Essential tips before traveling to Morocco
Make copies of important documents
This is an important step you must always take not only when traveling to Morocco but anywhere around the world, you never know when you might need a copy of your passport, driver’s license or another form of identification.
Scan these documents to save online and print out several hard copies. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find proper documentation if you need to get home.
Losing your shoes can be a true hassle on a trip. That loss can even cost you money to replace them, but losing your identification and travel documents is much, much worse for three reasons:
They take longer to replace,
They’re more difficult to replace in a foreign country,
Depending on what you lose, you might not be able to get home on your schedule – and that could cost you even more money.
Dress appropriately
In Morocco Men can dress however they like, but women need to dress a little more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, just the same way they dress back home, You'd chose to cover up as much as possible just to avoid unwanted attention.
Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some girls may get groped on multiple occasions even though you'll get paired off with a male buddy, and it happens more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles.
For the ladies out there, keep a shawl / scarf handy (this one is reversible and great for traveling light)
Mosques in Morocco
Many mosques around the world open at least a portion of their interior to non-Muslims, foreigners will find that in Morocco most are off-limits. One of the few exceptions to the rule is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, a must see impressive mosque if you happen to be in Casablanca. There you can wander around the courtyard or pay a small fee to take a guided tour from the inside.
For the most part, you’ll be able to peek into Morocco’s many beautiful mosques through the open door from the outside. It should also be noted that some Muslims find it disrespectful to photograph the exterior of mosques. Don’t be surprised if you are requested to refrain.
Moroccans speak more French than English
There are three official languages spoken in Morocco, the Moroccan Arab dialect or also referred to as Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) the Berbers are the natives of the Moroccan country. The third language for most Moroccans is French. English is not used as widely so if you don’t speak French, you’ll likely be challenged at times to communicate. And this is of course when you're on your own, when booked a tour through a travel agency like ours, everyone providing a service to our clients they're all English speaking expert tour guides, drivers and communicators at our agency.
The most common communication issue for tourists is the broad expectation by Moroccans that foreigners will likely understand French. That meant that a lot of people would begin speaking to you rapidly in French as you stare at them dumbly. And they may seem to think you were being rude by not responding.
But on the bright side, written French and English use the same characters.
So while you may not be able to understand the French language when tying to read the signs in the streets, Google translator app can always be of great help as well.
Gratuity in Morocco - A gift of service
Gratuity is a gift of money that is granted for service or a
show of appreciation given without claim or demand.
In Morocco tipping is “par for the course” and you will certainly be expected to put you hand in your pocket for those little services e.g. bell-boy at the hotel or Riad, the housekeeper, and any restaurant waitstaff if you dine in, driver, tour guide, parking attendants etc..
Gratuity is one of the best ways you can demonstrate
appreciation for the services in Morocco. Charity is a donation that comes from ones heart
and also one of the five tenants of Islam. Charity is greatly
appreciated by the elderly and children you may come
across during your journey to Morocco who move your
heart in some way. Listed below is some Comfort Travel
Morocco’s recommendation of the way to handle
“gratuity” and “charity” during your travels in the
Maghreb;
10 Dhs is approximately $1
Simple street cafe's 10-20 Dhs
Chic modern cafe / lounge bar 20-40 Dhs
Simple restaurant (street food) 10-20 Dhs
Chic modern restaurant 80-150 Dhs
Hotel porter 20-50 Dhs
Guardian for car parking in the street 3-5 Dhs
Driver on shorter transfer (-1 hours) 50-150Dhs
Driver on longer transfer (1+ hours) 100-300Dhs
Driver on long tours around the country 250-400 Dhs/day
Your guide after a half or full day tour 250-500 Dhs
“It is more agreeable to have the power to give than to
receive.” (Winston Churchill)
Taking photos of people
Surely, it is always polite to ask prior to snapping a photo of anyone all over the world, people deem it impolite to portray people without asking, and it is the same in Morocco.
In addition, a lot of locals refuse being photographed for religious reasons (aniconism in Islam). Therefore it is advisable and polite to ask for permission before taking pictures. Even if you at least indicate your request non-verbally using body language and gestures.
Some, above all devout Muslims and women, will then show you that they do not wish to be photographed while others have made a business out of it by now. A lot of Moroccans react downright positively and pose proudly in front of the camera without expecting money for it.
''Faux Guides'' or False Guides
Faux guides are individuals who try to scam unsuspecting tourists in a few ways. Official tour guides will always wear a badge on their clothes that indicates that they are certified national tour guide and are allowed to help tourists. The best way to get true tour guide is through your travel agency, even Riads/Hotels sometimes they arrange False guides for their clients just for a price, and when they meet the tourist police control around the markets they just bribe them to avoid being arrested.
You'd better also be carful if you are walking around Djemma el Fna or anywhere in the Medinas whether it's Marrakech or Fes, and you are trying to find your hotel, hostel or Riad on your own, they will spot you and try to get you to “follow them to bring you to your hotel.” They might take you an extra-long way so it looks as if they brought you a long distance and then they will expect you to give them money for bringing you there. If it was just a couple of dirhams, I’d say that’s not a bad deal but they generally will ask (or demand) 150-200 dirhams, maybe more just to take you around the block. Pick pocket happen a lot with those guys so it's never an option, AVOID!
Buckle-up!
Moroccan law requires that any driver or passenger of a private car wear a seatbelt, especially when driving intercity, although they are not required in Grand Taxis. If you hire a driver or rent a car during your visit, and whether you're sitting in the front or back seats be sure to buckle up or face a fine on the spot if you get caught and it's a $30 for each person with no seatbelt on.
Should you bring your DRONE?
Morocco enforces a strict “no drones allowed” policy so if you bring one, you’ll be forced to leave it at the airport until you depart. If you plan on flying into one airport and out of another, this could cause some issues.
And, while you can stay in Morocco for 90 days, your drone can only stay at the airport for 45. The only way they notify you of this is in small Arabic and French print on your receipt. Take it from someone who had their drone confiscated at the airport in Marrakech. We never got it back, so leave your drone safely at home.
At this time drones are BANNED in Morocco, this doesn't mean that it is not possible to bring in one at all, but by special permission is possible for commercial drone use, and it is a lengthy and difficult process. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws once they have obtained permission to fly in Morocco;
Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds,
Respect other's privacy when flying your drone,
Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating,
You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions,
Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
Importation of drones and other flying objects must be pre-approved by authorities please contact the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for legal authorization before importation/use of drone in Morocco airspace.
Weather in Morocco
The weather in Morocco changes not only from season to season, but also greatly between the different regions. In fact, you can only make one generalization about the weather in Morocco: It’s always warmer than in Central Europe. This is a good sign when going on a Moroccan holiday.
However, Morocco offers good weather 12 months of the year but there are different places to visit at different times and this also depends on how you like your weather.
Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb are winter months but offer lovely warm days and cold nights. Generally sunny and bright with temperatures in the high teens during the day and chilly at night.
March, April, May and June are all lovely months with weather warming up more and more. Low to high twenties and warmer nights. Ideal all over the country. Inland, coast and Southern Morocco (Sahara).
July and especially August are HOT months with temperatures inland reaching 46 C but the heat is very dry so not as tiring as humid heat. Southern Morocco, Marrakech and Fes can be very intense at this time of year (especially for the elderly). The Coast however is ideal at this time of year with temperatures in the high 20’s and low 30’s. Perfect beach weather!
September and October are lovely months with the warmth left over form the summer but very comfortable all over the country.
The distinct areas of Morocco (Coast on the west, Rif mountains in the North, Atlas Mountains in the interior, Sahara Desert to the south & east) make for differing climates across the country, so that it is a good destination all year round, to catch the sun, experience the vibrancy of the cities, or go walking in the mountains.
Daily sunshine ranges from 13 hours in the desert to nine & 10 on the Atlantic. In the winter, you'll see up to 6 hours in the North, increasing to 7 or 8 as you move south.
Be Aware of your surrounding
Don’t let your guard down to snap the perfect picture for your social media platforms. Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times and use good judgment when talking to strangers, especially in the crowded places like in the old Medina.
A big part of the joy of traveling is the opportunities it affords to meet new people and learn about their cultures. But if someone near you is acting suspiciously, or if you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.
