Petty crime
“Tourists are rarely, if ever, targeted [for crimes], except by beggars … which can get really annoying, really fast,” Peters says.
Morocco has a relatively low crime rate, but Peters recommends that you keep alert and watch your valuables at all times. Other tips include:
- Avoid poorly lit areas and don’t travel alone at night.
- Watch your belongings and don’t flash valuables.
- Be especially careful at beaches, crowded places, and tourist attractions.
Running: Stick to populated areas and watch traffic. Also:
- Go with a companion.
- Avoid jogging at night.
Con artists: Con artists of all ages target tourists, pretending to be friendly as a buildup to stealing whatever they can.
- Tourists are also subject to harassment on the street from peddlers and “guides.”
- Politely refuse their services and keep walking.
Cyber scams: Cyber scams are also something to watch for in Morocco.
- Make sure you’re on a legitimate Wi-Fi network before connecting to the internet.
Getting Around In The Cities
Morocco’s cities are an intoxicating blend of exotic and cosmopolitan. Like most big cities around the world, they require you to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco’s economic capital and largest city, and home to its largest slums. According to Peters, Moroccans and travelers have to have their “big-city” awareness on and watch for muggings and petty theft (like phone snatching).
Peters’ take: “Casablanca lacks the charm of every other Moroccan city and is best avoided anyway.”
Marrakesh
“The country does a fantastic job of having the old city of Marrakesh, Morocco’s No. 1 tourist destination, patrolled by police, both in uniform and undercover,” Peters says.
What to watch for? Unscrupulous shopkeepers. Peters recommends taking an organized tour to avoid the high-pressure sales tactics and being prepared to haggle.
Other cities
“The normal sorts of cautions should be taken when walking around Morocco’s other cities, like Fez, Tangier, Rabat, and Essaouira,” Peters says. These cities are extremely photogenic and very walkable – so keep your camera batteries charged and extra storage on hand.
“The maze-like medina of Fez can be frightening in the evening because of its sheer size,” he adds. “If you’re ever lost or feel unsafe, ask a shopkeeper to help you out – not street kids. The same goes for any other city in Morocco.”
Weather
There’s periodic flooding during the November-to-March rainy season, along with the occasional earthquake. It’s always hotter and drier in the Sahara region, with the added plus of scorpions and snakes.
Terrorist Activity
There hasn’t been a terrorist attack in Morocco since 2011, but there have been threats against the government. Security forces have effectively thwarted most terrorist threats, so tourists can generally feel safe.
The U.S. State Department notes that terrorists may target clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters, U.S. brand establishments, and other public areas. They also recommend that U.S. citizen campers camp in guarded campgrounds instead of isolated campsites.
Health
“It’s a good idea to have a vaccination for Hepatitis A, wash your hands regularly, and carry loperamide with you in case of travelers’ diarrhea,” Peters says. “I usually encourage people to read up on the CDC guidelines for health safety before leaving.”
Language Issues
In Peters’ experience, because of the language diversity in Morocco – with Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, and English all being commonly spoken – it’s easy to get lost in translation.
“One of the best things about having an expertly-crafted tour put together for you is that you’ll be less likely to have issues because of miscommunication,” he says. “It’s also reassuring to have trusted people around you when you are traveling to a place like Morocco that most find somewhat exotic.”
Other Issues
- Visas: You only need a valid passport to visit Morocco, not a visa.
- Currency: The dirham is Morocco’s official currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are usually accepted in larger cities and tourist areas. It’s a good idea to change around $100 into dirhams to pay for small items and tip service people.
- Be particularly vigilant around ATMs: Only use machines in busy, well-lighted areas. Cover the keypad with your hand to avoid disclosing your PIN.
- Demonstrations: Political and social demonstrations are frequent in Morocco and are rarely confrontational or violent. American travelers should avoid demonstrations and move away as soon as possible. Tourists should also be extra-vigilant at events that attract large crowds, like soccer games.
- Extreme Activities: According to Peters, “As long as you have a good gauge of your fitness and take the normal precautions you should be just fine, whether you choose to spend your time surfing in Taghazout, rock climbing in the Todra Gorge, or summiting Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Toubkal.”
- The Sahara: “The biggest danger in the desert is the heat,” Peters says. “Definitely pack your sunscreen and if traveling during the hot months, you’ll want to ensure you have access to air conditioning. Be doubly cautious if traveling with children.”
Travel Safety In Morocco: The Bottom Line
“With travelers looking more and more to find destinations outside of the well-trod paths of Paris, London, New York and Hawaii, Morocco ticks a lot of the boxes,” Peters says. “It’s a safe, well-secured country with a long, interesting history, amazing ruins, incredible landscapes, delicious local cuisine, and year-round wonderful weather.
“If you add this to its reasonable cost and warm, welcoming hosts, it’s no wonder that it has been pushed up to the top of travel lists for people from around the world.”
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