When planning any trip to a new destination, you’re bound to have questions—about packing, cultural norms, safety, and everything in between. That was definitely my experience preparing for our trip to Morocco! All we really want is an incredible trip with as few surprises as possible, and for that, a bit of preparation goes a long way. I wanted to feel ready and well-informed about what to expect so I could make the most of our time there while being a respectful traveler.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide of essential Morocco travel tips. Here, you’ll find answers to all the FAQs I had, practical advice I learned firsthand, and tips I found helpful. From packing essentials and local etiquette to safety and navigating Moroccan souks, I’m covering everything I wish I’d known before my trip.
My goal is to give you all the information you need to plan your trip to Morocco so you too can make the most of your trip and have the best time possible! I hope this guide helps remove any anxiety or questions you might have to help make your travel planning a little more stress-free!
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My TOP Morocco travel tips
✈️ PRINT your boarding pass.This is one of my biggest Morocco travel tips for first-time visitors: print your boarding pass. Many airlines in Moroccan airports don’t accept digital passes, so make sure to print your return flight boarding pass while you’re in Morocco. You can ask your accommodation for help or visit a local printing shop to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport.
💦 Don’t drink the water. The water in Morocco is not safe for tourists to drink. Many accommodations provide bottled water, but it’s also wise to bring water purification tablets or a bottle with a built-in filter to minimize plastic use. Watch out for ice in drinks and avoid washed fruits or raw veggies, as they might have been rinsed in tap water.
🧻 Pack some toilet paper. If you’re planning to explore beyond Morocco’s main cities, I’d highly recommend bringing toilet paper just in case. While major cities may have it, I found it useful on several occasions when traveling through more remote areas. Better to be prepared than be stuck without it!
Morocco travel tips: Preparing for your trip
How many days in Morocco are enough?
The ideal trip length in Morocco depends on how much you’d like to see. Morocco is a surprisingly large country, and traveling from place to place can eat up a lot of your time if you have a big bucket list.
For instance, it took us over 10 hours to drive from Fes to our accommodation near Marrakech, and roughly the same time to reach the Sahara Desert from Marrakech. In our experience, a 2-week trip allowed us to visit major spots like Marrakech, Fes, Merzouga, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen comfortably.
However, a trip to Morocco can be easily accomplished in 7 days, 10 days, or 20 days – again, it all depends on what you want to see. When building your itinerary, don’t underestimate your travel times!
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Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?
Residents from roughly 70 countries—including Canada, the EU, the US, and Australia—do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days. But ensure your passport is valid for six months past your arrival date!
For travelers from other countries, check Morocco’s official website to see if you’ll need a visa. If so, you can apply and pay for an e-visa for about 770 Moroccan Dirham (around 72 euros) online.
Do I need any vaccines?
No special vaccines are required to visit Morocco. However, standard vaccines, including Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus, are recommended. However, it is best practice before any trip to verify your local government’s health guidelines for updated recommendations and advice.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best time to visit Morocco is during the shoulder seasons, such as the spring or autumn. This is when temperatures are mild, making it comfortable to explore compared to the summer months where you can experience extreme temperatures. Our November visit in Morocco was perfect. We rarely faced any rain, barely battled with crowds, and were very comfortable the entire trip.
READ MORE: Morocco in November: Travel tips & what to expect
Is Morocco safe to visit?
From experience, Morocco IS safe to visit. However, one of my biggest Morocco travel tips is to never let your guard down. Women often receive unwanted attention, pickpocketing does happen, and you may get scammed – but we never felt physically unsafe.
Here are some quick travel safety tips when visiting Morocco:
👜 Always be mindful of your belongings and your surroundings. Morocco is a very busy country with constant movement in the souks and vehicles coming from left, right, and center. You’ll want to be aware of your belongings to avoid pickpocketing, but you’ll also want to be aware of your surroundings for your own personal safety. You do not want to be knocked over by a passing motorbike or bump into an oncoming vendor carrying stacks of products.
👚 Dress respectfully. In this predominantly Muslim country, dressing conservatively shows respect to the local customs and helps reduce unwanted attention. This also includes not flaunting your wealth, which will make you an easy target.
🌙 Avoid walking around at night. This is true everywhere, but walking alone at night, especially after 10 pm, can be an uncomfortable experience. Shops will close, the streets will start to empty, so it can make you feel vulnerable.
🚗 Stay on the main roads. As with any city in the world, avoid taking back alleys. We found that at times this was inevitable as you’re finding your accommodation or restaurant, but as much as it can be avoided the better.
🙅🏼♀️ Say no to pushy vendors. This can also include avoiding eye contact. More often than not, we found that a firm ‘no thank you’ was enough for people to leave you alone but be prepared to repeat yourself a few times as they will persist.
Safety is often subjective, and everyone has their own experience, so take any precautions you need in order to feel safe, whether that be traveling with a group or leaving valuables at home. However, more often than not, you should mainly be aware of scams, which I’ll cover more later in this guide!
Do I need insurance?
On the note of safety, having the right insurance is always a good idea in my books, especially when doing adventurous activities or visiting new countries. For our trip to Morocco, since I was nervous about potentially getting sick from the water and our adventure into the desert, I wanted to make sure I was properly insured so we could travel a bit more stress-free. We went with SafetyWing for our Morocco trip and we loved it so much we used them again for our South America trip this year.
I’ll be honest, for the longest time I wasn’t using travel insurance so I consider myself a newbie. But for our entire 2-weeks in Morocco, it only cost us $32.02 CAD, which was way less than I was expecting to pay for insurance. Beyond affordability, we found SafetyWing very easy to use, and transparent which made me feel a lot better as a first timer user and anxious traveler. All you have to do is input your dates, locations and select any add-ons and you’re all set! I was genuinely impressed by how easy it was to navigate.
If you’re traveling for a long weekend, 2-weeks, a month or you live a nomadic lifestyle, SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance was perfect for both short and long-term travel. If you want more details, check out my full review below – I go over the policy and my experience in more detail!
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Is Morocco expensive?
Morocco is quite an affordable destination if you want it to be and can suit any budget. Prices, of course, vary but you will find you can stay in a stunning riad or eat in a really nice restaurant for the same price as a standard place in Europe. Visiting in shoulder seasons also maximizes your budget, as prices are typically lower.
I give you a full breakdown of our 2-week Morocco budget in the article below! I cover everything from flights, accommodations, food, and activities!
READ MORE: Morocco Budget Breakdown: how much we spent on a 2 week trip
Morocco travel tips: What to keep in mind during your trip
What language do they speak in Morocco?
French, Arabic, and the local Berber language, Amazigh, are the three main languages spoken in Morocco. While many people understand basic English, it’s not guaranteed everywhere. French is more widely spoken, especially in cities, though its not guaranteed. We learned that French is taught in schools and certain generations or rural regions might not have access to learn it.
It’s helpful to know a few phrases in Arabic and French:
- Greeting: As-salaam Alaykum (Arabic) / Bonjour (French)
- Thank you: Shukrun / Merci
- Yes: Iyah / Oui
- No: La / Non
- Please: Afak / S’il vous plaît
- Help: Owni afak / Je besoin d’aide
Where to stay in Morocco?
When visiting Morocco, this is the time to experience local culture and avoid classic hotel chains! There are so many options available across Airbnb, and booking.com that you can easily find a traditional stay that meets your budget.
Here are some of the types of stays you should look for:
Riad: Riads are traditional houses that were once owned by wealthy merchants that today are used as hotels. This is your chance to witness the beautiful interiors of Moroccan architecture and be amazed by the intricate details. Riads typically have a large courtyard with a garden and/or pool. We mainly stayed in Riads during our trip to Morocco and I cannot recommend it enough!
Dar: ‘Dar’ directly translates to house, so dars are quite similar to riads as they both are traditional, historic houses. The main difference is that in the central courtyard, riads have gardens while dars do not.
Kasbah: Kasbahs are ancient fortified structures that were once used to protect the cities or regions, also known as a citadel. Walls are typically made from mud and straw and some have been converted into larger resorts often outside of major cities. You can find many in the High Atlas Mountains.
What to wear in Morocco?
As I said above, one of the most important Morocco travel tips is to dress respectfully to avoid stares and unwanted attention. Morocco is a Muslim country, so pack light layers that cover your knees and shoulders – especially when visiting religious or conservative areas. You don’t need to fuss too much, just remember to pack loose-fitted clothes, and you should be fine.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you might experience dramatic temperature changes. When we visited in November, we went from warm days to chilly evenings so I’d also recommend packing some warmer layers like a sweater, or jacket. If you’re visiting in the warmer months and worried about what to pack, opt for light layers—such as flowing dresses, linen pants, bathing suit cover ups, or t-shirts—to stay cool while remaining respectful of local customs
READ MORE: Complete Morocco packing list for first-timers
Do I need a SIM card?
I highly recommend getting a SIM card for your trip to Morocco. Not only can the streets start to look the same after a while, the souks are known to be a maze so it’s very easy to get lost. As much as I encourage any first-time visitor to get lost, wander, and explore, one of my best Moroccan travel tips is to have a SIM or eSIM in order to get you back safely!
PRO TIP: To affordably stay connected while in Morocco you can get an eSIM from providers like Airolo to ensure you have access to maps while you’re out and about!
How to navigate the souks in Morocco?
Exploring Morocco’s souks is one of the highlights of any trip to Morocco, but it can be an overwhelming experience for some. The best was to navigate the souks in Morocco is to go with the flow. Unless you’re going with a guided tour, you might find them rather difficult to follow since Google maps is not really reliable and souks are known for being a complex maze. It’s ok to get lost, enjoy the fun!
Prepare yourself for the energy inside the souks. There are people everywhere, donkeys passing with carts, scooters zooming by, and vendors shouting – it’s an overwhelming mix of sights, sounds and smells. You should always be aware of your surroundings as you do not want to get bumped into and I’d keep my valuables tucked away to avoid pickpocketing.
A Moroccan friend gave us this really valuable travel tip when haggling in Morocco. Haggling is common, and it is to be expected however, do not take it so far as to offend them. The Moroccan dirham, compared to other currencies, is weaker, meaning that you most likely are haggling over a few cents, dollars, or euros. I’m not discouraging you from haggling, it is a custom and an experience you shouldn’t shy away from, but avoid taking it too far and negotiate a price that is reasonable and fair.
Where to take our cash in Morocco?
Morocco is a very cash-based economy, especially when shopping in souks and tipping for good service (a common custom in Morocco). You’ll need to have cash on hand at all times in Morocco, even from the moment you land. I recommend taking a little bit of cash out at the airport – not a lot because the cash exchange counters at airports are often a scam, but just enough to get by for the first day or so.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can take out more cash from an ATM. We did some preliminary research to find reputable ATMs beforehand, plus we also spoke with our riad to ask for their recommendation so I suggest doing the same when you first arrive in Morocco!
You do not want to carry a lot of money with you at any time, as this puts you at risk of pickpocketing. One of my go-to travel tips is to split my money in small amounts across different bags and suitcases. I carry some in my wallet, some in my backpack, and some in hidden pockets in my suitcase so no matter what I have cash with me in case of theft.
PRO TIP: My go-to international bank account is Wise – I’ve been using them for YEARS and I have bank accounts in multiple different currencies to avoid exchange fees!
What are the holy or religious days in Morocco?
Another important Morocco travel tip is to double check opening hours for Fridays – this is the holy day in Islam. Many businesses, restaurants, and shops will close up early on Fridays and you’ll find the streets to be less busy.
Non-muslims cannot often visit mosques in Morocco, except for the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Great Mosque in Meknes with a guide, and a few others. If you do plan on visiting these mosques, remember to dress appropriately and be ready to take your shoes off when you enter.
Additionally, you should be mindful visiting during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, only breaking their fast with a light meal known as Iftar at the end of the day. The dates of Ramadan change from year to year as it follows the lunar calendar but if you’re visiting during this time, here are some tips:
Business Closures: Many businesses, including restaurants, may close during the day to accommodate those who are fasting. In popular tourist destinations, like Marrakech, some businesses will remain open but may operate on reduced hours – research business hours and meal availability beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Respecting Local Customs: It’s important to avoid or be discreet while eating or drinking in public during daylight hours to show respect for those who are fasting.
Experience Iftar: While travelers are not expected to fast during Ramadan, take the opportunity to enjoy eating Iftar with locals at sunset. Many restaurants and hotels offer special Iftar menus, giving you a chance to experience Moroccan cuisine and traditions.
How to get around Morocco?
Transportation in Morocco is diverse, and what’s best will depend on your budget and where you’re going. For example, we relied mainly on shuttles to take us to/from the airport, a tour company to take us to the Sahara Desert, and a car rental for the rest of our road trip.
PRO TIP: You can arrange airport taxi service in advance using Kiwitaxi to have everything arranged for you when you land.
Here are some options for you to look into:
🚌 Tours and Private Companies: For longer journeys or day trips, especially if you’re heading to the Sahara Desert, a tour company is often the best option. We usually go with GetYourGuide.
🚂 Public Transit: Morocco has a reliable train network that runs between major cities. To go any further, you’ll need to rely on buses.
🚕 Taxis: Taxis are a the most common choice for travelling within cities. Be mindful that ride-hailing apps like Uber don’t operate in Morocco. We’ve heard of tense situations that arise if a taxi sees you using them, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
🚗 Car Rentals: Renting a car is ideal for travelers wanting flexibility, especially in rural areas where public transport may be sparse. We used rentalcars.com in Morocco and for our past several road trips – we always find the best deals this way.
READ MORE: 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: what’s it really like?
What are the common scams and how do you avoid them?
I mentioned above that Morocco is a safe country to visit, however you still need to take the proper precautions. One of the most common issue tourists face in Morocco is the scams – so lets go over some of the most common ones so you know what to expect:
❌ Overly “friendly” people: This happened all the time while we were in Morocco. Whether its a child or adult, people will offer to help you find your riad or your destination. At first you might think they are being friendly, however if you use their help they will ask you for money. Always politely say no thank you, and just keep walking.
✅ Decide prices before agreeing to something: Whether it be taking a taxi, eating at a restaurant or taking a tour, always agree on a price before you begin. It’s common for people to over-inflate the price or change it at the last minute so having an agreement beforehand is best. But be aware, even with an agreement they will still persist in trying to upsell. This happened to us on a tour and we stood firm in our original price, despite his protest.
✅ Be prepared to haggle, but have an idea of the value: Haggling is part of the culture – whatever the original value is, give a counter offer – however, before shopping or haggling, you should always have an idea of its value. Whether it be a souvenir like spices, carpets, clothing, or argan oil, or an experience like a camel ride, research beforehand or ask your riad what the cost is generally. Most likely vendors will take advantage of the fact that you’re a tourist and don’t know the true value of the product so they will give you an over-inflated price. Come prepared so you know whats accurate!
❌ Fake guides or taxis: Not only is this a scam, but it’s also unsafe to trust anyone, whether it be a tour guide or driver, unless they are a properly licensed. Always ask to see their license before considering!
The main takeaway is to be an informed tourist. Whether that means knowing the true value of the product you’re shopping for or that you should look for a drivers official license – don’t open yourself up to scams by coming off as an easy target. Be informed and stand firm!
Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?
Although Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol, you will find alcohol readily available in licensed restaurants or shops. The consumption of alcohol is allowed in Morocco but there are certain regulations. Drinking is prohibited in certain conservative rural areas and during Ramadan.
While you’re allowed to drink in Morocco, remember to still be considerate. It’s advised to be discreet as you drink, never get ‘drunk’, and only purchase alcohol from licensed bars, restaurants, or hotels.
What to eat in Morocco?
You’ll notice some regional variations and dishes depending on where you visit in Morocco but here are the main traditional dishes you need to try:
Traditional Moroccan breakfast: Every riad we stayed in offered a complimentary traditional breakfast of tea, juices, fruit, omelets, Baghrir (traditional pancakes), and Msemmen (flaky flatbread).
Couscous: Couscous (steamed semolina grains) are often served with huge amounts of veggies or meats. These are very filling meals and absolutely delicious!
Tagine: A tagine is the name of the traditional pot used to cook this meal – it’s often a mix of veggies and/or meat!
Tangia: A tangia is slow-cooked meat and was one of my favorite dishes from our trip!
Pasilla de poulet: This crispy pie pastry is a mix of sweet and salty with meat filling and powdered sugar on top.
Zaalouk: My favorite meal from Morocco is actually one of their salads! This warm Moroccan salad is made of eggplants and tomatoes and it’s incredible!
PRO TIP: Remember to eat with your right hand in Muslim countries. However, I’ve learned that no one will be offended if you forget!
Do I need a guide?
We managed to visit many cities and areas in Morocco without using a guide. However, I do think that taking a tour of the souks, the Sahara Desert or the Atlas Mountains will add to your experience.
While you might not need a guide, you should be more than able to wander and explore, but guides do offer local insight into local culture, history, and customs, that you might overlook otherwise. It’s also a great time to ask questions and learn, rather than just passively explore. If you decide to book a tour or guide, consider using reputable services like GetYourGuide or Viator.
To keep in mind: Guides often will take you to certain vendors to showcase their products. For example, one of our guides took us inside a spice and carpet shop. While there’s no obligation to buy, anticipate a friendly sales pitch as part of the tour experience.
Enjoy your Moroccan adventure!
I hope this guide has answered your questions and eased any concerns you may have had about your trip to Morocco. I’ve made it as detailed as possible, covering my own questions from when I planned our trip, as well as things I wish I’d known in advance.
Morocco became one of our favorite countries, and all this preparation truly paid off—we had a smooth, unforgettable experience. My goal is for this guide to make your trip to Morocco even just a little bit easier and help you feel prepared to dive in.
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If you still have questions or need more guidance, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll do my best to help. You can also book a consultation call if you’d like more personalized advice—I’m here to help make your travels as memorable and seamless as possible.
