Tangier
Northern Morocco's port city stares across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain (14km away). The medina + Kasbah climb the hill above the harbor; Cap Spartel marks where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, with the Caves of Hercules just below. International Zone era (1923-56) and a literary bohemian past — Bowles, Burroughs, Kerouac, Ginsberg all lived here. The Al Boraq high-speed train (Africa's only) connects to Casablanca in 2h10m. Easier ferry hop to Tarifa than most realize.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Tangier
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- 950K (city), 1.3M (metro)
- Timezone
- Casablanca
- Dial
- +212
- Emergency
- 190 / 150
Tangier sits at the northern tip of Africa just 14 km from Spain — on a clear day you can see the white cliffs of Tarifa from the Kasbah walls, making this the only African city where Europe is visible to the naked eye
From 1923 to 1956 Tangier was an International Zone governed jointly by multiple European powers, creating a uniquely permissive atmosphere that attracted writers, artists, and spies from across the world
Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg all lived or spent extended time in Tangier — Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch here, cementing the city's literary bohemian legend
Al Boraq, Africa's only high-speed rail line, connects Tangier to Casablanca in 2 hours 10 minutes at speeds up to 320 km/h — launched in 2018 as part of Morocco's ambitious infrastructure push
Tanger Med, located 60 km east of the city center, is the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean by container capacity, handling over 7 million TEUs per year
Cap Spartel, just west of the city, marks the precise point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea officially meet — a dramatic headland with a 19th-century lighthouse perched above crashing waves
Top Sights
Kasbah & Kasbah Museum
🗼The historic fortified quarter crowning the hill above the medina, offering sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Inside, the Dar el Makhzen palace houses a fine museum of Moroccan arts, archaeology, and decorative objects set around a tranquil courtyard garden.
Petit Socco & Grand Socco
🗼The twin heartbeats of old Tangier. The Petit Socco (Place Souk Dakhel) is a small café-ringed square deep in the medina where writers once sipped coffee and intrigue swirled during the International Zone era. The Grand Socco (Place du 9 Avril) is the gateway square between the medina and the modern city, lively with street vendors and the scent of spices.
Café Hafa & Strait of Gibraltar View
📌A legendary terraced café clinging to the cliff above the sea, founded in 1921 and unchanged in spirit. The Rolling Stones and The Beatles both visited. Order mint tea, watch cargo ships slip through the Strait, and gaze at the Spanish coast shimmering on the horizon.
Cap Spartel & Caves of Hercules
🌿A 15-minute drive west of the city, Cap Spartel is where Africa's northwestern tip meets open ocean — the literal meeting point of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Nearby, the Caves of Hercules are a network of ancient sea caves whose oceanward opening famously resembles the outline of the African continent.
American Legation Museum
🏛️The only US National Historic Landmark located on foreign soil — a gift from the Sultan of Morocco to the United States in 1821, making Morocco the first country to recognize American independence. Now a museum of Tangerine history, art, and the city's literary era, housed in a beautifully restored medina palace.
Tangier Medina
📌A labyrinthine old city of whitewashed alleys, artisan workshops, mosques, and hammams tumbling down the hillside toward the port. Less touristed than Fez or Marrakech, Tangier's medina retains an authentic working character — fishmongers, spice traders, and school children share the same narrow lanes.
Cape Malabata Viewpoint
📌A headland east of the city with a 19th-century lighthouse offering panoramic views back across the bay to the Tangier skyline and across the Strait to Spain. The cape road passes through resort developments and is an easy drive or grand taxi ride from the center.
Off the Beaten Path
Place du Tabor (Ancien Palais du Sultan)
A quiet hilltop square beside the Kasbah walls where elderly men play dominoes and locals escape the tourist circuit. The view of the bay from the terrace here rivals any official viewpoint and costs nothing.
While visitors queue at the Kasbah Museum, this adjacent square offers identical views in complete tranquility — locals only.
Librairie des Colonnes
One of Africa's most famous bookshops, open since 1949 on Boulevard Pasteur. Bowles, Genet, and Beckett all browsed its shelves. Still sells new and secondhand books in French, Arabic, Spanish, and English alongside a small literary café.
A living relic of Tangier's literary golden age — buy a secondhand Bowles paperback here before sitting at Café Hafa.
Marshan Neighborhood at Dusk
The quiet residential plateau west of the Kasbah where Paul Bowles lived for decades. At dusk, walk the cliff-edge promenade overlooking the Strait as local families stroll and the lights of Spain flicker on across the water.
Tourists rarely venture beyond Café Hafa into this neighborhood, but the atmospheric cliff walks at golden hour are among the best free experiences in the city.
Fish Souks at the Port Gate
Early morning fish market at the base of the medina near the old port gate, where local fishermen sell the morning catch directly. Swordfish, sea bass, and red mullet are sold at rock-bottom prices to medina restaurants and households.
The energy of the morning fish market — shouting, haggling, the smell of the sea — is a sensory introduction to daily Tangerine life that most tourists miss entirely.
Sidi Masmoudi Hammam
A traditional public hammam deep in the medina operating on a men's and women's schedule, where locals scrub down on wooden benches in clouds of eucalyptus steam. Far removed from the tourist spa hammams in Marrakech.
Tangier's working medina hammams are unchanged from the International Zone era — bring your own kessa glove and savon beldi for the full local experience.
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
Tangier has a classic Mediterranean climate — mild and wet in winter, warm and dry in summer — with the added character of persistent Atlantic breezes funneled through the Strait of Gibraltar. The levante (easterly wind) can make summer days feel cooler than temperatures suggest. Winters are rarely cold but can be grey and rainy from November through February.
Spring
March - May55-72°F
13-22°C
Pleasant temperatures, occasional showers in March giving way to clear skies by May. Wildflowers appear along the Cap Spartel coastal cliffs. One of the best times to visit.
Summer
June - August68-84°F
20-29°C
Warm and largely dry with almost constant Strait breezes keeping temperatures comfortable. Far cooler than inland Morocco. The beaches east and west of the city fill with Moroccan holidaymakers.
Autumn
September - November57-79°F
14-26°C
September and October are excellent months — warm, clear, and uncrowded. November brings the first Atlantic storms and grey skies. The Tanjazz festival animates the city in September.
Winter
December - February46-61°F
8-16°C
Mild but wet and sometimes stormy. The city empties of tourists and locals retreat indoors. The Strait creates dramatic winter seascapes. Snow is essentially unknown in the city itself.
Best Time to Visit
April through June and September through October are the ideal windows — mild temperatures, reliable sunshine, manageable crowds, and no summer beach rush. September is especially good, coinciding with the Tanjazz festival that brings the city's bohemian spirit back to life.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Moderate — rising through MayWarm, mostly sunny days with occasional Atlantic showers in March. By April and May conditions are near-perfect — warm enough for the beach, cool enough for all-day medina exploration.
Pros
- + Pleasant temperatures
- + Wildflowers at Cap Spartel
- + Low-to-moderate prices
- + Good light for photography
Cons
- − Some rain in March
- − Easter period sees a spike in European day-trippers via ferry
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: High — busiest period, especially beachesWarm and sunny with persistent sea breezes keeping it far more comfortable than inland Morocco. Tangier's beaches fill with Moroccan domestic tourists. Accommodation prices peak in July and August.
Pros
- + Guaranteed dry weather
- + Lively beach atmosphere
- + Long daylight hours
- + Regular ferry connections to Spain
Cons
- − Most expensive period
- − Beaches crowded
- − Accommodation books out
- − Medina crowded with domestic tourists
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: Moderate in September, dropping sharply by NovemberSeptember and October are arguably the best months. Tanjazz festival in September, warm sea temperatures for swimming, and far fewer tourists than summer. November turns grey and wet.
Pros
- + Tanjazz festival in September
- + Warm sea for late-season swimming
- + Lower prices than summer
- + Excellent light for photography
Cons
- − November rain and grey skies
- − Ferry schedule reduces in November
- − Some beach businesses close
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Very lowQuiet, wet, and atmospheric. The city largely belongs to locals. Café Hafa in winter with a stormy Strait view is a unique experience. Cold nights but snow is unknown in the city.
Pros
- + Lowest prices of the year
- + Authentic local atmosphere
- + Dramatic winter seascapes
- + No tourist pressure
Cons
- − Frequent rain
- − Some riads partially close
- − Short days
- − Ferry crossings can be rough
🎉 Festivals & Events
Tanjazz International Jazz Festival
SeptemberTangier's premier cultural event, bringing together Moroccan and international jazz musicians for open-air concerts in historic venues including the Kasbah and the Grand Socco. Captures the spirit of the city's cosmopolitan past.
Eid al-Adha
Varies (Islamic calendar)The Festival of Sacrifice transforms the city with family gatherings, feasts, and a festive atmosphere. Many restaurants close but street food vendors multiply. A fascinating time to observe authentic Moroccan life.
Throne Day
July 30Morocco's national holiday celebrating the king's accession, marked with public celebrations, fireworks, and patriotic displays throughout Tangier and across Morocco.
Green March Anniversary
November 6A national holiday commemorating Morocco's 1975 march into Western Sahara. Public events, parades, and official ceremonies are held across the country including in Tangier.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Tangier has improved significantly as a destination over recent decades following a major Moroccan government cleanup of the city's historic reputation for petty crime and harassment. It remains a busy port city with the hustler culture typical of Moroccan gateway towns — persistent faux guides and touts in the medina and port area are the primary annoyance rather than serious crime. Most visitors have uneventful stays.
Things to Know
- •Use only registered, licensed guides hired through your hotel or riad — faux guides who approach in the street often lead visitors to commission shops and create conflict when refused
- •Watch belongings carefully in the port area and Grand Socco square, which are busy transit zones where pickpocketing occasionally occurs
- •Firmly decline any drug offers, especially hashish from Rif — cannabis possession remains illegal for tourists regardless of what sellers claim, and penalties are serious
- •Always agree on taxi fares before getting in — petit taxis should use the meter, but if the driver refuses, negotiate a fixed price before departure
- •Dress modestly when exploring the medina and Kasbah — shoulders and knees covered is the local standard and reduces unwanted attention
- •The beach areas east of the city (Malabata, Achakar) are generally safe during the day but less well-lit at night — use a taxi rather than walking after dark
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
19
Ambulance & Fire
15
Gendarmerie (rural areas)
177
Tourist Police (Brigade Touristique)
0539-93-88-00
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$30-50
Hostel or basic guesthouse, street food and local eateries, walking the medina, self-guided sights
mid-range
$70-120
Medina riad, restaurant meals, licensed guide for half-day, taxi to Cap Spartel
luxury
$180+
Boutique Kasbah riad, fine dining, private driver, ferry day trip to Spain
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | MAD 100-150 | $10-15 |
| AccommodationMid-range riad (double) | MAD 400-800 | $40-80 |
| AccommodationBoutique Kasbah riad | MAD 1200-2500 | $120-250 |
| FoodStreet sandwich or msemen | MAD 10-20 | $1-2 |
| FoodTagine at local restaurant | MAD 50-90 | $5-9 |
| FoodDinner at riad restaurant | MAD 100-200 | $10-20 |
| FoodMint tea at a café | MAD 8-15 | $0.80-1.50 |
| TransportPetit taxi within city | MAD 10-25 | $1-2.50 |
| TransportGrand taxi to Tetouan (shared) | MAD 30-40 | $3-4 |
| TransportAl Boraq train to Casablanca (standard) | MAD 250-450 | $25-45 |
| TransportAl Boraq train to Casablanca (1st class) | MAD 350-600 | $35-60 |
| TransportFerry to Tarifa Spain (return) | MAD 700-1000 (~€65-95) | $70-100 |
| AttractionsKasbah Museum entry | MAD 20 | $2 |
| AttractionsAmerican Legation Museum entry | MAD 20-30 | $2-3 |
| AttractionsHalf-day licensed guide | MAD 200-400 | $20-40 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Eat at the small restaurants around the Grand Socco and Petit Socco where a tagine with bread costs MAD 40-60
- •Walk between the medina, Kasbah, and Ville Nouvelle rather than taking taxis — the city is hilly but compact
- •Book Al Boraq train tickets at least a day in advance online at oncf.ma for better prices and guaranteed seats
- •Hire a licensed guide for a half-day only (mornings) then explore independently in the afternoon
- •Visit Cap Spartel and Caves of Hercules by sharing a grand taxi with other travelers rather than private hire
- •Stay in the Ville Nouvelle for lower accommodation prices than medina riads, with easy taxi access to sights
- •The Kasbah walls, Petit Socco, and Grand Socco are free to visit — the bulk of Tangier's character costs nothing
- •Visit in November, December, or March for significantly lower riad prices and nearly empty streets
Moroccan Dirham
Code: MAD
1 MAD is approximately 0.10 USD (as of early 2026). ATMs (Banque Populaire, Attijariwafa, CIH) are readily available in the Ville Nouvelle around Boulevard Pasteur and near the Grand Socco. Fewer ATMs inside the medina — withdraw cash before heading in. Euros and US dollars are sometimes accepted at hotels and larger restaurants but at poor exchange rates. The dirham is a soft currency and cannot legally be exported from Morocco.
Payment Methods
Cash is the primary method of payment throughout the medina and for taxis. Many riads and larger restaurants in the Ville Nouvelle accept Visa and Mastercard, sometimes with a 2-3% surcharge. Keep small dirham notes (MAD 10, 20, 50) on hand for taxis and medina purchases.
Tipping Guide
Tipping 10% is standard and appreciated. In local cafes and casual eateries, rounding up or leaving MAD 5-10 is appropriate.
Leave MAD 3-5 for a mint tea or coffee. Small change left on the table is the norm.
MAD 100-200 per day for city guides, MAD 150-300 for day-trip drivers who also guide. Tip at the end.
MAD 10-20 per bag for porters. MAD 20-30 per day for housekeeping is appreciated in smaller riads.
No formal tipping expected. Rounding up by MAD 5-10 on longer rides is a kind gesture.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport(TNG)
15 km southwest of city centerPetit taxi to city center costs MAD 60-100 (~$6-10) and takes 20-30 minutes. No train or direct bus link to the airport — taxi is the standard option. Ride-hailing apps (InDrive, Yassir) available.
✈️ Search flights to TNG🚆 Rail Stations
Tangier Ville Station
The main rail terminus is located in the Moghogha neighborhood, about 12 km from the medina center. Al Boraq high-speed trains depart to Casablanca (2h10m, MAD 250-600 depending on class) via Rabat (1h30m). Standard ONCF trains also serve Fez (5h), Marrakech (9h), and other cities. A petit taxi from Tangier Ville station to the medina costs MAD 25-40.
🚌 Bus Terminals
CTM Bus Station
CTM (national bus company) operates from a terminal near the Grand Socco with services to Casablanca (6h, MAD 140-180), Marrakech (10h, MAD 200-250), Fez (5h, MAD 100-130), and Chefchaouen (2.5h, MAD 45-65). Book online at ctm.ma to secure seats, especially on weekends.
Supratours & Private Operators
Supratours and other operators run from a separate station nearby. Budget operators offer lower prices but less comfort and reliability than CTM. Grand taxis to Tetouan (1h, MAD 30-40 shared) depart from the taxi stands near the bus stations.
Tanger Med Port (Ferries)
Passenger ferries to Spain depart exclusively from Tanger Med port, located 60 km east of the city center (since the closure of the old Tangier Ville port to passenger ferries around 2010). Operators include FRS, Baleàries, and Trasmed. Ferries run to Tarifa (1h, from €25 one way) and Algeciras (1.5h, from €30 one way). A grand taxi from Tangier city to Tanger Med port costs MAD 150-200 (~$15-20) shared or MAD 400-600 private.
Getting Around
Tangier's city center and medina are best explored on foot, but the city's spread across several hills and the distance to key sights like Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules means taxis and occasional buses are useful. The Al Boraq high-speed train station (Tangier Ville) is located about 12 km from the medina center and requires a taxi transfer.
Petit Taxis (Blue)
MAD 10-25 (~$1-2.50) within the citySmall blue metered taxis for in-city trips. By law the meter must be used, though some drivers resist — insist on the meter or agree a fixed price before boarding. Reliable and cheap for getting between the medina, Kasbah, Ville Nouvelle, and the train station.
Best for: Getting around the city quickly, reaching the train station, visiting Cap Spartel
Grand Taxis (Intercity Mercedes)
MAD 50-80 (~$5-8) shared to Tetouan; MAD 200-400 (~$20-40) private to Cap Spartel or Caves of HerculesShared white Mercedes taxis connecting Tangier to nearby cities and the Tanger Med ferry port. They depart when full (6 passengers) from designated stands near the Grand Socco and bus stations. Private hire is possible for day trips.
Best for: Intercity travel to Tetouan, Chefchaouen; getting to Tanger Med port for ferries
Walking
FreeThe medina, Kasbah, and Petit and Grand Socco are all walkable from each other, though the terrain is hilly and some streets are steep. The Ville Nouvelle (modern city) around Boulevard Pasteur is flat and pleasant for walking.
Best for: Medina exploration, Kasbah, Ville Nouvelle shopping and café districts
City Buses (LGEM)
MAD 4-6 (~$0.40-0.60) per journeyA limited urban bus network connects the city center with outlying neighborhoods and beaches. Routes are not always clearly signed for visitors. Useful for reaching Malabata beach area.
Best for: Budget travel to beach areas; less useful for tourist sights
Al Boraq High-Speed Train
MAD 250-450 standard / MAD 350-600 first class to CasablancaAfrica's only high-speed rail line departs from Tangier Ville station (12 km from the medina, accessible by taxi). Services to Rabat (1h30m) and Casablanca (2h10m) run multiple times daily. Standard and first-class tickets available.
Best for: Intercity travel to Casablanca and Rabat — dramatically faster than buses
🚶 Walkability
The medina and Kasbah are walkable but hilly — the descent from the Kasbah to the port is steep on cobblestones, and the climb back up is tiring in heat. The Ville Nouvelle around Boulevard Pasteur is flat and easily walkable. Cap Spartel, Caves of Hercules, and Cape Malabata require transport.
Travel Connections
Chefchaouen
The famous Blue City nestled in the Rif Mountains, with photogenic indigo-washed alleyways, a relaxed Berber atmosphere, and excellent hiking in Talassemtane National Park.
Tetouan
A UNESCO-listed medina with strong Andalusian heritage, whitewashed buildings, and a bustling arts scene. Less visited than Tangier but equally rich in history, with nearby Mediterranean beaches.
Asilah
A charming Atlantic coastal town with a Portuguese-era fortified medina, whitewashed walls painted with giant murals, and a relaxed beach resort atmosphere popular with Moroccan families.
Tarifa (Spain) — Ferry Day Trip
Europe's southernmost town is just a one-hour ferry ride away. Tarifa is a world-famous windsurfing destination with a laid-back Andalusian old town, kite beaches, and a very different cultural atmosphere — a genuine two-continent day trip.
Entry Requirements
Morocco offers visa-free entry to citizens of most Western countries for stays up to 90 days. Entry to Tangier is possible by air (Ibn Battouta Airport), by ferry from Spain (via Tanger Med port), or by Al Boraq train from Casablanca and Rabat. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | No visa required. Passport valid 6 months minimum. Immigration may request proof of accommodation and return travel. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Standard tourist stay. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Most EU nationals enter visa-free for 90 days. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free for 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 90 days | Must apply for a Moroccan visa before travel at a Moroccan embassy or consulate. Requires invitation or confirmed hotel bookings. |
| Chinese Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free since 2016. Passport must be valid for 6 months. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Fill out the arrival card on the plane or at the border — have your Tangier accommodation address ready
- •Keep your entry stamp slip safe — smaller riads and guesthouses routinely ask to photocopy it at check-in
- •If arriving by ferry from Spain, expect a thorough customs check at Tanger Med — budget extra time
- •The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended inside Morocco — you must leave and re-enter for a new stay
- •Carry a photocopy of your passport when out in the medina — keep the original secured in your riad safe
Shopping
Tangier's shopping scene blends traditional Moroccan crafts with a northern Moroccan flavour — Andalusian-influenced ceramics, Berber rugs, and leather goods are the standouts. The medina souks are less aggressive than Marrakech, though bargaining is still expected. The Ville Nouvelle offers modern shops and a mall for everyday needs.
Medina Souks
traditional souksThe winding alleyways of the medina contain craft shops selling leather goods, brass lamps, ceramics, woven textiles, and spices. The Grand Socco area is the best entry point. Prices are negotiable and start high — expect to pay 50-60% of the opening ask.
Known for: Leather babouche slippers, brass lamps and lanterns, Andalusian-style ceramics, kaftans
Petit Socco Area
mixed marketThe streets radiating from the Petit Socco contain a mix of antique dealers, fabric merchants, and small household goods shops catering more to locals than tourists. Good hunting ground for genuine vintage items and old Moroccan silverware.
Known for: Antiques, vintage jewelry, fabric, old postcards and photographs from the International Zone era
Marjane & Ville Nouvelle
modern retailThe Marjane hypermarket and Boulevard Mohammed V in the Ville Nouvelle offer modern retail options including clothing, electronics, and supermarket goods. Useful for stocking up on supplies or buying at fixed prices without haggling.
Known for: Supermarket goods, fixed-price clothing, pharmacies, local grocery brands
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Berber hand-knotted rugs from the Rif region — heavier wool pile than Marrakech rugs
- •Leather babouche slippers in natural tan or dyed colors — hand-stitched in medina workshops
- •Brass and copper lamps with geometric cut-outs — a northern Moroccan specialty
- •Moroccan mint tea sets with engraved silver teapots and hand-painted glasses
- •Argan oil from cooperatives — look for the UCFA certification label
- •Andalusian-influenced ceramics with blue and white geometric patterns
- •Kaftans and djellabas in lightweight fabric suited to the coastal climate
- •Oud (agarwood) incense and traditional Moroccan perfume oils from medina apothecaries
Language & Phrases
Moroccan Darija is the primary spoken language — quite distinct from Modern Standard Arabic. French is widely spoken for business and administration. Spanish has a strong presence in northern Morocco due to proximity and the legacy of the Spanish Protectorate (1912-56). English is growing among younger residents. A few words in any of these languages goes a long way.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (peace be upon you) | Salam alaikum | sah-LAHM ah-LAY-koom |
| Hello (response) | Wa alaikum salam | wah ah-LAY-koom sah-LAHM |
| Thank you | Shukran | SHOO-krahn |
| Please | Afak | ah-FAHK |
| Yes / No | Iyeh / La | EE-yeh / lah |
| How much? | B'shhal? | buh-SHAHL? |
| Too expensive! | Ghali bezzaf! | GAH-lee beh-ZAHF! |
| Where is the medina? | Fin kayna l'medina? | feen KAY-nah luh-meh-DEE-nah? |
| No, thank you | La, shukran | lah, SHOO-krahn |
| Excuse me | Smeh liya | SMEH LEE-yah |
| Beautiful (in Spanish, common locally) | Muy bonito / bonita | MOO-ee boh-NEE-toh / tah |
| God willing | Insha'Allah | in-SHAH-ah-LAH |