1 January 2026 — Malaga to Tangier
This day felt special long before it even began. It wasn’t just the first day of a new year — it was the first time I would finally step foot in Africa, something I had quietly dreamed about for years. There’s something symbolic about crossing continents on New Year’s Day, leaving Europe behind and entering a place that had always lived in my imagination rather than my lived experience.
At the same time, there was a real sense of apprehension. Everything we knew about Morocco, and Africa in general, came mostly from online stories, forums, and second-hand narratives. It felt like we were stepping into completely unknown territory, unsure what to expect beyond headlines, travel blogs, and social media snippets.
A Smooth Start: Malaga Airport
The journey itself started surprisingly calmly. Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport was efficient and orderly that morning. There were no long lines for immigration, and exiting the Spanish side felt almost anticlimactic for such a significant trip. The only slightly slow part was the baggage drop, but even that moved quickly. Because we arrived early, we had plenty of time to wander around the terminal, easing into the day rather than rushing through it.
The flight to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport was short and smooth — barely enough time to process that we were about to cross from Europe into Africa. In less than an hour, the Mediterranean Sea that had long connected civilizations beneath us now marked a symbolic boundary.
First Reality Check: Tangier Airport
Immigration at Tangier was also unexpectedly smooth. No chaos, no intimidating procedures, no long interrogations — just stamps, polite officers, and we were through. But almost immediately after customs, reality set in.
First, my friend discovered her luggage was broken. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it meant heading to the baggage office to file a claim. Thankfully, the officers were kind and efficient. The process was handled relatively quickly, but it was still an unnecessary hassle — the kind of small friction that reminds you that travel rarely goes exactly as planned.
Then came the bigger problem: cash.
Morocco’s Closed Currency System (And Why It Matters)
Morocco operates a relatively closed currency system. The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) cannot be legally obtained outside the country, which means most travelers rely on ATMs upon arrival. Unfortunately for us, things didn’t go smoothly. My card couldn’t withdraw cash, and my partner’s card showed insufficient funds. Suddenly, we were stuck in a country where cash is still king.
Luckily, we still had euros with us. Currency exchange counters at the airport became our lifeline, allowing us to convert just enough to move forward. It was a sharp reminder to always carry backup cash when entering countries with currency controls.
Tip: Always bring some euros or USD into Morocco as emergency backup. Not all ATMs work with foreign cards, especially at airports.
Navigating Transport: Airport Taxi Reality
Transportation was the next challenge. Unsure about local taxis, pricing, or payment methods, we opted for the official airport taxi service. It required cash — thankfully, now no longer an issue. While slightly more expensive, it offered peace of mind for first-time visitors.
From the airport, we headed towards our hotel near Tangier Bay, close to the port area — a strategic location that places you between the old medina and the modern city.
First Impressions of Tangier
Our hotel overlooked the bay, and after a long day, it felt like a small reward. Tangier, historically known as a gateway between Africa and Europe, has always been a city of crossings — Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Europeans, and artists have all passed through here. Sitting by the bay, it was easy to imagine centuries of travelers arriving with the same mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Morocco felt slightly warmer than Spain, even in January. The air was softer, carried by a steady sea breeze. We took a slow walk along Tangier Corniche, watching the sunset stretch across the bay, the city curving gently along the coastline.
The Cost Surprise: Food in Tangier
One thing that genuinely surprised us was the cost of food. Many nearby cafés and fast-food-style restaurants were charging 100 dirhams or more per dish — roughly RM50 — for items like pizza or tacos. Compared to experiences in China or Japan, this felt unexpectedly expensive, especially for food that would normally be considered casual or street-style back home.
It might have been the neighborhood — being close to the bay and port tends to push prices up — but it was still eye-opening. Tangier, after all, is a major port city with strong European influence, and pricing in certain areas reflects that international character.
A City by the Sea
We walked along the bay and back, letting the sea breeze wash over us. The extended view of Tangier’s waterfront was beautiful — modern buildings blending into older neighborhoods, ships anchored offshore, and the sense of standing at a crossroads of continents.
Historically, Tangier has always looked outward. From its days as an International Zone in the 20th century to its role today as a bridge between Europe and Africa, the city has never been purely Moroccan nor purely foreign — it exists somewhere in between.
By the time we returned to the hotel, exhaustion finally caught up with us. It had been a long day — emotionally and logistically — but also deeply meaningful. The first day of the year ended quietly, with the comfort of knowing that a long-held dream had finally begun.
Africa, at last.
Leave a Reply