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The intelligent companion for your Moroccan journey
A legendary multi-day desert race.
MayOne of Africa’s biggest music festivals.
JunTrance music meets the Atlantic.
JunSufi nights in royal courtyards.
JulUNESCO-listed celebration in the Middle Atlas.
SepBerber tribes gather for music and traditions.
SepJazz against the Mediterranean.
DecInternational cinema in the Red City.
Round up taxis. 10% in restaurants if no service charge. 20–50 MAD/day for hotel housekeeping. A few coins for porters and guides.
Modesty is appreciated, especially in medinas and outside tourist zones. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites. Beachwear stays at the beach.
In souks: start at 30–40% of the asking price, settle near 50–60%. Smile, walk away if needed, and always agree the price before any work is done.
Bring flip-flops, swimwear (women) or shorts (men), a towel. A black-soap & gommage scrub costs 100–250 MAD in a public hammam, more in spas.
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in the street during daylight. Many cafes close until iftar — restaurants in tourist areas usually stay open.
Always ask before photographing people, especially women, the elderly, and in rural areas. Many will refuse or expect a small tip (5-10 MAD). Avoid photographing the king’s images, military, police, and government buildings. In tanneries (Fes, Marrakech), expect to be charged for photos. Inside mosques (where allowed) and during prayer, do not photograph.
Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims, by tradition and law. The notable exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours. The Tin Mal mosque (south of Marrakech) and some saint shrines may also be visited. Always remove shoes, dress modestly (long sleeves and pants/skirt below the knee), and avoid visiting during the five daily prayer times.
Mint tea (atay b-naʿnaʿ) is the heart of Moroccan hospitality. It is served sweet, often very sweet — refusing can come across as rude. Tradition says three glasses are offered, each with a slightly different flavour: the first bitter like life, the second strong like love, the third sweet like death. The pour from height is intentional — it aerates the tea and creates the foam (kechwa) that signals a well-prepared brew.
Among men, a handshake is standard, sometimes followed by touching the chest with the right hand (a gesture of sincerity). Close friends may exchange cheek kisses (one on each side, sometimes more). Between men and women, follow the woman’s lead — she may extend her hand or place hers over her heart instead. Always use the right hand; the left is considered unclean.
Many traditional meals (tagine, couscous) are eaten communally from a shared plate, using bread (khobz) as a utensil with the right hand only. If invited to a home, it is polite to leave a small amount on your side of the plate — finishing everything can suggest your host did not serve enough. Wash your hands before and after; a basin (often ornate) is provided.
Friday is the Muslim holy day. Many shops, banks, and government offices close or run reduced hours from noon to about 2:30 PM for the main Friday prayer (jumʿa). Couscous is the traditional Friday lunch in many homes. Tourist sites and restaurants in major cities mostly stay open. Plan logistics like banks or visa offices for other days.
Patterns to watch for: (1) fake guides who offer to "help" you find a place then demand high fees — politely decline and walk on. (2) "The road is closed, follow me" — usually leads to a shop where you are pressured to buy. (3) Unsolicited henna offered, then demanded payment — say "la, choukran" firmly. (4) Tannery viewing fees — agree on the price BEFORE going up. (5) Petit taxis without meters — insist on the meter (compteur) or agree the fare before getting in.
Morocco is largely cash-based outside major hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Carry small bills (20, 50, 100 MAD) — vendors often have no change for 200 MAD notes. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept Visa/Mastercard; expect a 20-40 MAD foreign-card fee per withdrawal. The MAD is a closed currency: legally you cannot take more than 2,000 MAD out of the country. Convert leftover cash before flying home.
Alcohol is sold in licensed bars, hotel restaurants, and a few supermarkets (Carrefour, Marjane) — never in the medina or small shops. Drinking publicly in the street is illegal. Many local restaurants do not serve alcohol; if you want wine with dinner, look for licensed venues or restaurants in tourist zones. Smoking is common in cafes and outdoor terraces; cannabis remains illegal despite local availability.
Public displays of affection between couples (kissing, prolonged hugging) draw attention and are best avoided, even between married couples. Same-sex relations are technically illegal in Morocco; LGBTQ+ travellers should be discreet, especially outside major tourist zones. Hand-holding between same-sex friends (men with men, women with women) is common and platonic — culturally normal.