Although I read so many blogs saying that driving in Morocco is not safe, I don’t agree at all. It’s safer if compared to my city in the South of Italy, so don’t let yourself be discouraged!

Moroccan people are very careful to follow rules, and the police are everywhere, especially at the entrance of the villages. You’ll be fined for exceeding the maximum speed even by only 2km/hr. But don’t worry: as with everything in the country, you can (MUST) bargain! Yes, even with the police.

Bargain is the keyword in Morocco. People expect you to bargain, and they will tell you a very high price, especially if they know you’re a tourist. Always consider that the real price is usually about one-third of the price they told you. Sometimes, even less.

Don’t be afraid to bargain in the souks, take your time, talk to the welcoming vendors and let them understand that you know how much things are worth! Same story for taxis. A ride in a taxi within the city of Marrakech, for example, should be about 50 dirhams – this should be enough to take you from one side of the city to the other. Bargain with the driver before jumping in the car, and agree to a fixed rate.

Never drink tap water in Morocco, if you don’t want to risk and ruin your holiday.

Tap water is safe for locals, but not for tourists. Your body may react to unfamiliar bacteria, causing sickness and diarrhoea, and a stomach bug is something you really don’t want. However, don’t miss the opportunity to taste authentic mint tea, a traditional delicious tea with mint leaves. In this case, the water is boiled so there shouldn’t be any risk!

Besides mint tea, bottled water will be your best friend. Use it for everything, including washing your teeth or washing fruit and vegetables.

Besides the water, there are some precautions to take when visiting Morocco.

As explained in my other article An Honest 2023 Guide To The Best Things To Do And See In Marrakech, try to avoid the food sold in the Medina – this is usually not covered and left the mercy of smog, insects and more.

Avoid eating unpeeled fruit and vegetables, fish, and raw meat. Also, avoid drinks with ice and some juices with added tap water.

I know it’s a lot to keep in mind but trust me, it’s worth it if you don’t want to spend a full day sick in bed!

Short answer: yes. We visited Morocco during Ramadan, and it was still an unforgettable experience.

Some shops and restaurants might be closed during the day, especially in the small villages or outside the tourist areas. However, you shouldn’t have any problems in the busier areas.

Museums and attractions are open as usual, and the markets keep going as in the rest of the year.

Be always respectful of the local culture, especially during Ramadan. You can eat and drink in this period, but be respectful of the fasting Moroccans around you.

Yes, you can take pictures in Morocco. However, when taking pictures of people or shops, always ask for consent first – and be ready to pay for it.

Most people will be happy to be photographed for a few dirhams, others will refuse. As long as you’re respectful and ask first, you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Talk about specific topics

Avoid talking about certain topics when visiting the country. Things like the king, the religion, or the men-women roles should be left unspoken.

Remind yourself that you’re not in your own country, and some comments you would make in your home country here might be seen as disrespectful and generate a fight.

As always, this depends on the time and situation. We spent a whole night sitting by the fire in the Sahara desert, talking to locals about things like religion and the issues in Western Sahara, and they were very happy to answer our questions.

Eating with the left hand

Another thing seen as unpolite is eating or  handling food with the left hand – this is thought to be reserved for bathroom hygiene.

Leaving without tips

Not leaving any tips is considered rude. Tips are always expected, and these should be about 10%-15% of the total price, so always make sure to have coins with you!

If you’re planning a trip to the Moroccan desert by yourself, make sure to read a lot.

The Sahara desert was one of the most beautiful experiences of our trip, and we organised the full road trip from Marrakech by ourselves. The sunsets and sunrises are incredible there, and the views are spectacular.

However, some areas must be avoided, like the Western Sahara, due to many unexploded mines.

If you have any doubts, consult your government’s tips before travelling to the country.

Check out below some organised tours in the Sahara desert:

If you’re looking for camping in the desert, check out the Tiziri Camp. We spent the night here and it’s absolutely amazing. We had a fantastic dinner, with delicious wine (the only one we could find during our holiday), an unforgettable night around the fire with live traditional music, a camel ride and, of course, incredible views!

If you want to make sure your holiday goes as planned, a tour might be the best option. Find below some of the best rated tours to explore Morocco!

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