I just come back from there and I got peeved off with being charged more than locals for things like food and lots of stuff, only one cab driver used his meter, 50 Dirhams from Marrakesh to the airport should only be 20 and he had the cheek to demand I replace a note (which I did'nt have anyway) because it had a tiny bit missing, so he complained to a policeman like a little boy, he told him to go to the airport exchange, things like this put me off Morocco. I know life is hard there but it seems like dog eat dog, and yes I did give money to beggars.
2006-12-18 15:19:56 · 13 answers · asked by zarnticolz 2 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Morocco
It's just an easy way for them to make extra money, it happens everywhere not just Morocco. When you think about what you pay ("ripped off" or not) it still works out to be very cheap, 50dirhams to the airport is only about £3.
Also, they do expect you to haggle with them, those who don't realise this just end up paying full price.
The locals pay less because they live there and earn much less.
You really shouldn't let this put you off going to Morocco, infact the more you go the more "Morocco wise" you will become. I have been loads of times and love it!
2006-12-19 10:07:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think tourists almost everywhere are over-charged or otherwise discriminated against. I have both travelled a lot and worked in tourism and I really think it's an international phenomenon and not something unique to Morocco. People try to take advantage of tourists because they're vulnerable--it's an easy target. Unfortunately, tourists can't do much, other than try to be as respectful as possible in the countries they visit and try to keep an open mind and not be too sensitive. At the same time, I completely understand your frustration; I have been in your position many times and I dislike it very much. Another question is the language barrier--if you can speak the language, communication is much easier and there are fewer occasions for misunderstanding. But on the other hand, if you don't speak the language, it is very difficult to both understand and be understood, and also much more likely that people will take advantage of you.
2006-12-18 15:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by radioflyer57 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No such thing as a typical wedding! And anyhow, Moroccans tend to overspend on weddings just like Americans do...an article a few weeks ago in TelQuel discussed this very subject. Still, a Moroccan wedding usually includes certain standards: -Catered several course meal (first mini-bstila, then a tajine plate for each table, and fruit or desserts afterward). I have no idea how much the catering costs, but it's typical to serve food, so budget for this. You could do the cooking yourselves, which would lower the cost significantly. -Several changes of clothes for the bride (7 is traditional I think, but 3 is more typical) - you can rent or buy them - if you buy, the average caftan costs from about 700 dirhams and up. -Photographer (not that expensive, and it could be cheaper to buy a digital camera! Or just hand out disposable cameras to guests then collect them at the door). -DJ - you can find someone to do this cheap - ask around, certainly someone's cousin will do it for 500dh! -Of course, the location! Lots of weddings are in private homes, but with 100 people, you'll probably need to rent a space, which can be outrageously expensive. Perhaps 5,000dh? I really don't know, I'm not in Casa. I've been to a bunch of weddings - some offer gifts to guests, some don't. Still, these are inexpensive - often just a small toy or figurine with almonds or sugar. I'd say from what I've mentioned, you could manage to do the wedding for 15,000dh perhaps. We just had a party for 50 at home, without catering (we just served sweets and cake) and I borrowed my clothes - it probably cost around 5,000dh total.
2016-05-23 06:15:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just the way it goes im afraid, i have been twice and knew i was getting ripped off but to be honest when you work out how much it costs here, it is still cheap. we paid 100 dh for a cab to the airport from marrekech so looks like we got even more ripped off than you. oh well, will be more savvy next time!
2006-12-18 17:54:05 · answer #4 · answered by bumkin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of countries do charge tourists a lot more. Some countries do it just to rip you off; others do it as a source of foreign income into the country.
2006-12-18 18:06:12 · answer #5 · answered by Penfold 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's everywhere you go people prey on tourist people think that since you are a tourist you dont know the prices and you have money since you are visiting
PS i have been over charged in monaco france uk japan australia and us its everywhere not just morocoo
2006-12-20 16:39:32 · answer #6 · answered by youngandfly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because tourists stick out like a sore thumb and are vulnerable
2006-12-18 15:39:14 · answer #7 · answered by Scotty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the salespeople know that they can take advantage of you. The best thing to do is be friends with a local you'll never get overcharged that way
2006-12-20 04:01:34 · answer #8 · answered by Detou 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its not only Morocco
i had similar experiences in Italy
and Nigeria
they always charge extra to foreigners
and always complain to whoever they can
2006-12-18 15:24:42 · answer #9 · answered by me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been to Morocco , Algeria, Tunisa.and never got ripped off .
like that. you do have to be street wise.
2006-12-18 15:24:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋