Morocco Travel Guide

• In Morocco, tipping is an integral part of the hospitality industry and is generally expected in various service contexts. When dining at restaurants, it’s customary to leave around 10% of the bill as a tip if it does not include a service charge. Hotel staff, such as bellboys and housekeepers, appreciate a small gratuity of 10-20 Moroccan dirhams per service. Taxis may not always require a tip, but rounding up the fare or adding a small amount is considered polite. Tour guides and drivers for excursions typically receive tips, the amount of which can vary based on the service provided. In markets and other places where you receive assistance, tipping is discretionary but can be a gesture of appreciation for extra help.
• As a tourist in Morocco, it’s best to dress modestly and respectfully while also considering the climate and activities you’ll be engaging in. Women: For women, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas, it’s advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders, upper arms, and knees. Maxi skirts or pants paired with tops that cover the chest and midriff are appropriate. A scarf or shawl can be handy to cover your head if entering a mosque. Men: Men typically wear long pants or shorts that reach the knee and shirts that cover the shoulders. T-shirts and polo shirts are common and lightweight; breathable fabrics are ideal due to the warm climate. Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential, especially for exploring markets and historical sites where you may be walking on uneven surfaces. Accessories: Sunglasses, a sunhat or cap, and sunscreen are essential for protection from the sun, particularly in the hotter months.
• Morocco has diverse climates, so pack accordingly. Light layers are helpful, as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night and from coastal areas to inland cities.
• While beachwear is acceptable at resorts and beaches, it’s respectful to cover up when leaving these areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing to minimize unwanted attention and show respect for local customs.
• Driving in Morocco presents a mix of experiences depending on where you are. Major highways linking cities are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be narrower and less predictable. Traffic in urban centers like Casablanca and Marrakech can be intense, particularly during peak hours, requiring patience and defensive driving skills. Road signs are predominantly in Arabic and French, with some in English on central routes. It’s important to adhere to local traffic laws, including wearing seat belts and refraining from using mobile phones while driving. Be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on roads, especially outside urban areas. Navigating with GPS or mobile apps can be helpful, and being prepared for occasional police checkpoints is advisable. Parking can be challenging in city centers, so using designated areas or hotel facilities is recommended. Finally, you will often come upon roads stopped by heavily armed police/military. Have documents at the ready.
• The quality of life in Morocco varies significantly based on factors such as geographic location, income level, and access to services. Significant cities like Casablanca and Marrakech offer modern amenities, healthcare facilities, and educational opportunities, contributing to a higher standard of living. Rural areas, however, may face challenges such as limited infrastructure and fewer resources. Healthcare services are improving, though disparities between urban and rural areas persist. Employment opportunities span sectors like agriculture and tourism, but unemployment rates can be high, particularly among youth.
• Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and social life provide opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration, contributing positively to the overall quality of life experienced by its residents.
• Public restrooms in Morocco can vary in accessibility depending on the location and setting. In urban areas, such as popular tourist spots, shopping malls, and restaurants, public restrooms are generally available and relatively easy to find. However, the quality and cleanliness can vary, and some may require a small fee for use. In rural areas and less developed regions, finding public restrooms may be more challenging, and facilities may be more fundamental. Travelers should plan and use restroom facilities in hotels, restaurants, or other establishments when possible, especially when traveling outside major cities.
• Moroccans are known for their warm hospitality. It’s customary to greet people with a handshake and a friendly “Salam Aleikum” (Peace be upon you). Accepting invitations for tea or meals in homes or shops is a sign of respect and friendship.
• Sharing meals is an essential social activity. It’s polite to accept food and eat with your right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. When dining, wait for the host to begin eating before you start.
• During Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, visitors should respect those observing fasting. It’s illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan, except in designated areas or for non-Muslims in tourist areas.
• Bargaining is a common practice in souks (markets). Approach it as a friendly exchange rather than a confrontation. Start with a lower price and negotiate respectfully until both parties agree.
• Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate. Interactions should be modest and respectful in public spaces. Photography of people, especially women, should be done with permission.
• Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques in Morocco. Respectful behavior is expected around religious sites, such as dressing conservatively and speaking quietly,
• Morocco has a rich artistic heritage. When purchasing souvenirs, appreciate and respect the craftsmanship in textiles, ceramics, and other traditional arts. If making large purchases such as rugs, the government pays for the shipping back to your native country.
• Greetings in Morocco reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity and traditions of hospitality. The most common greeting, “Salam Aleikum,” meaning “Peace be upon you,” is used throughout the day accompanied by a handshake. Responding with “Aleikum Salam” reciprocates the well-wishing. French greetings like “Bonjour” (Good morning) and “Bonsoir” (Good evening) are also widely understood, especially in urban areas. In Moroccan Arabic, informal greetings include “Sbah khir” for “Good morning” and “Msa lkhir” for “Good afternoon.” “Marhaba” is a friendly hello or welcome, while “Bslama” is used to bid farewell.
• Eating and shaking hands is only done with your right hand. The left hand is your “dirty” hand, as that is the hand used to wipe in the bathroom.
• Dining etiquette in Morocco centers around shared meals and traditional customs that emphasize hospitality and respect. Guests typically wait to be seated and may participate in a hand-washing ritual before and after meals. Meals are often communal, with dishes like tagine or couscous shared from a central plate. It’s customary to eat with the right hand, using bread to scoop up food. Accepting offers of tea or coffee is a sign of appreciation for hospitality. Engaging in polite conversation during meals is encouraged, avoiding sensitive topics. After dining, expressing gratitude to the host with “Shukran” is customary. Observing these dining customs not only enhances the dining experience but also fosters cultural understanding and appreciation for Moroccan traditions.
• Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse influences, blending Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Essential dishes include couscous, a staple made from steamed semolina served with vegetables and meat; tagine, a slow-cooked stew named after the clay pot it’s cooked in, featuring a variety of ingredients and spices; and pastilla, a savory-sweet pie filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices. Harira, a hearty soup with tomatoes, lentils, and meat, is essential during Ramadan. Mechoui, roasted lamb or sheep seasoned and slow-cooked, is a festive delicacy. Mint tea, sweetened and infused with fresh mint, is a ubiquitous symbol of Moroccan hospitality.
• Mint tea, known locally as “atay b’nana,” is deeply ingrained in Moroccan hospitality customs and is often offered as a gesture of welcome and friendship. It symbolizes generosity, warmth, and social connection. When mint tea is offered in Morocco, it’s seen as respectful to accept, even if you don’t drink it all or take a few sips. Refusing mint tea could potentially be interpreted as rejecting the hospitality extended to you, which may cause offense or discomfort to your host. Therefore, graciously accepting mint tea is a cultural norm that enhances social interactions and reflects appreciation for Moroccan traditions.
• In Morocco, hammams are traditional public bathhouses that hold cultural and social significance. These communal spaces serve as places for cleansing, relaxation, and socializing. Hammams typically have separate sections for men and women and are integral to Moroccan hygiene practices. They consist of several rooms, including a hot steam room (beldi) where visitors relax and cleanse their bodies using black soap and exfoliating mitts (kessa). Afterward, a cold room (bayd) allows for cooling down and sometimes a final massage. Visiting a hammam is not just about physical cleansing but also about experiencing Moroccan culture and tradition firsthand.

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