Morocco Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Frequently reported scams include credit card skimming and shipping inferior rugs instead of more valuable ones purchased by the traveller. Be wary of Faux guides who will offer to show you around, although often harmless, they will come up with dozens of ways to part you from your money. Be polite but make it clear you are not interested in their services.

Do not accept free gifts from vendors as you may find them accusing you of stealing and will extort the price from you, and always insist that prices are fixed beforehand especially for taxi fares. When bargaining never name a price that you are not willing to pay and be cautious of people at bus/train stations informing you that your ride has been cancelled, as they are usually conning you to accept a hyped-up taxi fare. As a general rule do not accept the services of people who approach you and never be afraid to say no.

Be cautious in areas around the Rif Mountains, especially Tetouan and Chefchaouen, as you will probably be offered drugs by scam artists. Some dealers will sell you drugs and then turn you into the police for a cut of the baksheesh you pay to bribe your way out.

When catching trains be wary of ticket inspectors who find something wrong with your ticket in order to make you purchase another. Make sure your ticket is in order before you board and insist on taking the matter up with the station manager at your destination if you are being hassled.

Moroccan toilets are often lacking toilet paper so it is worthwhile to carry tissues on you at all times even in hotels and restaurants. It is advised to try to learn at least some words in French or Arabic such as ‘Go Away’ and numbers as this could save you a lot of money as well as not being hassled.