Fes is one of the best Moroccan cities to explore by car, if you plan it the right way. The city itself has a historic Medina with tight access, modern neighborhoods with easier parking, and perfect day trips nearby (Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane, Azrou). But first-time visitors often repeat the same mistakes: they misunderstand the deposit (caution), return the car with the wrong fuel situation, or plan routes like Fes is a “simple drive-in, park-anywhere” city.
At MarHire Car Fes, most “rental problems” are avoidable with 10 minutes of prep. This article breaks down the most common tourist mistakes, and exactly how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Mistake 1: Confusing the Deposit With a Charge
Mistake 2: Assuming Debit Cards Work the Same as Credit Cards
Mistake 3: Not Matching Fuel Type and Fuel Policy
Mistake 4: Returning the Car Without Proof (Receipts and Photos)
Mistake 5: Planning to Drive Into the Fes Medina
Mistake 6: Underestimating Time for Hills, Traffic, and Checkpoints
Mistake 7: Overloading the Car or Packing Unsafely
Mistake 8: Choosing the Wrong Car Size for Your Real Route
Quick Fes Route Planning Templates
FAQ
Quick Overview
Deposit (caution): often a temporary “hold,” not a final charge—know what that means before pickup.
Fuel mistakes: wrong fuel type, wrong policy, no receipt, or returning with the gauge “almost” right.
Route planning: the Medina is not a normal driving zone; plan parking outside and walk or use a short taxi hop.
Big win: take 2 minutes for photos + confirm fuel policy + choose the right parking strategy.
Mistake 1: Confusing the Deposit With a Charge
Many travelers see a deposit amount and think, “They charged me extra.” In reality, deposits are commonly done as a card authorization/hold, meaning the money is temporarily reserved, not fully taken like a normal purchase.
Why this matters in real life:
Your available balance/credit may drop temporarily.
If your card limit is low, you can get declined even if you “have money.”
The hold release timing depends on the bank (sometimes same day, sometimes several days).
If you want a clear, non-rental-company explanation of how authorizations work, Stripe explains card authorization/holds in a simple way here: https://stripe.com/resources/more/card-authorization-explained
What to do at pickup (simple script):
“Is this a hold or a charge?”
“How much is the deposit hold?”
“When do you release it after return?”
“What causes a partial retention?” (fuel, damage, late return, fines processing, etc.)
Mistake 2: Assuming Debit Cards Work the Same as Credit Cards
Even when debit cards are accepted, they can behave differently with deposits:
Holds can “lock” funds you need for your trip.
Some banks treat car rental holds more strictly.
You might be traveling with a daily spending cap that you don’t notice until pickup time.
How to avoid the headache:
Keep enough buffer above the deposit amount.
If traveling as a couple or group, don’t put everything on one low-limit card.
Ask the agency in advance if you’re relying on debit.
A good Fes-specific tip: if you land at Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ) late, banking support is not the situation you want to discover at the counter. Arrive ready.
Mistake 3: Not Matching Fuel Type and Fuel Policy
Fuel issues are the #1 “small problem that becomes a big argument.”
1) Wrong fuel type (diesel vs petrol)
In Morocco, both are common. Putting the wrong fuel can cause serious damage and it’s never “a small mistake.”
Avoid it:
Confirm fuel type at pickup.
Put a note in your phone: “DIESEL” or “ESSENCE.”
Check the fuel cap label and the paperwork.
2) Misunderstanding the fuel policy
Common policies tourists meet:
Full-to-full: you receive it full, return it full.
Same-to-same: you return it at the same level as pickup (example: 6/8 tank).
Prepaid fuel: you pay upfront and return at any level (often not cost-efficient).
Most common tourist mistakes:
returning 1–2 bars short and thinking it’s “basically full”
refueling too far from return point, then driving and losing bars
not keeping receipts when there’s a dispute
A smart habit in Fes: refuel near your return area and keep the receipt until the deposit is released.
Mistake 4: Returning the Car Without Proof (Receipts and Photos)
This mistake is painfully common: tourists return the car quickly, don’t take photos, throw away the fuel receipt, and then feel stressed if anything is questioned later.
Do this instead:
Pickup photos (60 seconds): bumpers, wheels, windshield, interior seats, fuel gauge, mileage.
Return photos (60 seconds): same angles + fuel gauge + dashboard.
Keep your fuel receipt (paper or photo).
If you returned at night, use flash.
This isn’t about suspicion, it’s about making the process smooth for both sides.
Mistake 5: Planning to Drive Into the Fes Medina
The Fes Medina is famous because it’s ancient, dense, and designed for walking, not modern vehicles. Tourists often lose time and nerves trying to “just drive closer.”
What works better:
Park outside the Medina in a safer, wider-access area.
Walk in, or take a short taxi hop to a gate if needed.
If your accommodation is inside the Medina, ask them for the best gate/parking plan before you arrive.
Rule of thumb: in Fes, your car is best used for the new city + day trips, not “Medina door-to-door driving.”
Mistake 6: Underestimating Time for Hills, Traffic, and Checkpoints
Fes driving is not “hard,” but it’s different from a quiet European city:
lots of roundabouts and quick merges
occasional police checks (documents ready, stay calm)
city traffic spikes at certain times
hilly areas and tight turns in older neighborhoods
What helps:
Add extra time to any airport run.
Avoid rushing at dusk if you’re not comfortable driving in busy traffic.
Keep documents together (license, passport copy, rental contract).
Mistake 7: Overloading the Car or Packing Unsafely
Tourists often travel with big suitcases, shopping, and extra bags—then stack them high or block visibility. This is both unsafe and can cause fines or disputes if something breaks or scratches.
Keep it simple:
Heavy items low and centered.
Nothing should roll under pedals.
Don’t block rear visibility with loose luggage.
If you’re carrying anything on the roof, it must be properly secured and must not block plates/lights.
Morocco’s road safety authority has a clear checklist on safe/legal vehicle loading here: https://www.narsa-securiteroutiere.ma/fr/tout-savoir-sur-le-chargement-des-vehicules/
Mistake 8: Choosing the Wrong Car Size for Your Real Route
In Fes, “the wrong car” usually means one of these:
too small for your luggage (then you pack dangerously)
too big for your confidence in tight parking
too low if you plan rural detours or rough access roads
Quick guidance:
Couple + carry-ons: compact is perfect.
Family with big suitcases: go one size up (comfort + safety).
Day trips with 4–5 adults: prioritize space and AC comfort.
Medina-focused stay: consider a smaller car and plan to park outside.
Quick Fes Route Planning Templates
Template A: “Fes city + Medina visits”
Drive to a parking area outside the Medina
Walk inside (best experience anyway)
Use the car mainly for new city errands and evenings
Template B: “Fes + day trips”
Start early (cooler, less traffic)
Fuel up the night before
Keep a buffer in your schedule for photo stops and café breaks
Template C: “Airport pickup and return”
Confirm meeting point details
Don’t cut timing close (especially for flights)
Refuel near return zone and keep the receipt photo
FAQ
Is the deposit always taken from my account?
Often it’s a temporary hold/authorization, not a final charge. Your bank’s release speed can vary.
What’s the #1 fuel mistake tourists make in Fes?
Returning slightly under the agreed level and assuming it’s “fine,” or forgetting to keep the receipt.
Can I drive to my riad inside the Medina?
Usually you should plan to park outside and walk. The Medina is not designed for normal car access.
Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) for Morocco?
It depends on your license country and language. If your license isn’t easily readable (Latin alphabet), carry an IDP to avoid complications.
How do I avoid return disputes?
Photos at pickup and return, fuel receipt, and a clear understanding of the deposit and fuel policy.
Is route planning in Fes difficult?
Not if you accept the big rule: park outside the Medina and treat the car as your tool for day trips and modern areas.
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