Watch Out for the Snake Charmer Scam

Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakesh is one of the most incredible spectacles you will ever see. Snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and food stalls as far as the eye can see. It is chaotic and magical and completely overwhelming in the best way.

But there is something you need to know before you walk in.

The snake charmers are a scam. The moment you stop to watch or a snake gets draped around your shoulders — whether you asked for it or not — you will be expected to pay. And not a small amount. They will demand a figure that feels completely out of proportion to what just happened.

This happened to us. We had no cash on us which made the whole thing even more stressful. When we refused to pay the amount they were asking the situation became genuinely uncomfortable and confronting. We told them we needed to go to an ATM and used that as our exit. It worked but it was not a pleasant experience.

The same goes for anyone offering to take your photo with their animals or props. The moment you engage you are committed in their eyes.

Kristina's tip: Keep walking and avoid eye contact if you do not want to engage. Do not feel rude about this, it is the only way. If you do get caught in a situation like we did, stay calm, do not raise your voice and use the ATM excuse to remove yourself. Never film the confrontation on your phone.