Morocco travel tips: safety, money, clothing and tipping

Planning your first trip to Morocco and have a few questions? That is completely normal. As a local team we hear the same worries every week: Is it safe? How much should I tip? What should I wear? Here are our honest Morocco travel tips, straight from everyday life on Morocco’s roads.

Is Morocco safe?

Morocco is one of the most visited countries in Africa, and millions of travellers return home every year without any problems. The most common nuisances are not dangers but small things: pickpocketing in crowds, pushy sellers and people who show you the way without being asked and then want money.

• Carry your bag in front and zipped, especially in the medinas and on Jemaa el-Fna.
• Leave your passport and most of your money in the safe at your accommodation.
• Drink bottled water.
• Do desert trips and mountain treks only with experienced, registered local guides. Official travel advice recommends this too.
• Before you travel, read your government’s official travel advice for Morocco (for example GOV.UK foreign travel advice).

Avoiding fake guides and scams

Especially in Marrakech and Fes you will meet them: friendly young men who say the square is “closed today” or the tannery is “only this way”. In the end you are in a shop or asked to pay for the tour. Here is how to avoid it:

1. Say “La, shukran” (no, thank you) politely but firmly and keep walking.
2. Do not say where you are going. Use an offline map.
3. Book city tours only through your accommodation or tour operator. Official guides wear a badge.
4. Always agree on prices in advance: taxis, photos with snake charmers, henna on the square.

Money, dirhams and paying

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). One euro is roughly 10 to 11 dirhams. Officially dirhams may not be taken into or out of the country, so you exchange money locally.

• There are cash machines in every town. Not in the desert or small villages, so withdraw beforehand.
• Credit cards work in larger hotels and shops. In souks, small restaurants and for tips you need cash.
• Cash euros or pounds can be exchanged at good rates in exchange offices.

Tipping in Morocco

Tipping is customary in Morocco and an important part of many people’s income. As a guide:

What women and men should wear

Morocco is a Muslim country, but open and used to travellers. Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir are more relaxed; the countryside, the mountain villages and Fes are more conservative.

• For women: light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A large scarf helps against sun and wind and when visiting religious sites.
• For men: long, light trousers are more comfortable than shorts, especially in town.
• For the desert: long clothing protects against sun and sand. A warm jacket for the evening.
• For the Atlas: sturdy shoes and layers, even in summer.

Bargaining in the souk

Bargaining is part of the experience and fun once you know the rules. Ask the price, smile and offer about a third to a half. Meet in the middle. Important: only bargain if you really want to buy. And if the price does not suit you, just walk on politely. Often the seller follows you with a better offer.

Entry, health and internet

• Entry: citizens of the UK, the EU, the USA, Canada and Australia do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the whole stay. Please check the current rules before you travel.
• Health: no compulsory vaccinations. We always recommend travel insurance that includes repatriation.
• Electricity: 220 volts, plug types C and E (UK travellers need an adapter).
• Internet: a Moroccan SIM card is cheap and works almost everywhere, often even in the desert.
• Language: Arabic and Berber languages, plus French. A few words like “Salam” (hello) and “Shukran” (thank you) open many doors.

When to go? Read our article on the best time to visit Morocco. And for planning the route: private Morocco tour, the best itineraries.