Is Morocco Safe? Tips to Know Before You Go

Morocco is a fascinating destination, rich in history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. However, as with any trip, it is important to inform yourself about the safety of the country before leaving. In this article, I will list the main tips and tricks for traveling safely in Morocco, so you can fully enjoy your experience without worries and avoid possible scams that I had the displeasure of dealing with.

Introduction

Let's start with the assumption that Morocco is an extremely safe country for tourists. During my travels, especially in Europe, I felt more at risk in some cities in France and the United Kingdom than in Morocco. However, it is important to be aware of some potential risks related to scams against visitors, which can ruin the experience. By knowing in advance the situations you may find yourself in and by adopting a few simple precautions, it is easy to avoid these traps and enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.

Directions not requested

This is one of the most common scams you might encounter, especially in labyrinthine souks like the one in Marrakech. I have been "lucky" enough to encounter this scam three times, and although I managed to avoid it (or almost), the experience taught me a lot 😂.

The scam is quite simple: a person approaches you with the excuse of asking if you are lost or quizzes you about your hotel or your destination. It doesn't matter what you are doing - drinking water in a corner, walking quickly, or consulting Google Maps - these individuals will still try to trick you. The best advice is to dismiss them immediately, saying that you are waiting for someone (if you are stationary) or that you already know where to go. Ignore their questions and continue walking without paying them attention.

Tips from Explorer's Tale

The first time I made the mistake of following a guy, but luckily I realized it in time. He took me to a side street, apparently deserted, and there I immediately understood that something was wrong. Never make the mistake of leaving the main streets! When I stopped, he realized that I had guessed the scam and began to insist that I follow him. Shortly after, I noticed that another man, probably an accomplice, was following me. Both approached with a threatening attitude, demanding a "gift" for their "help", but I promptly dismissed them and left. I repeat: all this happened on a main road. I don't dare to imagine how it would have ended if I had continued to follow them on that side street.

Finally, trust your intuition and Google Maps 😂🗺️.

Avoid photos with animals

If you find yourself in Marrakech, in Jamaa el Fna Square, you will immediately notice the animals that animate the area: snakes, monkeys and other exotic creatures. Be aware that if you decide to take pictures with these animals, you will be asked for a rather high fee.

Tips from Explorer's Tale

Honestly, I chose not to take pictures with the animals in Jamaa el Fna Square, as they don't seem to be treated very well and I didn't want to contribute to that situation. If you really want to do it, make sure you negotiate the price in advance. Trying to take pictures secretly won't work, as you will definitely be found out! 😂

Avoid taking pictures of people

In general, it is best to avoid taking pictures of people without asking permission. It is good practice to ask in advance, and in most cases they will allow you to do so. I have had people ask for a tip after taking a picture, so be prepared to pay a small fee 💸.

Street food, yes or no?

It depends. It is always a good idea to do your research in advance by reading online reviews. For us Europeans, there is a good chance that our stomachs will react badly to the food in Morocco.

If you are in Jamaa El Fna square in Marrakech, pay special attention to the stalls. Some offer very good quality food, while others could cause food poisoning. The stalls are numbered, so ask locals or other tourists for advice on which are the best and visit the recommended ones. Also check Google reviews, as almost every stall has its own page.

Avoid tap water

Golden rule for any country in Africa: avoid tap water. Although the water in some cities in Morocco, such as Marrakech, may be safer than in other areas, it is still prudent to avoid drinking it to prevent possible poisoning.

Always opt for bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.

Be careful with the tours

It is important to be wary of organized tours in Morocco, as they often include unsolicited stops, such as Argan oil factories or the organizer's cousin's shops, where "special prices" are promised. These tours may be designed to earn a commission on sales, and you may feel pressured to buy something.

If you opt for a private tour, be sure to communicate clearly that you do not want to make these stops. On group tours, you will likely have to wait outside or decide not to buy anything. If you do decide to buy, remember to negotiate the price.

Also be wary of organized tours that advertise themselves as free. These are almost always not truly free and may involve stops at shops and exorbitant tips, as has happened in some tanneries in Marrakech. To avoid surprises, it is advisable to book tours through reputable platforms such as GetYourGuide or GuruWalk and read reviews to know exactly what you are getting into.

Always negotiate the price

A common practice in Africa, and Morocco in particular, is to negotiate prices. When you are offered an initial price, be aware that it is often inflated up to 2 or 3 times the real value. To get a fair price, you will have to start a negotiation.

My advice is to start by offering about 60-70% less than the asking price. Gradually increase your offer until you reach an acceptable amount. If the seller does not accept a price that is about half the initial amount, try to walk away; most likely, they will call you back to close the deal on better terms.

Beware of Taxis and consider alternatives to get around

When using a taxi in Morocco, be very careful: if the meter is in use, there is a high probability of being scammed. It is advisable to agree on a fixed price for the journey with the taxi driver before leaving.

A reliable alternative is to use InDriver, a service similar to Uber, where you can select your destination and agree on the price in advance.

Alternatively, public transport in Marrakech is very safe and convenient. Buses, operated by Alsa, offer a cheap service with fares around 50 euro cents per journey. You can check the Alsa website for routes and prices.

Be careful when walking at night, especially alone

This is a universal rule for any destination. Although I have never had any problems, there have been cases of scams in the souks. It is essential to always stay on the main streets and, if you notice suspicious behavior or strange situations, move away immediately.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Morocco is generally a safe country for tourists, but it is essential to be informed and cautious to avoid the most common scams. Knowing the most common pitfalls, such as unsolicited directions, photos with animals and the pitfalls of organized tours, will help you prevent problems and have a more peaceful experience. Negotiating prices, paying attention to means of transportation and avoiding tap water are additional precautions that will ensure your stay is without surprises. Remember to use common sense and remain vigilant, especially in crowded and unfamiliar areas. With these tips, you will be well equipped to fully enjoy the unique charm of Morocco without stress.

If you have any doubts or other questions, you can use the comments section below.

Thanks for reading,

Explorer's Tale.