Travel Tips for Morocco

🧭 General Travel Tips

• Morocco is safe for travelers, but always stay aware in busy markets.

• Keep small cash (MAD) for taxis, markets, and small purchases.

• French, Arabic, and Amazigh are common — English is widely understood in tourist cities.

• Ask permission before photographing people.

• Dress modestly in rural or conservative areas.

🚕 Transportation Tips

• Petit Taxis are for inside the city — ask to turn the meter on.

• Grand Taxis connect cities and nearby towns — shared or private.

• Trains (ONCF) are reliable for major routes like Casablanca–Rabat–Fes–Tangier.

• Buses (CTM / Supratours) cover long-distance travel at low cost.

• Renting a car is ideal for deserts, mountains, and remote villages.

🍽️ Food & Water Tips

• Tap water is safe in big cities, but bottled water is recommended.

• Street food is common — choose busy vendors (high turnover = fresher food).

• Must-try dishes: tagine, couscous, tanjia, rfissa, pastilla, harira.

• Tea is very sweet — you can request “without sugar.”

🕌 Cultural & Respect Tips

• Greet with Salam alaykom — it's always appreciated.

• Fridays are prayer days; some shops may open late.

• In mosques, only certain areas are accessible for non-Muslims.

• Respect Ramadan hours — some restaurants close during the day.

🛍️ Shopping Tips

• In souks, bargaining is normal — start with 50% of the first price.

• Pay cash for the best deal.

• For carpets, silver, and antiques — ask for quality certificates.

• Check prices in multiple shops before buying.

💱 Money Tips

• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) — closed currency, not available abroad.

• ATMs widely available in cities.

• Cards accepted in hotels and big restaurants, not in souks.

• Keep receipts for currency exchange.

📸 Photography Tips

• Golden hour is best for medinas and desert.

• Ask before photographing women, children, or private homes.

• Drones require a special permit (important!).

🤝 Safety Tips

• Avoid unofficial guides; choose certified ones or your guidebook.

• Beware of pickpockets in crowded markets.

• Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes.

• Avoid walking alone late in isolated areas.

🌡️ Weather & Clothing Tips

• Summer (June–Sept): hot, especially in the south — light clothing, sun protection.

• Winter (Nov–Feb): cold in Atlas Mountains — warm layers.

• Desert nights are cold year-round — pack a jacket.

• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for medinas.

📱 Internet & SIM Tips

• Best SIMs: Orange, Maroc Telecom, Inwi.

• Data is cheap and works almost everywhere.

• Download maps offline before entering medinas.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

• Police: 190

• Ambulance: 150

• Tourist Police are active in most big cities.

🎒 Bonus: Quick Packing Tips

• Passport + copies

• Scarf or shawl (useful for sun, mosques, wind)

• Power bank

• Comfortable shoes

• Small first-aid kit

• Cash in small bills

• Sunscreen & sunglasses