Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It has a rich culture and a long history. As in any country where the culture is different, it is necessary to adapt to local customs and habits if one wants to act as a responsible tourist and discover the culture of the country visited. Almost all Moroccans are very welcoming. It is in their nature and their culture. If you show respect for their culture, they will certainly have warm reactions that will amaze you.
There are many things to do and see in Morocco, but there are also some things that you should avoid. So to guide you, here below are the do’s and don’ts in Morocco.
What are the do’s and don’ts in Morocco?
What you should do in Morocco
1. Respect Moroccan culture and religion
In Morocco and in like any other country, tourists should respect local customs. If you go to Morocco during the period of Ramadan for instance, be careful not to consume alcohol in public. It is also recommended not to drink, eat and smoke in public, or at least with discretion, especially in less touristy areas. Also, another thing to keep in mind, is that if you see near the entrance of a place shoes, be sure to take yours off.
2. Negotiate prices
In Morocco, everyone negotiates, because negotiation is part of the Moroccan culture. You should know, for your information, that the fact of being a foreigner makes prices rise considerably and automatically, which is why in souks, prices are rarely displayed, they will vary according to the time of day (yes yes!!!), how the customer looks like, and even sometimes depending on the seller’s mood… So that’s why, as a foreigner, you should learn how to negotiate in Morocco.
3. Try learning basic Arabic words
Even if it is not necessary to know Arabic to be able to make you understand, as a tourist, you will always get nicer feedback when they’ll see that you are making an effort to speak their language.
4. Explore and enjoy the country’s vibe
Take the time to enjoy every aspect of Morocco, its diverse cities, and spirit to enjoy the most of its beautiful and magical vibe.
Moroccan people are very social and are even considered to be one of the most welcoming and hospitable countries in the world, compared to other countries, where intimacy is key. It is, therefore, preferable to keep in mind to be more open and social than you probably are. But don’t worry, like many other tourists that came to Morocco before you, this will be done without thinking, marveling at the Moroccan’s kindness.
What you shouldn’t do in Morocco
1. Do not eat, hand, or grab things with your left hand
As a foreigner, if you are sharing a meal with Moroccans, it is recommended that you use your right hand to pass dishes, to grab something, or to take food. The left hand is considered unclean and is often prohibited when touching food or shaking hands. So remember to use your right hand with Moroccans.
2. Avoid criticizing these 3 topics in Morocco
It is recommended to avoid topics of conversation about the king and religion. But you should definitely avoid talking against these 3 topics in Morocco: the king, the country, and the religion.
3. Avoid public displays of love
Calm your impulses in public places. Gestures of affection that are too obvious are to be avoided because Moroccans are very modest. Avoid public displays of love. Do not kiss in public in Morocco. Wait until you’re in your hotel room to kiss each other.
On the other hand, for your information, don’t be offended if you are a man and a Moroccan takes your hand. It is only a sign of friendship. Many men hold hands, which is unambiguous in Morocco.
4. Do not refuse the invitation to tea
Moroccans are welcoming and will often invite you to drink the famous and delicious Moroccan mint tea. You shouldn’t refuse an invitation to Moroccan tea. Moroccans are always very welcoming and it can be rude to refuse this opportunity to get to know them more and make friends.
5. Do not enter into any mosque
Not everyone knows this but not every mosque can be visited by tourists unless they are Muslims and they come to pray. However, there is a mosque that is allowed to tourists, like the famous Hassan II mosque in Casablanca. So be sure to get informed before getting into a mosque that you would like to visit.
6. Do not take any Moroccan’s picture without taking their permission first
Many Moroccans will be thrilled to be photographed, but not all Moroccans, especially women, will be happy to be photographed without their consent. It is, therefore, better to ask before you want to take a picture of someone so as to not have any unpleasant surprises.
7. Do not dress inappropriately in public
When it comes to a dressing code in Morocco, you are free and can dress as you wish. You just need to remember that you are in a Muslim country and that women are modest and only reveal their beauty for their husbands.
It is advised to avoid necklines, shorts, tank tops, and mini skirts. Do as you feel, Moroccans are used to tourists but you’ll be more comfortable if you dress more properly.
What to wear in Morocco: the complete guide for all Western travelers
What is considered rude in Morocco?
Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It is considered to be one of the most liberal Arab countries. However, there are still a few cultural norms that should be respected when visiting Morocco.
With the things we have mentioned above, it is considered to be rude to show the bottom of your feet or shoes to someone. It is also considered to be rude to cross your arms across your chest. If you are invited into someone’s home, it is customary to take your shoes off before entering.
What should I know before going to Morocco?
Morocco is a North African country that’s known for its diverse landscape and rich culture. Before you go, it’s important to be aware of some basic things about the country and its people.
- First, Morocco is a Muslim country, so be sure to dress and act respectfully. Women should cover their shoulders and legs, and men should not display too much skin. It’s also customary to greet people with a handshake and say “Salam alaykum” (Peace be upon you).
- Second, the Moroccan currency is the dirham. Be sure to have some on hand before you go, as it’s not always easy to find ATMs that accept foreign cards.
- Finally, the people of Morocco are incredibly welcoming and hospitable. Be sure to take the time to chat with locals and learn about their culture – you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience.
In conclusion
Morocco is a country full of culture and tradition. If you’re planning on traveling there, it’s important to be familiar with the do’s and don’ts of the country. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the most important things to keep in mind when visiting Morocco. We hope you enjoy this article where we share with you all the do’s and don’ts when traveling to Morocco.
