Morocco Tips

Everyday I get many emails from readers. Sometimes they just want to contact me privately, and not leave a public comment. Sometimes they want extra tips on a recipe I've shared. But one of the top questions I get, almost on a daily basis is, “is it safe to travel to Morocco?”

There are so many layers and levels to this question. When I posed it I immediately thought of general safety and the threat of a terror attack. It's on everyone's mind and so let's just get the elephant out of the room.

Is Morocco Safe?

YES!

In many assessments released by governments around the world Morocco is regularly labeled “more safe” than European countries such as Spain or France. I live in Marrakech, probably the most touristy city in the country. I regularly fly in and out of the country. I keep abreast of Moroccan and foreign news outlets as well as talking with regular people about the situation in the country. I am not saying you shouldn't keep aware of what is happening but don't let a perceived fear keep you from experiencing something truly wonderful.

But here's my general assessment. There is no where in this world that is “safe”.  Bad things can happen everywhere. I have not, and will not change any of my travel plans out of fear. Just because something happens in Tunisia or France don't draw the conclusion neighboring countries are unsafe – or even that those countries themselves are inherently unsafe.  I was just in Turkey and it was completely safe even though a massive civil war is raging in neighboring Syria and Iraq, another neighbor has been in flames for years. As my oldest son says “bad things can happen anytime. When it's my time, it's my time. I don't want the bad guys to stop us from living our life, because then they win.” (Pretty wise for an 11 year-old if you ask me!)

Tips to keep safe:

• Register with your country's program for foreign travelers so that they know where you are should something happen.
• Leave a copy of your passport and your travel plans at home with someone so they know where you are.
• Have enough money on a credit card or in a bank account should something happen to you.
• Consider enrolling in a travel insurance program. Be sure to look into what their policies are for issues like evacuations. We used World Nomads on our last trip to Thailand.
• Keep time spent in large crowds to a minimum, when at all possible.

Is it safe for solo women?

Yes it is safe, but you might face some issues. I really hate to admit this but it's a sad reality. Large cities will be the toughest for a woman alone, but also offer the most security so it's a balance. So this list is going to be practical info for solo women. You might not like what I say, you might think it's sexist or “wrong” – that's fine. I live here, I don't like that this is how things are right now but it is.

• Dress conservatively. This won't stop harassment but it will cut it down. Please, please don't be shocked if you get severe verbal harassment when you're wearing short shorts and a crop top. Just don't do it.
• Meet other travelers. Traveling alone is great and maybe there are things you enjoy doing yourself, that's cool. But don't count out meeting other cool people on the road and hanging out or site-seeing together. You'll have a different experience and there's safety in numbers.
• You're going to be harassed and cat called. It is a rare female traveler who never faces this. The degree of this is different depending on the individual and their own perceptions.
• Ignore them. Really if people hassle you just ignore them. You might feel rude doing this. Don't.
• Carry yourself with confidence. I firmly believe that the energy you put out is what is reflected back. If you're terrified and skittish, chances are you're going to feel more negative energy coming towards you. Keep your head up, stay confident and be strong. It's amazing what a different experience you'll have.
• Read about other experiences and tips. Here are a few more resources to help;
  • Read my post with 10 Tips for Women Visiting Morocco
  • Check out my friend Camille's post on her experience in Morocco.
  • Journey Beyond Travel also covers the topic of womens' travel in Morocco.

Are the airports secure?

Many people feel Moroccan airports are unsecure. I fly in and out of Moroccan airports 4-6 times a month. Security is different. At times it might feel lax but don't be put off because it's not the same as security in the US or Europe. The Moroccan government has more information about you when you enter Morocco than you might be aware of. They know who is coming in and going out of Morocco. They do not mess around when there is a security concern. If there is one thing Morocco takes very seriously it is security. Truthfully as a foreigner you're much more cared for and a greater concern for the country. So while the procedure is different, don't think different = bad.

How do you handle an aggressive situation?

If you face a hostile situation, act as you would at home. Seriously. If you get cornered into a visit to the tannery and money is demanded (just an fyi don't get cornered into this – just say no and keep walking) give something to get out of the situation and leave. Then threaten to call the police. Be firm, loud, and aggressive back. If you're in a street when something like this happens, knock on the closest door. I'm confident whoever lives in the house will help or the person making demands will run off. I think having a working cell phone is a must and threaten to call the police – or call them if you need to. They don't take kindly to foreigners being harassed.

Important numbers:

• Police in cities 19
• Police in rural areas 177
• Fire and Ambulance 15

In the event of a major emergency is there an exit strategy?

It is worth inquiring with your national government about the policy and procedures in place to evacuate their citizens from a country if something were to happen. Every country will be different. That being said don't leave it up to your government to figure this out. You should have an idea in place. When we travel we keep the number and address of our embassy in that country at hand. I do a quick look to see how to get there But, unless there is a major catastrophe this is irrelevant. Should something happen whether it's a terrorist attack or natural disaster, you'll be using split second thinking and I'm willing to bet the others around you will be in the same situation and all will be helping each other.

Is the food safe?

The smaller practicalities of life like food and sanitation can also be important. Questions about food safety are always big on the list of questions I get. Overall, yes the food is safe. While many people say avoid fresh fruits and vegetables I think this is bogus. Fresh produce and foods are the best for you. Make good judgments about the cooking spaces. The more locals you see, the better. They aren't going to eat somewhere that makes people ill. I would avoid fried foods only because oil can be used many, many, many times and never changed. One other food you may want to avoid – eggs. In riads this should not be a problem but we've gotten sick a few times eating eggs in street food stalls and restaurants.

Have more questions? I'll try to answer in the comments!

— this post has been posted on 18 November 2015

What you see isn't always what you get! 

Sometimes I feel like I'm being fooled everyday. There are countless number of things that seem real on the surface in Morocco, but once you dig further you discover that in reality it's just a myth. Instead of letting them perpetuate I'm debunking some of the top Morocco myths I've heard!

The “Orange” Trees in Marrakech

This is the only myth that is limited to Marrakech. If you've ever visited or even seen pictures of the “orange” trees around the city I'm sure you thought, “how awesome to have oranges everywhere!” Sadly, those trees aren't edible oranges. They're called znbou3 and you don't want to bite into one. They are sometimes used in homes to help cure olives but are not sweet juicy oranges!

Carpet Myths

If you come to Morocco you've either got carpets on your mind or you're certain to at least wander into a carpet shop. Here you'll be barraged by hundreds of carpets in different styles, textures, patterns, colors and fabrics. Of course you'll be told every carpet is old, handmade, and of the finest sheep wool.  It's not.  A lot of rugs that look old, aren't really old – they've been made to look that way and likely even kept out in the sun for sometime to make them appear even older. If you're an antique dealer coming to Morocco, it's best to connect with a local expert who can help you find rugs that are truly authentic. If however you are looking for a piece for your home than you should go in with this knowledge and adjust your price accordingly. That being said, there are beautiful, handmade rugs that may not be as “perfect” as the dealer claims but make a wonderful addition to any home.

Couscous

There are a few myths around couscous. First, Moroccans don't eat couscous everyday – not even close. Couscous is usually only eaten on Fridays. If you're visiting that's going to be the best day to eat it as many restaurants only serve it that day as well. Second, couscous is a dish separate from tajine. A tajine is a stew, cooked in an earthenware vessel. It has meat and/or vegetables and is eaten with bread. Couscous is cooked in a pot that looks like a double boiler but with a collandar on top. The semolina grains are triple steamed over a pot with boiling broth, vegetables and meat. It's then arranged on a platter and eaten with spoons. But tajine and couscous are never put together (unlike many cooking shows and recipes may have you believe).

Religion

Yes, Islam is the dominant religion in Morocco but that doesn't mean it's the only religion. There are many churches all over the country, including an impressive cathedral in Casablanca. There also are many synagogues across Morocco. Casablanca still has 35 in operation, while smaller cities may also have one. As the Jewish population ages there are becoming fewer and fewer. Finally, not all Moroccans (including Muslims) are religious. There are plenty of Moroccans who are not. Morocco has a very long tradition of interfaith relations and tolerance.

Belly Dancing

It's not a Moroccan thing, it's Egyptian. You'll find belly dancing shows which are fine, just know it's not traditionally Moroccan. Women might dance something similar to belly dancing but it's in the company of women only and at something like a wedding party. The “traditional costumes” you may come across are not traditional at all.

There they are 5 Moroccan myths busted! Any others you can think of or want to know about?