Hi, travellers! If you’re considering a trip to Morocco, brace yourself for an enchanting destination where ancient traditions intertwine with lively atmospheres!
Prior to embarking on your journey to Morocco, adequate preparation is essential. While Morocco promises an unforgettable experience, it also presents a variety of distinctive customs, cultural norms, and travel idiosyncrasies that may surprise first-time visitors.
In this post, you’ll find the Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco, aiming to assist you in navigating your journey to a seamless and rewarding adventure.
1. Not bargaining (or bargaining to hard)
Bargaining, also known as haggling, is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, particularly in markets (souks) and small shops. It’s a well-established tradition, with locals expecting it during the buying process.
For those unfamiliar with bargaining, it may feel uncomfortable at first. However, simply accepting the initial price quoted could result in overpaying for an item. On the other hand, pushing too aggressively for unrealistically low prices may offend the seller and diminish the shopping experience. Successful bargaining requires a friendly exchange where both parties feel content with the final price.
2. Ramadan stereotypes
Ramadan holds immense religious significance for Muslims and plays a pivotal role in Moroccan culture and society. Its timing fluctuates annually based on the sighting of the moon. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset, impacting their daily routines and schedules.
Many visitors to Morocco plan their trips during Ramadan without realizing it’s Ramadan. It’s important not to assume that everything will operate as usual during Ramadan. Schedules often change, activities are adjusted, some establishments close, and people may be more on edge. As a tourist, it’s crucial to show respect for those observing Ramadan and avoid disrupting their traditions. Additionally, it’s important to note that alcohol is generally not served during Ramadan, and some restaurants may have limited hours or be closed entirely.
3. Don’t try to drive yourself
I enjoy the freedom of having a car during vacations. It allows me to explore without the hassle of finding a taxi or worrying about expenses. But in this country, this is one of the top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco. Here in this country, I would opt for taxis for short distances and consider hiring a driver or joining a tourist bus for longer journeys.
Parking norms differ across Morocco, varying from city to city. While some accommodations may offer free parking, in larger cities, street parking outside the medina walls is common. Local people often “oversee” these areas and charge for parking services.
Furtheremore, driving within cities, the streets are bustling with people and donkeys, requiring constant vigilance to avoid accidents. But, on the other hand, long-distance drives, such as from Merzouga to Marrakech, take longer than anticipated due to the differing road conditions compared to those in the United States. Many intercity roads have only one lane in each direction, and some are unpaved.
4. Don’t get in a taxi before you know the price
Before taking a taxi in the city you’re visiting, research the typical fare to ensure you’re quoted a reasonable price. In Morocco, taxi rates aren’t fixed, so it’s essential to avoid surprises upon reaching your destination. Additionally, it’s customary to tip your taxi driver by rounding up the fare.
5. Don’t wander without a guide
Another significant mistake of the Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco is not hiring a tour guide, especially for first-time travelers. A tour guide can help orient you on your first day, making it easier for you to navigate the city independently later on. They’ll provide valuable insights into Morocco and offer advice on places to visit or avoid.
Moreover, once we were accompanied by a local, we were no longer approached by people trying to sell us anything. While being solicited in the US might not faze me much—I can simply keep walking—in Morocco, even appearing slightly lost attracts persistent attention from the “friendly” individuals mentioned earlier. Despite saying no, they often continue to follow you, making it challenging to shake them off. This persistent solicitation can detract from the enjoyment of the trip over time.
6. Don’t photograph others without permission
During your visit, you’ll encounter sights and behaviors that may be unfamiliar. People dress and behave differently, and it’s essential to respect their privacy. Taking a photo of someone without their consent is never acceptable, especially if they’re wearing a veil or have religious attire like a beard, as more devout individuals often prefer not to be photographed.
Additionally, it’s crucial for visitors to understand that photographing police officers, military personnel, or palaces is strictly prohibited in Morocco due to national security concerns. If caught taking such photos, expect to be asked to delete them immediately. When in doubt, always ask before taking a picture.
7. Don’t rely on credit cards
A key mistake of the Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco is not carrying cash. The country predominantly operates on cash transactions, with many shops and street vendors not accepting credit cards. While you may encounter a few exceptions, it’s not worth taking the risk. Carrying the local currency, the Moroccan Dirham, is crucial. Not only does it ensure you can make purchases without hassle, but it also helps you avoid unwanted fees associated with using debit or credit cards at shops.
8. Watch out for fake items
Morocco’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and some vendors may compromise quality to offer inexpensive products to tourists. Fake argan oil, saffron, fossils, and low-quality rugs, lanterns, clothing, and ceramics are common. If you intend to purchase any of these items, it’s crucial to conduct research beforehand to distinguish genuine products from cheap replicas. Don’t fall into one of these Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco.
9. Don’t bring a drone
If you’re a drone enthusiast or a photographer fond of capturing aerial shots with drones, be aware that Morocco enforces strict regulations concerning their use. It’s crucial to respect these laws as they serve an important purpose, and failure to do so can lead to severe consequences.
The Moroccan government has implemented a ban on drone usage due to safety concerns and the potential threat they pose to national security. Unauthorized drones have the potential to disrupt air traffic, contribute to accidents, and infringe upon individuals’ privacy. Additionally, the commercial use of drones is strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the appropriate authorities.
10. Not dressing modestly
Morocco is predominantly an Islamic country, with 99% of its population adhering to the Muslim faith. As a result, there are specific cultural norms regarding attire. Thus, failing to pack appropriate clothing is one of the Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco.
While you don’t necessarily need to be covered from head to toe, it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for the country, culture, and religion of Morocco. Failing to wear appropriate clothing could result in harassment and unwelcome attention, including cat-calling from some men.
11. Expect everyone to speak English
Moroccans are proficient in multiple languages, showcasing their linguistic talent. However, it’s unwise to assume that everyone speaks English. Instead, it’s best to inquire. Arabic and French are widely spoken by the majority of the population. Simply say:
Tkalem Ingles? – Arabic
Parlez vous anglais? – French
If someone speaks English, they’ll likely switch to it for your convenience. However, if they don’t, they’ll politely decline, and you can simply move on to find someone else to assist you.
12. Watch what you plan for on Fridays
In most parts of Morocco, businesses shut down on Fridays as it’s the holy day for Muslims. While some restaurants catering to tourists may remain open, most shops close. It’s essential to plan your activities accordingly. You might opt for hiking and enjoying the scenery. However, I found Fridays to be an ideal time for exploring the medinas when many locals are at home. The medina is tranquil, with fewer people offering directions or following you around. You can also take photos without concerns about inadvertently photographing someone who prefers not to be photographed.
13. Don’t skip the desert
If you wonder whether going to the desert is actually worth it, please book right now if you don’t want to fall in one of the Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco.
Camping among the sand dunes will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. We enjoyed dinner, mint tea, and gathered around a campfire to sing and drum.
But, in addition to sleeping in the desert, you can enjoy other activities such as sandboarding, camel rides, desert tours in 4×4 vehicles or quads, and meeting Berber nomads.
14. Supporting animal cruelty
Failure to educate yourself about animal cruelty could lead to inadvertently supporting unethical animal tours or activities. This includes participating in activities such as riding animals in harsh conditions, posing for photos with mistreated animals, or patronizing businesses that exploit animals.
For instance, in Marrakech, you’re likely to encounter snake charmers and monkey trainers subjecting these animals to uncomfortable and unnatural conditions for entertainment purposes. Witnessing such situations can be distressing, and we strongly discourage taking photos as it perpetuates animal cruelty. Additionally, these individuals may demand high payments for photographs. Please, this is one of the biggest Top 15 mistakes to avoid travelling to Morocco.
15. Not being cautious with food and water
Travelers should prioritize food and water hygiene to prevent stomach-related issues. It’s recommended to consume bottled water and dine at reputable establishments. Moreover, it’s said that healthcare in Morocco is pretty bad.
After reading this post, you’ll gain insight into the ideal timing for your visit, navigating Morocco, experiencing travel during Ramadan and so much more. If you wish to experience Morocco in a unique and unforgettable way, don’t hesitate to contact us to prepare your custom-made trip.
