Morocco: 7 Tips For a Safe Adventure

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country and very enriching in terms of experiences.

On the flip side, there were also downsides of visiting especially as a woman. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were in a group.

If you plan on going, here’s some advice and tips you should consider.

1. Master the Art of Haggling

For anything from buying items at souk markets to get in taxis. The souks of Marrakech are full of craft treasures, and are the ideal place to make good business. To enjoy it, you have to be a killer in negotiation.

Some techniques include inquiring in advance, never be the first to announce a price and set a price limit!

My top favourite things I bought there were leather bags, the babuchas (traditional Moroccan Mules) and Organ Oil.

2. Dress Appropriately

Morocco ?? is a Muslim-majority country and you will find a lot of women there wearing a hijab or other kind of headscarf. Marrakesh is a bit more touristic, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get verbal harassment! I personally got two men taking me pictures while I was wearing a dress ? and forgot to cover my shoulders.

As a conservative country, you should wear appropriately to avoid unwanted attention. Although you don’t have to cover head to toe, if you’re a woman make sure you bring a scarf to cover your shoulders in certain places and wear clothes that don’t show much of skin. Showing elbows is fine.

As women, we had a bit of a thought on what to pack. And later on experience… So, I’ve got you covered!

Check here my Complete Morocco Packing List for Women.

3. Keep Comfort and Temperature in Mind

Definitely check the weather forecast as you’re packing to make sure you know what temperatures to expect.

Most days in Morocco I wore a dress, pants or culottes with a t-shirt. I was very comfortable most of the time! If you’re going to the desert, make sure you bring a jacket as It can get quite chilly.

I travelled to Morocco in late Spring – May. The temperatures were around 30 degrees. ??

4. Be Ready With Local Currency

The Moroccan Dirham is their local currency. Be ready with cash ? as ATMS here can be a hit or miss.

Me and my friends used Revolut for ATM and payments and it worked just fine! However, is always best to bring some cash with just in case.

5. Only Drink Bottled or Filtered Water!

Is it safe to drink tap water in Morocco? Generally speaking, it’s probably best to drink filtered or bottled water when travelling in Morocco.

Most locals will drink tap water ? and many travellers may take the risk, but you wouldn’t want a stomach bug to stop you from having a good time in a new country.

Many hotels will have filtered water, so you can refill your bottle if you prefer. But, just in case, just pack some Imodium.

6. Be Wary of Local Guides

Stay away from locals offering free tours or directions, as most of the times they will ask for a tip afterward too. Instead, you should:

• Hire a local guide
• Plan ahead, ask your hotel or pull up some WiFi maps.
• Book City Tours and/or Multi-day Tours to other places

7. Holy Days and Languages

Be aware that Fridays are holy days for Muslims, meaning most shops and attractions will be closed.

It’s also important to know the languages they speak: Arabic, Berber, English, and French, although restrict English in rural places so you might need a translator or guide.

Also read: Morocco : 5 Days Itinerary Girl Trip