Everything You Need to Know Before Going to Marrakech, Morocco

I recently visited Marrakech for the first time and had the most amazing experience. I cannot wait to go back and explore more of Morocco. Marrakech can be a little overwhelming if you do not know what to expect. You definitely need to do your research before going to Marrakech, Morocco, or work with a travel advisor like myself to help you plan your trip! If you are heading to Marrakech soon, here is everything you need to know before going to Marrakech, Morocco!

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Always carry cash on you

The local currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). You will need cash here, do not rely on credit cards.

Exchange your local currency for Moroccan Dirham at the airport

There are very few ATM’s around Marrakech and this is one of the rare occasions where you are more likely to get a better conversion rate at the airport.

Get a local SIM card if you don’t have coverage

Check with your cell phone carrier before heading to Morocco to see if you have coverage. If you don’t, there are multiple stands in the airport (after you get past customs) where you can purchase a temporary local SIM card. I will not travel without a working phone, having access to maps and being able to contact people is so important. Temporary SIM cards are cheap and reliable.

Hire Local Tour Guides

I cannot stress this enough – hiring local tour guides for the Souks and Jemaa el-Fna was the best decision we made for the entire trip. Getting a local’s perspective on the Souks was one of the coolest experiences, you learn so much more than you would wandering around by yourself, and our guide took us into so many places that we never would have known about otherwise. Having a tour guide to help you navigate the Medina is also crucial… that place is a maze and maps just doesn’t cut it.

Stay in a Riad in Marrakech, Morocco

A riad is a traditional Moroccan style home that has been turned into the most beautiful accommodation you will find. It will immerse you in the culture (as long as you pick a good one… but dont worry, I can help you with that) and make you feel right at home. Everyone was so welcoming for us, I was sad to leave because we were so close to the staff by the time we left. Riad’s also have limited rooms, usually under 10 rooms in each riad which makes it very personal!

Schedule a reliable transfer to and from the airport

Marrakech is a busy city and while there are taxi’s available, I highly recommend scheduling a transfer for airport pick-up and drop off. Again, this is something I can help you with if you need it! But a transfer is necessary and you can find some reliable, inexpensive options.

Dress Appropriately (for women)

Dressing appropriately is the respectful thing to do in Morocco. Given it is a predominantly Muslim country, women should have their shoulders, knees, and chest covered. You definitely see people not dressed appropriately when you are there, but you will attract unwanted attention.

Make sure to tip

You should always tip in cash in Morocco. It is standard to tip around 7-10% at restaurants and a small tip for anything else. Also make sure to tip tour guides if you have time!

Scams to be aware of in Marrakech, Morocco

It is easy to distinguish tourists in Marrakech, Morocco and scams are common. Be aware of the people that offer something for free, especially in the Jemaa el-Fna Square. Henna artists will offer a free tattoo and then demand payment afterwards, or they will extend the design you wanted and demand payment for their extra work. If you take a picture of someone performing in the square or of the animals that are “tamed”, you will be approached for money.

Also be aware of people that offer directions (especially if you carry a map), they will also demand a payment afterwards.

There are many overpriced taxis and unofficial tour guides that demand high prices. Always make sure to go through your riad or travel advisor for professional guides and drivers to avoid these scams.

Finally, be aware of surprise charges at meals… these are very common, especially in the medina. When you sit down, the staff will place bread, olives, or other small dishes on the table, and you will always pay for these. If you don’t want them, simply tell the staff you do not want them and ask them to remove them from the table.

Alcohol is not prevalent

Most restaurants here will not serve alcoholic beverages. If having a drink with dinner when on vacation is important to you, just do your research ahead of time to find the restaurants that do serve alcoholic beverages. Most hotel/riad restaurants will serve alcoholic beverages.

Jemaa el-Fna at night

Jemaa el-Fna at night is a very different experience than during the day. I recommend a night time tour of the Jemaa el-Fna with a local tour guide! We took one and it made me appreciate the square so much more.

Be aware of the performers/dancers, animal tamers, and anyone that appears like they are doing something with the goal of you taking a picture or video. As soon as you pull out your phone to take a picture, you will be approached for a tip for the photo. So, if you want to take a picture of them (because let’s be honest, you will want to take a lot of pictures here), make sure to carry change on you to tip them. Our tour guide recommended having smaller coins on you (.50 to 1 dirham) to tip with as the performers will be pushy for a larger tip. If this happens and you have already tipped, just say no confidently and walk away.

Bargain at the Souks

If you plan to buy something at the souks, be prepared to bargain! The sellers expect you to and they will always price high at first! Shopping at the Souks is so fun, but again, it was so nice to tour the Souks with a local tour guide because he brought us to the sellers that sold authentic, handmade goods!