Morocco is a warm, welcoming country, and a few practical tips make the trip smoother: how to handle money, how much to tip, how to bargain, what to wear and how to avoid the common scams.
This guide collects the questions first-time visitors ask most often.
Key takeaways
- Carry small notes and coins; cards are not accepted everywhere.
- Tip around 10 percent in restaurants when service is not included.
- Bargain politely in souks and agree prices before taxis, guides and photos.
- Dress modestly in medinas, ask before photographing people and respect Ramadan.
Money
- Currency: the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Roughly 10 MAD equals one US dollar, but check the current rate.
- ATMs: common in cities and towns. Withdraw enough cash before heading to the desert or small villages.
- Cards: accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but not in most souks, small cafés and taxis.
- Exchange: use banks, exchange offices or ATMs rather than street changers.
- Leaving: it is not permitted to take large amounts of dirhams out of the country, so change what is left before you fly.
Tipping
- Restaurants: about 10 percent if service is not included; round up in cafés.
- Porters and hotel staff: a few dirhams for carrying bags.
- Guides and drivers: it is customary to tip at the end of a day or tour if you are happy with the service.
- Taxis: no tip expected; round up if you like.
Bargaining
- Compare prices in two or three shops first.
- Start well below the first price and settle in the middle.
- Do not offer a price you are not willing to pay.
- If you do not agree, say thank you and leave: you will often be called back with a better offer.
Safety and scams
Morocco is generally safe for visitors. The most common problems are petty and avoidable:
- Fake guides: strangers who offer to show you the way and then ask for money.
- “The road is closed”: a common line to lead you to a shop. Check on your map.
- Taxis without the meter and unmarked prices in cafés.
- Pickpockets in crowded places: keep your phone and wallet out of sight.
- Photo fees: performers and some vendors expect a payment if you take a picture.
Useful emergency numbers: police 19 (cities), Royal Gendarmerie 177 (rural areas) and ambulance and civil protection 15.
Women travelling alone
Many women travel in Morocco alone or in groups. You may get unwanted attention in crowded areas. Dressing modestly, using confident body language, ignoring comments and choosing well-reviewed accommodation helps. Petit taxis and riad transfers are good options after dark.
Etiquette and dress
- Cover shoulders and knees in medinas, villages and religious sites; beachwear belongs at the beach and pool.
- Ask before photographing people, and do not photograph military or government buildings.
- Greet people with a handshake or a “salam”; use your right hand for eating and giving.
- Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims; the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca offers guided visits.
- Same-sex relations are criminalised, so discretion is advised. Public displays of affection are best avoided by all couples.
- Drones need permission and are generally restricted.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day out of respect. Restaurants often open later and some close for the month, so plan meals and expect a lively atmosphere after sunset. See our best time guide for dates and festivals.
A few useful words
- Salam alaykum: hello. Shukran: thank you. La, shukran: no, thank you.
- Afak: please. Bshhal?: how much? Yallah: let’s go.
- Mashi mushkil: no problem.
SIM cards, electricity and health
- SIM cards: buy a local SIM at the airport or a shop with your passport; eSIMs also work on compatible phones.
- Electricity: 220 V with European-style plugs (types C and E).
- Water: drink bottled water and carry a refillable bottle.
- Sun: use sunscreen and a hat all year, including in winter.
- Insurance: buy travel insurance with medical cover.
Health and pharmacies
Pharmacies are easy to find in towns, and many pharmacists speak French and some English. Bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging, along with a basic kit with painkillers, rehydration salts and antiseptic. If you have a stomach upset, drink plenty of bottled water and rest; see a doctor if it lasts more than a day or two.
Useful apps
- An offline map of the cities you visit, downloaded before you travel.
- The ONCF app or website for trains, and the CTM website for buses.
- A translation app with Arabic and French downloaded for offline use.
- A currency converter to check prices in your own currency.
Travelling responsibly
- Buy crafts directly from artisans and cooperatives where you can.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic.
- Ask before taking photos of people and respect local customs.
- Tip fairly and pay guides and drivers a fair price.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco safe?
It is generally safe for visitors. Take the usual precautions with valuables and avoid unlicensed guides.
Do people speak English?
In tourist areas, yes. French and Arabic are more common elsewhere, and a few words of Arabic go a long way.
How do I avoid scams?
Agree prices first, ignore strangers who tell you routes are closed, use taxis with meters and book through reliable operators.
Final verdict
Most problems come from not agreeing prices or following the first person who offers help, so keep calm, smile and walk on. For the practical side of your trip, read our Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide and getting around guide, or ask us on the Plan My Trip page.
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