12 mistakes
to avoid
“Thousands of travelers make these mistakes every year. This guide exists so you won’t be next.”
The 12 classic pitfalls
Accepting the first price in the souk
You pay 3 to 5x the real price. The vendor smiles, so do you — but not for the same reasons.
Divide the quoted price by 3. Negotiate calmly, with a smile. Be ready to walk away — the vendor will call you back.
Following a ‘guide’ who approaches you on the street
Unlicensed fake guide who takes you to partner shops. Commission on every purchase. Biased tour.
Book an official guide (Ministry of Tourism badge) or use Google Maps. Firmly reply ‘No thanks, I know the way’.
Taking a taxi without the meter
Price inflated x3 to x5. You pay 100 MAD for a 20 MAD ride.
INSIST on the meter BEFORE getting in. If the driver refuses, switch taxis. Use InDrive or Careem for fixed rates.
Only visiting Marrakech
You miss 90% of Morocco. Marrakech is stunning but represents only one facet of the country.
Minimum: Fez (culture), a coastal city (Essaouira or Chefchaouen), the desert. 10 days ideal, 7 days minimum.
Eating only at Jemaa el-Fna square
Uneven quality, tourist prices (x2-3), sometimes questionable hygiene, persistent touts.
Explore the adjacent alleyways. Restaurants rated on Google Maps by locals are your best allies.
Planning an overly ambitious road trip
Winding roads, deceptive distances. 4h on Google Maps = 6-7h real time in the Atlas. Guaranteed exhaustion.
Maximum 3-4h of driving per day. Build in a buffer. Mountain roads are beautiful but slow.
Ignoring Ramadan
Restaurants closed during the day, completely different pace of life, reduced services.
Check the dates (they change every year). Respect the fast in public. Experience iftar — it’s one of Morocco’s most beautiful experiences.
Dressing provocatively in the medina
Staring, verbal harassment (especially for women), discomfort.
Shoulders and knees covered in the medina. No need to cover your head. It’s about respect, not submission.
Exchanging money at the airport
Rate 5 to 10% lower compared to exchange offices in town.
Exchange the bare minimum at the airport (200-300 MAD for the taxi), then use an exchange office in town or withdraw from an ATM.
Photographing people without asking
Very poorly received, especially women, elderly people and children. Can create conflict.
ALWAYS ask. A smile + hand gesture is enough. Some will ask for a tip (5-10 MAD), that’s normal.
Booking a budget desert bivouac
Low-end camps: mattress on the floor, 20 tourists per tent, non-existent facilities, mediocre food.
Minimum budget 500 MAD/night for a decent bivouac. Check Google/TripAdvisor reviews. Luxury camps (1500+ MAD) are worth every dirham.
Forgetting travel insurance
Public hospitals overwhelmed, private clinics expensive (consultation 300-500 MAD, hospitalization 5000+ MAD).
Repatriation insurance is MANDATORY. Keep your insurance number on your phone AND on paper. World Nomads, Allianz, SafetyWing work well in Morocco.
5 habits that change everything
These simple habits turn a decent trip into an unforgettable one.
Learn ‘Salam’ and ‘Shukran’ — instant respect
Carry cash in small bills (20, 50 MAD) — essential everywhere
Download offline maps (Google Maps) — the medina is a labyrinth
Confirm the price BEFORE any service — taxi, guide, excursion, restaurant
Smile. Morocco is a warm country if you approach it with respect.