If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, you must be prepared to follow the appropriate standards of behavior and etiquette. Cultural differences are often intimidating, but there is always a way to manage by informing yourself.
Here are the top 12 most important Dos and Don’ts to note when traveling to Morocco.
Do: Remember to always have Dirhams on you for tipping and change. Euros may also be accepted in most places as well. Find out where to exchange money at the best rates.
Don’t: Assume that everywhere will take card. It is probably better to assume that you won’t be using your card much at all.
Do: Try the delicious mint tea if you are invited into a Berber’s home.
Don’t: Forget to take your shoes off before entering, (I did this) and it was quite embarrassing.
Do: Establish methods to remember how to get back to your Riad, especially if you are staying in the Medina, it can be very confusing and maze like.
Don’t: Go off with someone if they offer to help you find the way, they will take you there, then ask you for money for it. (This also happened to us)
Do: Haggle and negotiate when you are in the markets or getting cabs. Here are some haggling tips.
Don’t: Assume you can haggle everywhere, if you are at a restaurant and a food item has a menu with a set price, do not attempt to change it and be rude/disrespectful.
Don’t: Just assume you can take photos of the locals, they can get easily offended if you do this without their permission.
Do: Bring a good camera or phone to document your memories.
Do: Learn some native language like Moroccan Arabic or French before your visit. Play the video below to start your learning.
Basic Moroccan Arabic Phrases for Travel
Don’t: Be loud or obnoxious during Call to Prayer, be respectful of their customs.
Do: Pack as lightweight as possible so you have room to bring back souvenirs.
Don’t: Pack a drone. They are illegal there, you will get it confiscated and/or worse.
Do: Visit beautiful attractions like Le Jardin Majorelle and Bahia Palace.
Don’t: Assume you can just walk into any Mosque. These are private areas for worship of the muslim religion, not tourist attractions.
Do: Take a camel riding tour through the dessert!
Don’t: Assume that dessert always means the Sahara. The Sahara does not surround the country, so if you want to see the Sahara you must plan accordingly to where you are staying. It is more often an overnight to multi-day trip, so make sure you also put aside the time for it.
Do: Be understanding of the fact that women are treated differently than men in Morocco, and expected to dress in a more conservative manner. Have respect for the cultural differences and remember you are only a guest there.
Don’t: Expect another country to have the same gender roles and equality as yours.
Do: Take in as much of the culture as you can so you can learn and grow by immersing yourself into something different.
Don’t: Forget to be kind to everyone you meet, Moroccans are kind and hospitable people, make sure you show them the same respect in return.
