Updated: April 2020
With a rich history, landscape, and culture, Morocco is one of my favorite spots on Earth. From the vibrant red Atlas Mountains to the explosion of colors in the endless markets scattered around the ancient medinas, this place has a unique beauty all its own.
For all things boho chic, itβs a dream shopping destination. Itβs also a perfect spot for lingering in French-inspired sidewalk cafΓ©s or riding a camel into the desert to spend a night under the stars.
Ready to explore this North African gem? Here are a few essential tips for your first trip to Morocco.
Languages Spoken in Morocco
English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Berberβyouβll hear it all here! On a daily basis, most people speak Darija, or Moroccan Arabic, while the sizable Berber community has their own indigenous language.
In official settings, youβll hear Standard Arabic and French. Spanish is very popular in the north, while English is becoming increasingly popular everywhere.
As a traveler, youβll be able to get by with English, although knowing a few words of French can be very handy.
Currency + Conversion
The local cash is the Moroccan dirham. One US dollar will get you just under 11 dirhams. Prices can vary a lot depending on your travel style but, on average, travelers can spend around $40 per day, per person, here.
The majority of businesses in Morocco are cash only so make sure youβve always got enough handy to cover your purchases. The best way to do that is to withdraw cash from an ATM once you get into the country.
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Get Phone Data in Morocco
While youβll find that most cafΓ©s, restaurants, and hotels in the city have Wi-Fi, itβs handy (and cheap!) to have 4G when youβre exploring the country. You can grab a MarocΒ Telecom SIM card for only 40 dirhams (just over 4 USD) and get 10GB of data for 100 dirhams (10 USD).
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Male Intimidation in Morocco
The vast majority of Moroccans are very friendly and will make you feel welcome. However, street harassment is an issue for local women and tourists alike. The best policy is to just ignore it. If men are catcalling, keep moving.
Itβs also very common for men to offer directions and that can quickly escalate into harassment or demands for money. Donβt feel like you have to be polite to anyone whoβs being rude to you. Be firm in saying no and just walk away, if youβre ever feeling uncomfortable.
I personally never felt “scared.” It just became incredibly annoying. It’s sometimes worth covering your head and walking quickly through more aggressiveΒ areas if you want to avoid it completely.
What to Wear in Morocco
Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Be sure to always cover your shoulders and knees. Think shawls and maxi skirts. Theyβre ideal for warm, sunny conditions and it shows respect for the culture- which, in turn, will get you treated with respect.
I always carried a scarf or shawl to wear over my shoulders, tie in my hair, or cover my head depending on where my adventures would bring me each day.
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Getting Around in Morocco
Trains are ideal for city hopping. Iβd recommend buying first-class tickets because theyβre not much more than the second class and itβs well worth it. In first-class, youβll have a comfortable experience that is comparable to anything youβd find in Europe.
They typically offer snacks, but not a huge variety, so itβs usually better to buy what you like in advance and bring it with you. If you decide to take a night train, get the first-class sleeper tickets.
If youβre a solo female traveler or in a group of girls, youβll be booked into a female-only cabin. We had a mom with her young childΒ and another single woman in our cabin, and it made for a very relaxed atmosphere.
Generally speaking, trains are comfy. They provide you with a pillow, a blanket, and a bottle of water. Expect them to be quite hot though, especially in summer. Make sure that you stay hydrated and wear lightweight clothing.
For everything else, taxis are the way to go. You can usually negotiate a price beforehandβespecially if you’re looking to travel a long distance. Please keep in mind that driving can be quite dangerous in Morocco, so speak up if your driver is driving erratically.
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Hello,
I must say .. it is a very nice blog.
I hv a question, we live in US and we are going to Morocco for the first time in a week.
Going with my teenager and hubby.
Someone told me food at glamping have them bad stomach issues.
Donβt want to get tummy issues, what tips would you give ?
We are very excited and want to enjoy the trip to the fullest without getting sick .
Thanks
Hi there! It depends on the camp and how the food is taken care of/prepared. There are some things you can help to prevent tummy issues though: https://www.theblondeabroad.com/how-to-maintain-tummy-health-your-next-trip/
If you’re seriously concerned, you may want to pack packaged snacks (power bars, dried jerky and fruits – things that aren’t perishable).