Before
you travel to Morocco, learn the key do’s and don’ts that help
you blend in, stay safe, and show respect. Understand local
etiquette, customs, and smart travel behaviour across this vibrant
country.
• Greet politely with “Salam Alaikum.” A warm Arabic greeting shows respect and is widely appreciated.
• Dress modestly. Cover shoulders, cleavage, and knees in public, especially outside resort areas.
• Remove shoes when entering homes. This is a traditional sign of respect and hospitality.
• Carry small change. Taxis and local shops often can’t break large notes.
• Use your right hand for eating and giving. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
• Bargain respectfully in souks. Haggling should be friendly, light-hearted, and polite.
• Accept mint tea when offered. It symbolises hospitality and declining can feel dismissive.
• Learn basic Arabic or French phrases. Even small efforts are warmly received.
• Respect prayer times. Shops may pause briefly; patience is expected.
• Support local cooperatives. Buying from artisans helps sustain traditional crafts and fair trade.
• Wear revealing clothing. Short shorts, crop tops, or tight outfits may attract unwanted attention.
• Photograph people without permission. Especially women, religious figures, or police.
• Show public affection. Hugging or kissing is frowned upon in conservative areas.
• Discuss sensitive topics. Politics, the monarchy, and religion are best avoided.
• Enter mosques unless permitted. Most are closed to non-Muslims, with a few exceptions.
• Use your left hand for eating or giving. This is considered disrespectful.
• Drink alcohol publicly. Only consume alcohol in licensed venues or private spaces.
• Expect strict punctuality. Schedules are relaxed, often called “Inshallah time.”
• Decline invitations abruptly. Tea or short visits are gestures of kindness.
• Assume all areas are safe at night. Stick to busy, well-lit streets after dark.
• Moroccan culture is blended. Arab, Berber, and French influences shape daily life.
• Fridays are holy. Expect slower pace and closures around midday prayers.
• Handshakes vary by gender. Men commonly shake hands; women may initiate first.
• Family values are strong. Respect elders and avoid over-familiarity.
• Mint tea carries meaning. It represents welcome and goodwill.
• Souks are social spaces. Bargaining is cultural, not confrontational.
• Storytelling and crafts endure. Music, rugs, pottery, and metalwork remain central.
• Observe Ramadan etiquette. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking publicly during daylight.
• Keep behaviour calm. Loud or aggressive conduct is discouraged.
• Berber hospitality is generous. Guests are treated with honour and warmth.
• Carry cash. ATMs are common in cities but less reliable in small towns.
• Book early in peak seasons. Spring and autumn fill quickly.
• Use ONCF trains and CTM buses. Reliable options for long-distance travel.
• Agree taxi fares beforehand. Most taxis do not use meters.
• Expect good Wi-Fi in cities. Buy a SIM for rural or desert areas.
• Avoid tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water everywhere.
• Plan around Fridays. Prayer times can affect transport and opening hours.
• Use offline maps. Medina streets often confuse GPS.
• Pack for varied climates. Coast, mountains, and desert differ dramatically.
• Tip modestly. Restaurants (5–10%), porters, guides, and drivers appreciate small amounts.
• Stay in a riad. More intimate and authentic than standard hotels.
• Hire local medina guides. They know hidden alleys and reduce hassle.
• Choose Merzouga for desert trips. Larger dunes and better sunrise views.
• Visit Berber villages. Imlil and Aït Bouguemez offer genuine hospitality.
• Explore souks early. Cooler weather and fewer crowds.
• Escape to Essaouira. Coastal breezes ease Marrakech heat.
• Use modern train routes. Casablanca–Rabat–Tangier is efficient.
• Seek authentic crafts. Tamegroute pottery and Zemmour rugs are standouts.
• Choose eco-friendly Sahara camps. Solar-powered sites protect the desert.
• Avoid uncertified antiques. Export laws are strict and enforced.
• Morocco is generally safe. Petty theft can occur in crowded medinas.
• Secure your belongings. Crossbody bags and hotel safes are advised.
• Carry ID or a passport copy. Police checks are common.
• Avoid drugs completely. Penalties are severe and strictly enforced.
• Follow public behaviour laws. Alcohol is regulated; intoxication is unacceptable.
• LGBTQ+ travellers should be discreet. Social attitudes remain conservative.
• Be cautious with traffic. Roads are chaotic; avoid night driving.
• Avoid stray animals. Risk of bites or infection exists.
• Ensure medical cover. Insurance is essential outside major cities.
• Protect against the sun. UV exposure is strong year-round.
• Arabic and French dominate daily life. English is improving but not universal.
• Greet before asking anything. Politeness opens conversations.
• Use “La shukran” to decline. A respectful way to say no to vendors.
• Be patient in conversations. Interactions move at a relaxed pace.
• Avoid direct criticism. Gentle, indirect wording is preferred.
• Gesture with an open hand. Pointing with a finger is impolite.
• Greet shopkeepers when entering. Manners matter in small businesses.
• Leave small café tips. A few dirhams show appreciation.
• Ask before taking photos. Especially in villages or religious areas.
• Basic French is very useful. Especially for taxis, menus, and bargaining.