Destination Experts Morocco
MOROCCO FAST FACTS
Capital: Rabat
Official language: Arabic
Major Religion: Islam
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
King: Muhammad VI
Population: 31.6 million
Currency: Dirham
International dialing code: +212
Visas
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand are granted 3 month visa stamps upon arrival. All visitors require a passport.
Weather
The weather in Morocco during your visit may fluctuate between 23-30 C during the daytime and cooler overnight. It is advisable to have a wide brimmed hat, carry sun protection cream, sunglasses and bottled water with you at all times.
Currency Exchange
The Moroccan currency is Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and as at March 2011 the exchange rate is $1AUD = 8.13MAD; €1 Euro = 11.05MAD; $1US = 8.51MAD.
ATM’s
Cash can easily be obtained via ATM machines in most major cities and tourist areas. You can withdrawal up to 4000MAD per day from most ATM machines.
It is advisable to keep some smaller currency notes and coins in a separate pocket or purse to avoid opening wallets in public.
It is worth noting that Morocco is a cash economy and often credit cards are not accepted in smaller shops, outlets or restaurants or even places of accommodation.
Clothing
While there is no uniform dress code in Morocco, it is still important to remember that this is a religious nation, and to dress accordingly. Modest dress will save you from a lot of hassle. It is generally a good idea to avoid shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or very tight clothing.
Light, cotton or linen clothing is more comfortable, and good sandals or sneakers for walking are advisable. Visitors should be aware that modesty is a part of the culture in Morocco and is a sign of respect for yourself and the Muslim way of life.
For women a scarf or wrap should be kept handy in case it is needed for visits to sacred areas or mosques. Knee length skirts and shorts and loose tee shirts are fine, but anything less would be considered inappropriate.
A windbreaker/warm jacket will be handy for Essaouira to guard against the cool Atlantic winds.
Women Travellers
Women need to be aware that they may be the target of many comments and even stares, especially when travelling alone. In these situations it is best to remain calm and completely ignore the comments. Otherwise, it is fairly safe to walk around crowded areas, but still best to avoid walking in deserted areas or walking alone at night.
Medical
Medical care is generally substandard; however, private medical care is available in most cities. While the health system has been making improvements to health standards in Morocco, there remain huge problems in the system. The challenge is to increase human and material resources and access to health care, despite socio-economic constraints. King Mohammad VI has been involved in initiatives to create health care access in rural areas of for the poor.
Health Advice:
Drink bottled water and avoid ice
Eat only cooked or peeled fruits and vegetables and avoid salads
Be careful of food purchased from street vendors
Wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
Bring mosquito and insect bite protection
Don’t handle animals
Don’t swim in fresh water lakes or streams
If you’ve got a weak stomach it goes without saying to keep some Imodium handy!
Alcohol
Whilst Morocco is an Islamic country alcohol is still available in most cities and can be found at supermarkets, special bottle shops and most tourist areas.
Be aware that if you are with a Muslim it is polite to ask if it is okay to drink whilst in their company. As part of their religion alcohol is considered extremely bad and to be involved with people or to even touch a bottle of alcohol can compromise their integrity.
Religion
98% of Morocco is Muslim, a religion built on the five pillars of Islam which are:
To believe in only one God, Allah, and that the prophet was Mohammed
To pray 5 times per day
To give alms to the poor
To practice Ramadam
To make the Haj (the religious pilgrim) to Mecca, the birthplace of Islam
Charity
Morocco is a developing nation and still remains a very poor country in general, with no social security systems in place to assist people. You will most likely be approached by beggars and it is at your discretion how much you would like to give but as a guide a 5MAD coin will buy a beggar bread and milk for the day.
Is not advisable to give to children, and hoards of women who may be seen begging together in groups with babies and toddlers as they often ‘borrow’ their ‘children’ from friends and relatives. However with people who have a disability, are old and infirm it is acceptable to assist discreetly.
Etiquette
It goes without saying that good manners are appropriate at all times, and if you are fortunate enough to be invited to a Moroccan home you should take a small gift, such as chocolates or Moroccan pastries, with you.
You should be aware that it is always polite to offer to remove your shoes as you enter a Moroccan home, and you can take the lead from your host.
When you are introduced it is polite to offer your hand and you may find that some Moroccans will kiss you on the cheek three times as a way of welcoming you to their country.
If you are served with food, you will be constantly encouraged to keep eating. It is usually a good idea to start slowing down a little while before you actually get full. You do not have to keep eating just because they say so, though. Food is usually served on a big plate in the middle of the table. When you are eating, it is helpful to imagine a pie and eat the slice in front of you. It is generally considered rude to reach into someone else’s section, unless it is for the purpose of passing food to someone else. It is also good to keep in mind that meat is more expensive and is considered the best part of the meal. The meat will often be at the centre of the plate, but while your hosts will likely keep offering you meat, it is good to pace yourself. It is also generally polite to avoid the meat until you see someone else eating it. Another helpful hint to keep in mind is to avoid the use of you left hand when eating or handling any kind of food.
Jewellery
Be aware that open display of expensive or excess jewellery could lead to theft in the built up tourism areas. When shopping and bargaining it also advertises that you are a good target for salesmen to increase prices on products dramatically.
It is best left in the hotel safe.
Wallets
Be careful with your wallets and passports especially in the built up tourism areas, even more so in Marrakech’s famous Djemaa El Fna Square where pick pockets work in gangs with very nimble fingers!
Shopping
Moroccan salesman are said to be amongst the best in the world and anything can be negotiated in Morocco, believe it or not right down to your medical care!
Have fun shopping in the medinas. As a good guide to bargaining a final 40% reduction from the original spoken price is a good bargain and if you get them down to 50% you’re a true hard and fast negotiator yourself!
Tipping
A question that we always get asked but which of course is at your personal discretion.
Due to the poor wages received by most Moroccans tipping is a crucial part of life in the tourism Industry. It is up to your discretion how much you tip but the following may help as a general guide for a MINIMUM tip:
Hotel portage and baggage handling – around 20MAD
Guides – a minimum of 10Euro for a half day or 20 Euro for a full day
Drivers of tour vehicles at a minimum 20 Euro per day or more for good service
For the other odd occasion where you may need to tip and for restaurants, 10% of your bill is appropriate and if the service is good it’s at your discretion
Toilets – 2 or 3 MAD to the assistant (and always carry some tissues just in case!)
If you do any shopping and there is shop boy/man helping eg. Pulling out rugs for you etc then you should also tip him a discreet amount
Language
The mother tongue is a dialect of Arabic known as Darija and 80% of Morocco’s population also speak French. A few words of Darija will delight and amuse the locals, such as
Hello Salaam alykum -peace be to you
Alykum salaam -and to you too
How are you? La bas
Yes Eeyeh
No La
Please Afak
Goodbye Bslama
Thank you Shukran
No, thank you La Shukran
God Willing Inshallah
Go Away Seer fhalek
To your health Bisahar
How much? Bshhal
Too much Bzef
Too little Bshwiya
Where’s the toilet please? Fin toilette afak?
We hope you have a very enjoyable time in this diverse and exciting country. You are our guests and we are at your disposal at all times. Our aim is for you to take away lasting memories of Morocco.
Michele Reeves and Youssef Abdelmoula
YOMIKHA MOROCCO