15 Essential Morocco Travel Tips: Local Insights and Practical Advice

1- Chatting with Locals

Make sure you chat with the locals. Moroccans are famous for their incredible hospitality, friendliness, and knack for telling captivating stories. Getting to know the people here is not just about polite small talk; it’s a chance to dive deep into a rich cultural exchange that could be one of the highlights of your trip. So, don’t shy away from striking up a conversation.

2- Just Ask

If you’re ever unsure about anything, just ask. Whether it’s directions, advice on what to eat, or understanding local customs, most Moroccans are super willing to lend a hand and clear things up for you. They’re known for their helpfulness and kindness, so don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions. It’s a great way to learn and shows your respect and interest in their culture.

3- Embracing Moroccan Time

Don’t let punctuality issues cause you frustration. Moroccans often have a relaxed approach to time. So, if you find appointments or meet-ups not starting on the dot, try not to let it bug you, there is various reasons, including traffic.

4- Drone Fly Safe

Drones are a big no-no in Morocco unless you’ve got the proper authorization. The rules around flying drones are pretty tight, and you need specific permission from the Moroccan Directorate of Civil Aviation. Without it, you could find yourself in a bit of a pickle, facing confiscation of your drone or even legal issues. These strict regulations are about keeping everyone safe, respecting privacy, and safeguarding national security. So, if you were planning some aerial shots, make sure to get all the necessary permissions first.

5- Obtain an e-visa or arrange for a visa upon arrival.

Let’s dive into planning your Moroccan adventure! First up, let’s tackle the visa situation. You might just be one of the lucky travelers who can breeze through without needing one. Yep, if you’re coming from places like the US, Australia, and a few more, you’re on the easy street with visa-free entry. Take Americans, for instance – you can soak up Morocco for up to 90 days, visa-free, all thanks to your passport. It’s a pretty sweet setup that cuts through the hassle and expense of getting a visa sorted before you jet off or when you land.

Just one more little tip before you pack those bags – double-check your passport. It needs to be good to go for at least six months after you arrive and have a couple of blank pages ready for stamps.

6- Minimize Cash, Maximize Readiness for Tipping

Diving into the world of Morocco, there’s a little cultural tidbit you’ll want to know about – tipping. It’s pretty much part of the local fabric, just like in many other spots around the globe. So, when someone’s lending a hand with your bags at the hotel, or you’re having the time of your life camel trekking through the desert, it’s cool to show a little appreciation with a tip. And yeah, this extends to your taxi drivers too. But hey, if you’re more about tapping than tipping, ride-sharing apps are your go-to for a smooth, cashless journey around town.

7- Inquire about prices and prepare to negotiate.

Ready to dive into the bustling souks of Morocco? Haggling is deeply ingrained in the Moroccan market culture. While negotiating prices for goods and services might seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the practice, remember that it’s expected and part of the fun of shopping in local souks. Moroccan vendors are generally hospitable and won’t be offended if you choose not to make a purchase. Want a graceful exit strategy? Here’s a polite way to decline or signal that you’re not interested in haggling: place your right hand over your heart and gently shake your head. This gesture respectfully thanks the vendor while signaling your current disinterest in making a purchase.

8- Always offer money and gifts with your right hand.

In many cultures, including Morocco, the left hand is traditionally associated with personal hygiene and is therefore considered less clean. As a sign of respect and cleanliness, so remember to reach out with your right hand when giving or receiving money, gifts, or even when exchanging goods. This practice helps avoid discomfort or offense and is seen as a gesture of good manners and respect towards the other person.

9- Learning a few Arabic words can help

Familiarizing yourself with some basic Arabic phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience in regions where Arabic is the primary language. Sure, you’ll find plenty of folks who speak English, especially in the touristy spots, hotels, and airports. But imagine the smiles and nods of appreciation when you drop a friendly ‘as-salamu alaykum’ (peace be upon you) or a heartfelt ‘shukran’ (thank you) in conversation.  Additionally, knowing how to ask practical questions, such as directions to the bathroom (‘Ayna al-hammam?’), demonstrates respect and appreciation for the local culture and can make your journey more smooth and enjoyable.

10- Follow local guidance on what to eat.

A good trick to find the best eats is to see where the locals are dining. This usually means the food is both delicious and authentic, and you’re getting a good deal. If you’re into street food, go for options that are either peelable (like fruit) or served hot — it’s a tasty and safe choice.

Here’s a little etiquette tip: use your right hand for eating and handing over food. The left hand is a bit of a no-go because of traditional cleanliness rules. And remember, tipping your waiter is a nice touch, even if there’s already a service charge. It’s a small way to show appreciation for good service, beyond what’s included in the bill.

11- Dress conservatively

When packing your bags for Morocco, remember that a little modesty goes a long way, especially since it’s a country with deep Muslim roots. For both gals and guys, think about outfits that keep your shoulders and knees under wraps, especially if you’re planning to explore the countryside or step into any religious spots. It’s all about showing respect for the local customs and making sure you blend in smoothly. While it’s less common for women to cover their hair compared to some other countries, doing so at religious sites or to protect against the sun can be seen as respectful. Men are generally accepted in shorts and short sleeves during the day but are encouraged to dress more conservatively (covering legs and arms) in the evenings and when visiting places of worship.

12- Consume bottled water for hydration and to prevent stomach issues.

In Morocco, while tap water in major cities is generally considered safe for showering and brushing your teeth, its quality can vary across different regions. To err on the side of caution and avoid any stomach upsets, it’s advisable to drink bottled water, which is readily available throughout the country. Ensure the bottle seal is intact before drinking.

13- Anticipate altered business hours during Ramadan

When you’re in Morocco, sticking to tap water for just showering and brushing your teeth is usually okay, especially in the bigger cities. But, when it comes down to drinking water, it’s a whole different story. The quality of tap water can change a lot depending on where you are in the country, and you definitely don’t want to risk any upset stomachs ruining your trip. The solution? Bottled water is the way to go. It’s easy to find everywhere in Morocco. Just a small but important reminder: always check that the bottle’s seal is untouched before you drink. This little check can help ensure your water is safe.

14- USING CASH IN MOROCCO

In Morocco, the currency used is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). To give you an idea, 1 US dollar is roughly equivalent to about 9 to 10 MAD as of January 2024.

While in the past you’d need cash for pretty much everything, from tourist spots to local activities, there’s good news: Morocco is getting more card-friendly, especially at many tourist attractions. But, it’s still a smart move to carry some cash for tips and market buys, where cash is usually the norm.

Don’t stress about bringing loads of Dirhams with you. Once you land, ATMs are pretty easy to find, starting right at the Marrakech Menara Airport. This makes it convenient to withdraw some local currency right away. Plus, in big cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, ATMs are not hard to come by, often located in or near major hotels. The maximum amount you could withdraw from ATMs per transaction is around 2,000 to 4,000 MAD.

15- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT MOROCCO?

Visiting Morocco can be quite affordable, much like exploring North Africa or Southeast Asia. If you’re watching your budget, Morocco’s got you covered with lots of cool stuff to do and see that won’t cost an arm and a leg. And if you feel like splurging a bit on some luxury, like fancy hotels or a desert safari, you can still do so without spending a fortune. So, whether you’re saving or splashing out, Morocco offers a great mix for all kinds of travelers.