i'm a woman planning on a trip to morocco alone.What should I know about the customs and what i should wear?

Answer 1

Shopkeepers and cabbies are very pushy! Theyll try to get as much money out of you as possible. When you take a cab, make sure you agree on a price beforehand (if they dont have a meter... many dont!) otherwise youll end up very frustrated! And try not to give to beggars. If you do, youll have em hanging around all the time (we only gave to one beggar, and only because she was so quiet, didnt ask, just kept holding out her hand. She was an old woman and we felt a bit sorry for her). If youre an American, people will be happy to talk to you. We were told many times that Americans are welcome in Morocco :) If someone is trying to get you to buy something you dont want (whether it be a trinket or a tour of somplace), tell them "No!" VERY firmly! Theyre pushy.

Sometimes tho a guide can be very helpful! We got lost in the marketplace once and gave a kid a few dirham to lead us out. But these guides tend to walk fast and will walk ahead till you cant see them. But youll always (in our experience) find them waiting somewhere ahead.

And definately pay attention to your dress! Men there view American women as being easy (thanks to the media). Like the others said, no tank tops, no short skirts or shorts, nothing too revealing.

And dont take pictures of people unless they give you their permission. Most are superstitious about photos.

If you need/want any more help or advise, feel free to email me :)

Answer 2

Although Morocco is not as authoritarian as other Islamic states you still have to be cautious about public and religious places (recommend that you dress conservatively - i.e. no tank tops, short skirts, etc. and make sure that when entering a mosque, your head is covered and shoes are off.) Also be careful with taking pictures of government buildings or other landmarks - It is best to ask permission from a nearby official before snapping a pic. As well, try and join a tour group - it will be a lot safer than going on your own. Check out the travel report from U.S. consular service.

Answer 3

You should keep your clothing modest, nothing too revealing, too short or too tight. Be careful with your belongings in busy areas. I have never had this happen because I am always with my Moroccan husband, but pickpockets look for tourists. Also, try not to go out at night alone, avoid suspicious areas... typical travel advice, really. As far as customs, you really don't have much to worry about. You do not have to cover your head and you are not allowed into the mosques unless you are Muslim. (Only one mosque in Casablanca allows non-Muslims to enter) Please do not photograph people praying, or peer for a long time into mosques during times of prayer. It is considered very disrespectful. If you see someone praying, do not walk in front of them. If you must pass by them, walk behind them.

Some other advice... always carry small money because it is not uncommon for merchants to claim they cannot make change and often times taxi drivers get frustrated when you give them large bills for a small fare. Also, be careful when crossing the streets, because many drivers do not even try to slow down when people cross in front of them. Be prepared to pay if you need to use a public restroom, or even one in a café, and bring tissues as they do not always provide paper! You will see many beggars on the streets, especially near popular tourist areas and mosques. I only give to the blind or obviously physically disables because I know for a fact that there are no social programs to help them. Be careful eating food from street vendors... their sanitation is not what we expect in the US and you may get sick. Be prepared and bring anti-dirrheal medication with you.

That's all I can think of for now... feel free to email me with any further questions you may have.

Answer 4

it's a muslim country. dress EXTREMELY conservatively, and remember your place in a muslim environment