🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Meknes, Morocco home for several months, and I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings, Meknes offers a unique blend of traditional and modern amenities that make it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city’s laid-back atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and welcoming locals make it an ideal spot to settle in and get work done. As a Meknes digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s charm and character will keep you engaged and inspired, both in and out of work.
Meknes is often overlooked by travelers flocking to Marrakech or Fez, but this Imperial City has its own distinct charm, with a more relaxed pace of life and a lower cost of living. The city’s historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, bustling souks, and delicious street food. As a remote worker, you’ll appreciate the city’s many cafes, coworking spaces, and reliable internet connectivity, making it an excellent choice for Meknes digital nomads.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Meknes, there are several options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are three areas that I highly recommend for digital nomads:
- Medina: The historic medina is a great place to experience the authentic Moroccan culture and way of life. The narrow streets are lined with ancient riads, mosques, and souks, and the area is bustling with activity during the day. However, it can get quiet at night, making it a great spot for those who prefer a more peaceful environment. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the medina can range from 1,500 to 3,000 Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per month, which is approximately $165-$330 USD.
- Hamria: This upscale neighborhood is located just outside the medina and offers a more modern and convenient lifestyle. Hamria is home to many amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads who want to be close to the action but also have easy access to modern comforts. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hamria can range from 2,500 to 4,000 MAD per month, which is approximately $275-$440 USD.
- El Menzeh: This neighborhood is located on the outskirts of the city and offers a more suburban lifestyle. El Menzeh is a popular area for expats and digital nomads, with many modern amenities and a more relaxed atmosphere. The area is also home to several coworking spaces and cafes, making it an excellent choice for remote workers. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in El Menzeh can range from 1,800 to 3,500 MAD per month, which is approximately $200-$385 USD.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Meknes is relatively low compared to other major cities in Morocco. Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses for a digital nomad:
- Rent: 1,500-3,500 MAD per month (approximately $165-$385 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: 50-100 MAD per meal (approximately $5-$11 USD) for a traditional Moroccan dish at a local restaurant
- Transportation: 5-10 MAD per ride (approximately $0.55-$1.10 USD) for a taxi or bus fare
- Coworking space: 100-200 MAD per day (approximately $11-$22 USD) for a desk at a coworking space
- Internet: 100-200 MAD per month (approximately $11-$22 USD) for a mobile internet plan with 10GB of data
Overall, the cost of living in Meknes is around 50-70% lower than in larger cities like Marrakech or Casablanca, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget. As a Meknes digital nomad, you can expect to live comfortably on a budget of around 8,000-12,000 MAD per month, which is approximately $880-$1,320 USD.
Internet & Coworking
Meknes has a relatively good internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 46 Mbps. There are several coworking spaces and cafes throughout the city that offer reliable internet connectivity and a productive work environment. Some popular options include:
- Coworking Space Meknes: Located in the heart of the medina, this coworking space offers desks, meeting rooms, and high-speed internet for 150 MAD per day (approximately $16.50 USD).
- Cafe Clock: This popular cafe is a great spot to work, with reliable internet and a cozy atmosphere. Prices start at 20 MAD per cup of coffee (approximately $2.20 USD).
- Le Pub: This expat-friendly bar and restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot to meet other digital nomads. Prices start at 50 MAD per beer (approximately $5.50 USD).
Meknes has a growing digital nomad community, with several groups and events organized specifically for remote workers. Some popular options include:
- Meknes Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, ask questions, and find out about upcoming events.
- Nomad Meetups: This group organizes regular meetups and events for digital nomads, including coworking sessions, language exchanges, and social gatherings.
- Meknes Expats: This group is a great resource for expats and digital nomads, with information on everything from housing to healthcare.
Culture & Lifestyle
Meknes is a city that proudly preserves its traditional Moroccan culture, and as a digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience it firsthand. From the vibrant souks to the stunning architecture, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here are a few insider tips to help you navigate the local culture:
- Learn some Arabic: While many Moroccans speak French or English, learning a few basic Arabic phrases will go a long way in making you feel more welcome and connected to the local community.
- Respect local customs: Morocco is a conservative country, so be sure to dress modestly and respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or other sacred sites.
- Try the local food: Moroccan cuisine is delicious and diverse, with popular dishes like tagine, couscous, and harira. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like b’stilla or makroud.
- Explore the surrounding countryside: Meknes is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Middle Atlas mountains and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Take a day trip to explore the area and experience the local culture.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter Morocco. The most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which is valid for up to 90 days. You can apply for a visa at the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your home country, or you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. For longer stays, you may need to apply for a residence visa, which requires more documentation and can take several weeks to process.
Morocco does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but the government is considering introducing one in the near future. For now, digital nomads can apply for a residence visa or a freelance visa, which allows them to work remotely in the country.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you navigate life as a digital nomad in Meknes:
- Get a local SIM card: A local SIM card will give you access to affordable data and phone plans, making it easier to stay connected with friends and family back home.
- Learn to haggle: Haggling is a way of life in Morocco, so be prepared to negotiate prices when shopping at souks or markets.
- Respect the weather: Meknes has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months.
- Stay safe: Meknes is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially at night.
