In Morocco, men usually shake hands rather than hug. This is traditionally followed by gently touching your heart with your right hand.
As many you asked, is a handshake appropriate in Morocco? Traditionally, Moroccans typically greet with a handshake and sometimes two kisses (starting with the left cheek) but this only occurs when the two people greeting are of the same sex. … Any gesture you make in Morocco should be done with your right hand (yes, even if you’re traditionally a lefty!).
In this regard, what is considered disrespectful in Morocco? Gestures. If you need to beckon someone, don’t use your index finger to motion a person over, as this is considered very rude in Moroccan culture. Instead, place your palm downward and sweep the hand toward yourself.
Additionally, what if you are left handed in Morocco? Moroccans don’t eat with their left hands. Left hands are considered the “dirty hand” as they are traditionally used for hygienic duties.
Also know, is it illegal to kiss in Morocco? If you are a foreign couple visiting and you kiss no one is likely going to say anything to you – kissing in Morocco is not illegal. … While you might not get in trouble, it is highly frowned on to kiss or fondle each other in public.
- Dress conservatively. Morocco is a Muslim country, and so modesty is important.
- Use your right hand. In Morocco, the left hand is reserved for bathroom hygiene and dirty chores.
- Take your shoes off.
- Don’t give praise.
- Use traditional sayings.
What should I avoid in Morocco?
- Disrespect Islam.
- Disrespect the monarchy.
- Use your left hand to eat with.
- Walk around in beachwear (away from the beach)
- Expect everyone to speak English.
- Limit your stay to Marrakech.
- Expect Casablanca to be like the movie.
- Think fez hats come from the city of Fez.
What are the table manners in Morocco?
- When eating with your hands, eat with your right hand only.
- When eating with your hands, use just your thumb and first two fingers (using your entire hand is a symbol of gluttony).
- Only use your left hand to pick up bread or to pass dishes to other people.
Is thumbs up in Morocco offensive?
Never give the “thumbs up” gesture or gesture with your left hand. Wear modest clothing in public and COVER your body. Women should keep a scarf with them to enter mosques. If you receive lewd stares or children pelt your posterior with small pebbles, you’ll know you are too revealing.
Can unmarried couples sleep together in Morocco?
It is against the law in Morocco for unmarried Moroccan couples to sleep together in the same room. This can sometimes impact non-Moroccans with accommodation imposing a blanket ban on unmarried couples sharing rooms at their own discretion.
Why do Moroccans eat with their right hand?
Eating with your hands is a time-honoured tradition. Rule number one: eat with your right hand only, using the thumb and first two fingers. Using more is a sign of gluttony. The left hand may only be used for picking up bread or passing dishes on to other people.
Why is Morocco so poor?
Nearly 19 percent of Morocco’s population lives on less than $4 a day. Three factors impede Morocco’s development: illiteracy, financial inequality and economic volatility. It is difficult for Moroccans to transition out of poverty with over a quarter of Morocco’s adult population being illiterate.
Is Morocco safe in 2021?
In truth, Morocco is a safe place to visit. There’s only really small crime there (scams and pickpockets) and you’re unlikely to be assaulted or seriously hurt as a tourist in the country. Morocco is super safe for tourists now. … Petty crime is rampant here, especially against tourists.
What happens if you kiss in public in Morocco?
In Morocco, locals do not kiss in public. Never. It’s against the law, especially before marriage (it is forbidden publicly or not). Kissing in public is “an act of aggression against Moroccan Muslim society and people” a behavior otherwise deemed “indecent” by the authorities of the country.
Can unmarried couples hug in Morocco?
It is against the Moroccan law to kiss or hug in public. For them, it is an act of aggression against the religion as well as the Moroccan society. It is applied to unmarried Muslim couples and will have corresponding consequences. The law is strictly enforced to Moroccan couples and not to foreigners.
Sexual contact between unmarried people is prohibited, under Article 490 of the Moroccan penal code. And as such, it is technically illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room.