chaslaw
American expat in France
Forum posts
94
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Dijon, Burgundy Region
Registration: 19 April 2017
Does Jawal support data roaming in Germany?
Hi. Question is in the subject. I'm currently using an IAM Jawal pay-as-you-go plan and have a lot of data and phone time credits built up over a number of months. Can I use these credits with international roaming in Germany? I'll be in Germany for ... Read More
Grand taxi at Casa Maarif VTM station?
Are there grand taxis waiting at the Casa Maarif bus station, or do I need to go somewhere else to get a grand taxi? Thank you. Read More
Will my car fail inspection due to check engine light?
Will a check engine light showing on the control panel of my 2006 Honda Jazz cause the car to fail its visite technique? The car is in impeccable condition and has always passed with no trouble, except for once when the light bulb on the rear ... Read More
Long-term (one week) parking at Casa airport?
Is the long-term parking lot at the Casa airport a safe place to leave my car for 7 or 8 days?Year ago when I visited I remember seeing a few abandoned and maybe vandalized cars in the airport lot, but I'm thinking that's less common these days. Read More
One-week SIM card available at Carrefour? by chaslaw
Hi. It's been a while since I lived or traveled in France. I'll be in the Toulouse area for one week. Can I buy a one-week SIM card at a large Carrefour supermarket? Just after our arrival, we'll be stopping at Carrefour (or whatever ...
@SimCityAT Thank you. That's promising. Read More
One-week SIM card available at Carrefour?
Hi. It's been a while since I lived or traveled in France. I'll be in the Toulouse area for one week. Can I buy a one-week SIM card at a large Carrefour supermarket? Just after our arrival, we'll be stopping at Carrefour (or whatever ... Read More
Dermatologist in Agadir
Hello. I'm looking for an experienced dermatologist in Agadir. I have a history of skin cancer and would like to see a specialist. I've seen someone several years ago on a previous trip to Morocco, but his office seems to be closed. Thanks in ... Read More
Are banks closed some days this week (July 15-17? by chaslaw
I can't remember if banks are open or not around the time of Achoura.
Well, I can confirm that the bank I just went to was open today (Tuesday, July 16). Read More
Are banks closed some days this week (July 15-17?
I can't remember if banks are open or not around the time of Achoura. Read More
Recharge IAM data credits (wife's phone is outside of Morocco)
Problem: My wife is traveling outside Morocco, which is where we've been currently residing.Her phone's data is about to expire. We both use Jawal pay-as-you-go data, voice and SMS. We recharge our Jawal accounts every month from our Moroccan bank's ... Read More
Honda (automative) mechanic in Agadir?
Hi, everyone. Expat retiree settling in Agadir. I've got a 2006 Honda Jazz that was displaying a "check engine" light. A friend's hand scanner shows a code P0339. That may mean a faulty crankshaft sensor, or it may simply be a loose ... Read More
French Driver's License by jayinoregon
Hi All,I am considering retiring in Normandy and was wondering about driver's licenses. I have heard that the driving test (both written and practical) are difficult. Does anyone have any experience in taking the practical test in a rural area, such ...
I went through this a while back. I'm pretty sure you need to go to driving school, or at least that's what I was told. In any case, it probably would have been necessary to pass the written test. Driving school tuition is pretty steep. The written ... Read More
Can I use a US credit card on the London area tube and transit system? by chaslaw
Question is in the subject. I'm thinking that on a past visit, I just swiped my US AmEx or VISA card at the station, but my wife thinks otherwise.Thank you!
Yep. Sorted. Relieved. Thank you very much. Read More
Can I use a US credit card on the London area tube and transit system?
Question is in the subject. I'm thinking that on a past visit, I just swiped my US AmEx or VISA card at the station, but my wife thinks otherwise.Thank you! Read More
Convocation OFII? by hbataille
Hello,I got a notice for a welcome interview at the OFII office in Toulouse. The problem is, they require I come in on a Wednesday and (as the should know) as a mom with 5 kids who are all home on Wednesday this is the worste possibe time for me. ...
@AARO health Those are very interesting observations, AARO. I well remember the cattle-at-dawn period, but I applied for my first carte de s茅jour back in 1976. It's great that things have progressed, although, as you imply, it's sad that it ... Read More
OFII interview? by hbataille
Hello,I got a notice for a welcome interview at the OFII office in Toulouse. The problem is, they require I come in on a Wednesday and (as the should know) as a mom with 5 kids who are all home on Wednesday this is the worste possibe time for me. ...
@hbataille OK, now your question makes more sense. I think you perhaps did what I often do online and in e-mail: provide a whole lot of explanatory information relevant to, but not essential to, your question, with the result that people respond not ... Read More
Convocation OFII? by hbataille
Hello,I got a notice for a welcome interview at the OFII office in Toulouse. The problem is, they require I come in on a Wednesday and (as the should know) as a mom with 5 kids who are all home on Wednesday this is the worste possibe time for me. ...
I don't know how any of this relates to alleged French resentment of immigrants (a problem not unique to France by any means), but I do know that scheduling an appointment with a government office in France (or anywhere else, really)聽 is not ... Read More
OFII interview? by hbataille
Hello,I got a notice for a welcome interview at the OFII office in Toulouse. The problem is, they require I come in on a Wednesday and (as the should know) as a mom with 5 kids who are all home on Wednesday this is the worste possibe time for me. ...
@hbataille. Um, hire a baby-sitter? Very few government offices in any country in the world are going to make an effort to accommodate someone's childcare situation or busy family life. Read More
Where to send box from Marrakech to Agadir?
I'd like to ship a box (a suitcase, actually) from Marrakech to Agadir and have it kept securely for me until I can collect it several days later.I'm thinking of using Supratours Messagerie. Do they have an office beside the gare de trains at ... Read More
Latest Covid vaccine available in Morocco?
Does anyone know if the latest Covid vaccine is available yet in Morocco?I'm referring to the vaccine known as "Comirnaty omicron XBB.1.5" manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech''. I believe the vaccine has only recently become available in other ... Read More
Finding rent as a foreign student in France by Jie WANG
Hello everyone,I am going to France to start studying there and I heard it is so difficult to find rent. Do you have any advice for that?
@Jie WANG OK, sorry if I cast doubts on your sincerity. There are a great many "books" being created using AI and then sold on Amazon. Some of them may be worthwhile, but many are not. It's actually a huge problem. For example, there are tourism ... Read More
Finding rent as a foreign student in France by Jie WANG
Hello everyone,I am going to France to start studying there and I heard it is so difficult to find rent. Do you have any advice for that?
I hate to be negative, but what is the provenance of that book? On the Amazon page that came up, it appears to have just been published on 17 September 2023. Amazingly, it has a title that corresponds nearly exactly to the question asked by the ... Read More
Urgent: Buying a computer -- best "service apr猫s vente"? by chaslaw
An expat friend has an urgent need for a new laptop computer. Nothing fancy, just a relatively recent and reliable machine from an established manufacturer.She wants to buy it immediately from a brick-and-mortar store, not order it online. Which of ...
Thank you very much, aviator1. I'll pass that info to my friend right away. Very helpful. Read More
Urgent: Buying a computer -- best "service apr猫s vente"?
An expat friend has an urgent need for a new laptop computer. Nothing fancy, just a relatively recent and reliable machine from an established manufacturer.She wants to buy it immediately from a brick-and-mortar store, not order it online. Which of ... Read More
Colonoscopy in France? by chaslaw
Medical tourism question: Has anyone out there had a routine colonoscopy in France? If so, can you provide an estimate of the cost? I'm asking as someone who is not part of the French health system. A comparison of private vs. public clinics would ...
Thank you. That's very helpful. In the US the cost apparently runs from $4,000 to $13,000. Read More
Colonoscopy in France? by chaslaw
Medical tourism question: Has anyone out there had a routine colonoscopy in France? If so, can you provide an estimate of the cost? I'm asking as someone who is not part of the French health system. A comparison of private vs. public clinics would ...
@SimCityAT I lived there for several years in the 1980s and 90s and was very happy with their health care system. At the time medical care in France was a fraction of the cost in the US. Plus, I'm very comfortable in French. The only thing I didn't ... Read More
Colonoscopy in France?
Medical tourism question: Has anyone out there had a routine colonoscopy in France? If so, can you provide an estimate of the cost? I'm asking as someone who is not part of the French health system. A comparison of private vs. public clinics would ... Read More
Marrakesh hotel with really good air conditioning?
I'm looking for a reasonably priced hotel (up to 600 dh) in Marrakesh that is known to have good, effective air conditioning able to handle the extreme heat of July in that city.Does anyone have first-hand knowledge about this? Several otherwise ... Read More
Jawal (pay-as-you-go) Internet offers by chaslaw
Hello,I'm trying to find out what the various Jawal offers consist of. To this end, I have a few questions, please. I'm having difficulty understanding the information on the Maroc T茅l茅com website.(1) Is there a basic Internet offer ...
OK, thank you. I'll look into that. Is it true that, at least with Maroc T茅l茅com, some lower-cost pay-as-you go plans offer some social media (WhatsApp and maybe Facebook) but not other (YouTube, for example)?I looked at their website ... Read More
Jawal (pay-as-you-go) Internet offers
Hello,I'm trying to find out what the various Jawal offers consist of. To this end, I have a few questions, please. I'm having difficulty understanding the information on the Maroc T茅l茅com website.(1) Is there a basic Internet offer ... Read More
Where to have fingerprints made? by chaslaw
An American friend needs to know: is there a way for non-resident foreigners to have certified fingerprinting done in Morocco? Thanks.
@phillyboy19811: IIRC, the reason my friends were wanting fingerprints was to then get an FBI criminal record check. So if you've got an acceptable criminal record check, then I don't think you'd need to get fingerprints.Please check with others, ... Read More
Best deal on prepaid mobile phone for five-week visit to USA
Question is in the subject. I have an unlocked phone that will work on T-Mobile or comparable networks. I'll need to buy a SIM and prepaid phone plan that will give me ample data, voice and texts for five weeks. T-Mobile and Google Fi are ... Read More
Where can I buy small TSA-approved luggage locks? by chaslaw
Question is in the subject. I'm looking for several of the little TSA-approved luggage locks for an upcoming trip to the USA. Does anyone know where they're sold in Agadir or, perhaps, online in Morocco? I looked at Jumia's website, ...
Since this thread began a few months ago, I've noticed that there is indeed a Virgin story in Agadir. It's not as big as some I've seen, but it's there. It's in the same shopping complex as Decathlon. Read More
Where to have fingerprints made? by chaslaw
An American friend needs to know: is there a way for non-resident foreigners to have certified fingerprinting done in Morocco? Thanks.
Thank you, masked_wanderer. I believe our friends did exactly as you suggested. I was surprised that fingerprinting oneself is permitted, but it seems it is, or it is during the pandemic, in any case. Thanks again. Read More
Where to have fingerprints made? by chaslaw
An American friend needs to know: is there a way for non-resident foreigners to have certified fingerprinting done in Morocco? Thanks.
Thank you, E Abreu. I remember reading that police stations in the U.S. do fingerprints. In Morocco, our friends were told that fingerprinting is provided by the police services here only for Moroccan citizens or legal residents. Since they ... Read More
Where to have fingerprints made? by chaslaw
An American friend needs to know: is there a way for non-resident foreigners to have certified fingerprinting done in Morocco? Thanks.
Yes, I'll definitely post here if my friends tell me of a solution. Maybe some of the difficulty is related to the pandemic. I don't know. If there's no one doing this in Morocco and it can be done in the private sector, there's a ... Read More
Where to have fingerprints made? by chaslaw
An American friend needs to know: is there a way for non-resident foreigners to have certified fingerprinting done in Morocco? Thanks.
Thanks, Vakil. Like you, I had thought a US consulate would do this, but my friend said the US consulates and embassy don't offer this service. He and his wife are needing to obtain a criminal record check from the FBI and have been told that ... Read More
Where to have fingerprints made?
An American friend needs to know: is there a way for non-resident foreigners to have certified fingerprinting done in Morocco? Thanks. Read More
No Profession Residency? by GuestPoster410
Hi, Might girlfriend works for an english school in Marrakech and I'm just wondering if it's possible to get a long term visa as a no profession or am I better off just leaving and coming back every 3 months? I know how to go about getting ...
You might look into a carte d'immatriculation under a visiteur status. The requirements include establishing a regular bank transfer to a dirham-convertible bank account in Morocco. If granted, it's good for one year and is renewable on a ... Read More
How do I make an appointment to pick up my carte grise? by chaslaw
Hi. With a friend's help, I managed to apply for a carte grise for the used car I purchased. I have a temporary (60-day) carte grise which will expire in a few days. Someone told me that I need to have an appointment to pick up my carte grise. ...
Follow-up, in case you're interested. My appointment to retrieve my carte grise was for 9 a.m. today. I was out of there by 9:05 a.m., carte grise in hand! Impressive! Read More
How do I make an appointment to pick up my carte grise? by chaslaw
Hi. With a friend's help, I managed to apply for a carte grise for the used car I purchased. I have a temporary (60-day) carte grise which will expire in a few days. Someone told me that I need to have an appointment to pick up my carte grise. ...
Answer to my own question (I think). This will at least get you started. (1) Go to: https://www.khadamat.narsa.gov.ma/fr/ren/carte_grise/suivi (2) Click on "Rendez-Vous" button (upper right side of screen). DON'T FILL OUT THE ... Read More
How do I make an appointment to pick up my carte grise?
Hi. With a friend's help, I managed to apply for a carte grise for the used car I purchased. I have a temporary (60-day) carte grise which will expire in a few days. Someone told me that I need to have an appointment to pick up my carte grise. ... Read More
Paperwork for buying a used car in Morocco by chaslaw
I'm about to purchase a used car from another expat. We both have residency here in Morocco. What is the process, please? Are there forms online which we can complete in advance? Also, what office do we go to in order to apply for a change in ...
I can confirm Vakil's information. We followed his suggestions and it all eventually worked out. A Moroccan friend went along us (the seller is also an expat like me). When we picked up the transfer form at a librairie, my friend suggested ... Read More
Paperwork for buying a used car in Morocco by chaslaw
I'm about to purchase a used car from another expat. We both have residency here in Morocco. What is the process, please? Are there forms online which we can complete in advance? Also, what office do we go to in order to apply for a change in ...
Thank you very much, Vakil. We'll get to work assembling these documents. The car has always been in Morocco and all taxes and inspections are up to date. I know the owner very well and he's completely trustworthy. I'm glad I asked, ... Read More
Paperwork for buying a used car in Morocco
I'm about to purchase a used car from another expat. We both have residency here in Morocco. What is the process, please? Are there forms online which we can complete in advance? Also, what office do we go to in order to apply for a change in ... Read More
US tax form needed to open bank account in Morocco by chaslaw
Hi, When I opened a personal bank account (dirhams non-convertible) last year, I was required to sign a form from the US Internal Revenue Service providing my name and social security number. Then this form was sent to the main office of the ...
Thank you for the clear explanation, AMPT. You'll probably save someone some trouble. Read More
US tax form needed to open bank account in Morocco by chaslaw
Hi, When I opened a personal bank account (dirhams non-convertible) last year, I was required to sign a form from the US Internal Revenue Service providing my name and social security number. Then this form was sent to the main office of the ...
Thank you, Cathylesher! Very helpful. Read More
US tax form needed to open bank account in Morocco by chaslaw
Hi, When I opened a personal bank account (dirhams non-convertible) last year, I was required to sign a form from the US Internal Revenue Service providing my name and social security number. Then this form was sent to the main office of the ...
Thank you, Cathylesher. Can anyone verify that this IRS form is a W-9 form? My friend wants to see what he'll be asked to sign. I think that's what it is, but I'm not sure. Note that he's a US citizen who wants to set up a bank ... Read More
US tax form needed to open bank account in Morocco by chaslaw
Hi, When I opened a personal bank account (dirhams non-convertible) last year, I was required to sign a form from the US Internal Revenue Service providing my name and social security number. Then this form was sent to the main office of the ...
Ok, thank you. Peter and Dolle1980. I don't think this person will be earning money in Morocco, but he wants to have a personal account in dirhams convertible to which he will transfer money from the US, probably. But he was curious about which ... Read More
US tax form needed to open bank account in Morocco
Hi, When I opened a personal bank account (dirhams non-convertible) last year, I was required to sign a form from the US Internal Revenue Service providing my name and social security number. Then this form was sent to the main office of the ... Read More
AirBnB to meet hotel requirement for entry into Morocco? by chaslaw
A friend and her husband hope to visit Morocco a few months from now, travel restrictions permitting. They're wondering if the requirement for a valid hotel reservation can be met with an AirBnB reservation. Does anyone know about this? Thank ...
Thank you, Englishmaninmaroc. I'll relay your comments to my friends. They were mainly wondering if an AirBnB reservation would be sufficient to satisfy the pandemic requirement for a hotel reservation. Read More
AirBnB to meet hotel requirement for entry into Morocco? by chaslaw
A friend and her husband hope to visit Morocco a few months from now, travel restrictions permitting. They're wondering if the requirement for a valid hotel reservation can be met with an AirBnB reservation. Does anyone know about this? Thank ...
Thank you, Idouarab. I know that providing a valid address is the ordinary expectation (at least on the old entry cards that were discontinued a while back), but I wasn't sure how it works under the pandemic restrictions. Read More
AirBnB to meet hotel requirement for entry into Morocco? by chaslaw
A friend and her husband hope to visit Morocco a few months from now, travel restrictions permitting. They're wondering if the requirement for a valid hotel reservation can be met with an AirBnB reservation. Does anyone know about this? Thank ...
Thank you, Zahra! I'll pass this along to my friend. She'll be happy to learn this. Read More
AirBnB to meet hotel requirement for entry into Morocco?
A friend and her husband hope to visit Morocco a few months from now, travel restrictions permitting. They're wondering if the requirement for a valid hotel reservation can be met with an AirBnB reservation. Does anyone know about this? Thank ... Read More
How to send important document to the U.S.? by chaslaw
Hi, all. I'm wanting to send an important document (actually, my federal tax return) to the U.S. sometime in the next few days. I'm presently in Agadir. I haven't been able to verify that there's a DHL or FedEx office in Agadir. I ...
Thank you, Cathy. That information will prove useful in the near future, assuming we remain in Morocco. Read More
How to send important document to the U.S.? by chaslaw
Hi, all. I'm wanting to send an important document (actually, my federal tax return) to the U.S. sometime in the next few days. I'm presently in Agadir. I haven't been able to verify that there's a DHL or FedEx office in Agadir. I ...
That's good to hear. Thank you again for your help. Read More
How to send important document to the U.S.? by chaslaw
Hi, all. I'm wanting to send an important document (actually, my federal tax return) to the U.S. sometime in the next few days. I'm presently in Agadir. I haven't been able to verify that there's a DHL or FedEx office in Agadir. I ...
Thank you very much. Last question: was it very expensive? Read More
How to send important document to the U.S.? by chaslaw
Hi, all. I'm wanting to send an important document (actually, my federal tax return) to the U.S. sometime in the next few days. I'm presently in Agadir. I haven't been able to verify that there's a DHL or FedEx office in Agadir. I ...
@Cathylesher: Thank you. To use Maroc Postal International, do you just go to any post office? Also, was it expensive (if you don't mind my asking)? I'll be sending a large envelope with maybe 12-15 pages inside. Read More
How to send important document to the U.S.?
Hi, all. I'm wanting to send an important document (actually, my federal tax return) to the U.S. sometime in the next few days. I'm presently in Agadir. I haven't been able to verify that there's a DHL or FedEx office in Agadir. I ... Read More
How does an international bank virulent work? by chaslaw
Hi, I'm applying for a carte de s茅jour, and I was told at the commissariat that I'll need to set up an account at a Moroccan bank and then provide proof of a regular virulent from my bank in the U.S. Do I establish this regular ...
My spellchecker went haywire. That's supposed to be "international bank virement". (It just tried to change "virement" *again* to "virulent"! It's not expecting to see a French word, I guess.) Read More
How does an international bank virulent work?
Hi, I'm applying for a carte de s茅jour, and I was told at the commissariat that I'll need to set up an account at a Moroccan bank and then provide proof of a regular virulent from my bank in the U.S. Do I establish this regular ... Read More
What if visa expires before flights are permitted? by chaslaw
A friend from the U.S.A. is in Morocco on a 90-day tourist visa until April 5th. He is wondering what will happen if there are still no flights out of the country by then, or, even if there are some flights, if he's not able to get a ticket that ...
Thank you, Abe123. Would you be able to photograph and post the French document you have? That would be useful to send to my friend. Thanks again. Read More
What if visa expires before flights are permitted? by chaslaw
A friend from the U.S.A. is in Morocco on a 90-day tourist visa until April 5th. He is wondering what will happen if there are still no flights out of the country by then, or, even if there are some flights, if he's not able to get a ticket that ...
Someone just forwarded this March 26, 2020, message apparently sent out by the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca. I haven't confirmed this information or the source, however. ------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Health Alert: Morocco ... Read More
What if visa expires before flights are permitted? by chaslaw
A friend from the U.S.A. is in Morocco on a 90-day tourist visa until April 5th. He is wondering what will happen if there are still no flights out of the country by then, or, even if there are some flights, if he's not able to get a ticket that ...
Note: The linked "official confirmation" can be in Arabic (which we can run through Google Translate if we can't follow it) or French (which we can understand). English is fine, too, of course. Thank you! Read More
What if visa expires before flights are permitted?
A friend from the U.S.A. is in Morocco on a 90-day tourist visa until April 5th. He is wondering what will happen if there are still no flights out of the country by then, or, even if there are some flights, if he's not able to get a ticket that ... Read More
Will Google Echo or Amazon Alexa work in Morocco? by chaslaw
I would order it to be delivered in the U.S. or in Europe, but I wanted to know if it would operate in Morocco. Thanks.
Thank you, DougElliott! That's very helpful. -Charlie L. Read More
Will Google Echo or Amazon Alexa work in Morocco?
I would order it to be delivered in the U.S. or in Europe, but I wanted to know if it would operate in Morocco. Thanks. Read More
long term car rental vs buying in Marrakech by Dacyr12
Hi everybody, I will be arriving in Marrakech around the first two weeks of May, planning to stay a couple of years, and need advice whether a car would be indispensable to live there. I was checking the website of the most famous company (hertz, ...
If you're alone or a couple with no more than one child, I really don't think you need a car in Marrakesh. There are a zillion petits taxis that will take you wherever you want to go at a low rate (just be sure that the driver uses his ... Read More