Morocco is brimming with beautiful landscapes, historical sites and culture. From the sandy shores of the Mediterranean lined beaches to the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a favored tourist destination for those who want to explore this Northern African country.
There are a couple of things you should and should not do when visiting Morocco and taking note of these can ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.
What You Should Do
• Women should always dress modestly when visiting sites and cities, keep the beach wear for at the beach or by the pool. Be sure any clothing you pack covers your shoulders and legs, this will avoid you being disrespectful to the residents of this magnificent country.
• Always use a reputable tour guide when visiting the Sahara regions and the historical ruins. This ensures that you can to see as much as possible in the shortest time without delays and getting lost. A tour guide will also be a wealth of information, so you can learn as much as possible about each place you visit.
• Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. The Mediterranean climate is a hot one and especially when you head to the desert areas, ensure you don’t become dehydrated.
• When you see snake and monkey performers, always pay if you intend taking photographs.
• Always agree on a price with the driver before getting into any taxi. Try and choose metered taxis to avoid confusion.
• If you are women traveling alone you can expect some interest from the local men. Always walk with a purpose, even if you are lost and have no idea where you are going.
• Try the traditional cuisine. Moroccan cuisine is a culinary delight of spices and aromas.
• Always bargain at the souks. The stall owners are ready for this and will always be ready for some fun bargaining.
• Take the time to soak up the history and culture of this country. Over and above it’s natural beauty, there is so many fantastic ruins and museums telling the countries interesting past.
What You Should Not Do
• Avoid the tap water and always drink bottled water. Bottled water is easily available throughout the country.
• Don’t carry large sums of cash in your hand, especially when entering the souks. Only bring your cash out when paying for something.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the month of Ramadan, this will be considered disrespectful and can cause problems with the locals.
• Never offer the locals alcohol, even if you think you are doing a nice thing. Remember they are Muslim and this can be seen as a sign of disrespect.
• Always greet with your right hand, the left hand is used for personal hygiene in Morocco.
• Don’t buy the first thing you see at the souks, walk around a bit and then start bargaining, chances are you will get it at a better price.
• Be sure to carry good suncream and a hat with you at all times, the sun can get very hot here.
• Never follow individual guides when you arrive at the souks, they are most likely going to take you directly to their own stall to try and sell items to you.
• Don’t forget to tip for services, tips are expected. An average of a ten per cent tip is expected.
• Don’t ever walk straight into any mosques. Non Muslims are not allowed, the mosque is their holy place.