15 Common Morocco Travel Mistakes to Avoid
After years of helping travelers explore Morocco, we've seen the same mistakes repeated over and over. Learn from others and avoid these common pitfalls for a much more enjoyable Moroccan adventure.
1. Wearing Inappropriate Clothing
The Mistake: Arriving in Morocco with shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing, then wondering why you're getting unwanted attention or not being allowed into certain sites.
Why It's a Problem: Morocco is a moderate Muslim country. While cosmopolitan cities like Marrakech and Casablanca are more liberal, modest dress is respectful and will significantly improve your experience.
The Solution:
- Women: Loose pants or maxi skirts, tops covering shoulders, scarf for religious sites
- Men: Long pants (shorts OK in beach towns), t-shirts fine but avoid sleeveless
- Everyone: Remove shoes for mosques, homes, some restaurants
What You Can Wear:
- Linen pants and loose tops
- Maxi dresses with a light cardigan
- Flowing palazzo pants
- Long shorts (to knee) in coastal areas
Pro Tip: Pack a large scarf - it's versatile for covering shoulders, sun protection, and warmth.
2. Only Visiting Marrakech
The Mistake: Spending your entire trip in Marrakech and thinking you've "done Morocco."
Why It's a Problem: Marrakech is heavily touristed and represents just one facet of Morocco. The country's diversity is its strength - imperial cities, mountains, desert, coast, and Berber villages all offer completely different experiences.
The Solution: Spread your time across different regions:
- Fes - Medieval Islamic city, more authentic medina
- Chefchaouen - Blue mountain town
- Sahara Desert - Merzouga or Zagora
- Essaouira - Laid-back coastal charm
- Atlas Mountains - Berber villages and stunning scenery
Recommended: For a first-time 10-day trip, split time between 3-4 destinations.
3. Not Bargaining (or Bargaining Offensively)
The Mistake: Either paying the first price (often 3-5x real value) or being rude and aggressive when bargaining.
Why It's a Problem: In markets and souks, bargaining is expected cultural exchange. Vendors price for negotiation. But being disrespectful ruins the experience.
The Solution: Polite Bargaining Steps:
- Show genuine interest in the item
- Ask the price
- Look thoughtful, maybe wince slightly
- Offer 40-50% of asking price
- Negotiate with a smile
- Walk away if needed (they'll often call you back)
- Be prepared to pay your final offer
Red Flags:
- "Special price just for you" = starting negotiation
- "I'm losing money" = theater (they're not)
- Overly friendly "friendship" = sales tactic
What's Fixed Price:
- Restaurants with menus
- Supermarkets
- Some shops (sign will say "Prix Fixe")
- Taxis (should use meter)
4. Trusting "Unofficial Guides"
The Mistake: Following a friendly stranger who "just wants to help" show you around the medina.
Why It's a Problem: This inevitably ends at their cousin's shop, aggressive requests for payment, or being led in circles. Some are outright scams.
The Solution:
- Politely decline: "La, shukran" (No, thank you)
- Be firm: "I prefer to explore alone"
- Don't feel guilty: You don't owe anyone anything
- Hire official guides: Through your hotel or tourist office
- Ignore sob stories: "I'm a student, I just practice English" = classic line
Legitimate Help:
- Official tourist guides (badge and ID)
- Your riad/hotel staff
- Information offices (marked clearly)
Script to Use: "No thank you, I'm meeting someone" or "La, shukran" and keep walking. Don't engage in conversation.
5. Not Carrying Small Change
The Mistake: Trying to pay for a $2 item with a 200 dirham note (about $20).
Why It's a Problem: Many small vendors, taxis, and market stalls don't have change. You'll either overpay or face frustration.
The Solution:
- Break large bills at supermarkets, hotels, restaurants
- Always carry 10, 20, and 50 dirham notes
- Coins useful for tips and small purchases
- ATMs often give large bills - ask for "small notes please"
Daily Cash Recommendation:
- Carry 200-300 dirhams in small denominations
- Store larger amounts safely in hotel
6. Drinking Tap Water
The Mistake: Drinking tap water, accepting ice, or using tap water to brush teeth.
Why It's a Problem: Your stomach isn't accustomed to local bacteria. High probability of getting sick, ruining your trip.
The Solution:
- Drink only bottled water - available everywhere, very cheap
- Decline ice in drinks outside upscale hotels
- Brush teeth with bottled water or keep mouth closed in shower
- Avoid raw salads initially (washed with tap water)
- Peel your own fruit
What's Safe:
- Bottled water (check seal is intact)
- Hot tea and coffee (boiled water)
- Soft drinks
- Freshly squeezed juice (from reputable places)
7. Overpacking Your Itinerary
The Mistake: Trying to see "everything" - Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Sahara, Marrakech, Essaouira, and Agadir in 7 days.
Why It's a Problem: You'll spend your entire trip in transit, arriving exhausted at each destination, missing the essence of Morocco - slow living, tea, conversation, wandering medinas.
The Solution: For Different Trip Lengths:
5-7 Days: Marrakech (2 nights) + Atlas Mountains (day trip) + Essaouira (2 nights)
10-12 Days: Marrakech (2) + Sahara Desert (2) + Fes (2) + Chefchaouen (2) + back to Marrakech (1)
14+ Days: Add Rabat, Casablanca, more time in favorite spots
Rule of Thumb: 2-3 nights minimum per destination, factor in 4-6 hour drives between cities.
8. Taking Photos Without Permission
The Mistake: Pointing cameras at people, especially women, without asking permission.
Why It's a Problem: It's disrespectful and can cause real offense. Some people believe cameras capture their soul. Others simply value privacy.
The Solution:
- Always ask first: Use hand gestures if language barrier
- Accept "no" gracefully
- Expect tip requests: 5-10 dirhams is standard for posed photos
- Never photograph military/police installations
- Be subtle with street photography
Photo-Friendly Situations:
- Tourist attractions (but still be respectful of people)
- Your guides (ask first)
- Street performers in Jemaa el-Fnaa (expect tip)
- Landscapes and architecture (always OK)
9. Booking the Cheapest Riad Without Research
The Mistake: Booking the cheapest accommodation without reading reviews or checking location.
Why It's a Problem: You might end up deep in the medina maze (impossible to find, too far to walk with luggage), in noisy areas, or in poor condition buildings.
The Solution: When Booking:
- Read recent reviews (check Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com)
- Check location on map (near medina edge is ideal)
- Ask about luggage help (many riads are cart/walking only)
- Confirm hot water, wifi, breakfast included
- Look for photos of actual room (not just lobby)
Red Flags:
- No recent reviews
- Only photos of lobby/terrace
- Very cheap compared to others
- Located in deep medina (hard to find)
Ideal Riad:
- Near medina gate
- Recent positive reviews
- Mid-range pricing
- Helpful staff
- Luggage assistance offered
10. Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants
The Mistake: Sticking to restaurants with menus in multiple languages, picture menus, and touts outside.
Why It's a Problem: Tourist restaurants often have higher prices, lower quality, and inauthentic food. You're missing incredible local experiences.
The Solution: Finding Authentic Food:
- Look for places full of locals (especially Moroccan families)
- Small restaurants with handwritten menus (Arabic/French only)
- Follow locals - where do they eat?
- Ask your riad host for recommendations
- Try street food at busy stalls
Middle Ground: If nervous about street food at first:
- Start with cooked food from busy vendors
- Try riad dining (often excellent)
- Ask locals to recommend "where they eat"
- Join a food tour to learn safe choices
Street Food Safety:
- High turnover = fresh food
- Watch it being cooked fresh
- Avoid pre-made items sitting out
- Skip raw items until stomach adjusts
11. Underestimating Driving Distances and Road Conditions
The Mistake: Thinking "it's only 200km, that's 2 hours" and planning accordingly.
Why It's a Problem: Mountain roads are winding and slow. You might average 50km/h through Atlas Mountains. GPS estimates are often optimistic.
The Solution: Realistic Driving Times:
- Marrakech to Fes: 6-7 hours (not 4)
- Marrakech to Merzouga: 9-10 hours (split into 2 days)
- Marrakech to Essaouira: 2.5-3 hours (accurate)
- Fes to Chefchaouen: 3.5-4 hours (mountainous)
Driving Tips:
- Add 30-50% to GPS estimates for mountain roads
- Plan rest stops
- Don't drive at night (poorly lit, animals on road)
- Consider hiring a driver (stress-free, local knowledge)
- Break long journeys with overnight stops
Alternative: Use buses (CTM or Supratours) or trains where available.
12. Exchanging Money at the Airport
The Mistake: Exchanging large amounts of cash at airport exchange bureaus.
Why It's a Problem: Terrible exchange rates - you'll lose 10-15% of your money instantly.
The Solution: Best Money Strategies:
- ATMs: Best rates, use at arrival or in city
- Credit Cards: Many hotels and upscale restaurants accept (3% fee typical)
- Exchange Small Amount: Just 200-300 dirhams at airport for taxi
- Avoid Exchange Bureaus: Unless absolutely necessary
ATM Tips:
- Use machines attached to banks (more secure)
- Withdraw larger amounts less often (fee per transaction)
- Decline "dynamic currency conversion" (always pay in dirhams)
- Notify your bank you're traveling
Daily Cash Needs:
- Budget traveler: 300-400 dirhams
- Mid-range: 500-700 dirhams
- Much is cash-only (souks, small restaurants, taxis)
13. Visiting in Peak Summer Without Preparation
The Mistake: Booking Morocco trip for July-August without considering the extreme heat.
Why It's a Problem: Marrakech and inland cities reach 40-45°C (104-113°F). Sahara is unbearably hot. You'll be miserable trying to sightsee.
The Solution: Best Times to Visit:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, wildflowers
- Fall (September-November): Comfortable, harvest season
- Winter (December-February): Mild days, cool nights, some rain
If You Must Visit Summer:
- Focus on coastal areas (Essaouira is breezy)
- Mountains (Chefchaouen, Ifrane) are cooler
- Plan activities for early morning and evening
- Midday: museums, riads with pools, hammams
- Stay hydrated constantly
- Expect reduced hours at many attractions
What to Pack for Summer:
- Light, breathable, modest clothing
- Strong sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
14. Skipping Travel Insurance
The Mistake: Thinking "I'm healthy, I'll be fine" and not buying travel insurance.
Why It's a Problem: Medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellations can cost thousands. One emergency room visit without insurance can ruin your trip financially.
The Solution: Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance Covering:
- Medical emergencies and evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Lost passport
- Adventure activities (if doing trekking, desert trips)
Cost: $50-100 for typical 10-day trip
Recommended Providers:
- World Nomads (includes adventure activities)
- SafetyWing
- Allianz
- Your credit card (check what's included)
Read the Fine Print: Some policies exclude certain activities or pre-existing conditions.
15. Not Learning Any Arabic or French Phrases
The Mistake: Assuming everyone speaks English and not making any effort with local languages.
Why It's a Problem: Outside tourist areas and upscale hotels, English is limited. Basic phrases show respect and will dramatically improve your interactions.
The Solution: Essential Arabic Phrases:
- Hello: Salam alaikum (response: Wa alaikum salam)
- Thank you: Shukran
- Yes/No: Aywa / La
- How much?: Bshhal?
- No thank you: La, shukran
- Please: Afak
- Excuse me: Smehli
- Beautiful: Zwin (masc.) / Zwina (fem.)
- God willing: Inshallah
French Basics:
- Hello: Bonjour
- Thank you: Merci
- Please: S'il vous plaît
- Excuse me: Pardon
- How much?: Combien?
- I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas
Darija (Moroccan Arabic) Bonus:
- I don't speak Arabic: Ma-kan-hdarsh bil-Arabiya
- How are you?: Labas? (response: Labas, hamdullah)
Impact: Even butchered attempts at Arabic will get you smiles and better treatment. Moroccans appreciate the effort.
Bonus Mistakes
16. Flushing Toilet Paper Many Moroccan plumbing systems can't handle it. Look for bins next to toilets - that's where paper goes.
17. Leaving Riads Without Clear Directions Medinas are labyrinths. Get clear directions, save offline maps, take landmark photos.
18. Booking Overnight Desert Trips from Random Guys Book through reputable companies or your riad. Quality varies enormously.
19. Eating the Free Bread and Olives If you don't eat them, they shouldn't charge you. But some restaurants charge regardless - clarify first.
20. Not Tipping Tipping is expected. 10-20 dirhams for guides, 10% in restaurants, small amounts for small services.
Final Wisdom
The best Morocco trips happen when you:
- Slow down - Morocco rewards lingering, not rushing
- Stay flexible - Trains delay, plans change, go with it
- Engage respectfully - Learn phrases, dress modestly, ask permission
- Mix it up - Tourist sites and local experiences
- Trust your instincts - If something feels off, walk away
- Accept the chaos - Medinas are loud, busy, overwhelming - embrace it
- Drink ALL the mint tea - It's the key to Moroccan hospitality
Most importantly, remember that mistakes are part of travel. Even if you make some of these errors, you'll still have an incredible time in Morocco. Learn, adapt, and enjoy the adventure!
