Tips and Advice for Visitors to Morocco

Morocco, a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the tranquil beaches of Essaouira and the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a land of contrasts and vibrant traditions. However, to make the most of your visit, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. In this blog, we’ll share essential tips and advice for visitors to Morocco, ensuring your journey is both enjoyable and enriching.

1. Respect Local Customs and Traditions
   Morocco is primarily a Muslim state carrying lots of cultural traditions. Understanding and respecting local customs is paramount. Here are a few key points to remember:

Dress Modestly: Even though Moroccan cities-especially tourist areas-are quite liberal, it is respectful to dress conservatively. Women should consider wearing long skirts or long dresses and covering their shoulders, while men should refrain from shorts.
Greetings: A handshake is a very common greeting, but it’s usually even more appropriate between people of the same gender. When it comes to greeting women, you should wait for them to offer their hand.
Photography: It is always important that you ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Respect any requests to refrain from taking photos.

2. Learn Basic Arabic Phrases
   While the majority of Moroccans speak French and many also speak some English, a few words in Arabic go a long way. Here are some of the things to learn: Salam Alaikum – Peace be upon you (common greeting). Shukran – Thank you. Min fadlak – Please. Na’am – Yes. La – No.
   You show respect for the culture, and an attempt to speak the local language will not only enable you to communicate effectively but also display respect towards the culture.
3. Haggling Prices in Souks
   Shopping in Moroccan souks can be one of the pleasures, but you need to be prepared to negotiate prices. Here are some tips:

Start Low: If you like something, start by making an offer for about 30-50% of the price being asked. That leaves room to haggle.
Be Polite: Keep friendliness in the conversations and make light of everything. Moroccans appreciate humor during a business transaction.
Walk Away: If you happen to think that it’s too expensive, just simply walk away. Some vendors will call you back with a better offer.

4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Safely
   The Moroccan climate may be quite hot and arid, so keeping hydrated means a lot:

Drink Bottled Water: Tap water is not fit for consumption in most places. Go for bottled water, and at the time of purchase, ensure that the seal is intact.
Eat Freshly Prepared Food: While eating out, choose a place that looks clean and busy. Street foods might taste delicious but must be freshly prepared in front of you to avoid any health complications.
Try local food: From traditional Moroccan cuisine, one should not miss a taste of tagine, couscous, and pastilla along with other local delicacies like harira, which is a soup, and mint tea.

5. Plan Your Transportation Wisely
   Getting around Morocco can be an adventure in itself. Here are some transportation tips:

Public Transport: Buses and trains linking major cities are generally an inexpensive way to get around. The ONCF (Moroccan National Railways) run quite modern, comfortable and near-punctual trains, especially between Casablanca, Marrakech and Fes. Taxis – Within towns, use metered taxis, colored blue, generally in Marrakech and beige elsewhere. Come to a price prior to your journey, or insist on the meter being used.
Consider Private Tours: In most cases, where remote locations or the Sahara Desert are concerned, it’s best to book a private tour. You’ll be able to cover more in a very short amount of time, and with many tours, you have the added benefit of local guides providing insights into invaluable information.

6. Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities
   The Moroccan culture has its dos and don’ts, and being sensitive to them will grease the wheels:

Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection should be avoided since parts of Jordan are quite conservative.
During Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, be respectful of fasting practices. As such, eating and drinking in public is not recommended during daylight hours.
Respect Religious Sites: When visiting mosques, dress modestly and abide by any rules stipulated. Some mosques allow only Muslims, so you may want to inquire about that in advance.

7. Safety and Security
   Generally speaking, Morocco is a safe country for tourists to visit; however, as with any travel plans, it’s always better to take some precautions:

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: As with any tourist destination, look after your belongings and beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Use Reputable Services: When arranging tours or transportation, use known firms and check reviews prior to using their services.
Copies of important documents: Make copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents in case they get stolen or lost.

8. Get Off the Beaten Track
   While big cities offer great experiences, take every chance to strike out into the less familiar:

Visit the Blue City of Chefchaouen: Very interesting blue-colored buildings, very relaxed atmosphere, and a great place to take your time.
Sahara Desert: A tour into the desert involving camel trekking and sleeping in a desert camp is an added advantage. It is an unforgettable experience to watch the sun setting over the dunes.
Coastal Towns: Essaouira and Agadir boast beautiful beaches, and the atmosphere is quite different from the inland cities.

9. Know the Currency and the Cost
   The Moroccan dirham is the currency of Morocco, abbreviated as MAD. Here are some helpful financial guidelines to consider:

Local Currency Exchange: If possible, most people try to exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange offices instead of the airport because of better rates.
Cash is King: Even though credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist areas, it’s always good to have cash on hand for small purchases, especially when out in a souk or rural area.
Tipping: it is very common for Morocco. In restaurants, it is good to round off the bill amount or just leave 10% of it as a tip for the waiter. The guides and the drivers will also be very happy with just a small amount of money given to them as a tip.

Morocco is a country that combines varied landscapes, a rich culture, and warm hospitality. The basic tips and advice given below will prepare you for an easy and enjoyable journey in respecting traditions and customs of this beautiful country. Be it roaming through ancient medinas, trekking in the Atlas Mountains, or lounging on one of Essaouira’s beaches, Morocco promises lifetime memories.