I fell in love with traveling when I was 17 and moved to Prague.

The world called out to me. In 2002, my sister and I embarked on a Round the World adventure that took us from Australia to south East Asia to South Africa to Europe, New York and home

I thought I might like to live in a tropical country, so moved to Roatan for a few months. Turns out it is a lot different vacationing in a tropical country than it is living and working in one!

In 2009, I moved to London to teach at a school in Essex. I lived in Camden Town and loved it more than I ever imagined. Every day was amazing - I couldn't get enough

Dennis Severs’ House at 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields is more than just a time capsule. It is both a breathtaking and an intimate portrait of the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th Century. As you follow their fortunes through the generations, the sights, smells and sounds of the house take you into their lives.

2. Avoid any feet faux pas.

Don't show anyone the bottom of your shoe (unless you want to send that person a negative message). Also, take off your shoes when you're invited into someone's home.

3. Dress appropriately.

Girls, take a shawl/scarf in case you visit any mosques. You need to be suitably dressed/wear something on your head.

21 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING MOROCCO TRAVEL TIPS

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day. But on the flipside, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, here are a few pointers to help you prepare for your trip.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

21 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING MOROCCO

1. Dress Appropriately

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy. It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles. For the ladies out there, it really helps to have a shawl / scarf handy in case you need it.

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit card, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 9.6 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.

3. ATMs Can Be Hit or Miss.

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. The front desk at your hotel may have money to exchange. Ours quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to get money exchanged. ATMs can run out of money. A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times to take money out, but the ATM didn’t dispense while still charging it from the bank for every attempt. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country. You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle.

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. Selling is like their national sport and haggling is part of their culture. More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25% of the starting price. Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back in multiple times. Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before you get in the cab. Most of our rides within the city were 30 DH. Our guide told us, if they demand more, you just hand them the money and walk away. Luckily, that didn’t happen to us, because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before you head to Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later all the time. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

6. Tipping

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides.

It’s definitely great to hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns), but be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price. We were able to get better prices without them.

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Tours or Directions.

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, there will be a lot of locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas. If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too. This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. Plan ahead and ask your hotel or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. Also, most shops and attractions are closed on Friday since it’s their holy day. A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street. Shops were also closed that day, and most were closed the following day. Plus, it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

10. Careful What Water You Use

To stay on the safe side, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, be careful to avoid using any ice when you’re out. The Grayl water bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. If you don’t mind constantly buying bottled water, you can also use a soft bottle for easy use on the go.

11. Pack Some Immodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some Immodium just in case. At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple Immodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but be careful about pickpockets in any major city especially in crowded places like the markets.

13. What Language Do They Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

Hello (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
Thank You: Choukran (shokran)
No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
Watch Out: Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side or get run over.


If you’re hoping to visit Mosque in Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!


4. Reduce the hassle of haggling.

Haggling in Morocco is a pretty over-rated experience and you're unlikely to get a good price, especially in the tourist hotspots of Marrakesh and Fes. It's probably better to decide what you want and the price you're prepared to pay in advance - you may then be able to save some hassle by picking it up from one of the fixed-price shops.

5. Watch the water.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, and watch out for ice, Drink bottled water, and eat cooked food including fruits and vegetables to void being ill while traveling Morocco.

WorldNomads: Proper hygiene is always important, but culturally you should also master the left hand/right hand thing.

A few other things to keep in mind:

Most shops & museums are closed on Friday (afternoon) - it's their holy day.
Almost all Moroccans are friendly and honest, and violent crime is very rare. However, it is wise to be careful about pickpockets and petty thievery, in the major cities.

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit card, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 9.6 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.

3. ATMs Can Be Hit or Miss.

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. The front desk at your hotel may have money to exchange. Ours quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to get money exchanged. ATMs can run out of money. A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times to take money out, but the ATM didn’t dispense while still charging it from the bank for every attempt. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country. You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.
Make sure you have small change with you to tip at restaurants, for example: $1 per person at local places, and $3 to $5 per person at nicer places if you were to g out at expensive restaurants.

13. What Language Do They Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

Hello (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
Thank You: Choukran (shokran)
No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
Watch Out: Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side or get run over.

16. Do I Need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You May Have to Pay).

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful about taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos. When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring Toilet Paper With You EVERYWHERE.

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms will have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask before using the bathroom and getting stuck with someone asking you for money afterward.

2. Avoid any feet faux pas.

Don't show anyone the bottom of your shoe (unless you want to send that person a negative message). Also, take off your shoes when you're invited into someone's home.

3. Dress appropriately.

Girls, take a shawl/scarf in case you visit any mosques. You need to be suitably dressed/wear something on your head.

21 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING MOROCCO TRAVEL TIPS

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day. But on the flipside, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, here are a few pointers to help you prepare for your trip.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

21 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING MOROCCO

1. Dress Appropriately

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy. It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles. For the ladies out there, it really helps to have a shawl / scarf handy in case you need it.

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit card, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 9.6 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.

3. ATMs Can Be Hit or Miss.

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. The front desk at your hotel may have money to exchange. Ours quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to get money exchanged. ATMs can run out of money. A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times to take money out, but the ATM didn’t dispense while still charging it from the bank for every attempt. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country. You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle.

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. Selling is like their national sport and haggling is part of their culture. More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25% of the starting price. Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back in multiple times. Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before you get in the cab. Most of our rides within the city were 30 DH. Our guide told us, if they demand more, you just hand them the money and walk away. Luckily, that didn’t happen to us, because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before you head to Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later all the time. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

6. Tipping

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides.

It’s definitely great to hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns), but be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price. We were able to get better prices without them.

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Tours or Directions.

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, there will be a lot of locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas. If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too. This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. Plan ahead and ask your hotel or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. Also, most shops and attractions are closed on Friday since it’s their holy day. A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street. Shops were also closed that day, and most were closed the following day. Plus, it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

10. Careful What Water You Use

To stay on the safe side, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, be careful to avoid using any ice when you’re out. The Grayl water bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. If you don’t mind constantly buying bottled water, you can also use a soft bottle for easy use on the go.

11. Pack Some Immodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some Immodium just in case. At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple Immodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but be careful about pickpockets in any major city especially in crowded places like the markets.

13. What Language Do They Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

Hello (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
Thank You: Choukran (shokran)
No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
Watch Out: Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side or get run over.


If you’re hoping to visit Mosque in Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!


4. Reduce the hassle of haggling.

Haggling in Morocco is a pretty over-rated experience and you're unlikely to get a good price, especially in the tourist hotspots of Marrakesh and Fes. It's probably better to decide what you want and the price you're prepared to pay in advance - you may then be able to save some hassle by picking it up from one of the fixed-price shops.

5. Watch the water.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, and watch out for ice, Drink bottled water, and eat cooked food including fruits and vegetables to void being ill while traveling Morocco.

WorldNomads: Proper hygiene is always important, but culturally you should also master the left hand/right hand thing.

A few other things to keep in mind:

Most shops & museums are closed on Friday (afternoon) - it's their holy day.
Almost all Moroccans are friendly and honest, and violent crime is very rare. However, it is wise to be careful about pickpockets and petty thievery, in the major cities.

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit card, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 9.6 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.

3. ATMs Can Be Hit or Miss.

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. The front desk at your hotel may have money to exchange. Ours quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to get money exchanged. ATMs can run out of money. A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times to take money out, but the ATM didn’t dispense while still charging it from the bank for every attempt. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country. You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.
Make sure you have small change with you to tip at restaurants, for example: $1 per person at local places, and $3 to $5 per person at nicer places if you were to g out at expensive restaurants.

13. What Language Do They Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

Hello (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
Thank You: Choukran (shokran)
No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
Watch Out: Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side or get run over.

16. Do I Need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You May Have to Pay).

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful about taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos. When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring Toilet Paper With You EVERYWHERE.

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms will have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask before using the bathroom and getting stuck with someone asking you for money afterward.

2. Avoid any feet faux pas.

Don't show anyone the bottom of your shoe (unless you want to send that person a negative message). Also, take off your shoes when you're invited into someone's home.

3. Dress appropriately.

Girls, take a shawl/scarf in case you visit any mosques. You need to be suitably dressed/wear something on your head.

21 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING MOROCCO TRAVEL TIPS

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day. But on the flipside, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, here are a few pointers to help you prepare for your trip.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

21 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING MOROCCO

1. Dress Appropriately

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy. It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles. For the ladies out there, it really helps to have a shawl / scarf handy in case you need it.

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit card, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 9.6 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.

3. ATMs Can Be Hit or Miss.

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. The front desk at your hotel may have money to exchange. Ours quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to get money exchanged. ATMs can run out of money. A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times to take money out, but the ATM didn’t dispense while still charging it from the bank for every attempt. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country. You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle.

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. Selling is like their national sport and haggling is part of their culture. More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25% of the starting price. Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back in multiple times. Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before you get in the cab. Most of our rides within the city were 30 DH. Our guide told us, if they demand more, you just hand them the money and walk away. Luckily, that didn’t happen to us, because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before you head to Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later all the time. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

6. Tipping

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides.

It’s definitely great to hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns), but be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price. We were able to get better prices without them.

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Tours or Directions.

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, there will be a lot of locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas. If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too. This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. Plan ahead and ask your hotel or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. Also, most shops and attractions are closed on Friday since it’s their holy day. A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street. Shops were also closed that day, and most were closed the following day. Plus, it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.Morocco Travel Tips: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco.

10. Careful What Water You Use

To stay on the safe side, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, be careful to avoid using any ice when you’re out. The Grayl water bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. If you don’t mind constantly buying bottled water, you can also use a soft bottle for easy use on the go.

11. Pack Some Immodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some Immodium just in case. At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple Immodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but be careful about pickpockets in any major city especially in crowded places like the markets.

13. What Language Do They Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

Hello (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
Thank You: Choukran (shokran)
No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
Watch Out: Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side or get run over.


If you’re hoping to visit Mosque in Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!


4. Reduce the hassle of haggling.

Haggling in Morocco is a pretty over-rated experience and you're unlikely to get a good price, especially in the tourist hotspots of Marrakesh and Fes. It's probably better to decide what you want and the price you're prepared to pay in advance - you may then be able to save some hassle by picking it up from one of the fixed-price shops.

5. Watch the water.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, and watch out for ice, Drink bottled water, and eat cooked food including fruits and vegetables to void being ill while traveling Morocco.

WorldNomads: Proper hygiene is always important, but culturally you should also master the left hand/right hand thing.

A few other things to keep in mind:

Most shops & museums are closed on Friday (afternoon) - it's their holy day.
Almost all Moroccans are friendly and honest, and violent crime is very rare. However, it is wise to be careful about pickpockets and petty thievery, in the major cities.

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit card, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 9.6 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.

3. ATMs Can Be Hit or Miss.

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. The front desk at your hotel may have money to exchange. Ours quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to get money exchanged. ATMs can run out of money. A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times to take money out, but the ATM didn’t dispense while still charging it from the bank for every attempt. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country. You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.
Make sure you have small change with you to tip at restaurants, for example: $1 per person at local places, and $3 to $5 per person at nicer places if you were to g out at expensive restaurants.

13. What Language Do They Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

Hello (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
Thank You: Choukran (shokran)
No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
Watch Out: Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side or get run over.

16. Do I Need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You May Have to Pay).

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful about taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos. When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring Toilet Paper With You EVERYWHERE.

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms will have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask before using the bathroom and getting stuck with someone asking you for money afterward.

hicham and karima are AMAZING

Menu options include; freshly squeezed orange juice, jams from the orchard fruits, organic olive oil and tapenade, a variety of homemade breads, pastries, dried fruits, homemade yogurts with fresh orange blossom and our famous “Mlaouis” and “Bighrir”; Moroccan pancakes with honey to rekindle your taste buds.

Jemaa el Fna, the iconic physical and cultural heart of Marrakech, is a primal, ancient, intangible space that has been referred to as, ‘an inland, tideless sea’. Gathering place for a thousand years, this is where the great Saharan caravans, laden with spices, slaves and salt would arrive from Timbuktu. Today, the goods may have changed, but not the sense that here Africa and Arabia converge. At once circus, open-air food festival and living museum, it is the distillation of Marrakech’s mystique and magic.

If possible, arrive just before darkness falls, when the Koutoubia Minaret is silhouetted against a crimson sky, the crowds mill thicker than ever and Jemaa el Fna’s legendary food stalls are set up. You will see street entertainment at its best – Berber musicians and dancers, fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, acrobats, snake-charmers and storytellers. Performers lead their monkeys and lizards past stalls selling orange juice, roasted chick peas, peanuts, sweet fritters, kebabs and tajines. Around the edges of the square are scribes, travelling dentists, henna tattooists, traditional doctors with potions and amulets, and grinning barbers wielding their cut-throat razors. When you need to take refuge, many cafés bordering the square have rooftop terraces offering a grandstand view.

Jemaa el Fna, the iconic physical and cultural heart of Marrakech, is a primal, ancient, intangible space that has been referred to as, ‘an inland, tideless sea’. Gathering place for a thousand years, this is where the great Saharan caravans, laden with spices, slaves and salt would arrive from Timbuktu. Today, the goods may have changed, but not the sense that here Africa and Arabia converge. At once circus, open-air food festival and living museum, it is the distillation of Marrakech’s mystique and magic.

If possible, arrive just before darkness falls, when the Koutoubia Minaret is silhouetted against a crimson sky, the crowds mill thicker than ever and Jemaa el Fna’s legendary food stalls are set up. You will see street entertainment at its best – Berber musicians and dancers, fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, acrobats, snake-charmers and storytellers. Performers lead their monkeys and lizards past stalls selling orange juice, roasted chick peas, peanuts, sweet fritters, kebabs and tajines. Around the edges of the square are scribes, travelling dentists, henna tattooists, traditional doctors with potions and amulets, and grinning barbers wielding their cut-throat razors. When you need to take refuge, many cafés bordering the square have rooftop terraces offering a grandstand view.

Ghoriba Bahla - A Classic Moroccan Shortbread with Almonds and Sesame

Melt-in-your-mouth Moroccan shortbread cookies with crackled tops. Toasted sesame seeds and ground almonds add nutty crunch.

Marrakech’s calèches – horse-drawn carriages – are as much a part of the city as the mosques and motorbikes. For something a little bit different and a lot more atmospheric, take a ride in the evening when the walls are dramatically lit by the setting sun.
The main calèche stand is on Place du Foucauld leading from the Koutoubia to Jemaa el Fna. The Tour des Ramparts takes in all 16km of Marrakech’s medina walls. The oldest parts date to the foundation of Marrakech in the 12th century and were built by Almoravid sultan Ali Ben Youssef to protect the city from Almohad attack. The walls – 10 metres high, 2 metres thick and built out of pisé (rammed earth) – are punctuated by 18 gates, or babs.

Historically, all souks were divided and laid out according to separate commodities being made and sold, with the most valuable products (gold, manuscripts) positioned in the centre of the main souk area and lesser goods radiating out from there. Today, little has changed. Each souk is still named after the product being sold and, aside from allowances for modern tastes, the goods are similar to how they would have been a thousand years ago.

The souks thread north from Jemaa el Fna and continue in a winding labyrinth until they hit the Musée de Marrakech. Open from around 9am to 9pm, the best time to visit is in the cool of morning, or in the evening when the sun seeps through slatted roof shades, illuminating a million golden dust motes.

Souk Smata is unmistakably the shoe souk, featuring brightly coloured, sequined babouches (Moroccan slippers).

Don’t ask the price of something unless you are willing to buy it, and be prepared to take your time. The general rule of thumb is to offer half of the seller’s first price and go from there. There is never a ‘correct price’ – if you want something and are satisfied with the price, then you've paid the right amount.

The Rahba Kedima or Spice Square is bursting with magic. Nowhere is the fusion of Africa and Arabia that so characterizes Marrakech more apparent than in this vibrant, colourful, chaotic, ancient square.

Come here to buy all sorts of mysterious potions and lotions. For magic spells, there are live chameleons (if a chameleon thrown onto a fire explodes, your husband is having an affair), turtles, lizards, leopard and zebra skins, roots, barks, herbs, leaves, seeds, horns, tusks – cures for everything, from arthritis to a broken heart.

There are stalls selling herbal remedies, cosmetics and toiletries: cochineal powder for rouge, kohl, henna, natural crystal deodorant, herbal ‘Viagra’, toothbrushing twigs and essential oils of amber, musk, rose, patchouli and orange blossom.

For cookery lovers, there is a plethora of spices to choose from: saffron (ask for the good stuff under the counter), argan oil, ground cumin and coriander, shards of mace, star anis, rolls of cinnamon and home-made mixtures of spices created for marinading fish, fruit or meat.

In the middle of the square are piles of handmade baskets, wooden harira spoons, hats and pyramids of fruit and vegetables from the countryside. The old slave market, now the Criée Berbère, is through a covered alley off the north side of the square and next to it is the gorgeous Café des Epices, where a sandwich costs around 30dh. Sit at wooden tables on the pavement, on the first floor surrounded by exhibits of art and photography or on the little roof terrace.

The town lies beneath low, rolling olive- and argan-dotted hills, carved up into small stony fields that are blanketed in wild flowers in spring. Houses are painted a fresh white and blue, gulls swoop on the sea breezes, the medina is one of the prettiest in Morocco and there is a thriving fishing harbour.

Despite it being popular for so many years, Essaouira remains amazingly unaffected. The peaceful medina – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is entirely pedestrianised and the souks are a joy to explore.

The town lies beneath low, rolling olive- and argan-dotted hills, carved up into small stony fields that are blanketed in wild flowers in spring. Houses are painted a fresh white and blue, gulls swoop on the sea breezes, the medina is one of the prettiest in Morocco and there is a thriving fishing harbour.

Despite it being popular for so many years, Essaouira remains amazingly unaffected. The peaceful medina – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is entirely pedestrianised and the souks are a joy to explore.

The town lies beneath low, rolling olive- and argan-dotted hills, carved up into small stony fields that are blanketed in wild flowers in spring. Houses are painted a fresh white and blue, gulls swoop on the sea breezes, the medina is one of the prettiest in Morocco and there is a thriving fishing harbour.

Despite it being popular for so many years, Essaouira remains amazingly unaffected. The peaceful medina – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is entirely pedestrianised and the souks are a joy to explore.

The town lies beneath low, rolling olive- and argan-dotted hills, carved up into small stony fields that are blanketed in wild flowers in spring. Houses are painted a fresh white and blue, gulls swoop on the sea breezes, the medina is one of the prettiest in Morocco and there is a thriving fishing harbour.

Despite it being popular for so many years, Essaouira remains amazingly unaffected. The peaceful medina – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is entirely pedestrianised and the souks are a joy to explore.

The town lies beneath low, rolling olive- and argan-dotted hills, carved up into small stony fields that are blanketed in wild flowers in spring. Houses are painted a fresh white and blue, gulls swoop on the sea breezes, the medina is one of the prettiest in Morocco and there is a thriving fishing harbour.

Despite it being popular for so many years, Essaouira remains amazingly unaffected. The peaceful medina – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is entirely pedestrianised and the souks are a joy to explore.

The town lies beneath low, rolling olive- and argan-dotted hills, carved up into small stony fields that are blanketed in wild flowers in spring. Houses are painted a fresh white and blue, gulls swoop on the sea breezes, the medina is one of the prettiest in Morocco and there is a thriving fishing harbour.

Despite it being popular for so many years, Essaouira remains amazingly unaffected. The peaceful medina – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is entirely pedestrianised and the souks are a joy to explore.

Place Moulay Hassan Essaouira is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Located between the port and the entrance to the Medina, it offers sea views from one of the many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding areas.

In the evening families and friends gather for walks and children can be seen playing and chasing the pigeons and cats.

We had dinner that night at a place with hooka pipes... I don't remember what it was called but I do remember the tagines were delicious and they have live dancing!

Since Essaouira was Morocco’s main fishing port in the mid 1900s, the fishing port and market are a must see. Simply heading there to enjoy the authenticity of the surroundings makes for a truly peaceful afternoon, reminding tourists that Essaouira is indeed a fishing town. The scenery is beautiful, with masses of small boats forming an almost unending wave of bright blue. With fishing such an important trade in Essaouira, stroll a little away from the port and there are plenty of fishermen selling the freshest catch of the day that you can enjoy freshly cooked.

The beach is the main draw for many, with the Atlantic winds creating fabulous conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Surfboards, kites and windsurfs can be rented from Club Mistral next door. Outside Vagabond, horses, camels and quads can be hired for beach rides. The Ranch de Diabet also arranges rides on the beach, into the surrounding countryside and to historic sites.

Place Moulay Hassan is lined with cafés and restaurants (Café France is popular; for Italian cream don’t miss Gelateria Dolce Freddo). Have a drink on the terrace at Taros with sweeping views across the port. In between the square and the port are the grilled fish stalls (grillades de poissons), a great place for lunch, where freshly caught fish and seafood is grilled in front of you and served with salad.