Morocco is a dreamy destination in so many ways — the weather, culture, and incredible scenery bring in tourists from all over the world. But like any popular tourist spot, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to avoid common scams. With these tips, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of stressing over potential drama. Here are 10 essential tips to help you travel smart and stay safe in Morocco!

Jemaa el-Fnaa

The heart of Marrakech, filled with market stalls, performers, and non-stop energy.

1. Get Comfortable With Haggling

Haggling is a way of life in Morocco, especially in the lively souks of Marrakech. Sellers usually start with high prices, expecting you to bargain. Don’t feel pressured to overpay — start with half the asking price and work your way up from there. It’s all part of the experience, and it can be a lot of fun once you get into it!

Tip: If the price doesn’t feel right, say "la shukran" (no, thank you) and walk away. It’s likely that they’ll call you back with a better offer.

2. Politely Decline “Helpful” Strangers

Moroccans are incredibly friendly, but some people offering “help” may lead you away from the correct path for a quick tip. If someone offers you directions or assistance out of nowhere, it’s perfectly okay to politely decline. Stick to maps or ask for help from someone at a shop, hotel, or restaurant if you’re unsure. They’re less likely to charge for directions and are generally more reliable.

3. Be Wary Of “Free” Gifts

In touristy areas, locals may offer “free” items like a bracelet, but then demand money afterwards. Even if they say it’s a gift, it’s usually best not to accept if you’re not interested in paying. The best approach is to be kind but firm and simply walk away.

4. Agree On Taxi Prices Beforehand

Taxi fares in Morocco can be tricky. Some drivers don’t use metres, and prices are often higher for tourists. To avoid overpaying, always agree on the price before getting in or ask them to use the meter if it’s available. Alternatively, larger cities do have ride apps like Careem with set prices. We’ve heard from some friends that local taxis sometimes get into disagreements with drivers using these apps, so if you don't feel comfortable, you can always order the taxi in a less crowded area.

Tip: For more freedom in Morocco, we opted for a rental car with Amridil Car. Read more in our blog post “Ouarzazate: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Morocco’s Hidden Gem (2024).” Don’t forget to use code: CARMA for 10% OFF your car rental.

5. Watch Out For “Local Guides”

In popular spots, some people may offer unofficial “tours” and guide you to pricey shops where they get commissions. If you’d like a tour, it’s best to arrange one through your hotel or a trusted operator like Get Your Guide.

Tip: Book a guided experience ahead of time if you’re interested, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of cost and schedule. We always use Get Your Guide because it's convenient and offers great prices.

6. Know An Estimate Price Of Products

Before going out to the markets, get an idea of the typical prices for things like souvenirs, spices, and crafts. This way, you’ll be able to haggle with more confidence and avoid overpaying. We think we overpaid for football t-shirts in the Medina in Rabat, because the quality wasn’t as good as we expected. We say this because, when we got back home, the red from the football t-shirt stained a bunch of our clothes.

You can see us in action in the video below. As many people pointed out in the comments, the price for the t-shirts seemed like a fair deal, but we later found them for half the price in Marrakech. I guess the gentleman was right when he said, “You are not in Marrakech…”

7. Stay Alert In Crowded Areas

Places like Jemaa el-Fnaa are lively and fun, but they’re also prime spots for pickpocketing. Keep your belongings close, ideally in a money belt or anti-theft bag. Avoid putting phones or wallets in easily accessible places like back pockets. Nothing happened to us, but we’re always extra careful — better to be safe than sorry!

8. Be Smart With Money

When exchanging money, stick to banks, exchange offices, or ATMs rather than anyone offering to change money on the street. In Marrakech, we found the best exchange rates at Hotel Ali, which was recommended to us by the hotel we were staying at.

Tip: Spread your cash out—some in your wallet, some in a hidden pocket — so you won’t lose it all if something happens.

9. Enjoy Moroccan Hospitality (With Caution)

Many Moroccans are genuinely friendly and will invite you for tea or to share a story about their family business. But if someone insists on taking you to a certain shop or restaurant, it may be commission-based. Be mindful, and don’t feel pressured.

When we were exploring the medinas in Marrakesh, we were approached by a very friendly man and started talking with him. Not long after, we found ourselves inside his shop, looking through all the jewellery they were selling as he shared stories about his family. The man even asked if we would sell our camera. Overall, it wasn’t a dangerous situation, but it was definitely a way to lure tourists in and try to convince us to buy something. We didn’t give in, as you can see in our vlog.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Most importantly, trust your gut! If something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away. Most locals are respectful and will understand if you decline politely but firmly.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If there’s anything we missed or any stories you’d like to share, please let us know in the comments below. Until next time, safe travels from Carma Adventures! 🌍✨

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