Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes, Morocco is safe as far as tourists are concerned. Nevertheless, tourists remain cautious in populated areas and employ licensed tour guides and taxis because petty crimes, including pickpocketing or fraud, are of concern. When visiting remote border areas, follow caution as you would any other major tourist attraction.

Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?

The visa regulations in Morocco vary depending on your nationality. Citizens of some countries are permitted to apply for a visa-free entry with temporary stays, which may not exceed 90 days, whereas others are required to obtain a visa in advance. Before you go, check with the Moroccan consulate or the official government sources for the latest regulations.

What is the best time of year to visit Morocco?

The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the most appropriate seasons to visit Morocco, as the climate is not too hot or too cold for sightseeing and having an adventure. The best months, however, are the winter months (December to February) to go surfing, and the summer months (June to August) to go on a beach trip, but the deserts are very hot.

How many days do I need to see Morocco properly?

You should expect to spend about 7-10 days in Morocco without any hurry. With this, you will have an opportunity to visit the large cities such as Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, not to mention the Sahara Desert. Nevertheless, 10-14 days would be perfect in terms of mountains, coastal towns, and relaxed travel.

What are the must-see places?

Marrakech, with its busy souks and ancient palaces, Fes, with its old medina and ancient palaces, and the town of Chefchaouen, painted in blue, are among the best places in Morocco. You may visit the Sahara Desert, where you can ride camels and see the stars. Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, and Casablanca are also highly recommended.

What currency is used in Morocco? Can I use euros or dollars?

Morocco is a country with its own currency called the Moroccan Dirham. Some of the vendors might take the Euro and Dollars, but you will likely get a bad exchange rate, so focus on paying in Dirhams when possible. When you arrive, you can exchange dollars into Dirhams using the ATMs or other money exchange offices.

Is Morocco expensive or budget-friendly?

Morocco is a budget-friendly country, and most of the time, it is cheap in terms of food, transportation, and accommodation, but again, prices are subject to change and depend on the kind of traveling method you will employ. There is street food, local markets, transportation, and guesthouses that are very affordable if you’re a budget-friendly traveler.

Should I carry cash, or is card payment common?

When in Morocco, you should have both cash and cards as you will need the cash to use in smaller businesses, souks, and street foods, but the cards normally work in larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Carrying cards is also a good idea because it can be dangerous to keep huge sums of money inside the car.

How much should I tip in Morocco?

Since in Morocco it is customary to tip, the percentage and amount tipped are based on the service. Making a leave of about 10-15% of the bill is common in restaurants. Nevertheless, when it comes to minor services such as porters, taxi drivers, or guides, it is welcome to round up the price or to pay slightly above the amount, such as 5-20 USD.

What should I wear in Morocco?

In Morocco, you should dress modestly. The loose-fitting clothes with shoulders and knees covered are excellent. Women usually wear long dresses, trousers, or skirts and tops covering the arms. You will be able to bring a lightweight scarf in case you need to cover your head or shoulders at the sacred places to acknowledge the traditions of the local people in the region.

Is Morocco a conservative country?

Yes, one can say that Morocco is a conservative state, not only in the largest tourist attractions, but also affected by Islamic traditions and cultural values. Some cities and tourist destinations are relaxed, but conservative dressing and good etiquette, particularly in the countryside and places of worship, are valued.

Do people speak English, or do I need French/Arabic?

You will be surprised to learn that most of the people in Morocco know French or English, particularly in tourist spots, so you may not be required to use French or Arabic. But it will also be useful, as you will have an easier travel experience and seem respectful to the culture, knowing some basic phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija).

What cultural customs should I be aware of?

It is advisable to dress modestly in Morocco, particularly when you are not in the major tourist areas, and to eat and give with your right hand. Politely greet the other people and do not exhibit his/her affection publicly. Efforts should be made to respect the privacy of other people and to avoid talking loudly in public.

What is the best way to get around Morocco?

The most appropriate means of travel in Morocco is based on your city. Trains are most comfortable and reliable in big cities, buses serve small towns and longer routes at effective prices. In remote locations, car rental is flexible but may be problematic in major cities because of traffic, and for desert tours, either private guides or drivers are convenient.

Is it easy to travel between cities?

Morocco has convenient ways to travel between cities, so major routes are comfortable through trains, budget-friendly buses, and taxis are good for short distances. Although there is a good transport system, it is only prudent to anticipate any delays.

Is Moroccan food spicy?

Moroccan food is characterized by its aggressive and eclectic tastes, yet it is not generally hot. It is full of spices such as cumin, ginger, turmeric, and paprika for depth and aroma rather than spiciness. But, if you like to add some heat, you may do it with the help of chili paste or a pinch of chili powder in some of the dishes.

What are the must-try dishes?

Among the must-try dishes in Morocco are Tagine, a low-cooked stew, either with meat or vegetables; Couscous, a dish that is often served with vegetables and meat; and Pastilla, a sweet and savory pastry that may be stuffed with pigeon or chicken. Another option is to have some Harira, a hearty soup, Briouats, fried pastry snacks, and the well-known Moroccan mint tea, also known as Berber whisky.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

It is safe to drink tap water in Morocco, and that is all due to the water treatment that meets the safety standards. However, some people discover that the tap water in Morocco is very salty, and so unless one is accustomed to it, you would be better off using bottled water or filtered water.

Can I surf or hike in Morocco?

Yes, there is surfing and hiking in Morocco. It has superb surfing along the Atlantic Ocean with regular waves of every capability, and favored destinations such as Taghazout and Essaouira. And in hiking, the Atlas Mountains offer a variety of trails, with the most popular being Mount Toubkal, which is accessible to any fitness level and has magnificent scenery.

What souvenirs should I buy?

In Morocco, you can purchase such common souvenirs as handwoven rugs, leather products (bags, slippers, and others), ceramics and pottery, spices (saffron, and others), traditional lanterns, and handmade jewelry, among others. Besides, do not be afraid to bargain for a good price because bargaining is very prevalent in the markets.

What is the safest way to travel in Morocco?

The safest way to travel in Morocco is by using official transport networks such as trains, licensed buses for cities and towns, or hiring reputable guides or private drivers for remote areas. Stick to well-traveled routes, and avoid traveling alone at night.

What is the best option to join a shared group tour or a private tour?

It depends on the preferences and budget of the traveler. You can choose a shared group if you are on a budget, enjoy socializing and meeting new people, and like a pre-planned itinerary. However, if you like personalized experiences, have the budget for exclusivity, and prefer to avoid crowds, you should go for a private tour.

How to find a great travel company? And how to trust it to serve you in a great and professional way?

To find a great travel company, conduct research online to find companies with strong reviews and ratings, and check if they are licensed and accredited locally or internationally. Go for a company that provides clear itineraries, pricing, and responsive communication to ensure a reliable and enjoyable experience.

Is Morocco safe for solo women travelers?

Yes, Morocco is generally considered safe for solo women travelers, but caution is advised. Street harassment, unwanted attention, and petty thefts can happen, especially when in busy markets or less touristy areas. Dress modestly, avoid walking alone late at night, use licensed guides, and trust your intuition.

Is Morocco safe for women travelers?

Yes, Morocco can be safe for women travelers, but it requires awareness. Although most women report feeling safe, minor issues like scams, harassment, or feeling unsafe in dark alleyways are possible. To minimize the risk, dress modestly, portray confidence, be aware of your surroundings, and stick to well-traveled areas, especially during the night.

Are there any pickpockets in Morocco?

Yes, pickpocketing and petty crimes are common problems in Morocco, especially in crowded places like markets, medinas, and public transport. Keep your valuables safe by carrying small amounts of cash, not wearing expensive jewelry, using crossbody bags, and staying alert in busy areas.

Morocco Tours | Private & Small-Group Trips

Reviewed April 25, 2019Exceeded Expectations!

Susan C

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Wow! What an amazing trip – completely enriched by going with Morocco Meta Adventures (MMA). My travel partner did all the research for this trip and chose MMA based on the many favorable reviews. I had no expectations except that we would be driven around Morocco and be given tours at designated noteworthy stops. To my delight, MMA provided so much more than that. Our driver and guide, Hamid, who is the founder of the company was so generous and patient. And continuously shared with us his knowledge about Morocco.

During the hours we spent in the vehicle together traversing the countryside. Hamid answered question after question we peppered him with about Morocco’s culture. It’s history, landscape, people, geology, geography, plant life, animal life, religions, food, family. The travel business … You name it, we covered it – with a whole lot of laughs along the way.

Morocco Meta Adventures

He also gave us an overview and prepped us on what to expect with each stop. And generally made us feel safe (although the Moroccan’s we met were very friendly and kind. So I don’t think there was ever a reason not too) and cared for. He was always waiting for us with a smile when we finished a local tour. Met all our frequent requests for WC stops and provided properly tied head scarves for our camel trek in the desert! Our nightly accommodations were all top notch, and Moroccan hospitality was present at all.

All in all, it was just a wonderful trip. Having a guide with personal ties in Morocco made us feel as though we were visiting with a friend who was showing us around his country, which made all the difference in enjoying this adventure. If you are looking for an authentic experience with a personal touch, where nearly everything is prepared for you so you can have a completely hassle-free trip, book your tour with MMA. Now that I have had this experience, I will not travel any other way

Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Morocco

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