Prepare your trip

You'll visit us in Marrakesh

Here are some "guidelines" or rather thought that some will love hearing them before arriving.

For those who prefer to discover everything for themselves to live a surprise, even if it is bad, nothing forces you to read more.

Driving
In Morocco, there are many means of transportation and types of vehicles, which are also respected each other on the road. We easily see a cart drawn by mules, coupled with two bikes in front, lined by a moped. The car then arrives and is not the only one on the road.

Here we must not hesitate to honk to prevent (the donkeys as cyclists) as you get behind. Avoid driving on the roads at night : many unlit vehicles on the road, you perceive at the last moment the donkey and its load ....

Tips
Always leave a tip: coffee, restaurant, guide to the monument as a tour guide, the guardian of the car. Count 2-10 dh for coffee shop, about 10 to 20 dh per person for a day-guide, 2-5 to dh for parking attendant.

Beggars
You will find many around, especially in tourist areas. Do not hesitate to give alms if you wish (this is one of the pillars of Islam). However, thank you not to give to children who call - you will help to change as they risk falling into easy money.

The dress-code and attitude, outside
Morocco is a Muslim country and sexy outfits are not normal. It will be fashionable to be relatively simple: avoid provocative necklines, short shorts, mini skirts. Moreover, here we do not kiss on the mouth in front of everyone : If you can’t control, just try to be discreet.

Religion, King and territorial integrity
These are the three elements not to speak about negatively and to which the Moroccans are very attached. We do not question these three institutions.

Scams
Morocco is, like many tourist countries, known for some of his scams. Marrakesh, tourist center of the kingdom, is even more so. We will not give you all possible cases (there are examples in all the guidebooks), but we want to warn you not to follow anybody. It never goes far, but is a bit annoying, especially when we lose time. Unfortunately, this reputation affects the hospitality of the Moroccans, 95% of them do not want to trap you at all, but only want to show you that you are welcome.

If you come during Ramadan
Be aware that the times and the pace of life across the world are changed. All Muslims (and the country is Muslim) fasting from sunrise to sunset (fasting means nothing by mouth and do not take pleasure : drink, food, cigarettes, sensual pleasure and carnal are prohibited). We must try not to provoke, remaining discreet if you eat, smoke or drink (which, of course, is not forbidden to non-Muslims).

Photos
No problem, a priori, to take a picture, especially in areas of high tourism. However, always ask permission because many people do not want to be photographed. Finally, pay attention to popular tourist areas (eg Jemma El Fna square in Marrakesh) where people are there on purpose for the picture, and ask you for money in exchange (this is their living) : it is recommended to discuss the fare before taking the picture, otherwise, the surprises are guaranteed. This annoys ...

Temperatures
"Morocco is a cold country where the sun is hot," said Marshal Lyautey. Always plan to have cold and warm. In all seasons. Eventually, it turns twice daily (summer uniform during the day and winter dress in the evening), in some seasons. Always keep in mind you should have sunglasses, hat and sunscreen at all time.

Small health problems
It is good to have your first aid kit with you, just in case, for all the small pains of everyday life. Planning in particular how the fight against "tourista's" - many people have digestive trouble after three or four days there. Better to have something to heal as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. To avoid aggravating the risks: do not drink tap water, wash your hands often, do not eat pre-cut fruit, sorbet, sold on the street, take drinks without ice, peel all fruit, avoid raw vegetables in restaurants if you are vulnerable.

Money and currency
The dirham is a currency, you can not buy abroad. You can change euros on arrival withdraw dirhams from vending machines, or even pay in euros. Many places say they accept credit cards, but do not always, or ask to pay an additional 5% (equivalent to the fee paid to the bank by the merchant).