Everything I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip (2025 Edition)
Morocco is incredible, welcoming, and safe, but it’s also intense, colorful, and very different from Europe or North America. These 7 practical tips will save you time, money, and stress so you can fall in love with the country instead of fighting it.
1. Book a Private Driver or Tour for the Big Transfers
Yes, buses and shared taxis exist and are cheap. But the roads are winding, schedules are vague, and you’ll waste entire days.
→ For Sahara trips, Atlas Mountains, or Fes ↔ Marrakech routes, book a private 4×4 with driver. It costs more than a bus but less than you think (€60–90 per day for the whole car), and it turns travel days into sightseeing days.
2. Stay Inside the Medina (But Choose Wisely)
The magic is in the old towns (medinas) of Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen.
- Book riads with 200+ recent reviews and real photos.
- Ask for exact GPS pin – some “medina” hotels are actually 15–20 min walk outside the walls.
- First night in Marrakech? Pay a little extra for airport pickup or riad transfer – finding your riad alone at midnight in the souks is NOT fun.
3. Cash Is Still King – Bring Euros or Dollars to Exchange
ATMs work, but many small riads, desert camps, and souks only take cash.
→ Exchange at the airport or in the city (rates are almost identical).
→ Always carry small bills (20, 50, 100 MAD). No one ever has change.
4. Learn Three Arabic and Three Berber Phrases – It Changes Everything
Even a terrible accent will make people smile and drop the “tourist price.”
- Salam u-alaikum (peace be with you)
- Shnu smiytek? (what’s your name?) – Berber
- Labas? (how are you?)
- Shukran bzzef (thank you very much)
- Afak / Afak (please – male/female)
- Bshhal? (how much?)
5. Dress Respectfully but Don’t Overdo It
Morocco is moderate, not Saudi Arabia.
Women: Shoulders and knees covered in medinas and villages = zero hassle. In Marrakech Gueliz or beach towns, tank tops are fine.
Men: Long trousers in rural areas and desert camps look more respectful (and protect from sun).
→ Bring a light scarf – useful for women in conservative areas and for everyone against dust and air-conditioning.
6. Eat Street Food Fearlessly (Almost)
Moroccan street food is delicious and generally safe.
YES: Mechoui (slow-roasted lamb), msemen pancakes, grilled brochettes, fresh orange juice (2 MAD!).
Be careful: Skip salads washed in tap water and ice in drinks outside big cities.
Pro move: Eat where locals eat – if a stall has 20 Moroccan men and zero tourists, it’s gold.
7. Negotiate Politely – It’s Part of the Culture
Fixed prices exist in supermarkets and some new shops. Everywhere else (souks, taxis, even some riads) you’re expected to bargain.
Rule of thumb: Start at 50–60 % of the first price, smile, and walk away if needed. The vendor will call you back if it’s reasonable.
→ Exception: Never negotiate the price of food or drinks already on the table.
Bonus Quick Tips for 2025
- Download offline Google Maps + WhatsApp (everyone uses it).
- Buy a local SIM at the airport (Maroc Telecom or Orange – €10 for 20 GB).
- Ramadan 2025: Feb 28 – Mar 30 → many cafés close during day, alcohol unavailable in small towns.
- Tap water is technically safe in cities but tastes chlorinated – stick to bottled (5–10 MAD).
Want to Skip the Learning Curve?
We’ve hosted thousands of first-timers and know exactly how to make your trip smooth, authentic, and unforgettable.
📱 WhatsApp: +212 663 752 058 (we answer in minutes)
📧 Email: contact@amoroccotour.com
Come curious, leave enchanted. Welcome to Morocco!