Travel tips for Morocco - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

Anyone who has planned a trip to Morocco and has already bought tickets, has absolutely nothing to feel sorry about and should simply be congratulated. This is an amazing country famous for its exotic nature and majestic architecture. However, before you take a seat in an airplane to one of the Moroccan cities, you should learn more about the peculiarities of leisure in the kingdom.

1. The currency of Morocco, Dirham, is not exchangeable within the territory of the country. It is important to keep money in small bills as traders often refuse to give change, and large denominations can provoke inflation in prices.

2. There are a lot of pickpockets in the country, so do not keep your purse or wallet in your outer pockets and do not keep your bags in your hands. When leaving the car, you need to take valuable things with you. However it is best to leave your car in a guarded parking lot.

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3. One of the local problems is the abundance of beggars. Their harassment should be rejected with a polite smile, accompanied by a firm voice. If the harassment persists, one must threaten with the police. Do not let pursuers swindle you; they can even offer you a taxi ride, a hotel or an exchange of money. They are just trying to cheat you.

4. During the month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat and drink before sunset. Also prohibited is the drinking of alcoholic beverages. Stores on these days are closed earlier than usual, or do not work at all.

5. In Morocco, you should not hug in public places or act too emotionally.

6. It is strictly prohibited in the country to take photos or make videos of the police or military personnel. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

7. Representatives of non-Muslim faiths are not allowed to visit mosques.

8. When talking to a Moroccan, it is customary to take an interest in his health, his affairs, his personal life, and readily respond to such questions.

9. Refusing an invitation to visit as a guest in Morocco can cause a person to be perceived as harboring resentment.

10. Before entering the house of a Moroccan, it is customary to take off your shoes, wash your hands in a specially designed bowl and say “Bismillah”.

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11. During a meal, the food is taken with three fingers of the right hand. It is forbidden to touch the food with the left – “unclean” – hand.

12. You can refuse tea only after drinking a third glass.

13. Do not quench your thirst with water from a tap, as this often leads to digestive disorders.

14. Everywhere in Morocco, you should use sunscreens, wear light protective clothing and dark glasses.

15. In the deserts, beware of scorpions and spiders.

16. Despite the disapproval of alcohol by religion, alcoholic beverages are sold everywhere. You can buy them in the city until 8 pm, and in hotels, even after this time.

17. In Morocco, all the service staffs take tips: waiters, maids, parking guards, car washers, guides. Money is transferred personally into the hands.

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Morocco guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Morocco

Colorful and unique places in Morocco

Medina of Marrakesh

From the series “The Unesco World Heritage Sites in Africa”

Marrakech is the most visited and colourful city in Morocco, whose historic center is famous all over the world thanks to incredible architectural sights and lively markets. In 1985, the Medina of Marrakesh was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many tourists know it under the unofficial name 'Red City'. The thing is that old clay buildings and fortifications with red walls are the most important landmarks of the old town.

The central square of Medina is Djemaa el Fna, life on which does not freeze literally for a minute. This is the largest place in Africa. Today it is hard to imagine that in this picturesque and busy square criminals were executed a few centuries ago. Here you can always meet sellers of sweets and water, as well as acrobats and dancers who present their talents. The … Read all

Chefchaouen

From the series “The Most Magical and Picturesque Cities in the World”

In Morocco, on the slopes of the Reef Mountains, is a wonderful city of Chefchaouen. Its main attraction are old houses, whose walls are traditionally painted blue. This interesting tradition is associated with the first settlers of these places, the Jews. In the second half of the 15th century. Fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition, they founded a small settlement in the mountains. Despite the fact that the first tenants left their ancient stone houses long ago, the tradition to paint the walls in blue remained.

The history of the city is very interesting. Until 1920 it remained closed to foreigners. From the time of its founding and until this time the city was visited by only three foreigners. Partly, that's why Chefchaouen has been able to preserve its unique culture and original way … Read all

Hassan II Mosque

From the series “The Most Iconic Temples in the World”

The tourists, who are planning to visit Casablanca, are not to overlook the religious main attraction of Morocco, the Hassan II mosque. It is located in the incredibly beautiful terrain, on the coast of the Atlantic. One can find 105,000 people in the mosque and on the adjacent territory. The height of the only minaret of the mosque is 210 meters. The project of the unique mosque was designed by the architect Michel Pinseau.

His grandiose project was realized at the shortest deadlines. In only thirteen years the huge mosque was completely built and received the first faithful in 1993. The main particularity of the mosque is its location. It was not built on the natural coast, but on the artificial platform and is literally above the water. The floor of the mosque is made of the … Read all

All unique sightseeing Morocco

Advices for popular cities of Morocco

Marrakech

1. Tourists should keep in mind that during the Ramadan being a holy month in Marrakesh alcohol is strictly forbidden even for the city guests. Spirits are not sold during this period in local shops as well as gastronomy destinations get deprived of any alcohol at all. Many state institutions and stores can keep to the shortened working schedule or may be completely closed. 2. Local drivers as well as pedestrians do not keep to the road traffic rules eagerly. Travelling by car one should be … Read more

Agadir

1. In December starts the holy month of Ramadan, during which the local people have to follow a strict fast. It ends in February and during the period of the fast many restaurants and bars stop selling alcoholic beverages. Also many stores can be closed during this time. 2. Those tourists, who plan to rent a car, should be especially careful on the roads of the city. Both motorists and pedestrians like violating the traffic rules. 3. When you plan to go shopping, make sure you have a … Read more

Casablanca

1. Tourists are not recommended to drink tap water because its use can worsen the process of acclimatization significantly. It is better to buy bottled water, which can be found in all grocery stores and supermarkets. 2. Tourists, who plan to attend local cafes and restaurants, should pay attention to locals. If there are many people in a restaurant or a cafe, then this place is popular with locals. If a restaurant’s hall is almost empty even in the evening, then it’s better to refrain … Read more