Morocco is one of my favorite travel destinations! Get lost in the medinas, barter your way through the souks, test your pallet with a traditional tagine, and admire the architecture. From beaches, to desert, to large cities, and small mountainous towns, Morocco has something to offer every traveler. A trip to Morocco is sure to be unforgettable. Keep reading for pre-departure insights to help you prepare before traveling to Morocco.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING IN MOROCCO
CURRENCY
The main currency in Morocco is the Dirham. The conversion rate is about 10 to 1 to the euro (1 euro = 10 dirhams). Some major cities, like Tangier, accept euros in case you have run out of dirhams, or haven’t been able to exchange currency yet. As not all currency exchanges carry dirhams, it’s probably best to exchange while in Morocco. There are exchange shops in the airport and bus stations, as well as, vans that exchange money on the streets (might seem sketchy but you sometimes get a better rate).
LANGUAGE
The main languages in Morocco are Arabic and French. However, in Tangier many locals speak Spanish since it’s so close to Spain. In major tourist areas English is widely spoken, but I definitely had to whip out my rusty high school French on more than one occasion!
WEATHER
Depending on where and when you go, the weather in Morocco can vary quite a lot. Marrakech has a desert climate, and temperatures are quite hot during the day, (about 32 degrees C/ 90 degrees F in April) but drop significantly in the evenings. Mountain cities, like Chefchaouen tend be a bit colder, and in coastal cities, such as, Tangier, temperatures remain mild throughout the autumn and spring months.
FOOD
Moroccan food is full of flavor, and loaded with a variety of spices. I personally love the food, but it definitely took my body a few days to adjust. Therefore, I highly suggest packing some Imodium or Pepto-Bismol if it’s your first time trying Moroccan cuisine! Some of my favorite dishes include couscous, traditional Moroccan soup, tagine, and Moroccan pancakes. If you’re a tea fan, try the mint tea as well. Warning: it has a lot of sugar! I usually ask for minimal to no sugar, even if it’s not the Moroccan way to drink it.
DRESS
Morocco is a Muslim country, which means that the local dress code tends to be more modest. Women cover their arms and legs despite the heat. As a tourist you aren’t required to abide by these rules, but my tip is to dress modestly. Wearing revealing clothing will draw more unwanted attention (which you will already get as a foreigner). It also suggests a level of disrespect towards local customs. I know it can get quite hot in Morocco, but maxi skirts and dresses in light loose fabrics will keep you cool and fashionable at the same time. A scarf is also the perfect accessory, and a great way to cover your shoulders if all of your summer dresses and tops are sleeveless.
SCAMS
My first time traveling to Morocco, I was quite unaware of any to the common scams. Upon arrival, my friends and I took a taxi from the airport to our hostel. The taxi driver barely looked at the address I showed him, and drove us to some remote location in the center of Marrakech. To no surprise our hostel was no where to be found. He then ‘miraculously’ found a friend in the plaza who knew where our hostel was, and was able to take us to the correct location. In the end we had to pay both taxi fares, and it was clear that we had been scammed. Scamming unaware first time tourists is common in Morocco, and there are a two that you should be aware of before going.
- Taxis: If possible, try to negotiate the price of the taxis beforehand. It helps to know how far of a distance you will travel so you can discuss a price with the driver.
- Photos with snakes & other animals: The main plazas are normally full of dancing snakes, and other eccentric animals. Avoid taking pictures of them, or with them, unless you want to pay!
*EXTRA TIP: If you’re traveling to Morocco during Ramadan (a Muslim holiday that typically falls sometime in May) there are a few things to take note of. Ramadan requires all Moroccans to fast from sunrise to sundown. Therefore, there may not be as many restaurants, or cafes open during the day. Alcohol will also be very difficult to find outside of your hotel, unless you’re staying in a major city like Marrakech. Lastly, try not to eat in public, as flaunting your food in front of someone who is fasting can be viewed as disrespectful.
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
Read More:
VIP’s Morocco Shopping Guide
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