10 Morocco Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Morocco is a colourful land with contrasts, such as the golden sand of Sahara Desert, the busy markets of Marrakech and the old medinas, and the snowy mountains of the Atlas. It is a place that wins the heart of any tourist. Morocco is a truly unique cultural experience, a mixture of Arab, Berber and French cultures. But, to have a great experience in this rich place, one should plan carefully and know the pitfalls of travelling.

Most Indians who travel to Morocco and apply Morocco Visa in India are usually excited about the adventure but most fail to note important information that may affect their trip. Whether it is a cultural faux pas or a logistical snafu, little errors can become major nuisances. Being aware of what to expect and how to prepare, your Moroccan experience will be less stressful, more pleasant and will not be disrespectful to local traditions. In the following list, you will find 10 of the most common travel mistakes in Morocco and how you can avoid them easily.

Here is some Morocco travel mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Failure to Verify the Morocco Visa Requirements in Advance

Most of the tourists think that Morocco has a visa on arrival to Indian passports, but this is not the case. Before you travel to Morocco, you are required to apply to a Morocco Visa in India. Read through the guidelines of the particular embassy, compile the required documents and submit your application early to avoid the last-minute rush.

2. Dressing Inappropriately

Although Morocco is not very liberal like other Muslim nations, the conservative dressing is valued, particularly in the country sides. Women are to wear clothes which cover shoulders and knees. Men are not supposed to wear sleeveless. Wearing decently does not only reflect a respect to the local culture but allows avoiding unwanted attention as well.

3. Disregard of Cultural Etiquette

Holding hands, eating with left hand, or walking into a mosque as a non-Muslim without the permission may be considered as showing disrespect. Never take any pictures of people without asking and learn some Arabic or French phrases. Courtesy and inquisitiveness can achieve a lot as far as Moroccan hospitality is concerned.

4. Misjudgment of the Strength of Bargaining

In the Moroccan souks, bargaining is not only permitted, but it is actually expected. Newbies are not expected to be comfortable with negotiating prices, but failure to bargain implies that you can overpay. Make a lowball offer of half the price and do the negotiation. It is part of the shopping delight!

5. Not Having Enough Cash

Although in big cities such as Casablanca and Marrakech cards are accepted in big establishments, a lot of the country, the markets, and the small sellers are cash only. In remote areas, make sure you have Moroccan dirhams to prevent payment problems.

6. Consumption of Tap Water

Though tap water is available in Morocco, it is advisable that travelers should avoid using tap water especially those who are not used to the water supply. To avoid stomach problems, drink bottled water only, do not drink ice cubes unless you are sure of the source of water.

7. Over scheduling your Itinerary

There is so much to do in Morocco and one may end up being travel burnt by trying to cover many destinations in a short period. Either you are wandering around the blue streets of Chefchaouen or trekking the High Atlas Mountains, take your time to enjoy the local pulse and beauty.

8. Failure to be Careful with Street Food

Although the street food in Morocco is good and it is very tempting, the level of hygiene can differ. Select stalls that appear neat and those that experience a lot of customer traffic. Choose cooked food that is hot to decrease the chances of food poisoning.

9. The Desert Tours without Research

Most tourists are in a hurry to book Sahara tours without verification. Other tours are cheap and will take you sightseeing in tourist spots which are not the actual desert. Read reviews, see what is included (camel rides, meals, and accommodation), and be sure it is a real desert experience.

10. Neglecting to Obey Prayer Times

The Moroccan life revolves around Islam. Business can be suspended and people stop in their daily routine when it is time to pray. During these moments be patient and respectful. Do not be loud or request services when praying, and particularly on Fridays.

Conclusion

Morocco is not merely a tourist destination but it is an adventure of history, color, sound and soul. Be it strolling through the alleyways of Fez, spiced with aromas of the spices or admiring the sunset over the Sahara, every moment in Morocco is a story. Yet just as with any trip, knowing the dos and the don ts will make the magic a little bit extra.

As an Indian traveler, the most important thing that one should do to make his/her travel hustle-free is to make sure that all paper work, more so your Morocco Visa India is in order. In addition to visas, cultural respect, proper dressing, and good logistics will make the good trip a great one. Bear in mind that Morocco is mostly beautiful not only by the sights but by people and traditions as well. Go with an open heart and Morocco will pay you back with some ever-lasting memories.