Why does everyone want cash?
The short answer
Card acceptance is patchy.
Riads, upscale restaurants, and supermarkets usually accept cards. Most of the medina runs on cash — taxis, street food, souks, small shops, tips. ATMs are plentiful but charge withdrawal fees (typically 20–30 MAD per transaction). Carry small notes — breaking a 200 MAD note at a corner shop is difficult.