Morocco Travel Tips

Your complete guide to exploring the Kingdom of Morocco

📋Before You Go

Visa: Many countries get 90-day visa-free entry. Check requirements for your nationality.

Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for pleasant weather.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards accepted in cities, cash needed in rural areas.

Pro Tip: Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving!

🎒What to Pack

Clothing: Modest, loose-fitting clothes. Layers for temperature changes.

Essentials: Sunscreen (high SPF), comfortable walking shoes, power adapter (Type E).

Special Items: Scarf for dust storms, portable charger, hand sanitizer.

💰Budget Planning

Budget: $30-50/day Hostels, street food, local transport

Mid-range: $50-100/day Hotels, restaurants, guided tours

Luxury: $100+/day Riads, fine dining, private tours

🤝Cultural Etiquette

Greetings: "As-salamu alaykum" (Peace be upon you) or "Bonjour" in French.

Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees, especially in religious sites.

Prayer Times: Respect the 5 daily prayer calls. Some shops may close briefly.

Important: Friday is the holy day. Many businesses close for Friday prayers.

🕌Religious Sites

Mosque Visits: Non-Muslims can only enter Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

Behavior: Remove shoes, dress modestly, speak quietly, no photography inside.

Ramadan Respect: Avoid eating/drinking publicly during daylight hours.

🗣️Language Tips

Official: Arabic and Berber (Tamazight)

Widely Spoken: French (colonial legacy)

Useful Phrases:

• Shukran (شكرا) - Thank you

• La shukran ala waajib (لا شكر على واجب) - You're welcome

• Bikam hada? (بكام هذا؟) - How much is this?

• Merci beaucoup - Thank you very much (French)

🥘Must-Try Dishes

Tagine: Slow-cooked stew in cone-shaped pot. Try chicken with preserved lemon!

Couscous: Traditional Friday meal, served with vegetables and meat.

Pastilla: Sweet and savory pastry with pigeon or chicken and almonds.

Harira: Hearty soup perfect for breaking Ramadan fast.

🍵Drinks & Sweets

Mint Tea: National drink - sweet green tea with fresh mint.

Fresh Juices: Orange, pomegranate, and sugar cane juices are popular.

Baklava & M'hencha: Delicious honey-soaked pastries.

Tea Etiquette: Always accept tea when offered - it's a sign of hospitality!

🍽️Dining Tips

Eating Style: Often with hands using bread. Watch locals and follow suit.

Meal Times: Lunch (12-2pm), Dinner (7-10pm). Many places close 3-6pm.

Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants, round up for small purchases.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water, avoid raw vegetables, choose busy restaurants.

🏛️Marrakech

Must-see: Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace

Imperial City UNESCO Site

Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, traditional culture

🌊Casablanca

Must-see: Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco architecture, Corniche

Modern Business Hub

Best for: Architecture lovers, beach relaxation

🏔️Atlas Mountains

Activities: Hiking, Berber villages, Mount Toubkal (highest peak)

Adventure Nature

Best for: Trekking, authentic cultural experiences

🐪Sahara Desert

Experience: Camel trekking, overnight camping, sunrise/sunset

Unique Adventure

Access: Merzouga or M'Hamid gateways

🏛️Fez

Highlights: Ancient medina, traditional crafts, Al Quaraouiyine University

UNESCO Site Historical

Best for: History buffs, traditional crafts

🏖️Essaouira

Features: Coastal charm, windsurfing, fresh seafood, art galleries

Coastal Relaxed

Best for: Beach lovers, water sports, art scene

🚗Transportation

Trains: ONCF connects major cities. Modern and comfortable.

CTM Buses: Reliable for longer distances, air-conditioned.

Grands Taxis: Shared taxis for medium distances (6 passengers).

Petits Taxis: City taxis (meters or negotiate fare).

Rental Cars: Great for flexibility but challenging in cities. International license required.

🏨Accommodation

Riads: Traditional houses with courtyards. Authentic experience.

Hotels: International chains available in major cities.

Hostels: Budget-friendly, good for meeting travelers.

Desert Camps: Unique Sahara experience with traditional tents.

📱Communication

SIM Cards: Available at airports. Major providers: Orange, Inwi, Maroc Telecom.

WiFi: Available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

International Calls: WhatsApp and Skype work well with good internet.

💱Money Matters

ATMs: Widely available in cities. Notify your bank before travel.

Exchange: Banks offer best rates. Avoid street exchangers.

Haggling: Expected in souks. Start at 30-50% of asking price.

Cash is King: Small shops and rural areas prefer cash payments.

🚨General Safety

Overall: Morocco is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions.

Petty Crime: Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist sites.

Fake Guides: Use official guides or decline politely. "La, shukran" (No, thank you).

Emergency Numbers: Police: 19, Firefighters: 15, Medical: 141

🚺Solo Female Travel

Dress: Conservative clothing reduces unwanted attention.

Accommodation: Choose reputable riads/hotels in safe neighborhoods.

Transportation: Avoid hitchhiking. Use official taxis or ride-sharing.

Confidence: Walk confidently, avoid eye contact with persistent vendors.

🏥Health & Medical

Vaccinations: No special vaccines required for most travelers.

Water: Bottled water recommended. Avoid ice in drinks.

Sun Protection: Strong sun year-round. High SPF sunscreen essential.

Travel Insurance: Recommended for medical emergencies and evacuation.

📞Important Contacts

Tourist Police: Available in major tourist areas

Embassy: Know your embassy location and contact info

Insurance: Keep emergency contact numbers handy

Keep Copies: Scan passport, visa, insurance documents to cloud storage.