8 Essential Tips for Travel to Morocco

So you're planning to go to Morocco. Well, before you go, I have a couple of stripped down basic tips for you to check out so you can make the best of your time there and be as respectful as your rowdy self can try to be.

Let's jump right into it.

1. When to go. The most popular time for visitors to Morocco is April to June. I personally recommend going anytime beween February and May. I went in the end of February and was quite comfortable. It was pretty warm actually. The reason I recommend going in these spring months is because in the summer, it might get too hot for the clothes you'll be wearing—which brings me to my next tip...

2. What to wear. Morocco is a more traditional country than some, so you'll be expected to cover up more. As is true in any country though, the cities see more globalization and lose some adherence to more traditional culture. In other words, mind your dress more carefully if you venture to smaller towns and more rural areas. Of course you don't have to change how you dress, as it's not against the law to wear less, but it is certainly more respectful to cover up more, and will keep you from drawing too much attention to yourself.

This tip is especially true for my fellow female travellers out there. For this reason, I've actually dedicated another post to female dress in Muslim countries, with outfit ideas and more detailed explanations for why you need to dress differently in some parts of the world.

But fear not, ladies! Morocco is relatively laid back about what is considered "modest". Below, you can find me in Tangier in a cotton top and jeggings. This is something I would wear in any country (back when jeggings were a thing), so it was no trouble at all to find something to wear in Morocco.

Enjoying watching the waves in Tangier. I have since burned the jeggings.

General tip, ladies: no cleavage, no shoulders, no full leg exposure. As mentioned, I detail this more in another post, but this is a pretty easy tip to be summarized. Basically, semi-conervative tops and any bottoms that cover your knees. Also, in Morocco, your hair is fair game—no need to cover it up. In fact you'll see that many women in Morocco let their hair fall without a scarf, though many do choose to cover their hair.

For my brosefs out there, you've got a bit more flexibility in your attire. Your best bet, though, is to stick to a similar rule as the girls and avoid anything sleeveless. Feel free to wear shorts, but choose a pair that hits your knees or covers them.

PROTIP! (for my dudes) In some cultures, t-shirts are considered underclothing for men. While you'd probably be fine in Morocco in a tee, your best bet would be a proper shirt. This means something with a collar. Don't lose sweat over this tip, but it will improve your Moroccan style game a lot.

A water source in Chaouen. Best left for the locals.

3. Don't drink the water. You know this one, so we won't stay here long. This means don't drink something unless it comes from a sealed bottle. Avoid unpeeled fruit (as they've been washed with water) and to be safe, also brush your teeth with bottled water.

And on that note...

4. Where to get a beer. Morocco is a predominently Muslim country. While there are bars, they are rarer than they are in Western countries. If you are desperate to get your drink on, your best bet is at your hotel. There will more likely than not be a bar or restaraunt there that sells booze. So when you're out an about, grab a mint tea instead. It's much more of a local experience, and a definite must to try while you're there.

5. Shop. You're in Morocco! The goods are incredibe. Shop your heart out, you absolutely won't regret it. While you're at it, be sure to barter.

6. Experient with Arabic! Though I've already applauded the Moroccans for their language ability, why not try to sweeten someone up in Arabic? Here are some extremely basic phrases to try:

Hello/ "peace be with you": Salam Alikome

Yes: Naam

​No = La

Thank you: Shukran

​No thank you: La shukran

7. Learn some history and culture. The Berbers (self-name Amazigh), are the original people of North Africa. Many people have settled in Morocco (predominently Arabs, and Europeans fleeing WWII Europe), but many Berbers practice their native languages and traditions despite thousands of years of colonization. Most of them live in villages in hillier regions, but you can also find some Berber shopkeepers in cities like Chefschaouen.

PROTIP! Most Moroccans are very devoted to their royal family. If you happen to strike up a conversation with a local, speaking negatively about royalty could offend your conversation partner. If you're American, criticism of leadership is common, if not expected, but this is not necessarily the case in Morocco.

8. Ride a camel! Depending which part of Morocco you go to, research a company that offers camel rides. A ride in the Sahara Desert could be your coolest option. I advise researching a company that does this in advance, but I also found a few oppurtunists offering camel rides in a parking lot in Tangier.

Camel Parking in Tangier, outside of the Cave of Hercules

8. Do not take pictures of people. Personally, I think this is the most vital tip on this list I can give you. You won't listen, though, so I have't bothered to put it at the top. You're going to think it's so cool that these Moroccans are doing stuff and being so "authentic" just walking around living life. But here's the thing, they're doing just that: living life. Imagine if you were enjoying a coffee or walking your dog and some foreigner in a language or accent you don't understand starts taking pictures of you. You'd be offended, right? Maybe you'd even pull a celebrity move and say something weird and then smash the camera.

While in Morocco, please, please remember: you are not in a zoo. These are people who deserve no less than basic human courtesy. If you are a psychopath unable to sympathize with humans, then think about the crazy celebrity move you might pull if the roles were reversed, and avoid taking pictures of people for the reason of your own safety*. Taking pictures of people implies that they are some kind of non-human accessory to your experience, who are not human enough to experience an awkward situation you are creating.

Let me put it this way, if you were in the UK (imagine the US or Australia if you're British), would you start photographing strangers and screaming, "OMG they're just SO British right now!" No! You would wait 'til later and tell your friends about their funny accent and cool outfit and their mannerisms or whatever. Please show this same respect to Moroccans.

If I still haven't convinced you (see earlier: psychopath), please only take pictures when people are very far away. With an audible sigh, I will give you this tip because I do not have great faith that my message has been received successfully. Use your zoom, make sure they're busy enough to not notice you, and please do not procreate if you've found someone equally terrible enough to mate with.

So there you have it. Some barebones tips for your Moroccan adventure.

As always, I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

Footnotes:

*Probably no one will get violent with you. But just don't do this, k?

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