Things NOT to do in Marrakesh

A trip to Marrakesh is a sensory overload of exotic sights, sounds, smells and tastes. If you’re heading to this Moroccan hotspot, keep a few do’s and don’ts in mind to help minimize the inevitable overwhelm. Here are 10 things NOT to do in Marrakesh.

1. Don’t Get Taken by a Street Guide
You will be confronted by an assortment of friendly, helpful locals eager to escort you somewhere. However, the majority are opportunistic hustlers. It’s better to avoid engaging these street guides, as they can be persistent and intimidating.

2. Don’t Get Fleeced by a Taxi Driver
There are many drivers overcharging tourists with off-the-meter fees. You need to appear confident and savvy when you get in a taxi. You don’t want to seem rude or imply that you assume they’re distrustful, but if you’re too soft, this “taxi mafia” will fleece you.

3. Don’t Pay the First Price Offered
Merchants expect a negotiation, so brush up on your bargaining skills and have fun with it. Don’t be too penny-pinching about this game, though. Remember, the few extra dirhams probably mean more to the merchant than you.

4. Don’t Wear Babouche on a Busy Walking Day
One of the must-buy in the Marrakesh souks are the colorful traditional Moroccan slippers, called babouche. They take a few wears to stretch to your foot and become comfortable. So it’s not a good idea to wear a brand new pair on a heavy day.

5. Don’t Feed the Snake Charmers
You’ll find a snake wrapped around your neck and they’ll demand payment to remove it, or encourage you to take a picture. Once you take it, the fee demanded can be unreasonable. Try not to engage these snake charmers or be prepared for some aggressive sales tactics.

6. Don’t Shop Without Change
While there are ATMs around Marrakesh and credit cards are used at the finer hotels and restaurants, this is mostly a cash culture. Keep change on you, as one of the typical sales ploys with souk merchants and taxi drivers is the “sorry, I don’t have change” trick.

7. Don’t Forget You’re in a Muslim Country
It is essential to conduct yourself with respect to the host culture. No one is asking you to wear a headscarf or partake in Islamic rituals. Morocco is pretty moderate. However, it is wise to dress conservatively. Women, especially, should keep this in mind so as not to invite unwanted sexual harassment.

8. Don’t Leave the Immigration Paperwork to the Last Minute
Just be aware that you’ll have to fill out immigration forms both on arrival and departure. The paperwork is nothing complicated, but immigration queues can be long at this relatively small airport, so complete your paperwork in advance.

9. Don’t Forget to Learn a Little French or Arabic
Take the time to learn some key phrases in French or Arabic before arriving. Pleasantries go a long way in putting people at ease. Most will be impressed with any attempt you make in their language. So google some basics lbefore you go.

10. Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Wandering around the streets, squares and dizzying lanes take some guts, and you’ll want to have your wits about you at all times. The hustle and bustle of street life can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. It’s important to schedule in some down time each day to chill-out such as treating yourself to a hammam cleanse

Where do you want to know what not to do in next?
Comment Below!

[sweetpotato]

As a Moroccan i approve this video even we get scammed ... enjoy your stay
Morocco is a rich and welcoming country ❤🇲🇦❤

[elbagrau]

I am Moroccan and I approve this message.

[abdeslamtahri]

This video is old, no need immigration papier when you travel or leave morocco, , since june 2019

[Meryamtin]

We are Moroccan and we have the same issue when we visit Marrakech 😥, when you arrive to any airport in Morocco, they have kiosks from different telecom companies, and they offer a sim cart for free, with 2 dollars credit, take it and use Google map to go to your destination, don't stop when someone want to "help " to find your way, if it's necessary to ask, ask someone who seems clearly has somthing do in his life, like someone heading to work or school, there is lazy people, thier job is just to get money from tourists any way possible.

[lisama]

great video and great channel. definitely helped b4 I go on the trip. thxx!! hopefully u guys r keep making these qualified videoss

[vanipp]

These tips are on point. I was there recently and here are some additional tips I’d like to add.

-Don’t bring a drone if you have one. They will confiscate it.
-Expect to pay for a local guide when you’re already booked a tour.
-Sometimes, ppl would say a certain area is “closed” and tried to lead you to another way...I’d say don’t follow them.
-you don’t have to tip in restaurants
-don’t take pictures of police, soldiers or any official related people.
-if you’re in the ouzoud waterfall area, the monkey are free, but people will ask you for money to touch/photograph them.

[elytrongamez]

I am Moroccan, and I live there but this..






Is true

Edit: omg thx for the likes, I never got that much!

[obeahuk]

Always make sure the small yellow taxis put their meters on otherwise walk away.

[siat]

Guys, don't forget that Marrakech is a city of everything with tradition, luxury, nightlife and adventure, you have the traditional Medina with the old souks, and then you have the modern side of Marrakech which makes up most of the city here you can escape from the busy Medina and eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants or go shopping in one of the malls, Marrakech is also known for its exuberant nightlife, Marrakech has some of the best clubs in the Arab world and even in the world, you also have the mountains and the beautiful landscapes of the outskirts of Marrakech, enjoy your stay in my country.

[ylpea]

Never ever let some random young guy 'show you the way'. It will turn ugly once they claim money & turn aggressive. He'll scream and all of a sudden 20 of his buddies will be there, you do not stand a chance.

[jamilakhalidi]

We are having an amazing time but wpuld reccomend those wanting to visit morocco to travel during summer*

[AmirA-zvuk]

This should be titled, "10 Things NOT to do in Marrakesh" in Daytime.

[frankodea]

I was in Morocco last March I love it there

[abdulqudz]

i've recently went on a holiday to morocco and can give some tips:

don't drink the water directly from the taps. it's not properly filtered and can cause you problems. get bottled water from the shops.

beggars, even kids, will approach you for money. don't give them any. it's likely a con to fleece you out. if you think that the person is actually genuine, you can give money. just use your better judgment.

never accept merchant prices that they set when you want to buy something in the market. haggle but be firm and assertive. with enough persuasion, you may get your price.

learn a few words and phrases in arabic and french. it can help you and they'll feel happy with you.

some places are cash only so make sure you have cash on your person.

when going to the market, if you're carrying a bag, wear it at the front. this can deter pickpockets.

never accept a street vendors excursion proposals. the fees can be somewhat extortionate.

you're not compelled to tip any of the workers.

you can smoke in the cafes and restaurants.

don't mess with the police or the soldiers that you'll see on the streets.

[travelshootz]

Can you do top 10 things to not do in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Wales

[brothersman]

I did stay in Marrakesh for 10 days and encountered these things but "La Shukran" normally works but some are persistent so ignore them like they are invisible

[pxlbrush]

I've actually downloaded maps before visiting and this helped me a bunch to avoid those looking to take me somewhere for a quick buck. Also yes! A lil French goes a long way also in terms or mutual respect.

[khalidanejjar]

It happens with uber too when their is less drivers and more people

[Life-dbtb]

Here's one :don't be loud in quite places

[vaiolover]

I need to learn two words: beer and bathroom. Regards from Texas