If you’ve been sucked in by the colourful landscapes of Morocco on your Instagram feed, welcome to the club. Adding it to my bucket list, I had so many expectations for the place but disappointment kicked in at a rapid pace. Yes, it’s a magical place to visit, with stunning tourist attractions and fun activities you get to do. My time in Morocco was not a big highlight to rave about but there were certainly good moments.
After visiting Casablanca and Marrakesh, I can confidently say you need to do your research properly before visiting, as it can be a challenge if you don’t understand certain concepts and prevent making mistakes. A little mistake might end up ruining the vibe of your trip and we wouldn’t want that.
My goal as a travel explorer has always been to give my honest opinions and practical information on places I’ve visited so that you have realistic expectations for your trip and do not fall blindly in love with the pretty views you see on social media.
Without wasting too much time, here are some important things you need to know before booking that flight to Morocco.
1. Learning a bit of French won’t hurt
“Bonjour” should not be the only French word you know. Basic French phrases and words would go a long way as you embark on your trip to ease any form of language barrier. French is a common language spoken in the country and although many speak English as well, you’ll find the locals to be a lot nicer and more comfortable if you speak French. You can get a small phrasebook that has basic travel terms and common phrases for conversions. In anticipation of your trip to Morocco, you could begin to learn a bit of French as a leisure activity.
2. Embrace the haggling energy
I’m sure it's not a new thing to have watched your mom or aunt haggle down prices at the market that leave you too stunned to speak. You must have felt embarrassed but you can’t deny there’s a pro level when it comes to haggling at the market and it is the same all over the world. While shopping in Morocco, haggling with the shop owners for an item is basically a part of their culture. There is no need to hesitate and you can simply have fun at it as you channel the inner haggling energy that has been passed down for generations. You might leave feeling proud of your bargaining skills at the end of the day and bag some really good items.
3. Non-Muslims aren’t allowed into the mosques.
Mosques in Morocco have a closed-door policy for non-Muslims and the only day you get a peek into these mosques is on Fridays (the holy day), while prayers are going on for the Muslims. There are several stunning mosques to visit, especially in Marrakesh, like the Koutoubia mosque and the mosque at Medersa Ben Youssef. I visited these places and had a wonderful time so this policy should not stop you from visiting too. Regardless of being restricted to the courtyard and surroundings of the mosque, you can still take beautiful pictures and appreciate the grand architecture.
4. Alcohol and drugs are a big no
Perish the idea of having a rage with excess alcohol and drugs. This is not the country you want to add to your list if you have it in mind. Do not forget that Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country. Any thought of turning up with plenty of booze should be eliminated before stepping foot in the country. In big cities like Casablanca, you can find bars around and if you’re staying in a big resort or hotel, finding alcohol won't be a problem to satisfy your desire.
In my opinion, there are a lot of better things you can do than drown yourself in alcohol. It is also much more expensive than having a nice fruit juice to balance out the delicious Moroccan cuisine, and it is a lot better.
5. Avoid kissing the ground because of a camel.
Everyone wants a fairy tale but not a dramatic fall involving a camel. There's no need to be alarmed if you've already booked a camel ride. An experienced guide will be with you throughout the ride but what you need to be careful of is when you're not on the camel. In some cities, you’ll find a lot of camels trotting around so stay out of the way and be conscious to avoid getting knocked to the ground by a camel.
6. Closed currency policy
The currency of Morocco, dirham, is not available outside of the country. You need to arrive in the country before you can exchange your money for the Moroccan currency. You can exchange the currency at the airport and also visit the banks in major cities.
7. Dress appropriately
The importance of dressing appropriately in Morocco is to avoid feeling uncomfortable due to the unwanted attention you might get. Of course, you are free to wear whatever you want but keep in mind that an uncomfortable feeling is bound to set in. As a foreigner, you already stand out, so appropriate clothing will be a good choice. I encourage tourists to dress modestly and wear clothes that cover their legs, cleavage, and shoulders.
8. Having cash is important
If you have plans on visiting different locations and moving around Morocco, you need to have cash on hand. Small bills are better to have and will come in handy when you need to pay for your cab, give tips, or pay for a service.
I hope you found these tips helpful for your upcoming trip to Morocco. If you happen to have more questions or need insight, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments. Check out these fun activities you can do in Marrakesh, Morocco.
