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Traveler FAQ's: Morocco

Morocco, Education, Traveler FAQ

Updated over a month ago

We offer several trips to Morocco, with different itineraries. However, we are often asked frequent questions regarding what to prepare. From accommodations to tipping Guides, you can find the answers here!

Click on the question you're interested in to view the answer. If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out to our Customer Support team here.

Accommodations

Will my accommodation have a hair dryer?

Yes, most accommodations will have hair dryers available with the exception of the desert camps.

Will there be porters assisting with my luggage?

There will be folks in charge of loading and unloading your luggage onto your bus during the trip but it will depend on the hotel if there are porters who will take your luggage to your room. Please refrain from bringing excessive luggage and plan to bring only what you are able to manage on your own if you do not have assistance.

Will my hotel have air conditioning?

Many but not all accommodations will be equipped with air conditioning. This will depend on location and style of accommodation. For example, most modernized hotels in the city will have air conditioning, but desert camps will not.

Culture

What is the dress code in Morocco?

Morocco is a very modern country so you can wear whatever you feel most comfortable with. That being said, we do recommend that you wear clothes that are more full coverage. We do recommend having coverage over the shoulders and knees and avoiding tight or revealing clothing. Maxi dresses and skirts, loose trousers and shirts would be ideal. These will be comfortable in the heat, and are respectful of the local culture and population.

Is it necessary to wear a head covering?

There's no need to wear a head covering/scarf while in Morocco unless you are visiting religious sites like mosques. You may choose to wear a hat or head covering for your own comfort to help protect against the heat/sun.

I'm concerned about pushy sales people when we visit marketplaces/souks and am intimidated by the idea of 'haggling' but I still want to shop.

Please understand that 'haggling' and advertising goods to passerby's is part of the bustling marketplace culture! You are welcome to politely decline offers and if you don't feel confident negotiating, you can lean on your guide to advise and assist.

Is Morocco a 'dry' (no alcohol) country?

While Morocco isn't a completely 'dry' country, alcohol is not as accessible as you may be used to. They allow the consumption and purchase in licensed hotels, bars and tourist areas.

I will be visiting Morocco during Ramadan. Is there anything I should know in advance?

Travelers should dress more conservatively during Ramadan. Covering up bare skin when walking in public during the daytime is really a very polite and appreciated gesture for both men and women.

  • It is illegal for Moroccans to eat and drink in public during Ramadan unless they meet special requirements where they don’t need to fast (such as illness, pregnancy etc.) These rules do not apply to visitors/travelers. However, if you can avoid eating on the street and try to eat in restaurants to be a bit more discrete, it is generally appreciated.

  • Alcohol sales stop 10 days prior to Ramadan and continue throughout the month. It is frowned upon to drink during this month and especially to show any public drunkenness. Some Riads, Hotels, and nightclubs may still offer alcohol however you should not be surprised to discover this is not the case.

  • Fasting can cause people to have a much shorter temper and while part of the fasting experience is meant to control this, it’s not uncommon to see outbursts.

  • It becomes quiet and empty during the Maghreb times (after the sun sets) around 6 to 8 pm as people go to their homes to break their fasting, and after the prayer, it gets busier and lively again.

Currency

Should I exchange currency ahead of time?

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency which means it is not available outside of the country. Instead, you will need to exchange your money upon entering Morocco. There are money exchanges at the airport, but your Guide will be able to direct you to the best places for withdrawing and exchanging money with the best exchange rates.

Will there be ATM's available?

Yes, there will be plenty of ATM's available in the cities, but be aware there will be limited to no availability in more rural areas especially if you are staying at a camp in the Sahara or Agafay.

Do I need to have cash?

It's always recommended to have some local currency with you, especially if you plan to shop the local souks, but many places do accept card. Often times cash can be easier and faster to pay in groups even if they do accept cards. You will also need to have cash to tip your Guide and Driver.

What is the appropriate amount to tip my Guide and driver, and in which currency should I provide the tip?

Tips for Guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are not included in your trip costs. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to show appreciation and provides supplemental income for local teams. If they have enhanced your experience, consider rewarding their efforts with a tip. Below are tipping suggestions:

  • For Guides, it is recommended to tip $10-15 per person/per day

  • For Drivers, it is recommended to tip $5-10 per person/per day

  • For Restaurants, it is recommended to tip 10% of the total bill (sometimes is automatically added)

It's best to tip in the local Moroccan currency, dirham.

Meals

Is the water safe for drinking?

Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

Transfers

What type of transfer vehicle is used during the trip?

Your group will be using a private coach to transfer.

Please refer to the Trip Prep guide here for additional information about Morocco.

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