As a female traveller embarking on my first adventure to Morocco, I was excited to immerse myself in its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. But I also had my share of nerves. I’d never been to Africa or a predominantly Muslim country before and wasn’t sure what to expect.
I’m a planner. I like to have spreadsheets and maps and have done my research before I visit somewhere new. Preparation is key to making the most of my experience. For this trip, I decided to balance my nervousness with my excitement by booking a yoga retreat followed by a group trip, rather than tackle it solo. I spent two weeks in Morocco getting to visit a number of different towns and learned a lot along the way.
If you’re thinking of taking your first trip to Morocco, read on. I’ve compiled some essential tips that will help ensure your trip is not only enjoyable but also respectful of the beautiful Moroccan culture. Whether you’re a solo traveller like me or planning a group getaway, these insights will guide you through the enchanting streets of Morocco with confidence and ease.
Dress Modestly
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and dressing modestly shows respect for local customs. Long skirts, loose pants, and tops that cover your shoulders will make you feel comfortable while blending in with the culture. You may come across packing lists online that show women in front of beautiful Moroccan scenes wearing strappy tops or short shorts. Don’t be that person. While you won’t get into any official trouble it’s not respectful of the local culture and may invite some unwanted verbal harassment.
It’s entirely possible to still look chic and trendy while also covering your knees and shoulders. Think loose linen pants, maxi dresses, and button-ups. A tea length shirtdress is one of my favourites that checks the modesty boxes.
Learn Basic Arabic and French Phrases
While many Moroccans speak English in tourist areas, knowing a few key phrases in Arabic (like “Salam” for hello and “Shukran” for thank you) or French can help you connect with locals. I’m going to admit that the only Arabic I knew was “thank you” but I definitely put some of my French to use in restaurants, markets, and taxis.
I’d also recommend having Google Translate on your phone and downloading both Arabic and French, just in case you find yourself without data or wifi. Since offline use is restricted to typing vs. talking French will likely be more useful in that scenario.
Haggle in the Markets
Bargaining is part of the shopping culture, especially in souks (markets). Don’t accept the first price offered and enjoy the process of negotiating respectfully. I found it really awkward at first since the men working in shops (and it was all men) were pretty insistent in trying to get you to come into their shop if you so much as slowed down or glanced their way. But eventually I realized I’d never get any souvenirs like my leather pouf or rattan shoes if I didn’t stop and look.
If you have no frame of reference it’s hard to know what a good price for something is, but a rule of thumb is that whatever number they give you as a first price, counter with a third and be content if you settle on half. Be willing to walk away if they don’t come down to a number you’re ok with.
For reference, in April 2024 I paid 220 MAD for a leather pouf, 150 MAD for a men’s linen shirt, and 350 MAD for a handmade leather bag. Were these the best prices? Probably not, but they were prices I was happy enough to pay and a bit less than half of what I was first quoted.
I was nervous at first but after one or two purchases it became a bit of a game. You have to be firm though. Know before you step into a shop what your max price is and don’t let them talk you over it.
Stay Alert in the Medina
When you’re in the medinas of cities like Marrakech and Fes and you need to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. In Marrakech, you really need to be aware of the motorbikes. Since people live in the medina, bikes are allowed to operate in the crowded and narrow passageways and they can zip by at an alarming speed.
You also just want to keep a good eye on your belongings (I recommend a crossbody zipped bag) and keep to areas that are populated by tourists. I would recommend getting a guide for the medina in Fes since it’s such a maze of tiny alleys. You’ll get turned around and lost otherwise.
Our tour group was given a strict instruction to not interact with people who approached us to sell us something. If you stopped they would follow you and more and more men would show up to hawk something. The goods weren’t typically local products, but cheap knock-offs. It’s a good rule of thumb to not buy from the rovering street vendors. Never, ever take your wallet out in the middle of the street. It’s a good way to lose it.
Hide from the Sun
The sun in Morocco is no joke. With temperatures hitting the mid-high 30s spending time in the sun can make you feel like crispy bacon really quick. As much as I’m solar powered, I became a shade seeker in Morocco. The one good thing is that since it’s not humid you’ll notice a real temperature difference in the shade. I’d consider packing a sun parasol for any future visits to Morocco so that I can always have my own shade whenever I want.
On top of seeking shade, be sure to stay properly hydrated. The lack of moisture in the air also causes water to evaporate from your skin and lungs faster, even when you’re not visibly sweating. This increases the risk of dehydration, which can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and, in severe cases, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
In desert climates, drinking small sips throughout the day (even when you don’t feel thirsty) is a smart way to stay ahead of dehydration and keep your energy up for exploring. I made sure to have my emotional support water bottle with me at all times.
Pack a Sweater Even in Spring
After just telling you to pack a parasol and warning of the hot, dry air this one might feel counterintuitive but trust me. The day/night temperature swings can be quite dramatic in the desert. After a day of 35C temps, a dip to 15C is going to feel really chilly.
During the day, the sun heats the desert surface intensely because there’s little moisture in the air to absorb and retain heat. The dry, sandy soil heats up quickly, causing daytime temperatures to soar.
Without moisture in the air or soil to trap heat, the warmth from the day escapes rapidly into the atmosphere once the sun sets. This lack of insulating humidity leads to steep temperature drops, sometimes by tens of degrees within a few hours, resulting in cold desert nights.
I packed one versatile white cardigan and I wore it a lot to breakfast in the morning and after the sun went down. If you’re prone to feeling chilled you may even want to consider a packable down jacket. I wore mine the morning I went up in a hot air balloon since pre-dawn temperatures were really cool.
Be Open to New Foods
One of the best ways to get to know a new culture is through their food, so keep an open mind. Whether it’s a classic slow-cooked chicken tagine, sweet Moroccan tea poured high from a silver pot, or bread cooked in a traditional Berber oven, there’s something to delight the taste buds.
Sharing a meal is also a deeply social act here, often accompanied by generous hospitality and communal eating traditions. You’ll find that tasting Moroccan food becomes a gateway to understanding its culture—every dish is layered with stories of trade routes, culinary artistry, and the warm spirit of its people.
Get Your Dirhams on Arrival
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, which means that you’re not going to be able to exchange your dollars for dirham outside of Morocco. There are ATMs at the airports and in cities and larger towns where you can withdraw local currency or you can bring in Euros or dollars to exchange at the kiosks in the airport.
Be sure to exchange any leftover dirhams before you leave the country or they’ll become just a souvenir until your next trip to Morocco, since you can’t exchange them outside the country.
Don’t try to bring in money with traveler’s checks. Most Moroccan banks won’t accept them.
When you’re shopping in the souks, you can roughly convert MAD to USD at 10-1.
Know Your Taxis
If you’re taking a taxi in Morocco there are a few things you should know. First, if you’re just zipping around the city you’ll likely want a petit taxi – these are the smaller cars for a max of 3 guests. They’ll be painted a designated colour which varies by city (for example, they are all red in Casablanca but orange in Agadir).
There is no ordering a petit taxi, you just need to stand on the side of the road and wave at one as it goes by. Some cities require petit taxis to use meters to prevent taking advantage of tourists. Insist your driver use theirs. If you’re in a non-meter city, agree to a price before you get in the car. I would talk to hotel staff to get an idea of how much various routes should cost.
Expect the taxi to be a bit of a, what we would say in Newfoundland, shit beater. This is not a luxury ride but will get the job done.
Also, don’t be alarmed if your taxi stops to pick up other passengers who are heading in more-or-less the same direction. Think of it like a Moroccan Uber Pool.
Then there’s the grand taxis. These are used mainly as town-to-town shuttles. Typically they’re shared among people going in the same direction but it’s possible to rent an entire one for yourself. They are usually white in colour and will have a sign indicating that it’s a grand taxi.
Consider Taking the Train
You don’t always need a car or a tour group to see multiple cities in Morocco. Did you know that they have a train system that connects a number of major cities, including Marrakech, Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez. There’s even a high speed rail line between Casablanca and Tangier. The first of its kind on the African continent, the line was inaugurated on 15 November 2018, by King Mohammed VI of Morocco following over a decade of planning and construction.
You can buy your tickets online on the ONCF website. First class seats are the most comfortable and are very reasonably priced. 215 MAD ($21 USD) for a first class seat vs. 160 MAD (~$16 USD) for second class, which is usually more crowded and uncomfortable.
Morocco is a land of contrasts and beauty, where every turn offers a new experience, a lesson in culture, or a breathtaking view. Whether it’s wandering through the bustling medinas, savoring the rich flavors of tagine, or marveling at the serene desert landscapes, Morocco has something to offer every traveler. By keeping these Morocco travel tips in mind, you’ll not only make your trip smoother but also embrace the spirit of this vibrant country. So pack your bags, keep an open mind, and get ready to create memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left Morocco. Safe travels!
