So you're headed off to Morocco, a vibrant country with many cultures -- French, Spanish, Berber and Arabic influences have all left their mark on this North African country. But what should you expect when you get there? Below are a few things it's good to know ahead of time.
Out and About
Whether wandering through the souk (the open air bazaar) or dining in a Moroccan restaurant, these tips will help you to avoid offending the natives' sensibilities.
- Morocco is a country populated mostly by Muslims, who traditionally expect that women should dress modestly. If you are a woman traveling in Morocco, it is better to dress conservatively, although standards are more lax in the larger cities like Marrakech.
- Days are hot but nights can be cold, so bring warm pants and a sweater or hoody.
- Do not offer or accept anything in Morocco with your left hand, as it is considered unclean and associated with bathroom customs. To do so is an affront to a Muslim.
- Most Moroccan bathrooms will not offer free toilet paper, although it is possible to purchase a few sheets for a couple dirham from women who earn a living selling it outside the stalls. A better option is to tuck a roll into a backpack when heading out for the day.
- Morocco is one of the few Muslim countries where alcohol is sold legally. You can buy drinks at clubs, major hotels and in large stores. But don't consume it openly on the streets where it is sure to offend observant Muslims.
- Cigarettes are ubiquitous in Morocco, and there are no laws prohibiting smoking in cafes, restaurants and stores. Accept the fact that your clothes and hair will smell like smoke the entire time you are there.
Traveling Through the Country
- On one of your travel days, take the train. Many people are surprised at the remarkably modern ONCF train transit system that provides reliable and relatively comfortable travel. It's worth the extra charge for the air conditioned first class reserved seats with open plan seating so you can share snacks with other travelers, as is a Moroccan custom.
- Don't expect to tour the mosques, which are only for Muslims. The one exception is Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque, which offers tours to foreigners. It sits atop a rock jetty overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is worth the trip.
- Most Moroccans in the major cities are multilingual, able to converse in Arabic, French, Spanish and English along with the local dialects. Tangiers has an especially large number of Spanish-speaking residents. In the smaller, more rural villages, you will mainly hear variations of the Berber dialects, but there will usually be a few villagers who at least speak French.
Eat Like a Moroccan
Don't expect a lot of westernized food outlets or even recipe items in even the larger cities, and if you must indulge, be prepared to pay exorbitant prices for familiar fare. But why eat like an American while you travel overseas?
- Most Moroccan foods are grown and produced locally and carted to market on the backs of donkeys. Submerse yourself in the cuisine, which is heavy on cumin. Cumin has stomach-easing properties, so if your tummy has some travel troubles, this is an easy cure. Eating yogurt is a good way to get some good bugs back in your belly.
- Bottled water is the mineral variety, but most tap water is safe to drink. You can safely eat most food, but be selective about street vendor fare, which is unregulated and often unrefrigerated,
Remember that the best trips begin with a good attitude, so pack yours, and happy trails!
Enjoy Morocco the E-Z Way
Visiting Morocco soon? Don't forget to stop by our booth conveniently located in the Rabat-Sale International Airport. Our rental cars are affordable, convenient and reliable -- you should be spending less on transportation and more on enjoying what the area has to offer. We'll see you in Morocco!
Image Credits:
Aït-ben-Haddou by Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France
Essaouira, Morocco by Vince Millett
Place Jemaa el-Fna by Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France
