Visiting Morocco

Visiting Morocco What You Should Know Before You Visit Morocco ChaptersEntering MoroccoLearn Some Arabic Before Going to MoroccoRespect the Local CustomsFriday is a Day of Prayer in MoroccoLearn to Barter Before Going to MoroccoHygiene MeasuresAvoid Driving in MoroccoDon’t Take Photos without PermissionTips Are ExpectedAvoid Certain Topics of Conversation“We travel to change not of place, but ideas.” - Hippolyte TaineMorocco welcomed 11.3 million tourists in 2018, an increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year.There’s been a large increase in tourism not just from France (which has historical ties with the country), but also from Germany and Italy.The country’s becoming more popular, that’s for sure, but before you go on holiday in Morocco, just like any other country, there are a few things you should know whether you’re going as a family, a couple, or on your own.Here are our ten tips for visiting Morocco. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!D iscover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEntering MoroccoFor a getaway in Ouarzazate, Meknes, or Merzouga, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months from your arrival in Morocco. You can visit Morocco with just your passport. Just make sure they stamp it! (Source: katyveldhorst)You don’t need to apply for a visa but you will need to get your passport stamped on arrival.If you want to rent a car, your driving license will be fine.In terms of health, you won’t need any obligatory vaccinations. Just make sure you’re up-to-date with your usual vaccinations (polio, in particular). For long stays in rural areas, you might need to check your vaccines for Hepatitis A and typhoid fever.Check out our guide to visiting Morocco.Learn Some Arabic Before Going to MoroccoWhile French is Morocco’s second language, Arabic is the first language. Some speak English and French in the bigger cities, but you probably want to learn some Arabic before you go as it’ll go a long way with the locals.  You’ll be less likely to get ripped off in the souks if you speak a bit of the language. At least learn to say “hello”: “As-salamu alaykum”, which means “Peace be up on you”. You can answer “ wa ?alaykumu s-salam”, which means “Peace be upon you, too.”You should also learn how to count in Arabic, even though you can use your fingers for this.Respect the Local CustomsThe Kingdom of Morocco is a Muslim country and whether you go to Tetuan, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara desert, whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to respect the customs.Opt for modest clothing. Even though cities like Fez and Marrakech are used to Western fashion and tourists, it’s better to not draw too much attention to yourself.Women should opt for longer dresses, unrevealing blouses, and sarouels. Avoid showing your shoulders or knees. Opt for a headscarf when entering into mosques. These are also useful against the sun and sand of the Moroccan desert.Men should also have shorts that cover the knees and shirts that cover your shoulders.Need Arabic lessons London?Friday is a Day of Prayer in MoroccoFriday is the day of public worship in Mosques for those of the M uslim faith and shops tend to be closed or open at different times. Generally, Moroccans will be found sharing couscous. In mosques, you're expected to be barefoot and women have to cover their heads. (Source: stratageme2015)We don’t recommend visiting Morocco during Ramadan as life tends to slow down completely. Also, the opening times of public places change such as the souks, museums, shops, etc. while most restaurants and hotels in Morocco keep to the same schedule.If you’ve decided to visit Morocco during this time, people won’t be shocked if you’re having lunch.  However, out of respect, you might want to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public places. While the daytime goes at a slower pace, the evenings during Ramadan are when the fast is broken and there’s an interesting atmosphere. At the end of Ramadan, there’s Eid al-Fitr, three days of festivities for Muslims.Find out the best time to visit Morocco. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearn to Barter Before Going to MoroccoVisiting Morocco is an opportunity to barter and negotiate. While Moroccans are famous for being warm and welcoming, they’ll be even more so in the souk. Don’t be naive. They’ve one thing in mind: get you to buy something like argan oil, a tagine, or a pair of babouche. Bartering is a skill you'll need to learn for the Moroccan souks. (Source: Jonny_Joka)Before you buy, ask if the price is in Euros or Dirhams. There’s a big difference, after all. Don’t hesitate to divide the price by three or four, but always in a friendly way. If you show that you’re not going to be taken advantage of, the seller will respect you more. A trip around a souk is quite the adventure.Make sure you agree on a price for taxis before you get in. You’ll pay around 50Dh for a trip across town in a taxi. Bigger taxis can be recognised by their colour. These taxis can go out of town and you can expect to pay around 100Dh for a trip.  Opt for official taxis that have meters. Thus, you won’t be surprised at the end of your trip and you can always take their number if your driver isn’t being honest.Find out more about the cost of visiting Morocco.Hygiene MeasuresWhile it’s unlikely that you’ll get ill anywhere in Morocco, it’s more likely to happen in the south of the country.  Here are a few things you should know to ensure that you don’t get sick:Don’t drink tap water and instead opt for mint tea. The water’s been boiled, killing the bacteria. You can get bottled water in the bigger cities but during a trek in the desert, you’ll need to buy something like Micropur to purify the water.Avoid minced meat and opt for your meat to be well done. Moroccan food tends to involve a lot of well-done meat and food that’s been simmered for a long time.Don’t eat the skin of fruits and vegetables.Don’t get ice in your drink and avoid fruit juices that may be watered down.Regularly wash your hands. To eat like the Moroccans, eat with your right hand and wash them before you do. You might want to get some hand sanitiser before you go.Don’t touch the wildlife as they can carry diseases.Avoid Driving in MoroccoOpt for camel rides! Driving can be chaotic for those not used to driving in Morocco and it can be tricky enough just crossing the r oad. There are tractors, donkeys, goats, and carts. Though you can rent a car in Morocco, we wouldn't recommend attempting to drive. (Source: 3inOne)It’s tricky enough during the day, at night it’s even worse.Don’t Take Photos without PermissionIn Morocco, especially in the countryside, taking photos without prior permission can land you in hot water. There’s the belief that photography can take part of the soul.  Ask before you take any photos to avoid conflict. You don’t want to be getting into trouble on your trip!Tips Are ExpectedTipping is almost essential in many African countries. It’s expected for almost every service:For a guide for the entire day, you’ll want to give around 100Dh per person.A driver for the day, around 50Dh per person.In a restaurant, add 10 to 15% to the bill.For bellhops, between 10 and 20Dh should be enough.Make sure you’ve always got cash on you. There are cashpoints all over the bigger cities but they’re harder to find in the south of the country.Avoid Certain Topics of ConversationWe don’t share the same culture as Morocco. Certain things that we think are normal to talk about that aren’t acceptable topics of conversation. It doesn't matter whether you're in Marrakesh, Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, or the High Atlas Mountains, you need to respect the cultures of the country you're in.  Don’t discuss the king, religion, women in society, or even Spain’s presence in the region. You should go to Morocco with an open mind or at least keep certain thoughts to yourself.Isn’t that what travelling’s about, after all?Before going to Morocco, you should consider learning some Arabic. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of talented Arabic tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorials available: one-on-one tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutorials has its pros and cons so choose the right type and right tutor for you.One-on-one tutorials are a bespoke service offered to you by your tutor. During the lessons, you'll h ave their undivided attention, making these the most cost-effective tutorials available. However, they also tend to be the most costly per hour as you're paying for personalised tuition and all the tutor's time both inside and outside of your classes.As long as you've got a webcam, mic, and decent internet connection, you can enjoy online tutorials. This is when your tutor teaches you remotely via a video call. Since the tutor has fewer overheads, this type of tutorial tends to be cheaper than one-on-one tutorials.Finally, online tutorials are when the tutor teaches a group of students. These may be students who already know one another or strangers. Either way, with several students footing the bill, these tutorials tend to be the cheapest option per student per hour of tuition. Visiting Morocco Planning a Trip to Morocco ChaptersWhen’s the Best Time to Visit Morocco?The Cost of Visiting MoroccoWhere Can You Stay While Travelling in Morocco?10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Morocco“Morocco is such a beautiful place. It's incredibly beautiful. And also it is captivating place because for a writer, you feel that you make impact. I mean, when I write something in the press, the day after in the fish market, people will be discussing it.” - Fatema MernissiMorocco is one of the richest countries in Africa. From the Atlantic coast to the desert, Morocco is famous for souks, mint tea, hammams, and many other clichés. There’s a lot to learn about the country, especially when it comes to food.Did you know that Morocco is the biggest producer and exporter of saffron?It had to come from somewhere!So, whether you want to go trekking in the Grand Sud, ride camels in the Berber desert, or visit the many beautiful mosques in the country, here’s our advice for visiting Morocco! HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen’s the Best Time to Visit Morocco?If relaxation is what you’re after in Morocco, it’s better to look for towns where palm trees and windsurfing are on the agenda, particularly in the north of the country where the seasons are milder.Cities such as Casablanca, Fez, or Rabat should be top of your list where the following activities are available:Walking around a Medina quarter.Trips to the outskirts, particularly the desert, to cities such as M eknes or Chefchaouen.Camel rides. Where you go in Morocco will dictate the best time to go. (Source: TheUjulala)In the south of Morocco, there are plenty of beach towns and the perfect climate in summer. For example, Agadir is one of the most popular destinations in Morocco with 300 sunny days a year and very little rain! This means you can go at almost any time of the year. In Essaouira, you can:Go surfingRelax on the beachOr road trip to the Grand SudThere are seven main areas in Morocco:The north Atlantic plains, home to Tangier and Tetuan.The plains from Doukkala to Sous, including Agadir.The internal plateaux, including Marrakesh.The Mediterranean coast and Oujda.The Middle and High Atlas and Ifran.The Anti-Atlas and the pre-Saharan valleys and Ouarzazate.The Sahara region and Dakhla.Morocco has a diverse range of climates including oceanic, Mediterranean, mountain, continental, and desert climates.Find out more about the best time to visit Morocco.The Cost of Visiting MoroccoMoney is always something you need t o think about when planning a trip to Morocco: there’s transport, food, and accommodation to think of. Let’s have a look at the average cost of a trip to Morocco so you can have a better idea of your budget.Find out about Arabic classes London here. Like anywhere else in the world, going to Morocco is going to cost you. (Source: MabelAmber)In terms of transport, you need to think about:Your flights to MoroccoPublic transport once you’re thereTaxi tripsOther types of transport, such as bikesIn the city, you can cheaply travel by taxi as long as you know the rates. Insist that your driver puts the meter on. If they refuse, don’t ride. Official taxis have to respect the rates, with the meter generally starting at 2Dh (3Dh the evenings or from in front of your hotel) and between 4 and 8Dh per kilometre.Make sure you have small change so you can pay exactly what you owe! In the event of a conflict, take the taxi’s number and mention that you’ll get in touch with the Tourist Police. You’ll see that there’s no conflict.It’s not recommended that you rent a car in Morocco, even though all the main companies are there. Insurance contracts are a little blurry and driving in Morocco is complicated.If you prefer to organise eve rything yourself, the bus network between the main cities and even a few secluded parts of the country is quite advanced.There are three main bus companies:CTMSupratoursSATASAs for accommodation, the cost of hotels varies according to location, rating, and season. There are large hotel chains like Ibis and Sofitel but there are also independent hotels for all budgets, too. You can find a double hotel room for as little as £4 a night in Meknes. In Casablanca, rooms are available for around £50 a night and in Tangier, you can expect to pay around £40 a night.If you’re looking to stay in Morocco, you can always look at Airbnb and get a private room with a Moroccan family. You can expect to pay between £30 and £70 a night for a private room.If you’re on a budget, here’s a “backpacker’s budget”.Not including the flights, you can spend less than £300 for a week for two people in Morocco.Here are the average prices for two people: £25 per night for accommodation £10 per d ay for food £4 per day for transportOpt for free activitiesThe budget will be similar for most Moroccan cities but you won’t be able to do trips to the desert or anything like that.Find out more about the cost of visiting Morocco.Where Can You Stay While Travelling in Morocco?Did you know that accommodation generally accounts for around 30% of a traveller’s expenses?That’s why you need to pay particular attention to your accommodation.Do you prefer comfort or saving your pennies for activities to do while you’re there? Are you going to opt for a European-style hotel or a Moroccan riad? (Source: stratageme2015)There’s a lot to do in Morocco and there’s European-style accommodation as well as more classic Moroccan accommodation or out-of-the-ordinary places like a Berber bivouac in the desert.Why not?So here’s a quick list of the types of accommodation in Morocco:Moroccan campsYouth hostelsHotel roomsPrivate flatsGuesthousesIt’s very easy to camp in Morocco. There are plenty of campsites all over the country. In Arabic, the term is “mukhayyam”. Generally, a campsite costs between 10 to 20Dh per person per night with a fee of 10 to 20Dh to pitch a tent.Youth hostels aren’t very common in Morocco. There are around a dozen listed on Hostelling International and you can find most of them in the main cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknes, Essaouira, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Tetuan, Asni, Azrou, Chefcaouen, and Layoun. Generally, you’ll pay between £5 and £15 for a bed in a dormitory.You c an also stay in resort hotels or regular hotels. There’s a whole range of prices depending on the type of hotel you pick. Generally, you’ll need to put your passport and visa number in the register upon arrival. Taxes and fees are around 35Dh.Staying in a Moroccan guest house or with a host family costs between £20 to £40 per day per person depending on the type of accommodation you get. This is handy if you’re travelling around Morocco or doing a road trip.Find out more about accommodation in Morocco.10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting MoroccoMorocco welcomed 11.3 million tourists in 2018, an increase of 8.5% compares to the previous year. Just like travelling anywhere else, you need to be aware of local customs and rules. Don't forget that in Moroccan markets or souks, you can barter! (Source: stefan_bernsmann)The Kingdom of Morocco is a Muslim country and whether you go to Tetuan, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara desert, whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to respect the customs. Opt for modest clothing. Even though cities like Fez and Marrakech are used to Western fashion and tourists, it’s better to not draw too much attention to yourself.Friday is the day of public worship in Mosques for those of the Muslim faith. Shops tend to be closed or open at different times. It’s also recommended that you don’t visit during Ramadan (May-June) because everything slows down in the cities.Visiting Morocco is an opportunity to barter and negotiate. While Moroccans are famous for being warm and welcoming, they’ll be even more so in the souk. Don’t be naive. They’ve one thing in mind: get you to buy something like argan oil, a tagine, or a pair of babouche.  Similarly, don’t drink the tap water an d avoid ice in drinks. It's not great for digestion. Finally, adopt a positive and open attitude, don’t talk about certain topics in the street, and generally be a “good tourist”, tipping for services. After all, that’s how it works.Check out our advice for visiting Morocco.Before going to Morocco, you should consider learning some Arabic. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of talented Arabic tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorials available: one-on-one tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutorials has its pros and cons so choose the right type and right tutor for you.Many tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tuition for free so consider trying a few different tutors before settling on the right one for you.