10 Things You MUST Know Before Going to Morocco 🇲🇦
(First-Time Traveler Tips)
Before my first trip to Morocco, I didn’t really know what to expect. I joined a tour with a group of strangers and hopped on a flight to Marrakech with little idea of what life in Northern Africa would be like.
From bustling cities to quiet desert towns, I quickly realized that Morocco is a place full of culture, tradition, and surprises — and many things I took for granted in the U.S. simply don’t apply here.
If you’re heading to Morocco soon and want to avoid tourist mistakes, culture shock, or awkward moments, here are 10 things you absolutely need to know before you go.
1. Alcohol is hard to find — and often not available
Morocco is a Muslim country, and Islamic law prohibits alcohol — so don’t expect to grab a beer with dinner or pick up a bottle of wine just anywhere.
Most restaurants do not serve alcohol, and you likely won’t find it in convenience stores either. There are bars and select grocery stores that carry alcohol, but they’re not everywhere, especially if you’re headed to smaller towns or rural areas.
🚫 During Ramadan, alcohol laws are even stricter. It may be completely illegal to sell alcohol to Moroccans during this time, and many bars won’t serve it at all.
On top of that, many businesses close on Fridays for prayer and religious observance. So if you’re counting on getting a drink — or even a regular meal — on a Friday, plan ahead.
2. Dress modestly — seriously!
Yes, Morocco can get hot. But no, that doesn’t mean tank tops and shorts are appropriate.
As a Muslim-majority country, modest clothing is the norm, and it’s especially important to respect local customs in rural areas or smaller towns. That means:
Covering your shoulders and knees at a minimum
Opting for long, lightweight pants or dresses
Avoiding tight or revealing clothing
👚 In cities like Marrakech, you might see tourists dressing more casually, but honestly? The ones who didn’t cover up really stood out — and not in a good way. I highly recommend dressing in a way that aligns with the culture, both out of respect and for your own comfort.
3. Always carry cash — and get it when you can
To quote Dave Ramsey: “Cash is king.” And in Morocco? That couldn’t be more true.
💵 The buses, taxis, many restaurants, and smaller shops are cash-only, and exact change is often expected.
I exchanged my money as soon as I landed at the Marrakech airport because I’d heard the ATMs can be unreliable — and they were. Lines were long, machines were often out of service, and I didn’t want to risk running out of money.
▶️ Pro tip: If you find a working ATM, take out more than you think you’ll need. You don’t want to be caught in a cash-only situation without any cash.
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) — and at the time of my trip, the exchange rate was around 1 USD = 10 MAD.
4. Expect to hear the mosque call — even at 5am
In Morocco, practicing Muslims pray five times a day, and the call to prayer (or adhan) is broadcast loudly from mosques via loudspeakers.
The first call? Around 5:00 AM.
The last? Around 10:00 PM.
📢 It’s loud. You’ll hear it no matter where you’re staying, and it’s definitely a unique and memorable part of the experience. I found it beautiful and deeply spiritual — but if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs. :)
5. Take the train — avoid flying domestically
One of the best decisions I made in Morocco? Taking the train.
Morocco’s train system is affordable, efficient, and reliable. I traveled from Marrakech to Casablanca for just 150 Dirham (~$15 USD). You can buy your ticket the day of, and in my experience, the trains were on time and easy to navigate.
✈️ In contrast, domestic flights were a nightmare. I had two separate bookings with Royal Air Maroc — both were severely delayed, and one got canceled last-minute. I ended up scrambling for alternative accommodations twice.
Moral of the story? Take the train.
6. Nothing is free — even if it seems like it
This one surprised me, but it’s something you should know: if someone offers you something “for free,” expect to pay.
🎭 For example:
Taking a photo of a snake charmer? You’ll be asked for money.
Getting directions from someone on the street? Same deal.
Filming a public performance? Yep, payment expected.
I wasn’t pressured too badly, but I’ve heard stories of aggressive demands for payment. To avoid awkward situations, only engage when you’re okay with tipping or paying — and always agree on the price beforehand if it's a service.
7. Tipping is expected — but 10% is fine
Unlike the U.S., tipping in Morocco doesn’t need to be 20%, but it is still expected.
💰 In restaurants, a 10% tip is the norm.
💁 Tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff also appreciate small tips.
Make sure you carry small bills and coins so you’re not stuck trying to tip with large denominations.
8. Rooftops are everywhere — and they’re amazing
If you’re spending time in Marrakech, you have to check out the rooftops.
From cafes and restaurants to riads (traditional Moroccan houses), there are tons of places where you can enjoy a drink (alcoholic or not), soak in the views, and escape the chaos of the streets below.
🌇 Rooftop dining in Morocco offers:
Beautiful city views
Breezy spots to cool down
Great photo ops (obviously)
Don’t leave without enjoying at least one rooftop sunset.
9. You can get by with English — especially in big cities
While Arabic and Berber are the official languages in Morocco, you’ll be surprised by how many people speak English — especially in places like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes.
I don’t speak Arabic or Berber, but I had no problem navigating the cities, asking questions, or ordering food. In rural areas, English is less common, but most hotel and tour staff still spoke it well enough to help us out.
If you're worried about communication, don't be — Morocco is more English-friendly than I expected.
10. Don’t drink the tap water
This might be obvious if you’ve traveled a lot, but in Morocco, stick to bottled water — even for brushing your teeth if you want to be extra careful (I did).
🚱 To stay healthy:
Drink only sealed bottled water
Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s from purified water
Be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables
It’s not about being overly paranoid — it’s just not worth risking getting sick on your trip.
Final Thoughts
My trip to Morocco was eye-opening, beautiful, and educational. It challenged some of the stereotypes I’ve seen in Western media, and I left with a deeper appreciation for a culture I knew little about before.
If you go with an open mind, a little cultural awareness, and these 10 tips in your back pocket, I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with Morocco too.
