Tips, Tricks and Things You Need To Know When Traveling Morocco
We had the most amazing time in Morocco. We traveled the whole country from North to South by car and learned A TON along the way. If you're hoping to or have plans to travel to Morocco, you'll definitely want to read my recaps and guides to: Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech AND Essaouira! But now, these are all of the tips and tricks and things you'll definitely want to know, when traveling through Morocco!
Carry toilet paper!!! Most public restrooms (like those you'll find at rest stops) don't have any!
Be respectful and kind!!! The Moroccan people are wonderful and will absolutely respect you, so give them that mutual respect.
Have wet wipes on hand! Between the dust and honey filled crepes you'll want something to wipe your hands with!
Eat everything! But... Be wary of fish and salad at street food places that aren't on the coast.
Always keep small change with you!!! (2 DH/ person for public restroom
10DH/ tip for bell man in smaller cities and 20 in bigger cities)
Fresh squeezed OJ and fresh pastries are cheaper than a coffee.
Hire a driver!!! It's not horribly expensive and the thought of navigating the city streets is terrifying.
Get cash when you can. ATMs are plentiful but often out of money. I recommend taking out the maximum allowance when you can.. Generally 4000 DH or $400.
Save your shopping for when you're alone! We learned that guides make a commission for taking you shopping, so vendors jack up the price when you're with a guide.
You don't need to spend big money for a great meal. Most of our favorite meals were around $6/ person.
Put your bargaining face on!!! This one is HUGE! If you're shopping in the markets, the vendors WILL try to get top dollar. DO NOT be afraid to bargain and be prepared to walk away... 95% of the time after you walk out they will say ok!
Ask the price and counter at 40-70% of their original ask. Don't feel bad! You'll have to come up and you'll find a middle ground. I recommend deciding what you want to pay FIRST and then negotiating down. For example, a vendor told us 200DH (about $20) for a piece and we walked away with it for 50DH (about $5).
In the markets, always ask before you take a photo of a vendors stand, especially if the owner will be in the photo. It seems that local people do not like having their photo taken, so be cautious here.
It's totally ok to ask for directions! Just be aware that some people may expect money for helping you. You can give them 5 or 10DH. Many people will help you for nothing.
Don't skip breakfast! Moroccan breakfasts are unreal and most are included with your Riad!
Be very aware and alert!! The streets in Morocco are CRAZY! There are cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes, donkeys and tons of humans going in every possible direction. PAY ATTENTION or you very well may get run over.
Layers layers layers!!! If you're traveling in the wintertime, layers are key. Although most days are gorgeous, mornings and evenings are quite chilly (more so than we expected) and breakfast is usually served outside. Also, a few of our Riads were quite chilly, so I would recommend packing a heavy pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt for nighttime. We saw so many people buying knit hats and sweaters to stay warm. Pack them ahead of time and you won't have to.
Pack wrinkle free clothes!!! We never saw an iron our entire trip!
Pack extra basics. It's dusty everywhere so things get dirty a little quicker than normal.
If you think of any questions you have about traveling Morocco, feel free to send them my way! I'd be happy to try my best to answer them!
Buy everything! You'll regret it if you don't!
xx Ali