12 Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Morocco
12 essential tips for making the most of your time, preventing culture shock, and to avoid getting scammed while traveling in Morocco.
Morocco is a diverse, lively, and unique country. Preparation is important to ensure you have the best trip possible. These are a few things I learned along the way and wished I would have known prior to traveling to Morocco. Here are 12 essential tips to help you start planning.
1. Cash is a must have for shopping in markets, taxis, and with street food vendors
Morocco’s currency is the Dirham. It is a “closed currency” which means it is not readily available outside of the country and there are restrictions for how much you can enter or leave with.
It is easiest to do a money exchange in the airport. Always ask for small bank notes if possible. I used the money exchange desk in the arrival terminal of Marrakech Menara Airport, but you can also use an ATM. It’s helpful to have coins on hand for tip money and small transactions.
2. To avoid unwanted attention as a female, dress conservatively
Morocco is a conservative Muslim nation and local women dress covered head to toe. This is not required as a traveler, but dressing modestly shows respect for their culture and will help prevent unwanted attention. There will inevitably be catcalls and stares, most are harmless but can feel unwelcome. As a solo female, I definitely felt more comfortable with less exposed.
3. Haggling is a sport, be ready!
Prices are negotiable in the souks, and you will need to haggle with the shopkeeper to settle on a price. If you don’t come prepared, you might end up paying more while shopping in the souks. The goal is not to rip each other off, but to settle on a fair price so everyone walks away happy. Their first offer will be high and your first offer should be low, you can negotiate to end somewhere in the middle.
Don’t be afraid to walk away, there are plenty of other shops and you might even get a better price by not acting overly interested. Haggling is a part of their culture, have fun with it, make it a memorable experience, and always end with a smile.
4. Beware of people who approach you to offer directions, most want you to pay them for their unsolicited “service”
People may offer to walk you to your destination or give you verbal directions and then demand money. This may be super helpful if you in fact need directions, however it can be bothersome if they continue to walk alongside you and badger you for money. In this case, give a firm “la shukran” (no, thank you) and walk confidently away.
5. You will get lost in a souk, consider it a right of passage
The souks will challenge your navigation skills via labyrinths of winding small streets, alleys, and sensory overload of sights and sounds. You may have some success with Google Maps, however a lot of the streets are poorly marked. And honestly, the more you are looking at a map or phone for directions, the bigger the target you place on yourself for the touts who want to make you pay for directions or guide you into a certain shop. Plus, you will miss out on the visceral experience of being present in the souk.
Try to identify visual landmarks to help you remember your path. There are signs posted with arrows for the main square, Jemma El-Fna…keep an eye out for these to help you get back to the square. You might need to stop at a cafe or restaurant to take a break, regroup, and figure out your return route.
If all else fails, follow the tourists, they are most likely heading back towards Jemma El-Fna. No need to get flustered if you are confused, there’s always someone who is willing to provide directions for a tip. If this isn’t your idea of fun, it may be worth hiring a licensed tour guide to escort you through the souks for a day of stress free shopping.
Check out my blog post Advice for Navigating Souks in Marrakech for tips to help you have the best experience.
6. Beware of henna tattoo artists in the main square
While walking through the square a lady abruptly grabbed my arm and quickly attempted to start doing a henna tattoo without my permission. I pulled my arm away and was scratched in the process. If this happens to you, a firm “la shukran” (no thank you) should do.
If you do want to get a henna tattoo, I recommend going to a shop for a better experience instead of the street vendors. I loved the Henna Art Cafe!
7. Only drink bottled/filtered water
An upset stomach is a quick way to dampen your fun while traveling. Hot tea is ok if the water is boiled. Remember to practice good hand hygiene, especially after shopping in the souks. Invest in a water bottle purifier, it’s easy to travel with and much better than buying plastic! And always pack Imodium, better prepared than sorry.
8. It will be loud and chaotic – especially in the souks, this is part of the magic of Morocco
In fact, it may be a little overwhelming at first. The streets are lively and you will need to be alert to what’s going on around you and not have your face in your phone. There will be animals in the streets, people in shops yelling for your attention, massive carts hauling things down streets that you need to dodge, mopeds, and all kinds of smells. Embrace it and you will undoubtedly have a better experience.
The colors, sounds, people, smells, and chaos are what make Morocco one of a kind. Returning to your peaceful Riad to decompress after spending the day out and about will feel like walking into an oasis, ahhhh the best feeling!
9. Keep toilet paper/tissues and hand sanitizer in your day pack
You never know what the restroom situation will be when you are out and about away from your riad or hotel. Come prepared with a few essentials just in case.
10. Fridays are holy days
Shops, restaurants, and attractions may be closed for a few hours on Friday afternoons to allow for religious practices, plan accordingly. Also, if you are traveling to Morocco during the holy month of Ramadan, restaurants and shops may be closed. The locals will be fasting from sunrise to sunset.
Despite possible shop and restaurant closures, it is not a total deal breaker for travel. This would be a great opportunity to experience a special event in Moroccan culture. You might just find some lucrative travel deals and better prices because it’s usually off-season for travel. As always, remember to be respectful of the culture and traditions.
11. Morocco is a melting pot for languages
You will hear multiple forms of Arabic, Berber, French, and Spanish. The wide variety of languages is quite impressive. Although most people speak a little English, always try to learn a few simple phrases in the local language. Effort is important.
12. Attitude is everything
It’s cliche, but oh so true. Morocco can be a difficult destination, especially if you are traveling as a solo woman. Remember, you are in charge of your own happiness and how you respond to situations. Read that again.
I had one uncomfortable encounter with a male in the souk, but I didn’t let it break my spirit or tarnish my memories of the trip. Sometimes ya just gotta shake it off. Despite that experience, I met some good hearted people along the way. All of them were welcoming and wanted me to enjoy my experience and teach me about their country and way of life.
Marrakech is like nowhere I’ve ever been and nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was a big culture shock at first, but it opened my eyes to things that are different from what I know, and that is what travel is all about.
I hope this information will get your wheels turning and kick off your trip planning process. Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions or if you’ve traveled to Morocco before, comment below any additional tips you would like to add!
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