Hey there, wanderers! If you’re planning on traveling to Morocco, get ready for an enchanting destination that blends ancient traditions with vibrant vibes!
But before you travel to Morocco, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. While Morocco offers an unforgettable adventure, it also has its fair share of unique customs, cultural norms, and travel quirks that might catch newcomers off guard.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up 15 common mistakes globetrotters often make when traveling to Morocco, helping you navigate your way to a flawless and fulfilling adventure. After reading today’s post, you will know when to go, how to get around in Morocco, where to buy a SIM card, what it’s like to travel during Ramadan and so much more.
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Mistake 1: Traveling to Morocco in July or August
July and August are the peak of the summer season in Morocco, and temperatures can soar to scorching levels, particularly in inland areas and desert regions. The high temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C) or more. Exploring cities, wandering through souks (markets), or visiting historical sites can become challenging and physically demanding, especially for travelers unaccustomed to such heat.
Here’s a little insider tip – during these months, a lot of Moroccans themselves take off for vacations to escape the sizzling weather. That means some businesses, shops, and restaurants might be closed or running on shorter hours, affecting your overall experience and access to certain services.
To save yourself from all that discomfort and potential limitations, it’s a smart move to plan your trip during the milder seasons of spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Trust us, the weather is much more pleasant during those times, making it way easier to explore the diverse landscapes, engage with locals, and fully enjoy the rich cultural experiences that Morocco has to offer.
If you haven’t booked your flight and hotel yet, just pick your favorite one here (*affiliate link):
Mistake 2: Underestimating the importance of bargaining (or bargaining too hard)
Bargaining, also known as haggling, is a big deal in the Moroccan culture, especially in markets (souks) and small shops. It is a customary practice, and locals expect it as a part of the buying process.
We get it, if you’re not used to bargaining, it might feel a bit uncomfortable or awkward at first. However, if you just nod and pay the first price they throw at you, you could end up paying significantly more than the actual value of the item.
On the other hand, bargaining too hard and aggressively pushing for unrealistically low prices can backfire too. While the goal is to get a fair price, overdoing it may offend the seller and harm the overall shopping experience. Remember, it’s all about that friendly back-and-forth where both sides feel good about the final price.
The key is to have a fair price in mind that you’re willing to pay for the item of choice and have fun while bargaining. Be respectful, keep a friendly attitude, and don’t forget that it’s totally fine to walk away if the price isn’t right for you.
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Mistake 3: Only going to Marrakech when traveling to Morocco
While Marrakech is undoubtedly a captivating city with its bustling souks, historic palaces, and vibrant atmosphere, it represents just one aspect of Morocco’s rich culture and landscapes.
If you’re all about Marrakech and nothing else, you miss out on exploring other incredible destinations that showcase Morocco’s unique charm. Each region of the country has its own distinct characteristics, traditions, and natural beauty just waiting for you to explore.
You’ve got the epic Atlas Mountains with breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking. And have you heard about Chefchaouen? It’s the dreamiest blue city with its picturesque streets and tranquil ambiance. Then there are the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, and Rabat, that boast fascinating history and give insights into Morocco’s royal past. And let’s not forget the Sahara Desert – a surreal sea of golden dunes that’ll have you feeling like you’re in a movie!
So, why stick to just one spot when you can have it all? Don’t be afraid to go beyond Marrakech explore multiple regions when traveling to Morocco. This will allow a well-rounded and immersive encounter with the country’s true essence, making the journey even more rewarding and unforgettable.
However, we completely understand that time can be tight. “If you don’t have time to go on a 2-week road trip, you might still have time to go on a day trip from Marrakech. GetYourGuide has a fantastic selection of day tours from Marrakech* with very flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change last-minute.
- Your ultimate 2-week itinerary to Morocco's enchanting treasures
Mistake 4: Not getting a local sim card when traveling to Morocco
With a local SIM card, you can make calls, send texts, and use data without incurring expensive roaming charges. Moreover, having internet access on your phone is incredibly useful for navigation, especially when you plan to go on a road trip with a rental car but also when you wander around the Medina of the bigger cities.
Where to get a SIM card in Morocco?
You can find official stores of major mobile network providers like Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi in cities and towns all over Morocco. Plus, most major airports in Morocco have kiosks or shops where you can easily get a local SIM card upon arrival. These stores offer a variety of SIM card options and data packages to choose from. Depending on your usage needs, you can go for daily, weekly, or monthly packages, ranging from just a few MAD to around 100 MAD or more.
Personally, when we arrived in Rabat, we decided to buy a SIM card at the airport. Just ask the shop owner to help you pick the right package for your needs. We went with ORANGE and paid 70 MAD (6.5 € or 7 $) for a SIM card with 2 GB and 30 minutes of calls because there was no bigger package available in that shop. However, since we always share our travel experiences on Instagram and rely on navigation, we needed around 10 GB for our 2-week trip. Luckily, 1 GB was only 10 Dirham, making it quite affordable.
Remember, it’s best to buy enough internet at kiosks or official ORANGE stores in bigger cities, We missed the chance to top up our internet while staying in the imperial cities, and we ended up running out of internet in the middle of our trip to the desert and while driving through rural areas. To recharge internet, you’re supposed to do it online, but our credit cards weren’t accepted. So, we had to find a shop on our way to the next destination. Mini markets with orange signs are everywhere, but not all shops can actually sell and upload internet. It took us forever to find a mini market that could help us. Another important tip: When you buy the internet, ask the shop owner to show you how to recharge it. You’ll need to call a certain number and enter a code into your phone. Since it’s all in Arabic, we paid close attention when the shop owner did it who was very kind and taught us how to do it.
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Mistake 5: Not educating yourself about common scams before traveling to Morocco
While Morocco is generally a safe and welcoming country for tourists, like any travel destination, it’s not completely scam-proof. If you’re not aware of common scams, you could unknowingly end up falling for various tricks. Some common scams in Morocco might include fake guides, touts, dirty or fake cops. It’s a bummer, but don’t worry, we got your back! To avoid falling prey to scams, it’s essential to educate yourself about the common tactics used and stay vigilant during your trip. We have a full list of the sneakiest tourist traps in Morocco and how to avoid them.
- 10 Sneaky Tourist Traps in Morocco You Must Avoid at All Costs
One thing we want to add: While it’s important to be cautious, don’t let it ruin the fun. Not every friendly gesture is a scam. Trust your gut and pay attention to your surroundings, but don’t be suspicious of everyone. Most people in Morocco are genuinely hospitable and mean no harm.
Mistake 6: Thinking going on a road trip in Morocco isn’t a good idea
Yes, it’s true. Traffic can get pretty chaotic at times, especially during Ramadan when driving between 5 and 7 pm. But we don’t quite understand why several travel blogs advise you specifically NOT to rent a car in Morocco.
Personally, we found having a rental car in Morocco such a rewarding experience. It allowed us to witness the country’s diverse landscapes and provided the flexibility to stop at charming villages and taking spontaneous detours whenever something catches your eye.
However, it is true that it’s essential to be well-prepared before hitting the road in Morocco and we would only advise it to experienced and confident drivers. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, driving customs, and road conditions, always follow the speed limits and always stop at police checkpoints!
How to get around in Morocco without a car?
By Train
Trains connect major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez, making them a convenient mode of transportation for traveling between urban centers in Morocco. The train company ONCF operates modern and well-maintained trains, providing a comfortable travel experience. Depending on the route, you can find various classes of trains, including express trains or night trains. You can check the train schedule online and book your ticket through their online booking platform in advance.
A one-way ticket from Tangier to Marrakech costs around 330 MAD (30 € or 33 $) and takes around 5.5 hours by train.
By Shared Grand Taxis
Shared grand taxis are probably the most popular way to travel around Morocco. The taxis are usually older sedans, Peugeots, or Mercedes and can carry up to six passengers. They operate on fixed routes between specific destinations. Each taxi has a designated departure point, known as a “gare” or “station,” where they pick up passengers heading to a particular destination. These stations are usually located in central areas or near major transportation hubs. They typically display their destination on a sign on the roof or in the front windshield.
Unlike buses or trains, shared grand taxis don’t operate on fixed schedules. Instead, they wait at their departure points until they have enough passengers to fill the taxi. Once the taxi is full, it departs for its destination. Passengers share the cost of the ride equally among themselves. The fare is usually fixed and set by local authorities, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the price before boarding. Payment is made in cash directly to the driver upon reaching your destination.
By bus
Just like grand taxis, buses are a great option to visit more rural destinations in Morocco. Traveling by bus around Morocco may be slower than traveling by grand taxi, but it is certainly more comfortable and even safer. There are numerous private bus services in Morocco, but we would advise you to opt for the companies Supratours or CTM, which are considered to be more reliable and faster. Buses typically depart from designated bus stations in each city or town. In larger cities, there might be multiple bus stations for different destinations. They usually operate on fixed schedules, with departures at specific times throughout the day. You can find the schedules online or at the bus station. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your seat.
A one-way ticket from Tangier to Marrakech costs around 125 MAD (11 € or 13 $) and takes around 8.5 hours by bus.
Extra Tip: No matter whether you choose to travel by car or public transportation, be prepared for traditional Moroccan toilets (squat toilets) when you stop on the road. Always make sure to bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you, as these are often not provided in public restrooms.
Mistake 7: Driving in the medina of Marrakech
Oh, you definitely want to avoid this one! Trust us, navigating through the Medina of Marrakech by car is a nerve-wracking experience when traveling to Morocco. You’ll be trying to find your Riad, while avoiding bikes, pedestrians, and food stalls left and right. The traffic congestion in the Medina is heavy, making driving a daunting and frustrating ordeal. Getting lost is almost guaranteed, and you’ll waste a lot of time and energy trying to find your way out.
Finding a parking spot in the Medina is a whole different challenge. The streets aren’t designed for cars, and designated parking areas are scarce. It’s way better to park your car outside of the Medina at a guarded parking lot. That way, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle and headaches.
Mistake 8: Underestimating Travel Times
Mistake 9: Relying only on credit cards
Morocco is definitely a country where you should have withdrawn a reasonable amount of cash at the airport and in bigger cities to prepare yourself for your trips to rural areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but many smaller towns, local markets, rural areas, and most of the desert camps in the Sahara desert don’t have the infrastructure to support card payments.
On our last day in Marrakech, we were in a bit of a rush to get to the airport. We pulled up to the gas station near the airport, thinking we’d fill up the tank before dropping off our rental car. But guess what? Surprise, surprise! They didn’t accept card payments! We were caught off guard as we were sure that a gas station near the airport would accept credit card payment. Luckily, we found a forgotten 20 Euro bill in our wallet, and luckily, they accepted it instead of Dirham.
Lesson learned: When you’re in Morocco, always make sure to have enough dirham handy.
Mistake 10: Not Trying Local Cuisine when traveling to Morocco
Food is an essential part of any culture, and trying local cuisine allows you to delve deeper into the Moroccan way of life. From tagines to couscous, Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, blending a unique mix of spices, herbs, and ingredients. And don’t worry, even though Moroccans enjoy eating meat, the restaurants usually have options suitable for vegetarians and vegans. In fact, the best couscous with veggies that we had in Morocco was vegan.
Plus, trying out various foods from local street vendors offers the ultimate genuine and authentic experience. You get to interact with locals, learn about their food traditions, and discover dishes you didn’t even know they existed. If you don’t feel confident eating at local markets without the guidance of a local, we highly recommend the food tour we went on in Marrakech. It was one of the best nights we had in Morocco. Our guide was extremely kind and funny, and with him, we felt much more at ease trying different foods – we even had snails, but to be honest, they weren’t our favorite.
Mistake 11: Not educating yourself about Ramadan
Ramadan is a crucial religious custom for Muslims, and plays a significant role in Moroccan culture and society. Its timing varies each year as it is based on the sighting of the moon. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and this practice affects daily routines and schedules.
Why is this important to you?
When you plan your trip to Morocco during Ramadan, you’ll notice that many businesses, restaurants, and tourist attractions have altered opening hours. Additionally, it’s crucial to show sensitivity and respect towards those who are fasting. This means you should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours.
Now, you might be wondering, is it worth traveling to Morocco during Ramadan? We traveled to Morocco during Ramadan and would do it again anytime. The country remains open and welcoming to tourists during this time, with most attractions, hotels, and restaurants operating as usual. Mornings are quieter, and there are fewer tourists, making sightseeing more peaceful.
It is true that it is a bit tricky to find open restaurants that serve lunch, and dinner is served later than usual. Personally, we didn’t mind packing a few more snacks for our lunch break and eating later in the evening.
Mistake 12: Bringing your drone
Bringing your drone to Morocco? It’s a big no! We know, it’s a bummer for every drone pilot to leave the drone at home, but it’s a serious mistake you don’t want to make in Morocco. The government has strict regulations, and if you fly one without the right permits, get ready for some serious trouble. Fines, drone confiscation, even jail time – you name it! When you fly to Morocco by airplane, you won’t even be able to bring the drone through security. Seeing our photography gear, the airport staff even asked us several times if we had a drone with us. So, unless you’re looking for some major drone drama, leave the drone at home.
- How to stay safe in Morocco: 10 crucial tips for your trip
Mistake 13: Expecting to be able to communicate only in English
While English is taught in schools and some people working in the tourism industry may have basic English skills, English is not widely spoken or understood throughout the country.
Arabic and Berber are the official languages of Morocco, and French is also commonly spoken. In more remote or rural regions, locals might speak only their native language, making communication in English challenging.
That’s why we advise you to learn some basic Arabic or French phrases before your trip. Even just a few simple greetings and expressions can go a long way in showing respect to the local culture and people.
Mistake 14: Ignoring Cultural Sensitivities when traveling to Morocco:
Morocco has this amazing mix of cultural heritage, deeply rooted in its history, religion, and social values. Failing to respect and understand these sensitivities can lead to misunderstandings, offend the locals, and negatively impact your travel experience.
One major thing to keep in mind is the dress code. While there are no strict laws or rules, it’s advised to dress modestly, especially since Morocco is mostly Muslim. Travelers, especially women, should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing, and it’s essential to cover shoulders, chest, and legs when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.
Another critical aspect is public displays of affection (PDA). Showing affection, such as kissing, hugging, or holding hands, isn’t common in Moroccan culture, especially in more traditional places. Engaging in PDA may be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate.
Mistake 15: Supporting animal cruelty
If you don’t educate yourself about animal cruelty, you could end up unintentionally supporting unethical animal tours or activities. That means things like riding animals in harsh conditions, taking pics with animals that aren’t treated right, or supporting businesses that exploit animals.
For example, in Marrakech, you will most likely come across snake charmers and monkey trainers who put these animals through uncomfortable and unnatural situations for the sake of entertainment. We found this situation really terrible to watch, and we strongly advise against taking photos as it supports animal cruelty. They will ask for high payments if you like to take pictures.
When you’re planning to visit the desert, you might be tempted to try a camel ride for that perfect Moroccan experience. But you might also wonder how to make sure it’s an ethical camel-riding experience. We were unsure ourselves because we knew about the exploitative situations some animals endure.
So, instead of jumping right into a camel ride, we decided to book a jeep ride when we got there. This gave us the opportunity to observe the camels and their riders, and we engaged with the guides, asking questions about their treatment and well-being. From what we could see, the camels appeared healthy, spent most of their day in the shade, and had opportunities to walk freely when not carrying guests.
In the end, I gave the short camel ride a go since I’d never tried it before. But Patrik chose not to, staying concerned about the animals’ well-being. Even though I was curious, I’m still not sure if I’d do it again.
We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights into traveling to Morocco! Avoiding these 15 common mistakes can truly make your journey an unforgettable and flawless adventure. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or want to share your own experiences. Drop a comment below with your thoughts, tips, or anything else you’d like to share.
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