So, you're interested in visiting Morocco? Well, we're not surprised, this country is indeed worth seeing. But there are some things you must learn about before your trip. This post will help you uncover some drawbacks that you may encounter in Morocco. With this knowledge you'll be prepared for a safe and successful experience.
Morocco is Conservative
Yes, Morocco is a conservative Islamic country, but not to an extreme degree. Moroccan society still adheres to some traditional and Islamic rules, especially regarding familial and relationship matters. However, tourists and other visitors are not expected to follow Islamic rules, but there are some traditional customs they should respect.
In general, Morocco grants its visitors considerable freedom in practicing their own cultural customs. There are no restrictions on what clothes to wear, no requirement for a guardian to visit, and no rules against socializing with others.
However, sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal in Morocco, including for tourists. The government may turn a blind eye to this matter as long as it's not in public. For disclaimer purposes, it is important to remind you that premarital sex is indeed illegal in Morocco.
Alcohol in Morocco is forbidden in public, but it is served in hotels, nightclubs, bars, and some restaurants. People in Morocco can also buy alcohol from licensed vendors for private consumption.
Don't do these things in Morocco, and you'll be just fine:
1. Don't be too affectionate or have sex in public
2. Don't drink alcohol in public
3. Don't smoke joints or others drugs
4. Don't vandalize or commit crimes
Morocco Can Be Expensive
Things aren't going well economically in Morocco lately. Like many other countries in the world, Morocco is struggling with inflation. Costs of living have reached new highs and the society is trying to cope with the new changes. Tourism industry has also been affected with the current situation, which explains the raise in accomodations and services prices.
Expect to pay more, especially during the summer vacation season. This period puts tremendous pressure on tourism institutions in Morocco, resulting in a small spike in prices. Generally, Morocco remains affordable for most tourists from Europe and North America, but compared to prices in the 1990s and early 2000s, it has become much more expensive.
However, it is still possible to have a memorable visit in Morocco on a low budget. You just have to be smart and invest some time looking for alternatives to fancy hotels and other facilities. Choosing the right time to visit Morocco will also help you spend less, even on luxury services.
Here are a 10 tips to help you save money in Morocco:
1. Always bargain for cheaper prices when shopping.
2. Be aware of people who might try to overcharge you.
3. Visit Morocco during Autumn, winter, or spring.
3. Choose cheaper areas.
4. Pay for a guide instead of a travel agency.
5. Traditional Moroccan food in small local restaurants is much cheaper.
6. Choose less crowded cities like Essaouira and nearby towns.
7. Ask the locals on reddit about the prices of items before going shopping.
8. Find clean cheap motels
9. Rent apartments instead of expensive hotels
10. Use buses to travel through Morocco
Going Morocco Requires Planning
While it may sound charming to say "Go get lost in Morocco," the reality of being lost anywhere isn't fun. Proper planning before your visit is essential. Like any foreign country, Morocco will present you a new environment that requires adaptation upon arrival. Being well-prepared can save you time and hassle.
If you're not on a tight budget, we recommend booking travel agency services. Travel agencies offer catalogues of planned tours you can choose from. This way, you'll have an idea of the experiences you'll have in Morocco and how much the whole trip will cost you. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend hiring a trustworthy guide to show you around.
You can still enjoy a memorable visit to Morocco alone, but you'll need to do some research before arriving. The r/Morocco subreddit is a fantastic place to get genuine answers from locals about anything regarding Morocco. Moroccan people are very friendly and always willing to help. Our website is another good source for information, contact us if you've questions.
Beware scammers
In general, Moroccan people are friendly and very hospitable; however, some of them are clever scammers. As is the case in every country, there are scammers in Morocco. Especially in Marrakesh, you should always be wise to avoid falling into tourist traps or being overcharged for fake goods. This is another reason to be prepared before visiting Morocco.
Always bargain. The souks in Morocco are packed with great artisanal products that you may want to purchase. If you prefer not to hire a guide to help you pay fair prices for these items, be ready to bargain yourself. Bargaining in Morocco is an appropriate way to conduct business and avoid overpaying, so don't hesitate to ask for better prices in the souks. Most importantly, don't believe everything the vendors say about their products being ancient treasures.
As part of your preparation for the trip to Morocco, we recommend watching the episode of 'Scam City' that covers Morocco. The show provides insight into how scammers in Marrakesh attempt to deceive tourists with fake artifacts and other deceptive methods. However, it's important to note that not all vendors in Morocco are scammers, and the country overall is a safe destination for tourists.
The authorities are also available to assist you in such incidents. Please report any attempts at scamming to the police, especially if they involve taxi drivers, stores, or other physical locations.
Here you go! These are the most important things to learn about before going to Morocco. As you may have noticed, those same tips and advice may apply to many other countries, especially conservative ones. Morocco remains a beautiful country, and with proper planning and enough knowledge, it's guaranteed to have a great experience.
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