helps you dodge rookie mistakes and start your Bitcoin journey on the right foot.

Key Takeaways

• Morocco legalized cryptocurrency trading in 2024 after a six-year ban

  
  

• Popular exchanges like Kraken and Crypto.com accept Moroccan users and local payment methods

  
  

• It’s best to move your Bitcoin to a personal wallet after buying for better security

How to Buy Bitcoin in Morocco: Step-by-Step Guide

So, you want to buy bitcoin in Morocco? Here’s how it usually goes: pick a reliable exchange, get verified, choose your payment method, and make your purchase. If you’ve got your documents handy, the whole thing can take as little as 15-30 minutes.

Choose a Trustworthy Cryptocurrency Exchange

Picking the right crypto exchange is probably your most important move. Several big exchanges operate in Morocco and are open to Moroccan users.

Top exchanges available in Morocco:

• Binance – One of the world’s largest, with competitive fees

  
  

• Kraken – Known for strong security measures

  
  

• Changelly – Lets you swap between different exchanges

  
  

• CEX.io – UK-based, serving over 3 million users

  
  

Each exchange has its own features and fee structures. Binance offers the widest range of coins and trading pairs. Kraken’s all about security and compliance.

Before you sign up, compare trading fees, deposit options, and withdrawal limits. Most exchanges charge somewhere between 0.1% and 0.5% per transaction, and some will drop fees if you’re trading higher volumes.

Security’s a big deal. Look for things like two-factor authentication, cold storage, and regulatory compliance in major countries.

Complete the KYC Process and Register Your Account

All legit crypto exchanges will ask you to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. This just means they need to confirm who you are—it’s part of their legal obligations.

You’ll usually need:

1. A government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID)

   
   

2. Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)

   
   

3. Your phone number for SMS verification

   
   

4. An email address

Start by creating an account with your email and a strong password. Then fill in your name, birthday, and address.

Verification usually takes 24-48 hours, but some exchanges can do it instantly for basic accounts. If you want higher deposit or withdrawal limits, you’ll need to go through extra checks.

They’ll text you a code to confirm your phone number, and you’ll use that for future logins too.

Select a Preferred Payment Method

Moroccan users have a few payment methods to choose from, and each comes with different speeds, fees, and limits.

Here’s a quick look:

Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. Card purchases are instant but come with higher fees.

Bank transfers are cheaper but slower. You’ll need to link your Moroccan bank account to the exchange.

Digital payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay are super convenient for small, quick buys. They’re especially handy if you’re just testing things out.

Fund Your Account and Make Your Purchase

Once you’re verified and have linked your payment method, you can add funds and buy bitcoin. The steps vary a bit depending on the exchange and payment type.

With card payments, just enter how much bitcoin you want or the amount of money you want to spend. The exchange will show you the BTC price and all the fees before you confirm.

With bank transfers, deposit Moroccan Dirham or another supported currency into your exchange account. When it arrives, you can buy bitcoin at the current market rate.

Most exchanges give you two choices: market orders (buys right away at the current price) and limit orders (lets you set your own price and wait).

After you buy, your bitcoin shows up in your exchange wallet in minutes. You can leave it there or move it to your own wallet for better security. Network transfer fees usually run from $1 to $10, depending on how busy things are.

Essential Security and Storage Practices for Bitcoin Owners

If you own bitcoin, you’ve got to protect it. Hardware wallets are your best bet, and setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts adds another layer of safety.

Secure Wallet Options: Hardware and Software

Hardware wallets are the gold standard for keeping your Bitcoin safe. These little devices keep your private keys offline, so hackers can’t get to them. Ledger and Trezor are the big names here.

They cost between $50 and $200, but they’re worth it for the peace of mind. You’ll need the device physically in hand to approve any transactions. Always buy direct from the manufacturer to avoid tampered products.

Software wallets are more convenient but not quite as secure. They store your keys on your computer or phone. Electrum and Exodus are solid choices for desktop.

For small amounts, mobile wallets like BlueWallet are handy and quick to use. Just don’t store large sums in software wallets for the long haul.

Cold storage means keeping your Bitcoin totally offline—like on a paper wallet or a hardware device that’s never touched the internet. It’s the safest way to store bitcoin you don’t plan to touch for a while.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication for Safety

Two-factor authentication (2FA) gives you an extra security step beyond just a password. You’ll need something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone or an app). That way, even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get in.

Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator are better than SMS codes. They generate new codes every 30 seconds. SMS can be risky since hackers sometimes hijack phone numbers.

Turn on 2FA for every crypto-related account—exchanges, wallets, even the email accounts linked to them. If you use online banking for Bitcoin, set up 2FA there too.

Backup codes help you get back into your accounts if you lose your phone. Write them down and store them somewhere safe that’s not digital.

Don’t leave any crypto account without 2FA. It’s a simple step but makes a huge difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A lot of folks in Morocco have questions about buying Bitcoin safely and legally. The process can seem confusing with all the local laws and platform choices.

What are the legal requirements to purchase Bitcoin in Morocco?

Bitcoin isn’t banned for personal ownership in Morocco. But, you can’t use it to buy goods or services inside the country.

You’re allowed to buy and hold Bitcoin as an investment. If you want to spend it, you’ll need to convert it back to dirhams first.

You have to report Bitcoin sales for taxes. The government expects you to pay taxes on profits in dirhams.

Which platforms are available for buying Bitcoin in Morocco?

Kraken and Crypto.com are the most popular choices that work in Morocco. They serve over 165 million users worldwide.

You can also try BitOasis, Paybis, and CoinSmart. LocalBitcoins lets you trade directly with other people, but prices there are usually higher.

Most big exchanges like Binance have some restrictions for Moroccans. VPNs sometimes help, but they aren’t always reliable for this.

What are the most secure methods to buy Bitcoin in Morocco?

Your safest bet is to use established exchanges that require KYC verification. That means you’ll need to show a photo ID and proof of address.

Bank transfers and wire transfers are the safest ways to pay. Credit cards work, but usually have higher fees and lower limits.

After buying, move your Bitcoin to a hardware wallet. Leaving it on an exchange is risky—hacks happen.

How can I find the best exchange rate for Bitcoin in Morocco?

Compare prices on a few exchanges before you buy. Rates can vary quite a bit.

LocalBitcoins often has price differences of 800 dirhams or more between buying and selling, so it’s usually less cost-effective.

Always check the fees for deposits, trades, and withdrawals. Sometimes an exchange looks cheap, but the fees add up.

Are there any local Bitcoin communities or meetups in Morocco where I can get advice?

Reddit has some active discussions about buying Bitcoin in Morocco—try the r/Morocco subreddit for crypto talk.

You won’t find many in-person meetups right now since the rules are still a bit murky. Most people connect through online forums and social media.

Telegram and WhatsApp groups are out there for Moroccan crypto fans. They’re good for real-time tips and market news.

What payment options are available for buying Bitcoin in Morocco?

Most international exchanges let you use SEPA bank transfers. Wire transfers are also an option, though honestly, they can drag on for days.

If you want your deposit to show up faster, electronic funds transfers are the way to go. Some platforms even let you send money straight from major Moroccan banks like Attijariwafa or BMCE, which is pretty handy.

PayPal? Not really an option with most big exchanges, unfortunately. Credit and debit cards usually work, but keep in mind—you’ll probably run into daily or monthly limits.