Fast Facts & Tips

Money & Shopping

  • Have cash on hand. Take a debit card with no foreign transaction fees so you can withdraw dirham from ATM’s.
  • Be sure to always carry small change for tipping.
  • Shop around and ask for prices before you buy to get an idea of how much things cost.
  • Do not be afraid to negotiate prices especially in the medinas. Haggling is expected.
  • Be sure to negotiate prices for things/services at the beginning of the interaction. If not, you can be faced with angry vendors demanding high prices.
    • Especially be careful in El in Marrakech. If the snake charmers even suspect you are taking a picture of them and their snakes they will demand money.
  • Each city has something they are known for. An example is it is best to buy argan oil in Marrakech and leather in Fes. Find out what specialty each city has to offer to get the best quality and price.
  • You might have to pay to use the toilet (small change comes in handy). Carry extra toilet paper just in case.

Dress

  • Women dress modestly to increase your chances of not being hassled. Cover shoulders, no cleavage and wear capris or longer skirts.
  • Men can wear what they want.

Food

  • Eat at established restaurants to increase your chances of not getting sick.
  • Try the freshly squeezed fruit juice.
  • Bread is plentiful at every meal and be sure to try a tangine.
  • Fruit is a commonly served dessert.
  • Keep hydrated.
  • Drink and brush your teeth with bottled water only.
  • Find out what fruit is in season and be sure to try it. Fresh figs are amazing!
  • Guide & Driver
  • Hire an experienced and well reviewed guide and driver (tripadvisor). They can be a wealth of knowledge, take you to local out of the way experiences and help you navigate their culture.
  • If you have a guide and they take you to places to buy things, do not be afraid to say no if you are not interested.

Lodging

  • -Stay in riads. They usually include breakfast, have an interior garden or a swimming pool and give you a private escape from the cities. In addition, they are an extra layer of safety since your room is located in the interior of a building with limited access.

Not to Miss

  • Get out of the cities and explore the countryside and desert. Be sure to check the safety of the area beforehand.
  • Camel trip- Do an overnight trip into the desert by camel. Enjoy the stars, tranquility and sandboarding.

Visit Chefchaouen- It really is that blue!

Miscellaneous

  • Explore in the mornings and later afternoons to avoid the heat.
  • Enjoy a midday siesta and cool down. Be sure to stay at an accommodation that has air conditioning.
  • It is more arid in the south and gets more green in the north. Fun to drive them both to see the contrast.
  • Ask permission to take photos of people before you snap. Sometimes they will want money. Again, decide on a price before you take a photo.

Last of all, appreciate the journey.

View Morocco Photos: https://thewanderingfirefly.com/morocco-magic/