Is Morocco Safe?
Morocco is known for its outrageously photogenic architecture and dreamy atmosphere, but the one question I get asked all the time is, ‘But, is Morocco Safe?’.
Whether you’re wondering if Morocco is safe for solo female travelers, couples, or groups - we’ve got you covered!
Generally, Morocco is a safe place to travel. But like any travel destination, there are a few minor annoyances here and there to watch out for.
Table Of Contents
Faux or Unofficial Guides
Having to deal with the notorious street hustlers and faux guides is going to part of your experience in Morocco. In recent times, a strong tourist police presence has reduced it somewhat, but it still remains a problem.
You’ll usually find the faux guides hanging around the Medina entrances and outside bus and train stops where tourists arrive.
In all honesty, most of them are harmless and just want to direct you to a local shop to get a commission of any sales. You might even benefit from going with your gut on some of these guides, as they all speak multiple languages and actually know the city quite well.
One tactic they’ll employ also, is to tell you the attraction you’re going to is closed or the hotel you’re going to is full.. when of course nothing could be further than the truth.
But if you don’t want to deal with them, the best way is to avoid eye contact and ignore them completely. You can also try escaping to a nearby cafe or restaurant if things start feeling out of control.
If you feel in danger, you can try shouting ‘police’ or ’Ha-Shooma!’ (Shame on you!) in a very serious manner.
How to hire a guide
Make sure to agree on a set price before setting off for the day. In addition, set in ironclad terms what you’re expected to see and experience. If you don’t want to be taken to any shops, do clarify that solidly before you leave on the tour.
A decent price for an unofficial guide is around Dh50 to Dh100 per day. Make sure this is per guide and not per person in your group.
If you’re lost, for example in the medina, a few dirham is appropriate to give for quick “I’m lost” guidance.
It’s quite normal for the guides to give you a ‘what this is it?’ look when you pay - just play along and say something like ‘hey I’ve already paid you too much’.
Official guides can be hired at hotels and tourist offices at around DH250-350 per day.
Guides can be quite useful in the winding maze-like medinas, where it’s easy to get lost and lose your bearings. They also prevent other faux guides/cat-callers from bothering you.
Theft
Like any other touristy areas of the world, there will be opportunistic pickpockets and bag snatchers, but outright violent crime is pretty rare.
Just be smart like you would in other foreign city and keep your belongings close to you. It’s also smart now to flash large amounts of cash in public, since that will attract pickpockets.
Drugs
You may be approached on the street by dealers wanting to sell you marijuana (kif) or hashish. If you live in a country where things like this are legal, it might easy to accept their offer but just remember drugs are illegal in Morocco so you have to be extremely careful about things like this.
There are known scams where the dealers sell you some kif and then extort you by threatening to turn you into the police.
You also might offered something called Majoun, which is basically a cannabis edible. It looks like a sticky fudge made with dried fruits, seeds, and spices. It’s very strong, so if you’re planning to partake.. be aware.
Food
Food is generally safe in Morocco but as with any new place you’re visiting I’d stick to hot, cooked foods and bottled water.
Sidenote: I had a friend who visited Morocco and ate street food for the first 5-6 days and was fine. It wasn’t until she ate at a super nice restaurant that she got sick - so you never really know. But in general, I’d recommend sticking to reputable, touristy restaurants.
Crime
Petty theft is not any more or less prevalent compared to cities in Europe.
Faux guides and hustlers will be your main concern in Morocco. Some tactics they use:
Some will pretend they are students and want to practice English with you. This usually ends up with them leading you to some kind of shop where you’re pressured to buy something.
In these shops, the vendor might even offer you a ‘free gift’ which you should always refuse. If you accept it - you’ll be descended upon by a group who ask you to pay for it.
The fake guides will also try to convince you that everything is closed and to just follow them. By the way, this is a similar con used in Bangkok, Thailand.
The best way to avoid these cons is to just avoid eye contact and completely ignore them. If needed, a very firm and strong ‘no’ or ‘la’ (in Arabic) does wonders.
Overall though, Morocco is a generally safe country to visit.
Safe For Women
Traveling in any Muslim country as a female traveler is a definite challenge, Morocco not excluded.
It’s better to travel in a group rather than solo, especially if you’re female. I’ll explain a bit why:
Most Moroccan men have little contact with women outside their family and have misconceptions of easy Western women (fueled by movies, internet, etc). The end result is cat-calling, inappropriate comments, and possibly even physical harassment.
I’m not saying solo female travel isn’t possible (many have done it), but I wouldn’t recommend it for females new to the solo travel game.
A bit of thick skin, confidence, and some knowledge of the local language (‘La’ means no, ’Ha-Shooma!’ means Shame on you!) will get you quite far here.
As always, dress moderately by covering your knees and shoulders. If you’d like, wearing a headscarf in certain areas would be a smart choice too.
Dress modestly by covering your knees and shoulders. Wearing a headscarf avoids attention to yourself as well.
A pro-tip I heard amongst solo female travelers in Muslim countries is to wear a fake engagement ring on your ring finger and talk about your husband. Apparently boyfriend or fiancé doesn’t work that well against harassment, but the word Husband does. :)
Do's and Dont's
Do hire a reliable guide if going anywhere remote
Do wear conservative clothing and cover up your shoulders and legs.(Females)
Do take your hotel card with you when you go out so you know the exact address and contact number
Don’t walk around the Medina or dark alleyways late at night.
Don’t flash around large amounts of cash