While there is nothing inherently wrong with dressing and acting like a tourist in Morocco, it may come with a few drawbacks here and there. For one, you are likely to be treated differently than the locals. This may be to your advantage, as Moroccans are generally quite friendly towards strangers. Being treated differently could also mean being an easy target for scammers and sales fraudsters. As experienced travelers, we can confidently say that to enjoy your Moroccan trip, it’s better to fit in than stand out. One way to ensure your presence doesn’t scream “Tourist” is by not traveling with a tour group. Rent a car Marrakech instead.
If you’re a tourist thinking of a trip to Morocco, we have simple expert tips to turn you from spectator to observer and help you enjoy your Moroccan trip to the fullest in the most authentic manner:
1. Keep the money away: Handling large amounts of money in public is a great way to become a target of sales fraudsters or worse; criminals. Keep adequate amounts of money in your bag, purse or wallet in an easily accessible manner. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the local currency denominations and common price pronunciation to avoid payment-related issues. Lastly, if you’re visiting one of the souks in Marrakech, make sure to haggle well to get the best deals.
2. What to wear: Research on the weather conditions of your destination country before you begin packing. In the case of Morocco, you should pack light clothes for the summer and slightly heavier attire for the wet and cooler rainy season. Observe the locals and imitate their style.
3. Manners and etiquette: It is essential to learn the code of conduct expected of you before visiting a foreign land. Learn about their dos and don’ts and try to avoid breaking societal etiquette, whether it be eating manners, dressing or gestures that may seem of no consequence to you. Morocco has a few rules that might be considered odd to some other parts of the world. One of them being avoidance of public displays of affection.
4. Don’t be too extra: Moroccans are generally quite simple people, thus, you as a traveler can stand out with minimal effort. To reduce the likelihood of that happening, you have to keep it simple, too. Avoid having your camera around your neck, and when it’s not in use, keep it out of sight. Avoid moving around with guidebooks, maps and backpacks. They’re all big tourist indicators.
5. Local language: Arabic and French are the most widely spoken languages in Morocco. Although you don’t need to become an expert, learning basic and helpful phrases could go a long way to help you blend in at restaurants, hotels or when you go to get your Morocco car rental from reliable marketplaces like OneClickDrive.
Conclusion
Morocco has a unique way of blending the old with the new, creating an environment that’s rich in art, culture, history and beauty. To explore what Morocco has to offer in authenticity, blending in is helpful. Following our tips will be sure to help you get what you seek!
