25 Morocco Travel Tips Locals Wish You Knew (2026)

Money and payments

1. The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency — you can’t buy it abroad. Withdraw from ATMs at the airport on arrival; rates are competitive.

2. Bring small bills (MAD 20, 50, 100). Petit-taxis and souk vendors rarely have change for MAD 200 notes.

3. Many small shops, riads in rural areas, and food stalls are cash-only. Carry MAD 500–1,000 in cash even if you mostly pay by card.

4. ATM withdrawal fees are typically MAD 30 (€2.80) per transaction. Maximum per withdrawal is usually MAD 2,000 (€185).

5. Don’t exchange money on the street — always use a bank or official "Cambio" booth.

Dress code and respect

6. Cover shoulders and knees in medinas, mosques and rural villages. Loose linen trousers and a light long-sleeve shirt are perfect.

7. Bikinis are fine at hotel pools and beach clubs but not on public city beaches. Agadir’s tourist beach is mixed; Tangier and Casablanca beaches are conservative.

8. Hammam etiquette: most public hammams are gender-segregated and you should wear underwear (men) or a swimsuit bottom (women). A private hammam at a riad is mixed and you wear a towel.

9. Don’t enter mosques unless you are Muslim — the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the only exception, and only on guided tours.

The "free" tour and other scams

10. Anyone offering "free help" in the medina (especially Fes and Marrakech) will lead you to a relative’s shop and expect a tip. A polite firm "la, shokran" and continued walking works.

11. The "the tannery is closed today" or "the square is moved today" lines are setups to steer you elsewhere. Trust Google Maps, not strangers.

12. Henna painters in Jemaa el-Fnaa will grab your hand and start painting; agree on a price upfront or politely say no before they touch you.

13. Don’t take photos of people without permission — especially women, and especially in rural areas. Asking "Hello, may I?" goes a long way.

Food, water and the mint tea ritual

14. Tap water is safe to drink in Casablanca, Rabat and modern hotels, but most travelers stick to bottled. €0.30 for a 1.5L bottle.

15. Try the local specialty in each city: pastilla in Fes, tangia in Marrakech, fresh sardines in Essaouira, oysters in Dakhla, harira soup anywhere.

16. Mint tea is offered everywhere — from the carpet seller to the hotel manager. Accept it; refusal can be slightly rude. You don’t have to buy anything afterwards.

17. Friday lunch is couscous day for most Moroccan families. Restaurants serve their best couscous on Fridays.

18. Ramadan: restaurants outside tourist areas may be closed in daytime. Touristic restaurants stay open. Be discreet about eating in the street during Ramadan.

Tipping (how much, when, where)

19. Restaurants: 5–10% if not already on the bill. Cafes: round up to the nearest MAD 5–10.

20. Petit-taxi: round up the metered fare (MAD 25 → 30).

21. Hotel porter: MAD 10–20 per bag. Housekeeping: MAD 20–30 per day.

22. Licensed guide: 10% of the day rate (typically MAD 30–50). Mosque tour guides who do a great job: MAD 50.

Bargaining and souks

23. Bargaining is expected in souks but not in stores with price tags. Start at 30–40% of the asking price, smile, walk away if needed.

24. The "first sale of the day" is considered good luck and prices can be better at 9–10am.

25. The asking-then-counter game is social — vendors enjoy it when you play it well. A handshake at the end seals the deal.