travel info for morocco

25 Essential Morocco Travel Tips, What To Know Before You Go!

25 Essential Morocco Travel  Tips for Your  Morocco Private  Tour

Planning a Morocco Private Tour or Family Vacation? Curious to know more about Morocco? Our 25 Essential Morocco Travel Tips and Information Guide will answer all of your questions. Morocco is culturally diverse. Visiting Morocco will guarantee an encounter with ancient historic traditions, customs, architecture, monuments and sites that have permeated Moroccan society for centuries. Morocco is home to 36 million people and primarily a homogenous country. The populous shares the Islamic faith yet given the country’s rich history and Jewish past remains open and unified. You can anticipate a unique Morocco tour and up an up close Morocco travel experience engaging with a people who are devout, generous, hospitable and kind.

Your Morocco travel experience would not be complete with out a reference guide to answer some of the most important questions and provide travel tips.

What is the Best Time to Travel to Morocco?

Morocco is situated on the far northwestern corner of Africa and has an expansive shoreline that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to Gibraltar .  The  Best Time to Travel to Morocco  should be ideally the considered by season. One of the best times to visit Morocco is spring or fall .  Spring (April and May) and Fall (September and October) are perhaps the best overall time to take a Morocco Tour.  Morocco has over 300 days of sunshine. During the peak summer months (June – Mid-September) it can get particularly hot. Temperatures in summer can reach as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As a dry and temperate climate Morocco experiences very little humidity making the heat less intense. Moroccans typically take vacation time during summer months and typically head for the coast where it is cooler. Winters in Morocco (Mid-November – February) are typically mild and temperatures can reach down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In Morocco it often snows lighting during winter in some regions. The High Atlas region receives allot of snow therefore it is the perfect destination for skiing and enjoying other winter sports. Morocco has a summer climate in the south and in the mountains, as well as on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Winter can be perfect by day in the south, though desert nights can get very cold. If you’re planning to hike in the mountains, it’s best to keep to the months from April to October unless you have some experience in snow conditions.

What Languages are Spoken in Morocco?

Most Moroccans in the cities speak French as well as Arabic or the Moroccan dialect Darija. The French Protectorate was established in Morocco in 1912 and lasted until 1956. French remains the language of business whereas Darija is spoken in the street and at home, Darija itself is a mixture of languages including French words and Moroccans happily switch from one language to another in conversation. Spanish is spoken in the north and south, as there was also a Spanish protectorate. However there has been a marked increase in the number of young people speaking English as it is taught in schools. Those working in tourism will probably speak good English and the business centers of Casablanca and Tangiers also has more English speakers.

Morocco Travel Tips on Culture & Etiquette:

Moroccans in general are hospitable people. The Heritage of Moroccan people stemming from colonization and tourism has resulted in an open minded and easy going population. The country’s official religion and the majority of Moroccans are Muslims. The culture is made up of a combination of Berber and Arab, Moroccans who live peacefully together alongside a large expatriate population. The majority of Moroccan women wear a headscarf and very few wear a veil. It is recommended when traveling to Morocco to air on the conservative side and dress modestly. Wearing skimpy clothing, kissing and cuddling in public is not recommended and can be seen as a form of disrespect.

How should I Dress when traveling to Morocco:

Visitors to Morocco are often surprised about the range of ways that Moroccan women dress. Most dress modestly, in keeping with Islamic custom, many wearing the  jellaba  (a hooded, ankle length robe) and headscarf. In cities, many wear Western dress with or without a headscarf. You will see few  burqas  of the type associated with the Gulf region or Afghanistan. In order to avoid stares or unwanted attention, it is best for visitors also to dress modestly. Keep your swimwear for the beach and always cover at least your shoulders. Women will find their visit much more pleasant if they also avoid revealing necklines and cover up down to the knees. A scarf or pashmina is also handy for moments when you feel the need to conceal your head or shoulders from unwanted stares, the hot sun or over-zealous air conditioning. In the evenings in the winter months (and even more so in the mountains or the desert), sunny days become chilly nights and you will need to bring a sweater or even a jacket.

Travel Tips for Updating your Passport:

Make sure that as a traveler to Morocco you have a passport that will be valid for a further 6 months after you enter Morocco. We advise that you also carry an original or photocopy of your identification card or driver’s license. Passports can be renewed at your local consulate or passport office. For more information about travel tips on updating your passport to visit Morocco check with the Moroccan Embassy in your home city.

Morocco Travel Safety Tips:

Your national government will provide travel and security advice for visitors intending to visit Morocco. In general, the risk of international terrorism is no greater than in major cities of Europe or the US. Like in those cities, there is a risk of petty theft. Morocco is a developing country and the wealth gap between local people and tourists can drive a small minority to crime. Be sure to exercise the usual precautions on your visit regarding cash, jewelry and other valuables. Do not carry them around in large or visible quantities and make sure you are aware of the potential for pickpockets in crowds.

Overall,  Morocco is one of the safest  countries in Africa or the Middle East and North Africa region. You will be welcomed with a smile and great hospitality by virtual strangers. Enjoy your trip!

Morocco Travel Health Tips:

Morocco one of the few countries in Africa where it is not necessary to get vaccinations in order to travel. Nevertheless, if you have not received Typhoid or Hepatitis A shot in the past, it is advisable to get them. Please also inquire with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines. If you are from a country where cholera is prevalent, an anti- cholera vaccination certificate may be required. Morocco is a country where your health is not in danger when you travel. As long as you follow  Morocco Travel Tips  with regards to traveling safely in our  About Morocco  section the worst you can anticipate experiencing is an upset stomach or dryness, due to weather conditions, if you have sensitive skin.

Morocco Travel Tips on Gratuity:

Gratuity is a gift of money that is granted for service or a show of appreciate given without claim or demand. Gratuity is one of the best ways you can demonstrate appreciation for the services provided to others. Gratuity is part of Moroccan culture and appreciated by those providing a service. During a Morocco Tour what is generally recommended is to provide gratuity at restaurants, at Boutique Hotels and Riads, to drivers, licensed historical guides and also women servicing at public restrooms. It is a considerate way to thank those providing a service to you as a traveler. Our recommended gratuity is outlined below.

Restaurants : 15% of the Total Bill

Restrooms : 5 Dirham Coin (0.70 Cents)

Licensed Historical Guides : 50/ $60 Per Person/ Per Day

Drivers:  $35-$40 Per Person/ Per Day

Morocco Private Tour Gratuity: The total gratuity offered to those hosting you on a private or group tour should be approximately 10% of the rate paid to your Morocco Travel Agency.

Where to I Exchange Money in Morocco?

Moroccan Dirhams are necessary to travel in Morocco. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in major hotels, but only very occasionally with shopkeepers. Otherwise, we recommended that you carry Moroccan Dirhams.

The Bureaux de Change can be found in most Moroccan banks, major hotels, airports, and ports. Most currencies are accepted, including US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds, however others, including the Australian Dollar, are not accepted. Check with your consulate or local bank to see if your currency is accepted for exchange in Morocco.

ATM machines are the quickest and easiest way to obtain Moroccan Dirhams. ATM’s accept most major debit and credit cards. Depending on your bank, you may be able to withdraw up to 4,000 Dirhams (about $500 US Dollars) per day. Contact your bank for your daily withdrawal limits.

BMCE and Credit du Maroc (CDM) do offer cash advances on Visa and MasterCard, however this process may take several hours to complete and is also quite costly.

Exchange your cash when you arrive at the airport bank exchange, or use local banks and currency exchanges in the cities and medinas as you travel. The majority of cities have banks where you can obtain money 24 hours a day from your bankcard or credit card. Bank exchanges are also located near banks and most currencies are accepted with favorable exchange rates available. Use ATM machines at the airport and in metropolitan areas and medina’s, but they are rare in rural areas. When traveling outside of the cities be prepared to have enough cash, as ATM machines are not always an option.

What is the Water Situation in Morocco?

Drink only bottled water when in Morocco and avoid ice cubes made from tap water. Be sure to brush your teeth with bottled water, too.

Can I Eat Street Food in Morocco?

Moroccan street food is safe to eat provided that the meat is fully cooked and vegetables and fruits are peeled. We particularly recommend discovering street food on a pre-arranged Moroccan Food Tour in Fes or Marrakech. This will enable you to enjoy local eats with little concern.

What Type of Internet Access in Morocco Should I Anticipate:

Internet access can be readily found at internet cafes and in hotel lobbies. Your riad and hotels will all have Wifi. Given you will most likely be staying in boutique properties that are restored palaces or villas during your trip you may find that Wifi is stronger in public areas. Occasionally, you can find free wi-fi in public places. While it is not easy to find internet access in rural areas, a smartphone with the proper plan will access the internet almost everywhere.

Morocco Travel Tips on Coverage of Mobile and Cell Phones:

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Moroccan metropolitan areas, with coverage in rural areas being more erratic. Check with your cell phone plan before you leave to make sure you have global coverage.

If you would like to enjoy using a Moroccan Mobile phone during your trip, then we recommend you purchase a cell phone SIM chip at the airport or request your driver take you to the local provider, Maroc Telecome. You will then be able to obtain a SIM chip for approximately $60 USA dollars and cards ranging from 100 MAD – 200 MAD ($12 – $25 of which will each provide you with approximately 10 + minutes of speaking time to the USA or other foreign countries.

Morocco Travel Tips on Banks and Money Exchange:

The main banks in Morocco are Banque Marocaine du Commercial (BMCE), Banque Marocaine due Commerce et de L’Industrie (BMCI), Banque Commercial du Maroc (BCM), Banque Populaire, and Credit du Maroc (CDM).

Banking hours in Morocco are from 8:15am – 3:45pm, however during Ramadan the hours are reduced to 9:00am – 2:00pm.

Where and How to Exchange Currency in Morocco:

BMCE and Credit du Maroc (CDM) do offer cash advances on Visa and Mastercard, however this process may take several hours to complete and is also quite costly.

We recommend on arrival that you bring with you approximately $500 Per Person for meals, gratuity and incidentals. You can then continue to visit ATM machines for additional cash or use credit cards.

Will I have ATM Access in Morocco?

Use ATM machines at the airport and in metropolitan areas and medinas, but they are rare in rural areas. When traveling outside of the cities be prepared to have enough cash, as ATM machines are not always an option.

Can I Use Credit Cards in Morocco:?

Major credit cards are welcomed at the larger stores, hotels, and restaurants, but use cash at the smaller shops and stalls.

Master Card & Visa are widely accepted. American Express is accepted only at certain locations. We advise you to bring more than one credit card with you.

What are the Foods to Avoid when traveling to Morocco?

Do not drink the tap water while in Morocco and avoid ice cubes made from tap water. Be sure to brush your teeth with bottled water, too.

Morocco Travel Tips About Doctors:

You can find doctors in the major cities in both the public and private sector. Please consider acquiring traveler’s insurance for your trip if your regular health insurance does not cover you overseas. If you are traveling to Morocco on a Private Tour, then consult your travel agency as they will be able to offer a complete list of authorized and approved public and private hospitals.

What is the Climate in Morocco?

Morocco has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with more extreme temperatures and weather in the mountains and desert. Temperatures are high in the summer, mild in the spring and fall, and cool in the winter.

Can I Take Photographs in Morocco?

Most Moroccan do not enjoy being photographed by strangers. Some have recognized that travelers like to capture the different, exotic and attractive aspects of Moroccan life on film and will sell the right to photograph them. It is your choice whether you go along with this. In any case, try to be discrete in your photography (a phone camera is much less obvious than a large SLR) and ask if you would like to take a direct portrait. Don’t be surprised if your request is refused, and if so, please respect this decision. At times people will request for a small fee such as 10 Moroccan Dirhams ($1.00) if you want an up close photograph. It is best to request permission before taking a photograph. Given Morocco is a moderate, Muslim country, women in particular within rural communities and many in cities do not like to be photographed. For the best results when traveling to Morocco whether you are a novice or a professional photographer it is best to ask your subject first or have your private guide assist.

Can I Consume Alcohol in Morocco:

Alcohol in Morocco is available in the majority of touristic restaurants, at most boutique riads and hotels along with local bars. Wine and beer can be easily purchased at supermarkets and at several of the local wine markets in Morocco’s Imperial cities.

Although most Moroccans claim they do not drink alcohol due to religious prohibitions both locals and foreigners consume much of the country’s production of wine and beer. Morocco provides a home to groups of ex-patriots and foreigners from France, England, America, Spain, Germany and Italy who enjoy healthy alcohol consumption. The most popular beers made and consumed in Morocco are Casablanca and Special.

Morocco has been a leading wine producer for several years and its bold red and white grapes have become popular among the French, Americans and within Modern Moroccan households. When the French colonized Morocco, like the Romans centuries before them, they realized Morocco’s possibility of being a wine country. The French developed the Moroccan Imperial City of Meknès into a wine region. Today 30,000 acres of land in Morocco contribute to wine production and Morocco sells over 40 million bottles within Morocco and abroad. Moroccan wine is in a state of revival and wine producers are taking advantage of the country’s sunny, mild temperate climate, and high altitudes. Wine Tours are also available at designated wineries in the region of Meknes, Volubilis and Essaouira.

Morocco Travel Tips on Public Holidays:

Moroccans celebrate Muslim holidays and national holidays throughout the country, and more local festivals are held throughout the year in the Imperial Cities and small villages. The dates of religious holidays are based upon the lunar calendar and change every year. Plan your trip to Morocco during festivals and holidays for a real inside look into Moroccan daily life. Celebrations ranging from rural harvest feasts to music and film festivals in Morocco’s cultural centers demonstrate Morocco’s commitment to sustainable agricultural and artistic achievement. (Please note that the dates for Muslim holidays change annually as they are based on the lunar calendar. The following dates are accurate for 2019.)

• New Year’s Day is on Tuesday, January 01
• Independence Manifesto Day is on Friday, January 11
• Milad un Nabi is on Thursday, January 24
• Labor Day is on Wednesday, May 01
• Throne Day is on Tuesday, July 30
• Eid al-Fitr is on Thursday, August 08
• Oued Ed-Dahab Day is on Wednesday, August 14
• Revolution Day Morocco is on Tuesday, August 20
• King Mohammed IV’s Birthday is on Wednesday, August 21
• Eid al-Adha is on Tuesday, October 15
• Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year) is on Monday, November 04
• Green March Day is on Wednesday, November 06
• Independence Day Morocco is on Monday, November 18

Morocco Travel Tips when Visiting During Ramadan:

Ramadan, considered as the most important holiday in Islam, happens on the ninth month of the twelve-month lunar calendar followed in Islam. During Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for one month, only eating after sundown. Non-Muslims are not expected to observe Ramadan, but should be sensitive about not breaking the fast in public. As a Morocco Traveler it is important to respect those fasting and make best efforts to not eat in public places such as city and medina streets. Dining in touristic restaurants and those open to Westerners is advised. Drinking water and other beverages in public is also not advised for reasons of respect. If you are visiting Morocco during the summer, which is the warmest season, it is advised to make best efforts to drink water and beverages discretely.

Can I Visit a Mosque in Morocco?

Mosques are closed to non-believers but you can visit the impressive Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, the Berber mosque at Tin Mel outside Marrakech on the way to Ouarzazate, the former Islamic college the Medersa Ben Youssef in the Marrakech Medina and the old Medersas in Fés Bali, the Bou Inania and the El Attarine. These sites will give you some idea of the glories of Moroccan Islamic architecture.

Morocco Travel Tips on Charity for Elderly & Children:  

As a foreigner traveling in a Muslim country, following the five tenants of Islam- and offering a small amount of charity is an option but not required. If you wish to offer charity to an elderly person, to children or a poor person on the street that moves your heart, please consider the following:

Giving anywhere between15 -20 Dirhams ($2.00 – $2.50) is a considered gracious and will not place a dent in your wallet but perhaps leave you with an experience in your heart. Sometimes the reciprocity you may receive as a result of giving a small amount of charity in a Muslim country like Morocco comes in the form of a big smile, a hand shake, an invitation for tea or even a hug from the recipient.

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21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco Travel Tips

• Africa / Fez / In the City / Marrakech / Morocco
• 33 Comments

Visiting Morocco? This is what you need to know before visiting.

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day.

On the flip side, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, we put together a few pointers to help you set realistic expectations and prepare for your trip.

Thank you Contiki for hosting our trip. See our full 15 day trip itinerary here . All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

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21 things you must know before visiting morocco, best places to stay in morocco, planning checklist, more resources, 1. dress appropriately.

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention.

Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy.

It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles.

For the ladies out there, keep a  shawl / scarf  handy (this one is reversible and great for traveling light)

See More: What to Pack for Morocco – 2 Weeks in a Carry On

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit cards, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency.

The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 10.4 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 11.09 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but the prices were comparable to Europe because of how touristy the country has become.

Our guide recommended that each person exchange 100 euros daily, which was plenty for us.

3. ATMS Can be Hit or Miss

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. Ask the front desk at your hotel; they may have money to exchange.

The ATM quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to exchange money. Who knew ATMs can run out of money!

A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times, but the ATM didn’t dispense any while still charging it from the bank for every attempt.

Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. At least, that’s what they tell you. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins.

Most of our cab rides within the city cost roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country since they only want larger bills.

You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. I know some people have strong opinions about paying full price for the sake of “charity”, but selling is like their national sport and haggling is an integral part of their culture.

More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25-50% of the starting price.

Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back multiple times.

Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before getting in. Most of our rides within the city cost 30 DH. If they demanded more, our guide told us to hand them the money and walk away.

Luckily, that didn’t happen to us because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before visiting Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides

You should absolutely hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns). However, be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price, because they usually aren’t. We were able to get better prices without them. This happened in Fes.

See More: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Fes Morocco

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free TOurs or Directions

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, you might find other locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas.

If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too.

This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always keep money to pay them off, plan ahead and ask your hotel, or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

Also, if you are  renting a car in Morocco  so that you can get around on your own, be sure to plan ahead rather than wait until you are there.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed.

Also, most shops and attractions will close on Friday since it’s their holy day.

A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street.

All shops we saw closed that day and most shops were closed the following day.

Plus it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

10. Be Careful what Water You Use

To stay safe, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, avoid using any ice when you’re out. The LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. See all the top travel water bottles we tested on the road.

11. Pack Some Imodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some  Imodium   just in case. This is always a good rule of thumb for all travel.

At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple of Imodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

See More: 21 Moroccan Foods You Must Try

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but you should always be careful with pickpockets in any major city, especially in crowded places like the markets. Pickpockets often target touristy areas.

13. What Language Do they Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

• Hello  (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
• Thank You:  Choukran (shokran)
• No Thank You:  La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
• Watch Out:  Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). Locals will say balak if coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart to warn you to either get the side or get run over.

14. Visiting Mosques

If you’re hoping to see a Mosque while visiting Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!

If you’re looking for beautiful architecture,  Bahia Palace   is open to visitors.

See More: 21 Fascinating Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco

15. Alcohol, Drugs, and Parties?

Although most Moroccans are Muslims, yes, they still have all these. Hashish, an extract of the cannabis plant, is quite commonly offered to you in the streets. 

Contiki loves their parties, and we were told that only hotel bars had alcohol available for tourists, but we surprisingly found several bars and even nightclubs serving alcohol.

We decided we didn’t want to pay 300 DH (30 euros) to get into a club that already appeared like a sausage fest from the outside.

They also told us it’s pretty typical for prostitutes to hang out at nightclubs there too. There was a special DJ guest that night, but normally the club was supposed to cost around 150-200 DH.

16. Do I need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa and Australia) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots. Find out more details from  CDC here  for the most updated information on vaccinations before visiting Morocco.

17. Have the RIght Converters

Don’t get stuck in Morocco without a way to charge all your electronics. We recommend picking up  one of these  so that you have options for wherever you travel and additional outlets in case there aren’t many in the hotel room.

Morocco uses the following: Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: type C / E. If you have something that works in Europe, then it will be the same. If you’re traveling from the states,  the adapter  will help you get everything charged.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You may have to Pay)

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful when taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos.

When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so again, it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring TOilet Paper with you Everywhere

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask the price before using the bathroom.

Though they’re not flushable, I like to bring my  wet wipes  on all my trips to wipe my hands when I don’t have easy access to bathrooms.

20. Souvenirs to Bring Home

Fez is known for leather and carpets, while Marrakech is known for fragrances, oils, and spices (like saffron). If you’re buying saffron, make sure you’re buying the real thing. Many places sell artificial saffron for dirt cheap or mix the real with the fake stuff. No one wants saffron cut with other spices.

You can ask them to do a demonstration in water. If it colors the water yellow, it’s real, if it turns reddish, it’s the dye coming out from the artificial saffron.

You can also smell the difference (should smell more herbal), or ask for a couple of strands to put in your mouth and spit it onto a tissue to see what color it produces.

21. It’s a cat Lover’s Heaven… and Hell

There are homeless cats everywhere in Morocco. They are super cute and made us smile every time we saw them but also really sad every time we had to walk away and leave them.

It seemed that the people of Morocco took care of them in their own way. We saw them feeding them scraps of food in the markets. If you’re highly allergic to cats, don’t forget to bring some allergy meds with you.

Final Thoughts as a Woman Visiting Morocco

There were many times on our trip that I genuinely wished I was a man visiting Morocco. While others simply got annoyed (full disclosure), I was much more sensitive since I still have residual resentment from some sexual traumas when I was younger that I am working out.

It’s a work in progress, making the trip incredibly challenging personally. For the most part, we had the best-case scenario of traveling with a local guide and Contiki. Those incidences happened within the few hours of free time that we wandered off alone.

Overall, Morocco is beautiful, and we’re happy to have experienced the country.

Instead of scaring you from visiting, we hope it educates you and helps you go in with the right mindset and expectations. As long as you’re entirely aware of your surroundings and know what to expect, you can have a wonderful experience.

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Find a great deal on Morocco hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Morocco travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Lonely Planet Morocco  – they always have great photos and information.
• Moon Morocco  – also very photo heavy.
• Morocco National Geographic Adventure Map
• Pocket Arabic Dictionary

Is Morocco one of the top places you want to visit? Why or why not? Can you think of any other tips for visiting Morocco?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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This Post Has 33 Comments

I’ve been to Morocco 3 times. Tangier and twice to Agadiar. Guess what IM A WOMAN and had the most amazing time in both areas. In Tangier we visited the Casbah which was amazing. Haggling was fun and the people are great. Never felt vulnerable and I have not been insulted or felt afraid. On the most part the people are really nice. I absolutely love Agadir. Its modern in its approach and there’s loads to do. The beach is beautiful. As two women travelling without a man, oh who’d of thought, we did not have any issues in Morocco anymore than anywhere else. Wherever there’s men they’ll be the ones who are rude, sexist and revolting. That’s unfortunately the way some of them are. Otherwise the people of Morocco are lovely. I’d go every year if I could afford it.

That’s so great to hear you had a wonderful experience! I’ve definitely heard a mix of thoughts from both sides.

Thanks for your list of tips. I’m a bit conflicted about Morocco due to my serious feminist leanings, but I so want to see it. It’s a shame that there is such disrespect and hypocrisy, but I suppose that’s everywhere in some regard. ;-)

You’re welcome, Hillary. I still hope you get to experience all the good parts of Morocco. I think it’s definitely changing with the younger generations, but it really is a different world view over there.

as local Moroccan, I can confirm that the tips that you provide are true. I am ashamed of the ‘Watch Your Pockets’ tip; what can I say?! every place have it’s good and bad people. however, by mentioning that you are making people aware so that they don’t have any bad experiences in Morocco. thank you :)

I think it’s true for most big cities in the world. :) Thanks Abdou!

Hi I’m Indian live in dubai UAE I like to visit Morocca it need visa or not I’m hear with residents visa

Great article. My friend is currently in moroco and hates it. I hope that she gets home safely and isnt raped. I am never going to visit! I will stick to places like Finnland, Switzerland and new Zealand

Stay safe everyone!

dont forget that you can be beheaded if you backpack in the countryside :)

I did not hear about that!

Thank you realy Marrakesh is very nice

So glad I found this! I booked today for me and my partner to go next year. Great to have an idea of what to expect.

So glad you found this helpful, Donna. I hope you two have a great trip!

Such a detailed insides about morocco, a great read to be aware before going to morocco, I have some more insights in depth. If you want to read.

Thanks for the information, yes I agree that before visiting In Morrocco we must know about the details of that places. When I had visited that place I don’t know anything about that place but my journey was very interesting and beautiful. The natural beauty also attracts me a lot.

Glad you found it useful, Diana!

Thank you for being so detailed. Your blog is wonderful and very insightful. I will use it in future travels. Thank you for including pictures.

Thanks so much for reading, Madison!

Wow…such an amazing experience feeling happy while visiting Morocco. Basically, in time of our trip we visited local market bought many products. Thanks to our local guide from yougomorocco.com planned a trip in a perfect way. I hope I will plan this place in an upcoming year.

Thanks for such an informative blog! I would love to travel to Morocco, and in fact, almost booked a trip, but decided to go elsewhere instead due to time constraints. Thanks for the advice to get out of the cities and explore more.

thanks for sharing the valuable info for Morocco visitors !!

I’m planning to visit Morocco with my boyfriend in March. But I’m a bit skeptical. Will I be safe in Morocco

My daughters middle school is deciding bet Morocco & Brazil. there will be at least a minimum of 20 middle schoolers with parents, The trip will be next April 2018. Im worried either way on what they can do

I feel like as long as there are parents watching out for them, they should be okay. It’s unfortunate to say, but it helps if the parents are male. Our tour guide was telling us they previously sent a female guide who didn’t fare too well in the country.

Very informative write up. I appreciate your work. I will be visiting Casablanca on official note in a weeks time just for two days. I hope the experience will be great! However, you did not mention what the cost of various hotels are like.

Thank you so much.

I’m moroccan and I have been there like 5 times I think but everything you said is true. It’s good you’re being honest about it. Morocco is good but it’s not perfect.

Thanks for your comment. If you think about it, no country is perfect. I’m sure plenty of people have gone and had different experiences too, so it’s best seeing it for yourself. :)

Very informative. Thank you for being so open and honest. I still want to visit Morocco and now have a good idea as what to.expect, especially as a woman.

Thanks, Suzy! You absolutely should! :)

Thanks, I will be in morocco in July, really helpful tips, Choukran :) regards Ayaz

You’re so welcome! Have a great trip :)

How I can trip to morocco is there any cheap morocco holidays packages ? My friend suggest me this website http://www.viriksonmoroccoholidays.co.uk is this good ? i find this website have very affordable packages but I am confused because of fraud.

Unfortunately we’re not sure about that company since we’ve never been. The only experience we have in Morocco is with Contiki, which we had a great time with! Good luck!

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All You Should Know Before Visiting Morocco – Travel Tips & Advice

Last Modified: July 3, 2023 //  by  Anda //   12 Comments

Morocco is one of the most magical, yet challenging places I have ever visited. It’s a rough and tumble country that has to be accepted on its own terms. If you don’t understand its culture, you won’t be able to enjoy it. Visiting Morocco can be both amazing and chaotic, which is why I believe it’s important to get as much information as you can before you travel there.

Located in North Africa, at the crossroads of three worlds – Mediterranean, Arab and African – Morocco is a country of great diversity. Here you’ll find the gorgeous coastlines, steep mountains, green valleys, and sweeping deserts. You’ll also find ancient cities, old Medinas, impressive Kasbahs, as well as European-inspired cites with modern architecture. The country’s culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

Visiting Morocco will undoubtedly broaden your horizon and enrich your travel experience, but it will also be challenging. You’ll get in contact with a society and an environment which may be very unfamiliar to you, so you’ll often have to step outside of your comfort zone.

Table of Contents

Is Morocco Safe to Visit?

When should you visit morocco, how to get around when visiting morocco, is there a dress code in morocco, tipping is expected in morocco, scams and hassling are an issue, taking photos is very difficult, drones are illegal in morocco, should you stay in riads or hotels when visiting morocco, non-muslim can’t enter in mosques in morocco, shopping and haggling, alcohol is not easy to find in morocco, marijuana and hashish, safety tips, things you shouldn’t do when visiting morocco, a final word, essential things to know before visiting morocco.

If you plan to travel to Morocco you probably have a lot of questions, so I’ll try to address as many as I can in this post. I will also try to dispel any fears and concerns you might have, and instead give you some tips and insights into this culture to help you better understand this complex country. I hope that after reading this guide you’ll be able to travel with a lighter heart and have a good experience in Morocco.

The first question most travelers ask themselves before considering a trip to Morocco is whether the country is safe. Although in the past few years there were some terrorist attacks on the southern border, Morocco is a safe country for the most part. The crime rate is relatively low and violent crimes against tourists are not a common issue.

That being said, it is advised to stay vigilant at all times. Keep your valuables in a safe place and beware of scams and petty crime, which are very common here.  

One important thing to keep in mind is that Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws. You should ensure that your behavior won’t offend the locals and try to be respectful to their customs and culture.

The Best time to visit Morocco is during the cooler months of the year: September through November and March through May.

During the summer months temperatures can be very oppressive, ranging from 40 to 55ºC (104 to 130ºF), except for the coastal regions where they are usually around 25-28ºC (77 to 82ºF).

During the winter months, the weather is generally poor and snow can make many mountain roads impassable for driving.

Before our trip to Morocco, we did a lot of research regarding the best way to visit the country. There are several ways to get around in Morocco: using public transportation, renting a car and self driving, or hiring a car with a private driver.

Public Transportation

Getting around in Morocco on public transport is generally easy. There are plenty of buses, collective taxis and trains that link the main cities in the north with the coast and Marrakesh. But although the coverage may be good, you’ll need to have some “Moroccan time” at hand, as service disruptions and delays occur quite frequently.

Trains are a good option if you are traveling between the major cities, but buses are a cheaper and more comprehensive alternative if you plan to visit smaller towns.

There are also Grand  taxis that cover longer routes between towns, but they don’t leave until they are full. Grand taxis are shared cabs that carry up to six passengers — two in the front beside the driver and four in the back. The Grand taxis have no meters, so you should negotiate the cost per person before you head out.

Renting a car also has its own challenges. Road conditions and traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco. The mountain roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, and dangerous. Also, street lighting is minimal after dark and people or animals can suddenly appear in the middle of the road.

Parking is a problem as well. And not only in big cities, but also in smaller towns where the historic centers are car-free. In addition to these issues, you need to be aware of the fact that English is not largely spoken in Morocco. That makes asking for direction or trying to read the signs –which in many places are only in Arabic– really difficult. In our experience, Google Maps is not entirely reliable in Morocco.

Hiring a Car with a Private Driver

After months and months of research, we decided that the safest and most convenient way to travel through Morocco is to hire a car with a driver. Although it will certainly be cheaper to use public transportation or rent a car, hiring a private driver doesn’t cost as much as you might think. Not to mention the fact that it will give you a better experience and save you a lot of hassle.

After visiting Morocco for two weeks, I am still convinced that hiring a driver and travel guides in every big city was the best decision we made. Even my husband who doesn’t fear the challenges of driving all over the world (including the steep, narrow roads of Sicily ), agrees that having a private driver is THE way to travel in Morocco.

There are quite a few companies who offer these services, but knowing which one to choose may be tricky. Always read the company’s reviews before deciding. We worked with Morocco Hire Car and were more than pleased with them. They have English fluent drivers, very competitive prices and great service.

Our driver did so more for us than just take us from point A to B. He also took us to many interesting places that we didn’t know about, gave us practical information, helped us with our luggage and treated us like his own family.

Despite being a Muslim country, Morocco is more liberal than other Muslim states. Most Moroccan women don’t wear a veil –although they may well wear a headscarf. In big cities women are more emancipated, so you may see young girls wearing short-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts.

The general rule is to dress conservatively. For Muslims that means covering your legs and shoulders if you are a woman and wearing long pants if you are a man. Tourist women are not expected to cover their head, but they should dress decently when visiting Morocco. That means not wearing above the knee skirts and shorts, see-through clothing, or low cleavage tops if you are a woman.

If you are a man, you should wear long pants and a shirt. Nonetheless, when it’s hot outside you may see many tourists wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts, like in the U.S. That is particularly common in Marrakesh, which is a more liberal city, but not in smaller towns or in other parts of the country. But if you want to avoid unwanted attention –especially as a woman– you should try to conform to the local norms.

Starting with bathroom attendants and continuing with drivers, waiters, tour guides, and riad staff, expect to tip almost everywhere in Morocco and for just about any “service.” A kid lets you pet his pet? Tip! You stop to take a photo of some goats on trees ? Tip the herder! The tour guide at the museum? Tip! Bathroom attendant? Definitely tip! The golden rule is to always carry small change with you, or you’ll have to face some awkward situations.

Salaries are low in Morocco and although tipping should be optional and based on experience, it’s pretty much expected everywhere. This may not come as a surprise if you are coming from America, where ‘tipping jars’ are almost everywhere . But if you don’t come from a tipping culture, it will annoy you.

Scams, hassling and petty crime are a big problem when visiting Morocco. Especially if you travel alone. Luckily, most of the time we were either with a tour guide or with our driver. But when we were by ourselves we were a sure target. “Are you lost? Where do you want to go? To your hotel? I’ll take you. No money. Don’t worry!” And if you accept, you won’t be able to get them off your back until you pay them what they ask.

If you look disoriented, one guy will point you in the wrong direction and when you are completely lost, another one will come to the “rescue” you and offer “take you to where you need to go.”

Simply wandering through the souks would cause the nearby vendors to jump on us and follow us around, inviting us to their stores. We were trying to turn them down politely, but some of them just couldn’t get “no” for an answer. We could feel the stares on every turn we took and that made us feel very uneasy.

It’s a game of cat and mouse that wears you out very fast. Wandering around by ourselves in the medinas was so stressful, that we had to give it up after a while. That doesn’t mean that everyone is out to get you, but having to stay constantly on guard kind of ruins the experience.

Despite being a friendly and welcoming people, Moroccans don’t like you to take their picture. Actually, let me rephrase that: Moroccans don’t like you taking any pictures at all! Period. Whether you are pointing your camera to a stall, an animal, or a building they oppose it just as vehemently: “No photo! No photo!”

Some them will agree to have their picture taken –of course, tipping is implied– but many just don’t want tourists taking pictures of anything. I was trying to photograph a piece of furniture in a museum when one of the guards started yelling from across the hall: “No photos here! No photos!”

You may argue that this attitude has a lot do with their perception of privacy, but I believe it’s more than that. Moroccans see money making opportunities in almost anything, so they try to take advantage of every situation. You may not think it’s too big of a deal to tip a few Dirhams here and there, but when you end up paying 3-5 Dirhams (30-50 cents) every time you take a picture, you get fed up after a while.

Having to find tricks and reinvent yourself every time you want to take a picture is very annoying. Especially when considering that Morocco relies so heavily on tourism and wants to be promoted as a desirable destination!

As a travel photographer, a trip in which I can’t capture the local color, the lives of the people and their customs is a wasted trip. Luckily, in most places we visited we were accompanied by a travel guide and that made things a little easier. Not that we didn’t have to pay in many places, but at least not every time the locals demanded.

While we’re on the topic of photography you should know that drones are illegal   in Morocco. There are signs everywhere in the airport stating that you cannot bring drone into the country. Your bags will pass through a scanner at the airport, so don’t even try. They may fine you, confiscate your drone, or even put you in jail!

We tried to obtain an UAV permit to use the drone as Media professionals, but found out that even if we have a permit the authorities may confiscate our drone. So forget about taking aerial photos in Morocco!

You’ll encounter a great deal of new experiences when visiting Morocco: customs, food, culture, and even accommodations will be different from what you know. One thing you’ll have to decide when planning your trip is whether to stay in riads or hotels. There is a significant difference between the two, although there are lots of similarities when it comes to amenities and facilities.

What is a Riad?

Riads are basically the Moroccan version of a guesthouse centered around an open-air courtyard that contains a fountain. Historically, riads are mansions that were once occupied by wealthy families. Today, many of these riads have been remodeled and converted into luxury accommodations.

Riads have all the amenities of a modern hotel, but they maintain the typical atmosphere of a Moroccan house. These beautiful buildings often contain some extraordinary examples of Moorish architecture and Moroccan craftsmanship.

Generally, riads have fewer rooms than hotels and are located within the Medina walls, in narrow alleys. That means they are right where the action is and thus closer to the attractions. But that also means they are harder to access, since the medinas are car-free zones. Also, walking through these narrow, winding alleys after dark may be a little scary.

Hotels, on the other hand, are more accessible because they are generally located outside the old town. They also have more room options and are often held to international standards. So if you don’t feel very adventurous and prefer utmost accessibility and big rooms, you should go to a hotel. But if you want to immerse yourself entirely into the Moroccan culture and lifestyle, you should stay in a riad.

Ultimately, your choice will be determined by what’s more important for you when traveling: consistency and ease, or cultural experience.

One of the big disappointments for non-Muslims when visiting Morocco is not being able to enter into the mosques. There are many outstanding mosques in Morocco, but unfortunately only those who go in there to pray can access them. The only exception is Hassan II Mosque, in Casablanca, which can be visited by non-Muslims on guided tours, but only at specific times.

As for the rest of them, you’ll have to be content with an occasional glimpse through open doors, or just walking around the courtyard.

When visiting Morocco you’ll be amazed at the wide assortment of handicrafts available in the marketplace. But shopping in Morocco is not going to be your shopping mall experience. If you want to buy something here, you’ll have to be prepared to bargain.

The Western world (except for maybe southern Spain and Italy) doesn’t have much of a bargaining culture, but in Morocco bartering is an old tradition. You need to be aware that merchants inflate the prices many fold in order to leave room for haggling. 

Unfortunately, for most westerners having to negotiate a price can be very stressful. The process is very similar to that of buying a car or a house here, in the States. There are a few common sense rules that apply: 1. Know the market value of the objects. 2. Don’t show enthusiasm for the item you want. 3. Decide how much you want to pay for it and wait for an offer. 4. If the merchant doesn’t accept your counter-offer, wait for another offer or walk away.

Unless you agree on the price, you don’t have to buy anything. But if the merchant accepts your offer, then you have an obligation to buy. If you are not planning to buy anything, don’t engage in a conversation with the merchant.

They will pay you lots of compliments and may even offer you some of their famous mint tea to lure you into their shop. If you accept, they will believe you are looking to buy and it will be very hard to back out. Try to avoid the chat with a polite “no, thank you.” Never underestimate the merchant: they are smarter and think faster than you when it comes to negotiating a price.

Morocco is mostly a cash-based society, so you should always expect to pay in cash. The country’s currency is the Dirham, but euros and US dollars are accepted as well in most places.

Being a Muslim country, it’s more difficult to find alcohol in Morocco than it is for instance in Europe, or in other parts of the world. While you can buy alcohol in larger supermarkets and some bars, drinking doesn’t have a very good image in Morocco and most locals see alcohol as a Western drug. Even so, according to a recent study, Moroccans are drinking more now than they did some years ago.

As a general rule, drinking alcohol in public is against the law   and it could get you into trouble with the police. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be discrete when you drink and avoid walking around if you had too much alcohol.

Growing, selling, purchasing or using drugs is illegal in the Kingdom of Morocco. But but despite this fact, the country is the world’s biggest cannabis exporter. Most of the crops grow around the Rif Mountains, under the complicit watch of the local police, who turns a blind eye to it.

As a result, it’s not unusual to see people smoking hashish in pipes everywhere. As a tourist, you may be asked more than a few if you’d like to purchase some hashish. Smoking kif (marijuana) or hashish is commonplace in Morocco. Men usually roll it up in a joint mixed with tobacco. But buying it has its risks, as often police informers act as dealers, so you may get in trouble.

Morocco is overall a very safe country to visit. There are almost no violent crimes against travelers reported here. Moroccans are kind, warm and tolerant of other cultures, providing their beliefs are respected as well. They are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors, as they all aware of the fact that the tourism industry is a major economic source of income to most families directly or indirectly.

That being said, you should always exercise common sense when walking around the Medina streets. Especially after dark. Don’t display expensive jewelry or large amounts of money and be aware of your whereabouts.

Also hide money, credit cards, and your passport into deep inner pocket, or in a pouch under your clothes. I believe that pick pocketing is the most common crime here, and both men and women can be victims.

There are a few things that you should definitely avoid when visiting Morocco.

• Talk about the King, religion, or politics . It is recommended to avoid these 3 topics in your conversations with locals or other tourists in Morocco.

• Public displays of affection.  Very obvious gestures of affection are considered offensive in Morocco, so you should avoid kissing in public or other displays of love while there.

• Wander through back alleys.  There is a maze of narrow lanes and winding alleys in every old town in Morocco. They may be charming at first sight, but they are also dangerous. Venturing too deep into this maze can make you an easy victim for con artists and robbers. Stay in places where you can see other tourists

• Feel compelled to buy. If you plan to hire a tour guide to show you around when you travel in Morocco, you’ll often be dragged into shops under the pretext of showing you unusually beautiful crafts, or to observe a certain manufacturing process.

The guide will reassure you that he brought you there “just to see, not to buy.” But in fact, they will get a commission if you buy anything. Although it’s easy to see through this trick, you may feel pressured to buy at least something to please the guide or the store owner, but you shouldn’t.

READ NEXT : Visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City

Morocco is full of welcoming, generous and hospitable people who will be glad to share their historic sites, vibrant souks, and delicious cuisine with you. Therefore, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is avoid visiting this country for fear you may not be safe or welcome there. If you travel with an open mind and a willing heart, you’ll have a wonderful time in Morocco. I promise you!

If you found this information helpful, please pin this to help other travelers discover Morocco

INTERESTED IN A TRIP TO MOROCCO? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE:

• Morocco Itinerary – How to Spend 10 Days in Morocco
• The Best Souvenirs to Buy When Shopping in Morocco
• The Mystery of the Tree-Climbing Goats in Morocco
• Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City
• How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip From Marrakech to Essaouira

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

March 27, 2023 at 1:56 pm

So many tips to learn from… Thanks for sharing!!!

April 28, 2023 at 12:58 pm

So many things to learn indeed, the most important of which is that Morocco and Moroccans are not Arabs and are vast majority ethnic Amazigh berbers. You can ruin your reputation by calling Moroccans ARabs, big no no.

January 29, 2023 at 1:33 pm

Thank you for the tips Anda. We are not yet sure whether we should hire a car with a private driver or book a private tour. We have read that the driver cannot act as a guide and therefore for certain cities we would still need to hire a guide. What is your opinion please?

January 29, 2023 at 2:42 pm

Technically your driver can’t act as a guide, so it’s better if you you hire local guides for cities like Marrakech, Fes and so on. They are are also more knowledgeable than a driver. However, our driver gave us all kinds of tips that were invaluable. Like how much to tip (and it was much less than we intended to give), what places are safe to wander around, what restaurants are rip-offs, and so on. Besides, having a local with you at all times is priceless in a country like Morocco. I’m not saying you won’t be able to make it without one, but your life will be so much easier.

January 30, 2023 at 12:15 am

Thank you for your prompt reply Anda 🙂 So just to confirm, if we book a private tour, how will this differ from a private driver? Per our understanding, a private tour will provide you with a driver, a guide and book hotels on our behalf. Is this correct?

January 30, 2023 at 12:49 am

There are different kinds of “private tours.” Some are small group tours, which will take you to different cities (or to the desert) and drop you there. From that point you may choose to hire a local guide, or visit the city on your own.

Another possibility is to rent a car with a driver, which is what we did. In each city we hired a local guide to take us around. That is of course more expensive, but you are the boss. The driver will take you wherever you want and stay at your service all the time. You may choose your own itinerary, or ask the company to make one for you. They can recommend hotels, restaurants, etc. etc. We designed our own itinerary and booked our own hotels, so we just paid for the car and the driver. That was slightly more expensive than just renting the car itself. I strongly recommend this option. In my post I have a link to the company from where we rented the car with a driver.

September 21, 2022 at 5:44 pm

Many good tips without having to ask the questions. Now looking for more insights as to “off the beaten path”.

September 21, 2022 at 6:45 pm

I’m still working on the Morocco posts and yes, “off the beaten path” destinations are coming soon. Thank you for dropping by.

July 27, 2022 at 6:25 pm

Great post, Anda. You are spot on — although it sounds like photography has gotten much more difficult since I was there. . . . and it was challenging enough then! We also hired a driver to take us around and used guides in larger cities (our brilliant driver was a fabulous unofficial guide in more rural places). You are right — a good driver and/or guide will take you to places you would never discover otherwise. And it makes getting around just so much easier. It’s not even that expensive, we found the price to be comparable to booking a mid-price tour. Of course, the trick is finding someone who will be really good and who you’ll want to be around over the course of long days of driving and touring.

July 29, 2022 at 10:05 am

I agree, Cindy. Having a drives puts you ahead of the crowds and it saves you a lot of time.

Roy Stevenson

June 30, 2022 at 11:01 am

Thanks for this excellent summary, Anda. Much appreciated. Morocco is on my bucket list & this gives me a good idea of what to expect. Best regards to you! Roy Stevenson

June 30, 2022 at 1:05 pm

Thanks for dropping by, Roy. Hope all is well with you and your wife.

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18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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Okay folks, it’s PSA time.

If you’re planning on visiting Morocco any time soon, I need to let you in on a not-so-sexy secret…

This crazy country is much more than a romantic Instagram playground of patterned plates, blue walls and glam camel selfies.

In fact, coming here can be just as challenging as it is magical, all the more so if you don’t do proper research.

See, in recent years, I’ve heard many travellers say that they disliked their travels in Morocco because it didn’t “live up to their expectations”.

But as a die hard fan of the country, I need to say this: yes, Morocco is gorgeous, and packed with stupidly photogenic sights, but it can also a really challenging place to visit, especially when you flail in blindly without getting your research on.

Luckily, that’s what I’m here for!

After two trips to Morocco – once to visit Marrakech and Essaouira, the second to gallivant around Fez and Chefchaouen, I’ve foolishly made buckets of mistakes and assumptions for you, all so you don’t fall into the same traps 😉

Yay me. *throws confetti*

In this post, my goal is to give you some practical info and takeaways so that you have some more  realistic expectations for your trip to Morocco – think of it as tips from one silly tourist to another 😉

So, without further ado – don’t travel to Morocco without knowing the following handy tips!

PS: As I mentioned, these tips are definitely valid for big touristy cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, Fez and Chefchaouen. I have no doubt though that other places around the country (especially smaller towns) will be different! Hopefully you’ll still find these tips helpful though 🙂

Travelling to Morocco soon? You might also find these posts helpful…

• My 14 Best Tips for Safety in Morocco + Common Scams
• A Guide on What to Wear in Morocco + a Free Packing List
• What to Wear in Marrakesh
• 1 Week in Morocco (Travel Diary)
• Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip Guide
• Game of Thrones in Morocco Guide

Looking for the Cheapest Hotel Deals in Morocco?

One of the first questions I usually get about Morocco is where to stay, so let’s get that first point out of the way first.

Morocco is filled with amazing accommodation options, from hotels and hostels to gorgeous riads (which I highly recommend).

To find the best fit for you, I recommend using HotelsCombined , a great free site to use that lets you search prices from multiple sites like Expedia, Booking, etc. at once, securing you the best possible deal.

Click here to compare the best deals on accommodation in Morocco

Alright, now onto the good stuff…

My Travel Advice for Morocco: 18 Must-Knows

1. morocco is yuuuuuge (seriously though, it’s a big country).

Geography is not my thing, especially for places I’ve never been to.

Here’s the #1 mistake I see people making: a lot of folks (past me included) wrongfully assume that Morocco is small and that all the most insta-famous spots are closely clustered together.

I mean, if I had a nickel for each time someone asked “how can I do a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen?”  Ohh yenno, just a casual night train and bus combo….

But yes, know this: if you want to travel Morocco, understand that it’s a pretty freaking massive country.

At first, it might be tempting to think that you can cover the entire country in a single trip, but unless you have a lot of time at your disposal, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Try to focus instead on one part of the country rather than waste time commuting from place to place.

I’m very glad I did separate trips for Marrakech/Essaouira and Fez/Chefchaouen, rather than brave night trains and long commutes just to “see it all”.

2. Brush up on your French (beyond oh la la and croissants)

As you travel in Morocco, you’ll quickly notice just how common French is.

While in big cities, you’ll encounter plenty of English speakers as well, most are much more comfortable in French, and nicer to you if you can speak it.

I can’t tell you the number of times a shopkeeper or taxi driver immediately cranked up the nice meter as soon as I busted out my rusty français.

Definitely get some basic travel terms under your belt like, “how much will this cost” or “how do I get to ____” – it’ll help you a ton.

For those extra prepared folks, consider buying a phrasebook in advance (they’re cheap – like less than $10!). Here’s one for Moroccan Arabic, or one for French .

3. Morocco IS safe… just be wary of scams

Often travellers (especially those going solo) wonder whether or not Morocco is safe.

After having been there twice (once with a group of girlfriends and the second time with my boyfriend), I will say that it’s definitely safe. 

Will you feel very uncomfortable at times? Probably.

Will people will stare at you, persistently follow you and randomly shout Asian ethnicities at you until they guess the right one? That last one was niche, but the answer is still YES!

All that said, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t be too concerned about your physical safety.

I have a full guide all about safety tips in Morocco that you can read here, but I’ll summarize some of the main points below.

(I’d recommend getting a nice, subtle brass whistle though just in case. They’re good for ease of mind and you can get them for under $10! This set comes with a leather necklace so you can wear it at all times.)

Anyways, there are naturally a few common sensical things that you should be mindful of – don’t walk around at night by yourself (especially as a solo female traveler).

The streets get very eerie after all the shops close, and you’ll likely encounter lots of “friendly” guys trying to help you find your accommodations. It’s super unsettling, so I wouldn’t recommend being alone in quiet areas like the souks after dark.

Besides that, I think you will be fine in terms of physical safety.

The #1 thing to be mindful of though is ALL the scams. Tourism drives a lot of business here, so many have become experts at taking advantage of naive tourists. Don’t be disheartened by it – just view it as a way of doing business 😉

A few tips for avoiding scams: 

Be wary of anyone that’s overly friendly. Someone offering to help you find where you need to go will want money for it after. Someone offering you a cool photo opp like a snake to hold will want money for it after. Nice women beckoning you to get henna will literally grab your hand and just start doing it…. and will demand money after. Unfortunately, these things are common.

Know that every price they give you is meant to be bartered down. I’ll discuss haggling more in a second, but shopkeepers often give sky high prices to start with because they assume you don’t know better.

If you plan to buy something (e.g. a tour, a certain good, etc.), ask for standard prices from your riad or hostel owner so you have a rough idea of how much it will cost. It’s better this way to have a rough gauge.

4. Get your haggle pants on

Alright, we all have that embarrassing aunty who haggles everything down and has a consistent surplus of useless crap for her exploits.

When shopping in Morocco , it is time for you to become that aunty.

Seriously though, don’t be afraid to haggle! I’ve been told it’s a part of the culture by a lot of shopkeepers, who will laugh off my stubborn hard assness.

One of my proudest moments was being told I was “haggling like a real Berber woman”. Why thanks. *flips hair* Someone just get me a Haggle Queen t-shirt already. (FYI, they exist. No joke. Here’s proof ).

If you feel weird about haggling, do note that prices they give you at first can literally be 7x what they actually want to sell it for, so it’s probably in your best interest to barter a little… it’s even quite fun.

FYI, shop owners can be SUPER pushy.

If you step inside their little stall, they will often stand by the entrance and low-key trap you in their store. I’m not saying this to scare you, it’s just something to be aware of. You’re not in actual physical danger, but it’s pretty uncomfortable to say the least.

At the end of the day, you’ll quickly notice that most stores will sell the same goods so feel free to shop around too! Nothing is more effective for haggling than “the walk away”. 😉

5. Mosques are a no-go unless you’re Muslim

Unlike some other Muslim-dominant countries like Turkey where you’re invited to visit the inside of moques, mosques in Morocco usually have closed door policy unless you’re Muslim yourself.

So, take all those ridiculous “top things to do in Morocco” lists with a grain of salt (PSA to my fellow bloggers, stop recommending these mosques when all you can do is peek at the courtyard from afar!)

I mean, are there loads of gorgeous mosques to see in Morocco? Totally, but you won’t really get to see any of them unless you’re Muslim. Just an FYI so you’re not too disappointed.

PS: If you’re staying longer in the country, consider getting a guidebook about customs/traditions. It might come in handy. I’ve heard great things about this one.

6. Bring stretchy pants (cuz you gon’ eat)

Nnngh, give me a second to wipe all the drool off my screen. I have to tell you – food in Morocco is THE best.

One of my Christmas gifts this year was literally a tagine cookbook and I’ve never felt more #blessed. Truly, when you travel to Morocco, one guarantee is that you’ll be well fed. Like royalty even, for highly affordable rates.

These are ubiquitous foods you’ll find at every single restaurant (yes, they are cliched, and touristy, but for a reason).

PS: Any Moroccan folks reading this, please holla in the comments with your favourite traditional foods… I need some more inspo!

BUT for now, you will 100% need to get…

Fresh fruit juice: MMMMMF. Available almost everywhere and so ridiculously good. NOTE: It’s always cheaper to drink it there from a glass rather than get it to take away. The stalls will often have a very cheap price (e.g. 4DH) listed in big letters, and that is usually the price for if you stand there and drink it on the spot. Don’t be surprised if you need to pay a bit extra to take it with you.

Mint tea:  You can get it anywhere and they love to serve it up with sugar. Their default sweetness is ridiculously sweet, so unless you love cavities, you should probably ask for sugar on the side.

Tagine: Slow cooked stew cooked in an awesome clay or ceramic pot (also called a tagine). There’s lots of different kinds, usually with meat. My personal favourite is the kefta tagine, which is meatballs in a tomato/onion sauce with eggs cracked on top. It will change your life, it is my favourite ever!

Couscous: Fluffy and plentiful. I’m not a big fan of it myself (I’m a die-hard rice girl) but you’ll find it everywhere with all kinds of pairings.

7. Don’t expect a booze & drugs kind of vacay

A LOT of people forget that Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country.

… and then they turn up ready to raaage.

That might be a problematic mindset.

You won’t find a ton of shops readily stocked with sweet alcoholz  for your bender. That said, despite having such a large Muslim population, alcohol and drugs (hash is especially popular) aren’t tough to come by in Morocco.

In major cities, you’ll find plenty of bars and of course, depending on where you’re staying (if it’s a big resort-y type hotel), you’ll have no trouble finding booze. So, if you need your fix, you’ll be fine.

In my opinion though, I wouldn’t prioritize scouring the streets for alcohol in Morocco.

There’s so many better things to do here than get drunk, and it’s much pricier than drinking your weight in fresh fruit juice and mint tea, which is infinitely better (in my humble food-obsessed opinion).

8. Don’t get run over by a donkey

I literally was having one of those “wow travel is so amazing and lifechanging” moments when I promptly was knocked off my pedestal by a donkey.

Like, an actual donkey.

This was in Fez, where there’s a lot of donkeys trotting around with stuff on their backs. So um, just a general PSA to keep an eye out for asses. 🙂

9. Despite what they say, not everyone is “your friend”

I alluded to this before, but you need to be wary of those who are overly friendly.

Of course, there are tons of genuinely hospitable Moroccans out there, but in major cities, especially when you’re out and about in touristy areas, those hollering at you “come with me, my friend!”, “I will show you, my friend!” etc. etc. are probably interested more in your money than your friendship.

This isn’t to say that they won’t actually help you – they probably will, but just know that it’s because they expect some money for it, not out of the genuine goodness of their hearts.

10. Morocco has a closed currency

I know this sounds scary but it basically just means that Morocco’s currency (the dirham, or DH) isn’t readily available outside of Morocco, so you will most likely need to just wait until you’re there to get any.

There will definitely a currency exchange at the airport, and there are loads of banks to visit in major cities too, so don’t worry!

11. Ladies, get ready for attention like you’ve never received

Often people ask whether or not it is safe to travel to Morocco, especially for female travelers.

So again, is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Yes, but there are certain things you need to be wary of (as a female).

Especially as a female that is noticeably foreign (my blonde friends, I’m lookin’ at you).

Morocco is such a wonderful country with so much to offer and I would hate for your impressions of it to be spoiled because you didn’t go in with the right expectations, so let me clear this up for you: LADIES, you will inevitably get catcalled.

It’s gonna happen.

It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or who you’re with. If I could still get cat called while wearing a big doofus jacket while holding hands with my boyfriend, then you will also get some unwanted advances.

If you tend to sensitive about these things, remember just how common it is, and I beg you: don’t let it ruin your trip!

My approach is to just move on and ignore. Don’t make eye contact, don’t smile. If you smile, you’re essentially inviting them to talk to you… so don’t do it. Just keeping walkin’, cool as a cucumber.

12. Dress appropriately

So, a lot of girls wonder what is considered “appropriate” dress in Morocco… and luckily, I have a full guide on what to wear in Morocco , so check that out for more details.

But here’s a quick digest. The truth is it’s not really about what you can and can’t wear.

You CAN wear a spaghetti strap tank top and Daisy Dukes, I mean… nobody is going to arrest you, but you WILL feel terribly uncomfortable.

It’s true, many Moroccan women will wear what they want, but remember that you (as a foreigner) are already going to stick out like a sore thumb so it’s really a matter of dressing in a way that a) you’e comfortable and b) minimizes unwanted attention.

As a good rule of thumb, I would say to cover your legs and cover your shoulders.

In Marrakech, there was a MASSIVE difference for me when I wore a dress one day vs. pants on another. Even though it was a long-enough dress (around knee-length), the amount of eyes that began to slide down and focus on my calves was too damn high.

So, I would encourage dressing modestly, with an emphasis on covering shoulders, legs and cleavage.

You can read my full packing guide (and free packing list) for Marrakech here.

13. BYOT – Bring your own toilet paper

Seriously guys, bring your own toilet paper when you travel around Morocco.

Sometimes you’ll be lucky and there will be a cute lil woman at the front selling tissue for a small price (usually this is the case with rest stops) otherwise you’re on your own. #ShakeShakeBaby 😉

PRO TIP: I highly recommend just buying tissue packs in bulk. You can literally buy an entire case for less than $30 here . It’s always good to have them on hand, and buying in bulk is cheaper.

14. Cash is king

Trust me, you need to have cash on you when you travel around Morocco, in small bills if possible.

We encountered a few taxi drivers who told us he didn’t have any change for big bills (whether or not that’s truthful or just fishing for a larger tip, I’m not sure!)

BUT remember: you should always carry some change with you as well, whether for tipping or having exact change for cabs/services.

15. Fridays are holy days

Fridays are considered a holy day for Muslims, and so on Friday, you’ll find that the souks might be a little quieter and that the operating hours of certain shops might vary.

A lot of visitors get scared that everything will be closed on Fridays, but for us this wasn’t the case.

The major tourist attractions and main “tourist heavy” spots will remain open, but there were definitely a lot of noticeable shop closures as well. Just plan accordingly and don’t leave all your big shopping days to Friday and you’ll be fine.

16. No need to really book tours in advance, there are loads of tour operators and options once you arrive

A lot of people stress out about getting a tour booked for activities in advance.

I really don’t think this is necessary.

There are so many tour operators going to the same places every single day that you could easily (if you’re feeling spontaneous) just wait until you’re there to make any further plans.

If you are a very Type A planny type person though, you can also book online. I like using GetYourGuide for things like this because they have a low-price guarantee 🙂

17. It gets surprisingly cold

I know – usually when travellers think about Morocco, their minds go to this warm sepia-toned image of a sun-drenched country, of deserts, palm trees and warm balmy temperatures.

This can be the case yes, but temperatures really do drop at night, and it can get very windy by the coast.

Be prepared for the weather and do your research beforehand. Always pack a jacket!

18. You will inevitably get lost

See it as part of the fun!

Undoubtedly you’ll have already heard of how romantic and wonderful it is to “get lost in the dizzying labyrinth of Moroccan souks” – what most blog posts seem to glaze over is that it’s ALSO kind of scary. Maybe really scary – especially at night.

Know this: if you don’t get lost at some point, you haven’t had the real Morocco experience… just be careful, (again, especially at night).

And remember: worst comes to worst, if you’re really super lost, there will most likely be someone around willing to guide you back home…. for a small fee of course 😉

I hope you enjoyed these Morocco tips!

Alright, I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must-knows before you travel to Morocco, packed with travel tips and advice! If you have still have any Morocco-related questions, feel free to ask away in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

56 thoughts on “18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco”

“Your Gram will be lit” had me laughing! I love the way you write. 🙂 I actually really like that cash is king in Morocco. I always pay by cash anyway when I go to foreign countries, just easier to stick to my budget that way! 🙂 – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

hehe glad you enjoyed the post! <3

I have been wanting to visit Morocco for a while now and really want to share the experience with my boyfriend, but he’s not sold on the idea. Will definitely show him this post, so much great advice! I’m especially excited by the food 😀

It’s a very fun place if you go prepared 😉 Hope you get to see for yourself sometime soon!

Wow! Wow! I loved your post! Extremely informative as always. What I loved the most was that you encouraged people to accept Morocco for what it is rather than labelling it ‘unsafe’ etc. So many times, I tend to write off a place because people write such strongly worded articles! Kudos to you girl! 🙂

Great list for big cities 🙂 ! I’d add that tap water is not really safe to consume (or even brush your teeth with) and – fun fact – you won’t see any gyms 😉 :p

What a fantastic and descriptive cultural guide! I am going to Morocco soon (I hope, once I get my visa) and besides tips where to snap Instagram shots, there are hardly any advice on, you know, how to behave in Morocco and what to expect. Read it from core to core and pinned for my upcoming trip. Well done!

I really want to visit Morocco and been readin up a lot of posts on it recently. Wow these are great tips. I didn’t realize Chefcheoun and Marrakech are so far! And oh my better brush up on my Francais!

I love this! Chefchaouen is on my hit list. I love that you are straight up about the practical things, you’re writing style is great – I feel like in my head we would be friends 🙂 Thanks for a great read!

Awesome post! So much useful info wrapped in a funny way, hehe.

Very handy post! <3

https://carmelatte.co/dubai-tour-guide-firsttimers/

Such a great list, thanks for sharing! It’s a bit disappointing that non-Muslims can’t visit mosques, but that’s still something I’d prefer to know ahead of time. Great tips so I can set realistic expectations when I go =)

This is such a helpful post-Christina! Thanks for sharing such valuable advice 🙂 We were considering going to Morocco this year and will keep your advice about not being an overachiever in seeing everything lol Also I had no idea they spoke French there!

Love this post super helpful tips! I have been considering travelling to Morroco but like you mentioned have heard so many people say they hated it – I feel so much more confident that’ll I’ll love it after reading 🙂

Wow! Very well said! I wish I knew about the toilet paper before going to Morocco, it’s a serious problem! And it’s important to dress appropriately. They might be considered more open minded since they have plenty tourists but it’s still required to cover yourself to avoid creepy stares!

I LOVED Morocco. In addition to French, knowing a few basic words in Arabic, like hello and thank you will definitely win you some friendly smiles!

You should try Bastilla. It’s a perfectly amazingly delicious blend of savory and a little sweet (but not too much). So good!

Wonderful tips, and I love your sense of humour.

‘Nice one!

Thanks for reading, Victoria! <3

I was laughing throughout the whole post! Great tips for someone who is getting ready to go to Morocco in just a few days herself. The country looks amazing and I’ll have to learn some French and bust out the haggling skills for sure!

Haha glad you liked it! Hope your trip is amazing 🙂

This was an extremely helpful post. Thank you for sharing your advice. I can’t wait for my trip now 🙂

Yay! Have a great trip, Natalija! <3

SO well written and helpful. THANK YOU!

you’re welcome, Kimberly. Thanks for reading!

So beautiful post. This country is my favorite since i have been there in 2014.

So happy you enjoyed it!

Wonderful Article!! … Completely spectacular photos, thank you for involvement

Wow!! I love the way you write! You also put my mind at ease about quite a few things. I met an amazing Moroccan guy online and we have been talking for a little while now. Finally planning a trip to go and meet in person and cannot explain the anxiety I’ve had trying to research so much about this awesome country so as not to do anything to look foolish or heaven-forbid insult anyone while I am there. (I mean he wants me to meet his family and even stay there with them!! Yikes haha no pressure there!!) For the most part I am quite comfortable talking with him but there is just enough of a language barrier that finding answers to some of these basic questions is just much easier researching them on my own. Finding your blog helped SO much. I only have found 2 Moroccan restaurants in my city and as big of a nerd as I might seem, I am seriously planning to go and befriend anyone there who can help put my mind at ease further! I have so many questions!! Anyway, again, THANK YOU! Jess

Glad to hear that you had such great stay in Morocco, you are always welcome back 🙂

Hi, I loved your post ! Have been to Istanbul, I retained mostly : 1. Bringing a whistle 2. Toilette paper or kleenex 3. Small cash Thanks, great help Linda

super fun to read – thanks christina!!

Thank you for the information. Well written. I’m considering a trip there.

So helpful! And my fav tip, “You gon eat!”

Planning a girls trip and trying to convince everyone that this can be as fabulous a trip as other places we’ve gone! If not even moreso!

Will be sharng your post!

I have wanted to visit Morocco for a while now and really want to share the experience with my friends.

Thanks for this helpful article. It’s good to have these information.

Thanks for this advises but I guess your advise that say we need to fresh up our french language is a little bit hard but every problem has a solution when you have google on your smartphone.

Funny how many memories this post brought back. I went to Morocco 2 summers ago and was put off by the cat-calling, “konichiwa”s and “ni hao”s, and pushiness of people on the streets who were preying on tourists (“tour guides” following us to try and get us to go on a tour with them, street performers practically forcing themselves on you for money, etc). We knew it would happen but just weren’t expecting so much of it. It probably didn’t help that my whole family got food poisoning too but I think you really just need to be prepared for a different culture and attitude toward tourists and look beyond it to enjoy a trip in Morocco.

I am actually from Morocco, and reading your post is definitely educational, Thank you for sharing such valuable tips with us.

This is excellent! I’m going to travel to Morocco in September for about 12 days and your article is very useful! I cannot wait to be there and yes very much looking forward to try their delicious cuisine!

Thank you for the tips, a lot of the tips can be applied on other places.

Hi, Needless to say, Marrakech is outstanding amongst other travel puts in the entire of Africa. I have been to Marrakech several time. Everything looks so regular stuffed with culture, history and convention related with it. And in the Sahara desert, fascinating Mosque engineering, riads, Medinas, mint tea and some more, Marrakech is a very good place to visit.

was our first time visiting Morocco and we definitely made the right choice by choosing this tour. I picked this one specifically because I didn’t want a tour company that had seen so many tourists that they start to not care about taking people around their country. Where it’s more a money-making business, where you are part of a big group and you will not receive any sort of bespoke individual experience. We were so lucky to have ismail as our tour guide as he was a genuine and nice person, who loves his country.

From the very first email ismail was extremely polite and helpful, more than any other tour company I’d spoken to. We ended up travelling with just him, my husband and me. We went from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, to the Todras, Atlas Mountains, several Oasis and obviously to the Sahara desert. It was still a whistle stop tour as we only had 3 days but it was definitely the way to go. Having stayed in Marrakech for 2 days I was very much ready to leave the hustle and bustle (and generally being harassed at the souks) to explore what Morocco was really about.

Todras gorge was really lovely. There had been some rainfall so you could walk into some of the water. Really nice. It was quite busy though, but no more than the other big landmarks like Ait Ben Haddou.

My favourite place was actually Skoura, one of the little Oasis on the first night. The place we stayed was run by a family business and you can really tell. It was remote, but stunning. Not at all touristy, and very authentic. The food was the best I’d had in Morocco, just divine! Just as an aside, although I love tagines, you do want some change, so this was the one that stood out as it felt a little more authentic. Most of the food you’ll get in Morocco (not just in the tour) is very similar — varying types of tagines, wraps or kebabs, with rice or salad. Not a huge amount of variety unless you really look for it. We loved Nomad in Marrakech, this restaurant has amazing food!

The trip to the Sahara was amazing, albeit short. We set off on camel when the sun was quite low, maybe 6–7pm and then arrived at the camp by nightfall. We had dinner with a few other people on the tour, and the locals did a song and dance for half an hour or so. We then ventured out to the desert to see the stars, and although we went back to the camp around 1am, the moon was so bright you could have slept under it for sure. The temperature was perfect. However we had to leave at about 5am to catch the sunset, so thought we’d better sleep in the bed. The camp was extremely clean and nice given it’s in the middle of nowhere, so if you’re a clean freak like me, you’ll have no problems! There’s good toilets and running water. You sleep in a type of metal room, which is probably ventilated but still quite warm. The beds aren’t exactly comfy, quite hard really, but there’s electricity and sheets, what else do you need!

You can see more of my adventures and what I experienced from my pictures. All in all, what you see is what you get. The tour speaks for itself. You visit all the places on the itinerary and you’re greeted with nice people and go to places that are really quite unique. On top of that, you’ll be with a guide who knows a good deal about Morocco and will work hard to make sure you have a good time. We were even privileged enough to see ismail home, meet his family (they were very shy!) But an insight into how Moroccan people actually live? That is something you can’t buy.

Really enjoyed my time in Morocco, so thanks to ismail and the team at Moroccodeserttour4x4.com recommend this tour company.

Hey Christina, I am Youssef from Morocco. Thank you si much for sharing such very useful info about Chefchaouen and travelling to Morocco in general. This is really amazing post with incredible pictures. Thanks a lot

good one thank you for sharing

First of all Thank you very much for awesome articles about Morocco, interesting with its great informations, we really appreciate your heart work to seat and to write this post about Morocco during your period touring around the country, it is not easy to travel from city to another for to share this important informations with other travellers. Thank you much very again.

Hi! Christina thanks you so for visiting Morocco. We are so happy to meet people like you….

That’s all amazing! waiting for another wonderful article!

Just amazing article about this wonderful city. I really enjoyed reading this blog and I appreciate your sharing. A huge wave to you!

Hello Christina, we are happy you had a great stay in our country, and you visited some of the most visited places… We appreciate you sharing this amazing article!

Hey Christina, your article made me speechless. Morocco is an outstanding and breathtaking country to visit… Your blog is very informative and helpful to everyone willing to visit this amazing country, and I appreciate your sharing with us!

Very informative blog… Lovely act of you to share this beautiful city!

Thank you for the input You got a fabulous blog!

Das ist verklich super danke

Incredible post, full of many info that will be helpful to any newcomers, thank you again for sharing with us.

Best article thank you for sharing it really amazing

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Itinerary Morocco 2 to 4 weeks | Hints and Highlights

Take a tour of Morocco † This beautiful travel route through Morocco, full of travel tips, takes you to all the must-sees in 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Do you already want to get into the atmosphere? First watch the incredibly beautiful video about Morocco at the top of this page, or turn on the video for the music and continue reading in a real Moroccan atmosphere! Morocco is a beautiful country to add to you world trip but also as a standalone tour. The country is very large and diverse, which sometimes makes it difficult to plan and make choices. In this extensive article we tell you all about it.

Table of contents

Independent travel through Morocco

The biggest sights are not exactly close to each other and that means that there is no other option than to travel criss-cross through the country. While planning our  Itinerary through Morocco  I found out (thanks to reading other blogs) that many people travel this country through an organized tour or through tours from Marrakesh. Shame! Traveling through Morocco yourself is doable, safe and a unique way to explore the country. We can really recommend it to everyone!

Traveling by public transport and taxis

We decided to complete the tour through Morocco  on your own  to do,  without planning , with the  public transport † Of course you can plan and fix things in advance if you like, but you don't have to. After reading this blog you can decide for yourself which route you take and what you do or do not want to plan. You can follow the travel route through Morocco below and on this page you will find many extra tips about budget, transport and travel information about Morocco.

Tip: : did you know that Morocco is no less than three times in the list with 24 must-sees of Africa for your bucket list state?

What are the 5 must-sees of Morocco?

1. marrakech.

Spend some time in Djemaa el-Fna, where you can find exotic street artists, tattoo artists, musicians and chefs. Afterwards, stroll through the medina, explore the souks, eat in the market, see the old town and enjoy Morocco's most international city. Marrakech has it all.

2. The Sahara Desert

The Sahara is of course part of your travel route through Morocco. The mighty desert is exactly as it is depicted in the movies: vast, empty and absolutely spectacular. You can spend the night in a simple tent in the dunes. This was my favorite activity in the country and I highly recommend it. The starry sky is unprecedented, because there is no light pollution!

3. Chefchaouene

Chefchaouen is located in the middle of the Rif Mountains. It is very relaxed, offers reasonable accommodation and is visually stunning. The streets and buildings are painted a vibrant sky blue and the mountains in the background are rugged and dramatic. It is a great place to wander, shop and drink mint tea.

This ancient and mighty city is one of the best places in the country. The narrow streets are filled with wonderful smells, mosques, craft shops and crowds. While Fez can be a bit overwhelming, it's just magical once you get used to the pace of the city.

5. Visit a Hammam

A hammam is a steam bath that is popular in North Africa. They are usually found near mosques and can be luxury or public (traditional). Visit a no-frills traditional for an authentic and enlightening experience. Public hammams cost about 10 MAD (1 Euro), while hotel hammams can cost 300-500 MAD (30 to 50 Euros).

Travel route Morocco on the map

Start of your itinerary: Tangier

It is easy to book a return ticket from the Netherlands to Marrakech, but it is advisable to invest some time and look for a one-way ticket to Tangier and a one-way ticket from Marrakech. This way you don't have to travel all over the country to catch your flight.  Tangier  (also called Tangier) is completely in the  north of Morocco  and that's why we thought this was the perfect place to start our tour through Morocco! In Tangier there is not much to see outside of the beach and the small medina. It looks quite luxurious and (in my opinion) does not give a good impression of Morocco. It's a nice city to explore but if I were you I'd go again soon!

Tangier to Chefchaouen

From the “Gare Routière” you can easily take the bus to  Chefchaouen † We walked to the bus stop and bought a ticket for Chefchaouen at the counter. If you buy the ticket outside through a “seller” you often pay € 1,- extra. The cost from Tangier to Chefchaouen is 50 dirhams (€ 5) and it takes about 3 hours. In Chefchaouen the bus stops again at the bus stop and from there it is about a 10-minute walk to the medina, the heart of the blue town. If you don't feel like walking, there are of course dozens of taxis waiting for you to take you to your hotel. Keep in mind that if you have a hotel or hostel in the medina, you still have to walk a bit.

Chefchaouen

Our favorite place in Morocco,  Chefchaouen † This place should not be missing from your Morocco itinerary! The beautiful, blue town is nestled between the mountains and hills that provide breathtaking views! You can easily spend 2 days here. Start your day with a delicious breakfast in one of the many restaurants with a view of the mountains. Then you can get lost in the medina of  Chefchaouen † Every corner is beautiful and you will never get bored. A must do is to end your day at the viewpoint of  Chefchaouen † Here you have a beautiful view over the entire town where you can watch the sun go down.

Chefchaouen to Fes

After lunch we left for the Chefchaouen bus stop to continue our tour through Morocco to  Fez † However, we had underestimated this trip a bit, probably because our trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen had gone so well. The costs of  Chefchaouen to Fes  are 60 dirhams (€ 6,-) and it takes you about 5 hours. It took us 6 hours because we were dropped in  Ouazzane  informing us that we had to wait for the bus to Fez. Apparently our bus didn't go there. After waiting 3 minutes our bus showed up and a little later we were stuck between the locals on our way to Fez.

In  Fez  you have to prepare for some kind of culture shock. Especially if you have to find your hostel or hotel in the medina. I say search because it really is a maze! There are of course dozens of locals around you who offer to help you. But with a little perseverance and your offline map you will get there!

Fez  is one of the royal cities of Morocco and absolutely worth a visit. It really shouldn't be missed in your Morocco itinerary! Real must-sees in the city are of course the many narrow alleys of the medina and the main attraction of Fez: the ' tanneries † Do you want to escape the crowds for a while? Then it is nice to walk towards the palace of Fez. You then walk through a beautiful park and at the palace you can photograph the beautiful architecture.

Fes to Merzouga

Do you have enough time like us? Then take another day in Fez so that you can mentally prepare yourself for the long journey ahead. If you have less time, you can take the night bus on day 5 to Merzouga. The bus does not leave until 22.00 p.m. The costs of  Fes to Merzouga  are 200 dirhams (€ 20,-) and this takes about 11 hours. Along the way you stop a number of times, but it is a long seat, the longest in this tour / travel route through Morocco.

In the morning around 06.00 am you arrive in  dunes † The difference between Fez and Merzouga is really huge. This ensures the nice diversity in your tour through Morocco. All hotels and hostels in  dunes  offer activities in the desert. You can choose your own means of transport: a jeep, a quad or a camel. We have opted for a tour where you spend the night in the desert. Before sunset you start by crossing the desert so that you can enjoy the sunset in the middle of the desert.

You spend the night in one of the camps in the middle of the desert where you make music together in the evening and enjoy Moroccan food. All this under one of the most beautiful starry skies I've seen! The camp is quite luxurious (even though we opted for the cheapest option). You have a normal toilet, toilet paper, soap and even a mirror! If that's not a luxury... right in the middle of the desert!

Merzouga to Ouarzazate

In the morning (better said night) you will be woken up at 04.00 AM to go back to the 'civilized world' so that you can enjoy the sunrise in the desert on the way. A beautiful experience! You will arrive at your hotel or hostel around 06.00 a.m. and breakfast will be ready for you. After breakfast we immediately went to the bus stop of Merzouga where we bought a bus ticket to  Ouarzazate † The costs of  Merzouga to Ouarzazate  are 100 dirhams (€10) and it takes you about 7 hours. Along the way you cross all the villages on the most bizarre winding mountain roads. They don't know a highway here.

We thought  Ouarzazate  a great place to catch your breath after the intense days we had behind us. Are you in a hurry? Then you have seen Ouarzazate in 1 day. A must see in Ouarzazate is  Ait Ben Haddou † We took a taxi from our hostel, 2 hours before sunset. The drive towards Ait Ben Haddou is super beautiful. Our taxi driver stopped at a viewpoint where you can see Ait Ben Haddou in the distance. Highly recommended! In Ait Ben Haddou you can walk around for hours in my opinion, we only had 1 hour and I thought this was too short. It is therefore advisable to arrange your own transport and not to depend on a taxi. In addition to wandering around in this beautiful area, you can also buy many beautiful souvenirs here.

Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Marrakech should of course not be missing from a travel route through Morocco. You can travel to Marrakech from Ouarzazate in 2 ways. The bus is € 1,- cheaper, but it often takes 1 hour longer. It is also more risky as you travel through the mountains and this is not always suitable for a bus. That € 1,- was not worth it to us and we opted for a shared taxi. Fortunately, we only had to wait fifteen minutes until our shared taxi of 6 people was full. The costs of  Ouarzazate to Marrakech  with a shared taxi are 100 dirhams (€ 10,-) and it takes you about 5 hours. It is an intense ride through the Atlas Mountains (read: high level and a lot of curves) but it is so beautiful!

After a 5 hour drive you will arrive at the taxi place in Marrakech and you can change to another taxi that will take you to the center of Marrakech. When you have booked your hostel in the medina of Marrakech, you still have to walk (and search).

We have our days in  Marrakech  split into 2 parts. We spent 2 nights in ' Old Marrakech , in the middle of the medina' and 2 nights in ' New Marrakesh † This is definitely recommended so that you can experience the difference. The difference is big! New Marrakech is also a nice end to your tour through Morocco.

Marrakech is very touristy, a very different experience from what you have experienced so far. Nevertheless, Marrakech cannot be missed in your planning. Visit the  Secret garden , Jemaa El Fna, the park behind the Koutoubia mosque and the medina.

End of the Morocco itinerary

Everything comes to an end, including this travel route through Morocco. From Marrakesh it is only fifteen minutes to the  airport  and for this one-way ticket you pay (with some negotiation) about 70 dirhams (€ 7,-).

Travel tips and travel information Morocco

When is the best time to travel to morocco.

The best time to visit Morocco is in spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow in winter or the heat of summer.

Coastal Regions of Morocco – The coastal regions can be visited all year round. In winter they are pleasantly mild, while in summer they bask at temperatures around 20°C.

Inland and mountain areas – The High Atlas Mountains can also be visited all year round, although it does get cold in winter. Summer can still be a little too hot for long-distance hikes, but if the heat doesn't bother you, the conditions between April and October are fine. Outside of these months, there is snow on the peaks, making hiking more dangerous, but providing spectacular panoramas.

This Morocco itinerary can basically be done all year round. Provided you take into account the temperature differences.

Do you need a visa for Morocco?

There is no visa requirement for people with a Dutch passport. You will receive a visa for three months upon entering Morocco. The only requirement is that your passport is still valid for at least 6 months when you leave for the Netherlands.

Is there a dress code in Morocco?

Our experience has shown that it is always useful to take (thin) long pants and a sweater or cardigan with long sleeves during your entire travel route through Morocco for the sometimes cooler evenings. When you go to Morocco in the summer, airy clothing for the day is sufficient. If you go to Morocco in winter, it is better to pack warm clothes and a rain jacket.

Women, but also men, are expected to have their shoulders and knees covered. Pants or skirts that reach below the knees and blouses or t-shirts with (short) sleeves are good. A thin shawl is useful to wrap up briefly or to use against the sand during a camel ride, for example. If you go into the mountains for walks and trekking, good walking shoes are recommended, otherwise a pair of shoes that you can walk well in or a pair of hiking sandals will suffice. In the summer, you can also bring a pair of flip flops. In winter it is advisable to bring closed shoes, it can be cool and it rains more, especially in the mountains.

Do you need a power plug in Morocco?

The mains voltage is 220 volts almost everywhere in Morocco. The connection is the same as we know it here. A world plug is therefore not necessary. You may find that in some areas or places the mains voltage is as low as 110 volts, but it is not really necessary to carry an adapter unless you really can't live without power.

Can you drink tap water in Morocco?

Do not drink water from the tap! Bottled water is available almost everywhere. Check whether the cap is still 'good' on. It is better not to put ice cubes in your drinks unless you have checked whether they are made from spring water.

What is the currency of Morocco?

The Dirham is the currency used in Morocco. You pronounce it as 'dirhem', the plural of Dirham is then 'Darahim', but we as Europeans call it plural Dirhams. The internationally used currency code is 'MAD'. The Dirham is issued by the Central Bank of Morocco 'Bank Al-Maghrib'.

In general you can say 1 Dirham is about 10 Euro cents and 10 Dirham is about 1 Euro. Usually it is slightly more favorable for Dutch people (you get a little more Dirhams for your Euros) but for the sake of convenience we recommend to just keep 10 = 1. When you subtract the exchange costs, you are on average about 10 Dirham per euro.

What are Riads?

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an atrium or courtyard. The word riad comes from the Arabic word ryad which means garden. Riads were the homes of the wealthier part of the bourgeoisie. These are often located in the old, walled parts of the city, but can also be found in the countryside. Visit one or more during your trip, you won't be disappointed!

Which public holidays are there in Morocco?

Morocco has a lot of holidays and it would of course be extra cool to include a few holidays during your travel route through Morocco. The dates of Islamic religious holidays are determined by the lunar calendar. Those holidays fall on a different date every year, because the monthly calendar annually 'loses' 11 days compared to the western Gregorian calendar. National holidays do fall on the same date every year. Below is a list of the holidays. Please note that banks, post offices and shops may be closed during national holidays and sometimes even Muslim holidays. During Ramadan it is best not to eat between people during the day.

Islamic holidays

lunar calendar – The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar year and therefore deviates from the counting of the Western, Gregorian calendar. According to the Western calendar, the Islamic holidays move forward ten to eleven days each year. The largest Islamic festivals are Ramadan, the Sugar Feast and the Feast of Sacrifice.

Ramadan – Ramadan (24 April to 23 May 2020, 13 April to 13 May 2021, 2 April to 2 May 2022) is the most important Islamic holiday. The festival lasts throughout the ninth month of the Islamic year and is the month of fasting. During this period, Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Fasting is one of the most important duties of a Muslim.

Ramadan can lead to some inconvenience for travelers; many restaurants are closed; eating, drinking and smoking in public is not appreciated. For tourists, however, is cooked and taken care of. It goes without saying that you do not eat (on the street or on the terrace) in front of fasting people. On the other hand, experiencing such an important party is special.

Sugar festival – The three-day Sugar Feast, Eid al-Fitr (May 23-25, 2020, May 13-15, 2021, May 2-4, 2022), heralds the end of Ramadan. The house is cleaned one more time and the people dress as beautifully as possible. Everyone visits each other to congratulate each other on a well-completed fasting period. The poor also get something extra. The pilgrimage to Mecca begins with the Sugar Feast.

Feast of Sacrifice – The festival of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha (July 30 to August 1, 2020, July 20 to 23, 2021, July 9 to 11, 2022), begins on the tenth day of the last month of the year. Sheep are slaughtered everywhere on that day to commemorate Abraham. After all, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son to God, but at the last moment he replaced the boy with a sheep.

National holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day January 11 – Celebration of the Istiqal Manifesto May 1 – Labor Day July 30 – Coronation Party August 14 – Wadi Eddahab (commemoration of the Spanish Sahara conquest) August 20 – Day of the Revolution August 21 – King's Birthday and Youth Day November 6 – Day of the Green March November 18 – Independence Day

July 30 is Morocco's national holiday. On that day, King Mohammed VI succeeded his father Hassan II. This day is celebrated with fireworks, parades and music.

How much does it cost to travel in Morocco?

Cost of accommodation in Morocco – Dorms are on average between 80-110 MAD (8 to 11 euros) per night in the big cities like Marrakesh and Fez, and about 50 MAD (5 euros) on the outskirts. Private rooms in hostels start at around 200-250 MAD (20-25 euros) in the cities and are much cheaper in smaller, less touristy areas. Budget hotels start around 150 MAD (15 euros) per night for a double room. Accommodation in Marrakech and Fez will be more expensive as these are the main cities.

Food Costs in Morocco – Food in Morocco can be extremely cheap, especially if you eat at the many markets. A pot of mint tea costs between 8-10 MAD (1 euro). You can enjoy local dishes, including the popular tagine. Tajine is a meat and vegetable dish for about 35 MAD (3,5 euros).

Sandwiches, pizza and most other dishes range between 30-50 MAD (3-5 euros). You'll find more expensive restaurants inside with table service that cost around MAD 100 (10 euros). Fish in coastal towns such as Essaouria costs about 100-150 MAD (10-15 Euros), while a lobster costs about 350-400 MAD (45-40 Euros). Seafood dinners include drinks, salad, and bread.

For more expensive tourist and western restaurants, you're looking at around 150 MAD (15 euros) or more per main course. Beer and wine range up to 70 MAD (7 euros) for a drink (however, there aren't that many options to drink in Morocco. There's no need to do any shopping here as the food is quite cheap and it's much easier to get out But if you do, expect to pay MAD 200 per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken and other staple foods.

Fees for Activities in Morocco – Popular tourist destinations, such as Marrakesh, offer guided group tours. Usually this includes a car that will take you to the most interesting attractions, shops and around the medina (neighborhood). A full day tour costs about 900 MAD (90 Euros), while a half day costs about 500 MAD (50 Euros). A trip to the desert can be organized with a large travel agency for different prices. The price depends on how long you go and what is included. A visit to the local hammam (bathhouse) for a spa treatment costs just 10 MAD / 1 Euro (low-end) and can go up to 500 MAD / 50 Euros (high-end). The prices of specific attractions vary widely in price depending on the activity, luxury and location.

Tips to Save Money in Morocco

Want to save money on your Morocco itinerary? It is not necessary! It doesn't cost a lot of money to travel through Morocco. It's relatively cheap! Where travelers lose their money is mainly eating western meals and fancy dishes. It is also expensive to stay riads an impact on your budget. If you don't, you can save a lot of money. Here are some tips to save money in Morocco:

Eat street food – It is extremely easy to get cheap and good streetfood to eat in Morocco. While restaurant meals typically cost just 30 MAD (3 euros), street food is even cheaper. For just a few euros you can enjoy delicious kebabs, sausages, grilled corn on the cob, hot roasted chicken and huge sandwiches. Stick to eating at the local markets in the medina and you'll spend very little money on food.

Negotiate with taxis – Make sure to negotiate a price before getting in the taxi. There are no fixed prices and you will have to negotiate hard.

Avoid fake guides – Faux guides (or fake guides) will hang out in the medinas and offer you tours. Firmly say no and keep walking away. They are persistent, but will eventually give up if you keep walking!

Beware of thieves – Petty theft, usually involving wallets, watches and cameras, is common in the busy medinas across the country, so stay alert and keep your valuables out of sight.

don't drink alcohol – Even though drinking is frowned upon in the country, there are still plenty of places where you can drink. They are generally expensive (as alcohol is not common here) and the drinks are not that good. Don't drink on your itinerary or tour of Morocco, save money and adhere to local standards.

Ilse & Nick

ILSE & NICK - OUR TRAVEL LIFE - Travel addicts from #netherlands - Chasing adventures & creating memories - Home, dreaming where to go next - [email protected]

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Toronto will soon have new direct flight route to city known for its sun-kissed beaches

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Toronto will soon be getting a direct flight service to the port city of Casablanca, which serves as the economic and industrial centre of Morocco. 

The former French colonial port is home to many international companies and a long list of must-visit attractions, historical quarters, and trendy communities, including the Hassan II Mosque, Morocco Mall, Old Medina, Habbous, and La Corniche. 

The North African city is also home to a sandy coastline full of sun-kissed beaches, seaside resorts, coastal restaurants, and electric nightclubs. 

Last week, Morocco's national carrier,  Royal Air Maroc , announced that it would be introducing a new non-stop flight service to Toronto starting on Sunday, Dec. 8. 

"The upcoming launch of the Casablanca-Toronto route primarily addresses the strong demand from Moroccans living in Canada, particularly in Ontario," said Royal Air Maroc President and CEO Hamid Addou. 

"It will also enhance the significant existing offer of the Company, which has had the historic Casablanca-Montreal route since 1975 and currently operates two daily flights. Thus, flights to Toronto and Montreal will offer even more convenience and comfort to our compatriots living in Canada."

Flights will depart from Toronto Pearson Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 9:30 p.m. and arrive at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport at 10:50 a.m. local time. 

Flights from Casablanca to Toronto will also depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 4:45 p.m. local time and arrive in Toronto at 7:25 p.m. 

The new Toronto-Casablanca route will be the airline's second route from Canada to Morocco, and will add to its existing service out of Montreal. 

Morocko /Shutterstock

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Air Travel Consumer Report: May 2024 Numbers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of May 2024 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. 

For May 2024, 1.4% of flights were cancelled, higher than the 0.6% cancellation rate for May 2023 and lower than the 2.0% cancellation rate in both 2022 and in pre-pandemic May 2019.  

DOT expects that airlines will operate flights as scheduled and that when they do not, airlines will provide consumers the services promised when a flight is cancelled or delayed because of an airline issue. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the 10 largest U.S. airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. Consumer-friendly information regarding airline commitments to their customers is available on the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard at FlightRights.Gov. DOT also pushed the 10 largest U.S. airlines to provide fee-free family seating, rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating and those that don’t, and proposed a rule that would ban junk fees to seat children with their parents when they fly.

Flight Operations

The 640,137 flights operated in May 2024 were 104.46% of the 612,797 flights operated in May 2023. Operated flights in May 2024 were up 4.46% year-over-year from the 612,797 flights operated in May 2023 and up 3.97% month-over-month from 615,715 flights operated in April 2024. 

In May 2024, the 10 marketing network carriers reported 649,428 scheduled domestic flights, 9,291 (1.4%) of which were cancelled. In April 2024, airlines scheduled 619,940 domestic flights, 4,225 (0.7%) of which were cancelled. In May 2023, airlines scheduled 616,630 domestic flights, 3,833 (0.6%) of which were cancelled.

May 2024 On-Time Arrival

In May 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 72.6%, down from both 80.4% in April 2024 and 81.2% in May 2023. The year-to-date on-time arrival rate for 2024 is 77.5%.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates May 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Delta Air Lines Network – 79.8%
• Allegiant Air – 78.8%
• Alaska Airlines Network – 78.0% 

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates May 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Frontier Airlines – 63.6%
• American Airlines Network – 66.3%
• Southwest Airlines – 71.4%

May 2024 Flight Cancellations

In May 2024, reporting marketing carriers cancelled 1.4% of their scheduled domestic flights, higher than both the rate of 0.7% in April 2024 and the rate of 0.6% in May 2023. The year-to-date cancellation rate for 2024 is 1.5%.

Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights May 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Allegiant Air – 0.4%  
• Delta Air Lines Network – 0.4%   
• Alaska Airlines Network – 0.4%    

Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights May 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• American Airlines Network – 2.7%    
• Frontier Airlines – 2.6%    
• Hawaiian Airlines – 2.5%    

Complaints About Airline Service

Earlier this month, DOT released data on the submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) it received from consumers about air travel for June-December 2023 and the full calendar year 2023. The submissions about air travel in calendar year 2023 are the highest number on record except for calendar year 2020.   

The release of the submissions data in the ATCR continues to be delayed primarily because of the high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints using the Department’s outdated legacy consumer complaint application system. Over the past three years, complaints made up an average of 91% of consumer submissions. DOT plans to release data on the submission received from consumers about air travel for January-May 2024 later this month. .

The Department has been actively working on modernizing its system for handling consumer complaints with the support of a Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of consumers who use the system each year. The modernization of the system will also enable OACP to engage in oversight of the airline industry more effectively and report complaint data to the public more quickly.   

Tarmac Delays

In May 2024, airlines reported 38 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, compared to 11 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights reported in April 2024. In May 2024, airlines reported four tarmac delay of more than four hours on an international flight, compared to one tarmac delay of more than four hours on international flights reported in April 2024. 

Airlines are required to have and adhere to assurances that they will not allow aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights without providing passengers the option to deplane, subject to exceptions related to safety, security, and Air Traffic Control related reasons. An exception also exists for departure delays if the airline begins to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point to deplane passengers by those times.

The Department investigates extended tarmac delays.

Mishandled Baggage

In May 2024, reporting marketing carriers handled 43.4 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.58%, higher than the rate of 0.46% in April 2024, and higher than the rate of 0.51% in May 2023.

The Department began displaying the mishandled baggage data as a percentage (i.e., per 100 bags enplaned) in January 2022. This is consistent with the manner that the mishandled wheelchairs and scooters rate is calculated and displayed.     In the prior three calendar year reports (2019 to 2021), the Department calculated the mishandled baggage rate based on the number of mishandled bags per 1,000 checked bags. 

Mishandled Wheelchairs and Scooters

In May 2024, reporting marketing carriers reported checking 88,281 wheelchairs and scooters and mishandling 1,099 for a rate of 1.24% mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, lower than the rate of 1.27% mishandled in April 2024 and lower than the rate of 1.27% mishandled in May 2023.

To address many of the significant barriers and challenges experienced by passengers who use wheelchairs, the Department has proposed a rulemaking that, if adopted as proposed would make it an automatic violation of the Department’s Air Carrier Access Act regulations for airlines to mishandle a passenger’s wheelchair. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would also enhance training requirements for airline personnel who provide hands-on transfer assistance to passengers and handle wheelchairs. The proposal is available at https://www.regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0144.

Bumping/Oversales

Bumping/oversales data, unlike other air carrier data, are reported quarterly rather than monthly. For the first quarter of 2024, the 10 U.S. reporting marketing carriers posted an involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, rate of 0.27 per 10,000 passengers, lower than both the rate of 0.29 in the first quarter of 2023 and higher than the rate of 0.20 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Incidents Involving Animals

In May 2024, carriers reported two incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal while traveling by air, one death and one injury, higher than the zero reports filed in both April 2024 and in May 2023.

As part of its IT modernization, DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is improving the options for covered carriers to submit their monthly and annual Reports on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport. While the new system is being developed, OACP is permitting covered carriers to delay submission of reports on incidents involving animals during air transport. Annual data on such incidents will be published when DOT receives carriers’ complete submissions of the 2023 data. 

Consumers may file air travel consumer or civil rights complaints online at   https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint , or they may mail a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

• DOT has issued a final rule that requires airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and another final rule to protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees. These rules significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers more than half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees. Provisions of the final rule on airline refunds were fortified through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63) that President Biden signed into law on May 16, 2024. The final rule that DOT issued to protect consumers against costly airline junk fees has been challenged in court by the airline industry and the court has put a temporary hold on implementation of this rule. The Department will continue to defend this rule and notes that nothing in the Court’s decision prevents airlines from voluntarily complying with this common-sense rule.  
• In addition, DOT is improving transportation for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, DOT finalized a rule which requires airlines to make lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft more accessible. Then, in February 2024, DOT issued a proposal to address other barriers that Americans who use a wheelchair encounter when it comes to air travel by, among other things, proposing to mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passenger with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs.  
• Further, when necessary, DOT takes enforcement action against airlines and ticket agents that fail to comply with the Department’s aviation consumer protection requirements. In 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office. This includes a $140 million penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing passengers during the 2022 holiday meltdown. That penalty, which was in addition to over $600 million DOT already ensured was refunded by Southwest to passengers, requires Southwest to establish a $90 million compensation system for passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations beginning April 30, 2024 . Additionally, DOT has helped return nearly $4 billion in refunds to travelers since the pandemic began.  
• In April, DOT announced the launch of the bipartisan Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with 18 state attorneys general to investigate airlines and ticket agents and hold them accountable when they violate aviation consumer protection laws. The partnership significantly expands the Department’s oversight capacity by establishing a new fast-track system prioritizing misconduct cases from state attorneys general who uncover unfair or deceptive airline practices. Through the partnership, DOT will provide state attorneys general with access to the federal complaint database and help ensure that airlines cooperate with state investigations.

Mulling over Morocco? 6 questions to ask before visiting in 2022

Aug 17, 2022 • 6 min read

Headed to Morocco soon? Here are some top tips from a Morocco local to help you travel smart © Oscar Wong / Getty Images

You can see the sense of relief on the faces of shopkeepers and restaurant and hotel staff as they welcome you in. Borders are open, restrictions mostly lifted and Morocco 's impressive cities, magnificent mountains and expansive beaches are welcoming visitors once again.  

In 2018, almost 10 million people visited Morocco, but the pandemic put a wrench in the works for tourism, and less than half as many visited in 2019. While levels have still to catch up with pre-pandemic times, the Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor , reports that 3.4 million tourists arrived in the first half of 2022.  She's hoping to push that to 8 million in total in 2022 and a whopping 10.5 million next year.

Tourism is one of the key industries driving economic growth in Morocco, so it's no wonder that there's that palpable sense of relief now that tourists are coming back. Numbers are still low, but hopes are high. 

So if you're one of the tourists planning to visit Morocco soon, what do you need to know before you go? 

Morocco's best food experiences

What are the requirements for entry? 

Morocco has declared an end to the latest wave of the Omicron variant and cases of COVID have dropped substantially to single-digit figures of positive cases. That's not to say it's over, though, and there are still requirements, such as wearing a mask on public transport and when you enter a hotel or restaurant. 

To enter the country, you’ll need to download and complete the new, streamlined  health form  that is also handed out on flights and at airports. It takes account of Monkeypox as well as COVID, but only one case of the former has  been recorded so far in Morocco .  

You'll also need a vaccination certificate or proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Children under 12 are exempt from these rules. 

16 essential places to visit in Morocco

What's the airport situation? 

While air traffic controllers were poised to strike in August, they have been persuaded to stay in their posts after recent  successful negotiations . As far as luggage is concerned, there is none of the upheaval being experienced in European airports . But keep an eye on the airport authority's ONDA Twitter account  (only in French) as they are reporting issues such as flight delays caused by blockages on incoming flights from Europe .

Morocco's 10 best beaches

Are there any disruptions to be aware of? 

Protests:  Occasionally there are protests outside government buildings on Avenue Mohammed V in Rabat, and in Casablanca . There'll likely be a protest about the rising cost of living in the coming weeks. Protests are generally peaceful but if you don't want to get swept up in crowds of people, follow advice from your embassy and avoid the areas on protest days.

Wildfires: Just like in other areas of the Mediterranean, wildfires have broken out along the coast of Morocco and destroyed acres of forest in the Rif Mountains , specifically the Bouhachem National Park around the tourist-friendly towns of  Larache , Chefchaouen and Tetouan .   Talassemtane National Park has also been affected , particularly the area of the park near Akchour . The areas affected are all popular hiking routes so if you're heading out, be sure to seek the advice of a knowledgeable guide. 

Drought: Morocco has been in a severe drought for some years. If you're going to the Sahara, try to choose eco-sensitive camps re-use their grey water, or have a sustainable water filtration systems and don't dump waste in dry riverbeds. In the cities, you can be supportive of the environment by taking quick showers instead of bathing, and choosing a hotel or riad sporting La Clef Verte logo. These establishments promote sensible use of natural resources as well as good working conditions for staff. 

The best time to go to Morocco, depending on what you want to see and where you want to go

Are museums open?

Closed for renovations now is the Batha Museum in Fez but a sparkly new version is due to open its doors again in January 2023, located as before in the old summer palace of the sultan with its lovely garden. The Heri Es-Souani granaries in Meknes are also being restored and are scheduled to reopen sometime in 2023 (insha'Allah). And slated to open in September this year is the spectacular, Zaha Hadid-designed Grand Theatre in Rabat. 

The award-winning Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech reopens on September 17 after the summer break with a new temporary exhibition that will feature paintings of Morocco by French artist Théophile-Jean Delaye.

At the Majorelle Garden , gates open earlier than usual at 8am so you can beat the heat and the crowds. You can book online for easy access, too. In the garden, the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Art has just reopened after a period of renovation. 

Why you should embrace Berber culture on your Moroccan adventure

Is anything exciting planned for the rest of 2022? 

After a couple of years of no festivals, Morocco is ready to throw a party for the rest of 2022, and in 2023 everything is expected to be back to normal.  

September: Dance your way to the Into the Wild boutique festival on September 23 and 24 in Dakhla . The festival is an offshoot of the Oasis Festival in Marrakesh and features electronic, house and techno music, and wellness activities like yoga on the beach.

Where to find five of Morocco’s best music festivals

October:  On another spiritual level, the Fes Festival of Sufi Culture will take place in Fez from October 22-29. With a theme of Science and Conscience , there will be masterclasses and debates around Sufism, the esoteric branch of Islam, all in French. Perhaps more accessible, though, are the international music performances. You can enjoy Indian dance and Qawwali music, songs from Azerbaijan and performances by Sufi brotherhoods from Morocco and Kosovo. There's also Christian chant from Brittany in France, Sufi chants and the mesmeric whirling dervishes from Konya in Turkey. 

November: The Marrakech International Film Festival is scheduled for November 11-19. Keep an eye on the website to see what movies will be screened and who will be on the jury. Some movies are shown on a screen in Djemaa El Fna Square that are free for everyone. 

How to make Moroccan ras el hanout

What useful apps should I download before my trip? 

If you plan to travel across Morocco, you should download the app for the  ONCF train company and its Supratours buses that serve towns with no railway. The other top bus company, CTM , has a website showing their daily schedules. An important thing to note is that you can't book busses or trains online with a foreign bank card. But booking in advance, especially for busy destinations like Chefchaouen, is pretty much essential these days. The solution is to book through Marrakech Tickets who will send you your tickets electronically (or even deliver them to your riad if you're staying in Marrakesh) for a small fee, some of which goes towards supporting local vulnerable children. 

While many Moroccans speak English, the local language is Darija (Moroccan Arabic), with some French thrown in (and Spanish in the north). If you want to impress the locals,  Darija Direct is an app that will help you get to grips with the Darija language.

The best hikes in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains

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Justice Thomas Failed to Reveal More Private Flights, Senator Says

Senator Ron Wyden sent a letter to the wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow’s lawyer after records showed undisclosed flights between Hawaii and New Zealand with the Supreme Court justice in 2010.

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By Abbie VanSickle

Justice Clarence Thomas failed to publicly disclose additional private travel provided by the wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow, a top Democratic senator said in a letter on Monday.

Customs and Border Protection records revealed that the justice and his wife, Virginia Thomas, took a round trip between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010 on Mr. Crow’s private jet, according to the letter. Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, writing to Mr. Crow’s lawyer, demanded that he supply more information about the financial relationship between the two men.

The letter, part of an inquiry that Mr. Wyden, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has opened into Mr. Crow and the justice, comes as top Democrats have urged major changes to the Supreme Court, including an enforceable code of conduct.

Mr. Wyden said the latest revelation had only increased his misgivings about the relationship between the justice and Mr. Crow, a real estate magnate. “I am deeply concerned that Mr. Crow may have been showering a public official with extravagant gifts, then writing off those gifts to lower his tax bill,” Mr. Wyden wrote.

Read the Letter to Harlan Crow

Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, wrote a letter to Harlan Crow asking for details about private travel with Justice Clarence Thomas.

Justice Thomas did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

A spokesman for Mr. Crow, Michael Zona, said that his lawyers had “already addressed Senator Wyden’s inquiries, which have no legal basis and are only intended to harass a private citizen.” It accused Mr. Wyden of a politically motivated effort to undermine the Supreme Court.

The statement added that Mr. Crow had “always followed applicable tax law.”

“We consider this matter settled and refer Senator Wyden to our previous correspondence,” the statement read.

Justice Thomas has previously said that he did not believe he needed to disclose gifts of personal hospitality from friends who did not have cases before the Supreme Court.

By law, justices are required to fill out a financial disclosure form each year, including, among other things, outside sources of income and gifts. But Justice Thomas’s form for 2010 does not list any flights on Mr. Crow’s jet.

Mr. Wyden singled out the discrepancy in his letter, noting that the justice had revised past records to reveal travel provided by Mr. Crow. “To date, Justice Thomas has never disclosed this private jet travel on any financial disclosure forms, even though Justice Thomas has amended disclosures to reflect other international travel on Mr. Crow’s private jet,” he wrote.

In a 2023 article , ProPublica noted that the justice had sailed aboard Mr. Crow’s yacht, the Michaela Rose, in New Zealand, about a decade ago. Justice Thomas, in a show of gratitude, gave a crew member a signed copy of his memoir.

It was not immediately clear whether the 2010 flight disclosed by Mr. Wyden was part of the same trip, or how Justice Thomas and his wife traveled to and from Hawaii.

Mr. Wyden also cited reports that the justice had accompanied Mr. Crow to Greece, Russia and the Baltics. None of these trips are noted on the justice’s financial disclosure forms.

In his letter, Mr. Wyden said that determining “the means and scale of Mr. Crow’s undisclosed largess to Justice Thomas” would be critical to informing legislation that the committee was drafting.

Revelations that some justices had failed to disclose luxury gifts and travel from wealthy benefactors have spurred Democratic lawmakers, and in recent weeks, President Biden himself, to push for toughening the ethics code, among other proposals, at the Supreme Court. Such efforts face long odds in a divided Congress.

A White House spokesman said that the news of the undisclosed travel reinforced President Biden’s calls for an enforceable code of conduct.

“The most powerful court in the United States shouldn’t be subject to the lowest ethical standards, and conflicts of interest on the Supreme Court cannot go unchecked,” said the spokesman, Andrew Bates.

Mr. Wyden’s letter provided a glimpse into the congressional investigation of the travels and gifts from Mr. Crow to Justice Thomas.

Mr. Wyden accused Mr. Crow of failing to hand over comprehensive information about his travels with the justice, saying he would give Mr. Crow “one final opportunity to address the tax treatment of yacht and jet trips involving Justice Thomas.”

Although Justice Thomas had claimed the travels were “personal hospitality” and therefore exempt from public disclosure requirements, Mr. Wyden wrote, legislators wanted proof that Mr. Crow had not claimed any tax deductions as business expenses for hosting the justice on his yacht and private jet.

The Senate committee has not yet sought Mr. Crow’s tax records from the Internal Revenue Service and hopes that Mr. Crow will voluntarily comply with the request to turn over the information, said Ryan J. Carey, a spokesman for the Finance Committee chairman.

Mr. Carey said that exercising the committee’s power to seek tax records is “a long process” and that if Mr. Crow’s “tax treatment of the yacht is legitimate, he should be willing to say so.”

Other Democratic members of Congress have also sought to hold Supreme Court justices accountable.

In June, a separate congressional investigation into Justice Thomas revealed three additional trips aboard Mr. Crow’s private jet that he had not included on his financial disclosure forms: one to a city in Montana, near Glacier National Park, in 2017; one to his hometown, Savannah, Ga., in March 2019; and one to Northern California in 2021.

In July, shortly after the Supreme Court granted substantial immunity to presidents, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, introduced articles of impeachment against Justices Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. She accused them of failing to disclose their travels with benefactors and contended that they should have recused themselves in cases that involved efforts by Donald J. Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. (Mrs. Thomas was actively involved in that bid, and flags used to support the “Stop the Steal” movement have been spotted outside the Alitos’ homes.)

Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s move, broadly considered a political maneuver, has no realistic chance of advancing in Congress.

Under mounting pressure, the justices issued an ethics code last fall, the first in the court’s history. But many experts quickly pointed out its flaws, particularly given the lack of an enforcement mechanism. In a recent speech, Justice Elena Kagan acknowledged those shortcomings and suggested that the chief justice could appoint a panel of respected judges to enforce the ethics rules.

Abbie VanSickle covers the United States Supreme Court for The Times. She is a lawyer and has an extensive background in investigative reporting. More about Abbie VanSickle