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Morocco: China Town

There is no real China town in Morocco as the Asian community is small in the country. At Casablanca there is an area comparable to China town in the sense that there are low cost made in China items sold in shops and by the street at a small neighborhood. The vendors and shop owners are mostly Moroccans not like the real China town wherein most of the shop owners are Chinese immigrants.

Shops and street best buys:

  • kitchenware – casserole, pan, utensils, plates, glasses
  • bedding – duvet, bet cover, pillow
  • toilet equipment – shower curtain
  • organizers – portable cabinet, indoor clothes dryer
  • decorations – mirrors, painting
  • fabric

Chinese Grocery

At the same area there is a Chinese grocery that serves Asian condiments and food that are hard to find. It is also the only place I found that sells pork meat.

Some of the best finds at the Chinese grocery:

  • Pork
  • Maggi seasoning
  • Hot pot / Shabu Shabu balls
  • Sio mai / dimsum (beef)
  • Dried vegetable snacks
  • Noodles for stir fry and soup

Chinese Grocery map:

*Map may not be accurate. Landmark is Yammy restaurant along boulevard Rahal El Meskini 

Derb Omar 

Derb Omar is like the China town of Casablanca. This is best place to go to if  you are looking for cheap buys and do not want to go to the tourist-y medina and haggle.

Derb Omar map: 

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Morocco: Top Shopping in Casablanca

Alpha 55

Alpha 55 mall is like a mini department store for home, personal, school and office supplies. I personally like the decorations and stationery area. There are imported items with average prices.

Best to shop for:

  • Home supplies such as kitchenware, dining ware, bath and garden supplies
  • Decorations such as candles, table top and wall decorations
  • Small furniture such as coffee tables, chairs, portable closet
  • Cheap accessories such as necklace, bracelet, earring
  • Personal hygiene products such as facial and body creams, soaps, shampoos, hair dye, even nail products
  • School and office supplies, such as papers, pens folders, books, stationary.

Pricing:  Low to Mid-range

Alpha 55 Mall address: *Near the French consulate

Morocco Mall

Morocco mall is the largest shopping mall in Casablanca with wide range to choose from. Shops range from cheap to luxury brands. The top floor is mainly for the the luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Fendi, and others.  At the ground floor there is a shop called Marjane which is a grocery-department store that offers lower priced items. Mid-priced brands include H&M, Zara, Pull&Bear, Marwa, LC Waikiki and others.

Main attraction at Morroco mall is the large cylindrical indoor aquarium at the center of the ground floor. Different sea animals can be seen such as shark, manta ray, eels, and various fishes.

Restaurants are lined outside the Morocco mall facing the sea. The outside area can be windy and chilly especially at night.

At one end of the top floor, opposite the luxury shops is a fast food area, with popular franchises such as  McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC. There are shops for ice cream, asian food, sandwich, tacos, pizza, and moroccan food.

In front of Morocco mall, at the right side, before the entrance you can find the only IMAX cinema in Casablanca. English movies (with original English audio) are shown every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Imax Casablanca Schedule

FNAC

FNAC is a good shop for branded electronics such as phones, laptops, speakers, headsets. Most of electronic accessories can be found here. Second floor of FNAC is for books (mostly French and Arabic), there is a small section for classic English books. Stationery, notebooks, and writing supplies are also at the second floor of FNAC.

Yan&One

Yan&One is like a Sephora of Morocco, though I have only seen one shop in Casablanca. It is at the center of the ground floor of Morocco mall. Yan&One offers large selection of cosmetics and bath products. It has Yan&One products and imported brands from France, US, Korea, and UK.

Marjane

There is a Marjane grocery.department store at Morocco mall. Marjane is a one stop shop for:

  • Grocery, fresh food, bread, pastries, alcohol
  • Home supplies, kitchenware and equipment
  • Electronics – tv, laptop, mouse, speakers, cellphone
  • Repair tools –  super glue, screw drivers
  • Stationery – papers, folders, pens, books, pins, stablers, rulers, glue
  • Clothe – underwear, pyjamas, shirts, shorts, shoes, slippers, socks,

In general Morocco mall is best to shop for:

  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Bags
  • Accessories
  • Jewelries
  • Home Supplies
  • Electronics
  • Grocery
  • Telecommunication
  • Cinema
  • Restaurants

View Morocco mall shops and restaurants here.

Pricing: low to high-range

Morocco mall address:

Anfaplace Mall

Anfaplace mall is smaller than Morocco mall, with mid-range priced shops.

The advantage of Anfa mall is that it has a better sea view with direct access to the beach. It is 5 minutes walking distance to the corniche which is a long walkway by the sea with several restaurants with sea view.

There is a fastfood area at the top floor of Anfaplacce mall with a sea view.

Anfaplace is best to shop for:

  • Virgin – It has more choices of electronics brands than FNAC (Morocco mall)
  • Clothes, shoes, bags, accessories
  • Carrefour – grocery

View Anfaplace mall shops and restaurants here.

Pricing: Mid-range

Anfaplace mall address:

Boulevard Al Massira / Maarif

Branded

Near twin center along boulevard Al Massira is a row of branded mid-high priced shops such as LC Waikiki, Addidas, Zara, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, Aldo, and Parfois. There is Massimo Dutti which is more pricey. More shops can be found at the small streets adjacent to boulevard Al Massira.

Boulevard Al Massira Khadra – Branded shops location:

Non-Branded

If you take the Maarif exit from inside the Twin Center there is an area of more local shops with low-priced (non–branded) items. Walking around the area you can find shops for shoes, clothes, accessories and jewelry.

Maarif local shopping location:

Bookstore – Maarif

At the back of Mcdonalds, Maarif there is a bookstore with large selection. Mostly in French and Arabic and few English books.

 Maarif Bookstore location:

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Morocco: Promenade Near Hassan II Mosque

CASABLANCA: As of January 2019, the promenade along Hassan II mosque by the beach has been partially opened to public. The promenade-park construction is not fully finished however the public can enjoy the walkway with the view of the sea and Hassan II mosque. Once finished it could be a nice activity area for the family to hang-out. It is not like the Anfa corniche that is a long concrete walkway. The promenade along Hassan II mosque is more green with grass lawns and more plants which is more like a park and activity area. At the moment the playground equipment for children and outdoor gym for adults are already available for use. There are long benches to relax and enjoy the view, and some people are already using the jogging path. Still under construction are (probable) areas for shops, access along the road and the rest of the corniche.

Activities:

  • Enjoy the view, take photos
  • Walkway, bicycle, or jogging path
  • Benches to hangout
  • Playground for children
  • Outdoor gym equipment
  • (Probable) snack and refreshment shops to open
  • Water Fountain

Entrance

So how can you enter the promenade if the access to the road is closed?

You can enter by the side of Hassan II mosque.

Review:

It looked like a fresh side of Casablanca in contrast to the rest of the concrete filled city. The green grass and plants in front of the sea makes the Hassan II mosque promenade a calming hangout. Public parks and green space in Casablanca that is family friendly is something difficult to find (if not close to none). Hopefully they keep it secured from pickpockets once fully opened to public.

 

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Morocco: Electronics Repair, Buy and Sell

CASABLANCA: Where to go for a one stop place for electronics such phones, television, laptop, computers, camera, and supplies.

Phone / Sim Unlock. Moving to a new country may require to unlock your mobile phone sim card for a local one. If you want to keep your cellphone from home and unlock your phone / sim, this is the best place to go. I personally did this and it worked well. Cost: 600 Dirham.

Repair. Backpacking, enjoying the countryside means roughening your equipment as well. Accidents cannot be avoided such as dropping electronics that result to screen cracks that need replacement. Or having your phone fall down in water and need some new parts. This is the place to to go for the most common and uncommon electronic gadget repairs.  

Trade-ins. There will be some men who will offer a deal to buy your phone/laptop/camera in exchange for another model. Be careful with this as the authenticity of the trade-in device may not be guaranteed.

Television Cable Box / Satellite / Connection. If you are an English speaker and do not know Darija, Arabic or French, finding your favorite English shows at the local television connection is close to impossible. Unless you discover where to buy the cable box connections that almost has all the languages.

I tried the Dreamsat, all you need is a stable internet connection, HDMI cable (included) for television connection. And you can follow most of your favorite English shows. You will need to ask the vendor to connect you to English channels and a code will be downloaded. Connection is good for a year, ask the number of the vendor for the annual renewal of code. Cost: 700 dirham.

Mobile phones, Televisions, Laptops. Can be bought at a lower price than in shopping malls and commercial shops such as FNAC and Virgin.

Electronics Supplies. Parts, chargers, cables, screws, special batteries. You can be lucky to see difficult to find parts and supplies here.

Electronic Repair Tools. If you want a DIY repair, you can also find screws, screwdrivers, repair and and cleaning equipment.

Software and Applications.  Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Adobe. Educational, professional and personal applications and software can be found here a a very low cost.

So where is this place in Casablanca? 

Derb Ghallef. 

How to go there: Just tell the taxi driver – Derb Ghalef electronic (electronique)

Tip: Download the app Jumia and compare prices if the vendor is giving you a good offer.

 

 

 

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Morocco: Doctors & Dentists (English Speaking)

English Speaking Doctors and Dentists in Morocco.

This is to help English speakers in Casablanca, Morocco who have minimum to no knowledge of French, Arabic or Darija language. The information of the health practitioners and services are from English speaking embassies such as UK,  US and some suggestions from online forums. 

It is not easy to settle at a new country especially when you do not speak the language. Health service is essential in life and it is important for a patient to properly communicate with a health professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

All the doctors are competent and their English fluency gives a huge advantage to cater to English speaking expats.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Call the contact numbers to confirm the address as the doctors may change their location.

CASABLANCA

DENTIST / ORTHODONTIST

Clinique Dentaire Ghandi
Orthodontie: Dr. Ali Ouazzani.
265 Bd Ghandi – Riviera
0522-983-333
Very good English

Dr. Hicham BENHAYOUN.
3, Bd. Med Abdou.
0522-273-314 / 0522-268-038
Post Graduate at New York University
Very good English.

Dr. Hassan BELKADY.
Tour 3 Laayoune # 3. Romandie 2. Bd. Bir Anzarane.
0522-36-10-39
Very good English.

Dr. Laila Serrhini
0522941534,
237 Bd Zerktouni, Residence El Kheir 1st floor
Good English

ORTHODONTIST

Dr. Adil TAJMOUATI
Angle Rue Kadi Iass et Rue Assâd Ibnou Zarrara, Place du Marché. McDonald’s building: 0522-258-484 /Fax: 0522-258-225
Very good English

PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Dr. Sakina BENCHEKROUN
Clinique Dentaire Ghandi, 265, Bd. Ghandi: 0522-983-333
Good English

DERMATOLOGIST

Dr. Colette Locatelli
Dermatology-Venerology – Esthetics
45, rue de l’Atlas, Maarif.
0522-234-575 / 0522-230-874
0522-985-152
Good English

EENT

Dr. Nadia Amarouch, ENT
Tel: 05 22 98 23 27 (appointments necessary)
Address: 2, Rue des Fauvettes, Bd Abderrahim Bouabid.
Email: nadia_amarouch@yahoo.fr
Located in Oasis, very close to the market
300dh / consultation (fee may change)
Used to work with the Moroccan military.
Some English.

EMERGENCY

City Police:
Call 19

Gendarmerie Royale (Police service outside city/countryside)
Call 177

Fire:
Call 15

Ambulance:
Call 15

– or –

S.A.M.U:
05.22 25 25 25 (Consultation- care – transport)

S.A.M.U.(Service d’aide médicale urgente)
This is a service that will deploy an ambulance to your home. They have equipped ambulances for ICU. Call only in case of major emergencies: cardiac arrests, loss of consciousness. In case of car accidents where there are major injuries, call on them first.

Emergency 24 hours Doctor available.
Dr. Lotfi MOHAMED GSM : 0661 45 30 30.
mohammed.lotfii8@gmail.com

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Dr. REDA Anouar
GP Tel: 06.64.75.58.94
email: anouar.reda.anouar@gmail.com
Competence en echographie
Makes House Calls
Speaks English

Dr. Alain Guidon
6, Rue Jean Jaures 0522-267-153
Some English

OB / GYN

Dr. Faouzia Layachi
73, Abdellah Ibnou Nafii–Maarif…casablanca…
0522255694/0522986611
Specialties…gynecology….delivery…infertility…gynecological surgery…breast disease….
colposcopy…ultrasound…
Very good English

OPTHALMOLOGIST

Dr. Alaoui Fdili M’hamed:
Bd. D’Anfa, en face de la commune Sidi Belyout, Rés. Casa-Anfa 79 Angle rue Jaber Bnou Hayane. Tel : 0522-484-118/Fax: 0522-48-41-28
Good English

Dr. Med Bennani
120, Bd My Idriss 1er:
0522-860-268/69 Fax: 0522-860-270
Specializes in Laser treatments
Good English

ORTHOPEDIC – TRAUMATOLOGIST

Clinique Zerktouni d’Orthopedie – Traumatologie
Dr. Med Lemseffer (Fairly good English) Dr. Benzakour (Good English). Member of Am. Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons/Dr. Abderrazak Hefti
Angle Bvd Mohamed Abdou et Bvd 9 Avril, Quartier Palmiers
0522 25 33 00 /Fax: 0522-992-121

PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Dalila Ghazali
Rue Ibnou Katir. Rés. Mawlid. Imm B – Maarif ext: 0522-983-390.
Good English

Dr. M’Barka TADRATI
17, Rue Nassih Eddine, Rés. Anfa 3: 0522-992-609/345
Some English

PEDIATRIC ALLERGIST

Dr. Catherine GUILLEMATEAU
49, Rue Jean Jaures: 0522-270-374
Some English

PULMONOLOGIST – ALLERGIST

Dr. Rachid El Khettar
Rés. Jassim Houssam, 175, Rue Boukraa, prés hôpital My Youssef, 2eme étage, Apt 7: 0522-492-375 /Fax: 0522-492-378
Fairly good English

PSYCHIATRIST

Pr. Nadia Kadiri
Uni psy Centre Ibn Rochd. Bd Tarik Ibn Ziad / Consul privée : Clinique Ghandi (lun–Ven) Après midi: 0522-224-109/0522-367-405
Very good English

Pr. Driss Moussaoui.
Uni Psy Centre Ibn Rochd, Bd Tarik Ibn Ziad
0522-224-109 /0522-204-102/Fax: 0522-294-707
Member of the American Academy of Psychiatrists
Excellent English

RADIOLOGY CLINIC

Radiologie Akiki Berrada / Centre de Radiologie Aboumadi/ Dr. Akiki Mustapha / Dr. Berrada / Dr. Belhoucine / Dr. Benkirane Hakima.
25 Rue Ilya Abou Madi, Gauthier
0522-203-457/58, Fax: 0522-474-009
(Drs. Speak English)

RADIOLOGIE ANFA
For Mammogram and dental x-rays.
5 Rue Ali Adberazzak
0522-949-797/0522-941-236
Doctors speak English

UROLOGIST

Dr. Nasser ESSAKALLI
400 Bd ahim Roudani: 0522-233-552 Fax: 0522-233-267
Good English

VETERINARY

Dr. El HAFDI
CLINIQUE VETERINAIRE OASIS
0522-985-501
Fairly good English

Dr. YACOUBI
72, Rue d’Agadir
0522-220-294
Very good English

Sources:

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Morocco: Visa

Applying for tourist visa to Morocco.

Morocco is a popular tourist travel destination. It helps that Morocco is among the most open nations in Africa providing visa free entry for most countries.

Morocco offers tourist visa free for 90 days (unless otherwise stated) for nationals in the following countries:

  • All European Union citizens
  •  Algeria
  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahrain
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Gabon
  • Guinea, Hong Kong (30 days)
  • Iceland, Indonesia
  • Ivory Coast
  • Japan, Kuwait
  • Liechtenstein
  • Macau
  • Mali
  • Mexico
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • Niger
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Singapore (30 days)
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States
  • Venezuela

Citizens of other countries can get their visa at Morocco embassies in their countries or nearest country.

*Source: https://www.aeroportdecasablanca.com/visa_on_arrival_morocco.php

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Ethiopia: Networking

Useful Expat Online Networking in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Internations

  • Useful for networking with fellow expats seeking and sharing advice
  • Good to find accommodation for rent
  • Job section is mostly used for freelancers seeking job or for families seeking house help
  • Network can be specific for Addis Ababa

Expat.com

  • Useful for networking with fellow expats seeking and sharing advice
  • Good to find accommodation for rent
  • Job section is mostly used for freelancers seeking job or for families seeking house help
  • Network is for the whole country of Ethiopia and cannot be specified by city

Facebook Groups

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Ethiopia: Visa Extension

How to extend tourist visa from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Original passport
  • Photocopy of latest visa
  • Photocopy of first entry visa
  • Photocopy of ID
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Visa extension form

PROCESS

  1. Go to immigration
  2. Visa extension office is in the right area upon entrance
  3. Get visa extension form from photocopier for ETB 20 fee
  4. Fill-out form
  5. Photocopy required documents
  6. Go to the queue for the document check and endorsement. Normally visa extension is only up to 30 days. Depending on the mood of the officer in charge you can appeal for up to 90 days. Note that visa extension is not extended from the latest visa. The count of days will begin from the date you file your visa extension. I also suggest going to the counter to the right when you enter the room. The more senior officers are usually there
  7. After your documents have been approved. Go inside to queue to take your photo.
  8. After the photo. Proceed to pay at the table at the center of the room.
  9. Then they will tell you to go to a room to give your passport and documents
  10. They will tell you to go back the next day to pick up your passport with visa. Remember to ask at what time you should go back.
  11. Passport pick-up is at the window outside across the photocopier

FEES

  1. The first visa is USD 100 for 30 days
  2. Second visa extension is USD 150 for another 30 days

I tried to ask up to – how many times it is allowed to extend the tourist visa, however, the immigration officer only said “No” and the next time I asked immigration officer only shook her head. 

PHONE NUMBER

+251 (0) 116-650-297

Be patient when calling. It usually takes long before they answer the phone.

ADDRESS

Tell taxi driver “Immigration Addis” and they will know where it is.