Embarking on a journey from Austin to Morocco promises an adventure filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. However, to ensure a smooth and enriching trip, it's essential to be well-prepared and informed. This guide provides you with invaluable tips and insights to navigate the cultural nuances, logistical challenges, and unique opportunities that Morocco offers.
Planning Your Trip to Morocco
Before you even pack your bags, careful planning is key to a successful Moroccan adventure.
1. Flexible Itinerary
Research the places in Morocco you’d like to visit but leave wiggle room for changes along the way and enjoy the spontaneity.
While it’s possible to prebook tours and activities, it’s usually just as easy to reserve them when you arrive in the country.
2. Learn Basic Arabic Phrases
A mixture of French, Arabic, Amazigh and English is spoken in Morocco, depending on where you are in the country. Apps like Google Translate can be useful, but learning some basic Arabic phrases will reward you with feeling more connected and engaged with people you meet. Don't expect everyone to speak English.
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3. Cash is King
The Moroccan dirham (Dh) is a closed currency, which means you cannot get it outside the country.
Morocco’s rural areas still operate on a cash economy, but cards are widely accepted in towns and cities, so you'll need to carry both.
4. Book in Advance for Marrakesh
Marrakesh is the most popular city in Morocco for visitors, so prebook entrance tickets to major attractions such as Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent online to avoid waiting in line.
The Marrakesh medina comes to life around 5pm, but the "pink city" is more than just the medina - spend time exploring Gueliz and step off the main boulevards onto the leafy side streets to discover pretty street cafes, bistro restaurants and small indie boutiques.
Traveling Around in Morocco
Navigating Morocco's diverse landscapes and bustling cities requires some savvy travel strategies.
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1. Embrace Public Transport
Getting around Morocco is easy, even without a car.
An excellent train network links many cities, including Africa’s first high-speed train, Al Boraq, between Casablanca and Tangier.
A comfortable and reliable bus network connects towns big and small.
Book train and bus tickets a day or two in advance to ensure the travel time you'd like.
Driving in cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh is best left to the locals.
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TRAINS IN MOROCCO - All you need to know; searching, booking, riding...
2. Driving Safely
In Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road and seatbelts are mandatory, even though some taxis don't have them.
Car horns are used often - not in an aggressive way, but as a means of communication.
Watch out for people, bicycles, motorcycles and animals coming from all sides.
Avoid driving at night because some vehicles do not have or use their headlights.
Take notice of the speed limits and the roundabouts that have stoplight systems.
If you’re stopped for speeding (police speed checks are common) or other penalties, paying fines in cash - usually between Dh150 (US$16) and Dh300 (US$33) - is preferable to going to a local police station.
3. Engage Professional Guides
To get the most out of your trip to Morocco, use a guide who has in-depth expertise and speaks your language.
In cities, check with the local tourism office or your accommodations for recommendations for licensed guides in the area.
If you’re surfing, you can check qualifications are valid using the ISA’s directory.
Hiking guides are mandatory for climbing Mt Toubkal in the High Atlas. Check with Bureau des Guides.
Etiquette Rules and Cultural Traditions in Morocco
Respecting local customs and traditions is paramount for a fulfilling travel experience.
1. Bargaining in Souqs
Haggling is a game and part of the shopping experience in Morocco.
Try not to get frustrated - the ideal scenario is that both sides come away feeling like they got a fair price.
For big purchases, do your research, have a price in mind or shop around until you do.
Sometimes vendors say to pay what you feel like, so if you don't have a price, ask some questions: how many hours did it take to make? Where did the materials come from and at what price?
Souqs are filled with fake products. Many Moroccans don't care whether their Nikes are original; they just want the best price for the latest styles.
2. Respect Islam and the King
The words "God, king and country" are etched on hills around the country.
Islam is the state religion, and the rules of Islam are applied to personal matters in the same way that state law works in other countries.
It is illegal to speak disrespectfully about religion or the king.
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques or cemeteries, except the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Friday is a holy day across the country, and most people take a few hours off in the afternoon to go to the mosque and eat couscous with their families afterward. If you're heading to a particular place on a Friday, check business opening times before you visit.
The holy month of Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid offer a different cultural experience, and during these times many places will be closed.
3. Dress Code Awareness
To visit the Hassan II Mosque and other religious sites, visitors - both men and women - must cover from their shoulders to their knees.
Dress modestly in cities and towns to avoid unwanted attention.
At bars and nightclubs, almost anything goes, but in rural areas, cover up and be respectful of the local customs.
At the beach, you can wear shorts, dresses, vest tops and swimwear including bikinis.
Pack comfortable footwear that’s suitable for uneven roads and a scarf to cover your shoulders.
4. Asking Before Taking Photos
No matter where you are in the world, it’s best to ask permission before taking someone’s photo.
Many people are fine with it, but others aren’t. Some may ask for money.
Do not take photos of military or government buildings.
Drones are not allowed in Morocco without special permission.
5. Handling Hassle
Simply ignore people who offer goods that you do not want.
There's no need to be polite to everyone who wants to sell you something. By not reacting, they'll get bored and walk away.
In some places you may receive comments and, at worst, inappropriate behavior, but shouting "Police!" will send these people away. In Marrakesh, there's also a high chance you will alert the undercover tourist police.
6. Alcohol Availability
Even though alcohol is forbidden by Islamic law, it is widely available and sold in licensed wine shops and international grocery stores. Not all bars and restaurants serve alcohol.
7. Dining Etiquette
Moroccan cuisine, such as tagines and grilled fish, are traditionally eaten with bread using your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean because it’s typically the hand used when going to the toilet.
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