things to know!
In 2018, I took my first trip to Morocco, alone. It’s a long story, but I wanted to take a trip of a lifetime, and I didn’t want to do it with anyone else’s quirks in tow but mine. I contacted a travel agency and told them I wanted to go somewhere interesting that had lots of history. I was considering a different country, but when I shared that location with the agent, they told me it wasn’t recommended for an American woman to travel there alone, but… had I considered Morocco?
I did my research. I learned that people don’t eat with their left hand, and that you should bring a gift if someone invites you to their home. Oh, and Moroccans are generous – if you tell someone you like their jacket – they’re going to insist you take it. I tried to learn about their currency ahead of time, but it wasn’t sticking in my brain. I figured I’d get the hang of it, or I’d use my credit card. I’d learn to eat with my right hand. Not a big deal.
I’ve traveled to Morocco many times since that first visit, and I learned things you might not learn with a Google search, and that’s the purpose of this post. Please read through the list below, and take from it what works for you!
MONEY. Yes, we’re in the 21st Century, but you’re in a different country. While some places within the old medina take credit cards, it’s easier for everyone involved if you use cash. It makes for more haggle/wiggle room and it’s good to have on hand for tipping (more on that in a bit). If you run low or prefer not to carry cash, but need it at some point, your guide will help you. There are ATMs scattered about on your walk, as well as cash exchange places or banks. Your guide will take you to the best one, just let them know.
HAGGLING. We mentioned haggling. It’s a thing, and it’s expected, but be considerate about it. The vendor/shop keeper needs to earn a living, and your dollar goes further than his dirham. Don’t be taken for a fool, but don’t be that guy either. If you see something you love, and you’re not sure about the price, it’s best practice to check with your guide. Your guide can and will always get you the best price. Always.
TIPPING. I know, almost everywhere we go here at home, a tip is expected. I have mixed feelings on that subject, but this is different. The living wage for Moroccans is quite low and they depend on tips from tourists to supplement their income. So, it is important to leave a tip whenever you can. If someone provides you a service in Morocco, and you like it, you should tip that person. This does not apply to someone offering you a service you’re not asking for, like a stranger offering directions and then expecting a payoff, or a guy with a monkey who lets you take a picture, and then insists on a payoff. In those instances, say no and do not tip. Moving on to our next topic, no.
NO. The word no is a complete sentence. Feel free to use it at the infamous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or to that random guy who appeared out of nowhere with a treasure in his hand to sell. Last but not least, for sure use it on the guy who sees you looking lost in the medina and offers to guide you to either where you need to be or even someplace better! Definitely, tell that guy no. Side note: all guides in Morocco are licensed and these guys that pop out of nowhere offering to direct you are more than likely not licensed.
TOILETS. Okay, so this part is delicate, but we’re sharing it anyway. Your guide knows your standards and will probably go out of his way (if necessary) to get you to the best toilet. We hear you, what do you mean the best toilet? Don’t worry, we just mean a toilet where you sit. Traditional Moroccan toilets require squatting, balance, and thigh strength. If you’re up for it, great, but if not, there are plenty of standard toilets around too. You’re not the only tourist who likes a seat now and then.
TOILET PAPER. Okay, so you found a toilet where you can sit and do your business. Congrats, but where is the toilet paper?!? There is a likelihood of a toilet with no paper. Moroccans wash afterward (or have bidets), so there’s not much need for toilet paper. If there is toilet paper, it is most likely the world’s thinnest toilet paper. I suggest taking a few rounds of TP from that roll in your hotel or riad and stuffing it in your backpack so you will have it while you are out and about.
FEMININE PRODUCTS. Bring your own. Of course they sell them in Morocco, but they are nowhere near the same quality that we have here at home. Trust me on this one.
HAND WIPES/SANITIZER. A handy thing to have. A sink to wash up at might not be as available as you think, so wipes and sanitizer come in handy.
SHOES. A no brainer, wear comfortable shoes. Please. You are going to be walking for a fair amount of the day, and some of the roads you will be walking on are ancient. Literally. Sometimes there’s a step when you weren’t quite expecting one. Sometimes that one step might not be the exact height as the one before it, or the one after it. Wear comfortable shoes!
ETIQUETTE. At some point during your stay, you are going to hear the call to prayer. You’re in a Muslim country after all. While not every Moroccan prays every time called, there are some that do. You may encounter this while you’re enjoying your trip - there’s a man in a shop laying out a mat and getting down on his knees to pray. Give him some space and peace, and no worries, he will be with you as soon as he’s finished.
CLOTHING. Again, it’s a Muslim country, but it isn’t as conservative as some other Muslim countries. You can wear what you are comfortable in, but if you plan on entering a mosque during your visit (and I recommend you do because they are all quite stunning inside and out), then you should be modest in your dress. No bare shoulders or legs. Most mosques do not require it of tourist (although some might), but if you are a woman, then you should have a scarf to cover your hair. Besides visiting holy places, it is best to wear layered clothing while traveling Morocco because you can be in the desert where its hot but an hour later, in the mountains where it isn’t. Bring layers.
GREETINGS. You can say hello to a Moroccan as you would here at home, or you might hear a bon jour from them, but if you want to greet them how they greet each other, then try salaam alaikum instead. It translates to: peace be upon you. What a great way to greet someone! You will notice they do not shake hands often but instead place their right hand over their heart as they say salaam alaikum. Give it a try! If someone says salaam alaikum to you first, your reply should be wa-alaikum salaam, which translates to: and upon you be peace. Nice, right?
PHOTOGRAPHS. Morocco has an Instagram worthy shot around every corner. Besides the sites, you will also see interesting and beautiful Moroccans. If you want to take their picture, be polite, and ask first.
CHARITY. You may encounter some poor people in the streets of the medina asking for money. If they see you with a guide, they will most likely not stop you. There’s a good chance your guide already knows them and has coins ready to give, but if you think you want to give too, put some coins in your pocket ahead of time, and give one here and there if you like. It’s kind, but if you’re not comfortable, it is not necessary.
SMILING. Saving this one for last. It might seem obvious to some and maybe a bit corny, but smiles go a long way. On my first trip, I was so ecstatic to be somewhere so far away from home, alone, on my very own adventure that I couldn’t help but smile. My face was sore from smiling so much! My smiles were noticed, and they were reciprocated. I count a few small treasures given to me by Moroccan vendors because I was kind… and smiling.
That’s it for now. I hope this helps! If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us an email at travel@moroccoawaits.com
Shukran!!
(that means thank you)
Jennifer