Is Morocco safe? Here's The Truth from A Local
- Waleed
- Jun 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 5, 2024
Table of content:
Morocco is considered a safe destination for tourists, but like any other third-world country, it has its own flaws and risks. Tourists can expect to encounter some inconveniences while in Morocco, but nothing serious, except rarely. Overall, you won't be running into cartels or mafias or anything of that sort. So don't let your imagination drift you away into unrealistic scenarios. It's mostly pitty crimes and drugs-related incidents.
With that said, please keep in mind that Morocco has proven itself to be a destination worth visiting. And as we keep learning about the issues this country is facing, bear in mind that more than over 10 millions tourists visit it yearly. Only a small percent of them report experiencing a major unfortunate event negatively affecting their visit.
With proper preparation and enough knowledge, you'll definitely have a safe and memorable experience in Morocco. Since we're dedicated to present you with that knowledge, this post is here to prepare you for any problems you may encounter during your trip in Morocco.
Please let me go in details into what could go wrong during your trip in Morocco. This way you'll get a better understanding of how safe Morocco is.
Getting mugged/robbed in Morocco
Getting mugged is probably the worst thing that could happen to you in Morocco, and it’s something even locals complain about. The good news? It’s rare, and easy to avoid if you're careful.
This kind of thing is more likely to happen in big cities than in smaller towns. Like any other country, Morocco has its share of muggers. These people tend to hang around in dark alleys or isolated spots, places you’d have no reason to visit anyway. Avoid those areas, and you’ll be good.
Not all old neighborhoods in big cities are unsafe. In fact, you’ll find some of the kindest and most generous people in these places. But it's smart to visit with a guide or local friend, just to avoid getting lost or ending up in the wrong spot.
But let’s say something does happen, and you get mugged, what should you do?
First, don’t try to fight back. Hand over what you’ve got and stay calm. Once the mugger is gone, head to a nearby home or shop and ask for help contacting the police.
To be honest, Moroccan police do a great job handling these situations. Fun fact: they care about tourists even more than locals, so you’ll definitely get a quick response.
Getting scammed
Let’s be real, you’ll probably get scammed at some point. It’s almost part of the experience. Some vendors will try to overcharge you or sell you something fake. Sometimes, they’ll do both!
The truth is, Morocco is a country with a lot of poverty, and when people are in survival mode, they'll do whatever it takes to make a few bucks. They might be pushy and rude, but they're not physically harmful, just financially. They'll happily take your money with a smile.
The best way to avoid getting scammed is to travel with a trusted agency. You pay upfront, and they handle everything—no worries about taxis, motels, or any sketchy service providers.
A good agency will also hook you up with a reliable guide who knows how to dodge shady vendors and bad deals. Even better, they’ll bargain for you so you can pay a fair price, just like a local.
Now, what if you do get scammed?
You can try reporting it to the authorities, but to be honest, they don’t usually pay much attention unless it’s a big amount of money involved.
Your other option? Take it as a learning experience and use it to sharpen your street smarts for next time.
Drug-related incidents
Every now and then, you might hear about someone getting assaulted while under the influence. Personally, I’ve never seen it happen, but I know it’s a thing in Morocco, especially in poorer neighborhoods or isolated areas.
It’s extremely rare for tourists to get caught up in these situations. Like any country, Morocco has its issues with drugs, but it’s not at extreme levels. It’s definitely not a place run by cartels or organized drug gangs.
Morocco is known for hemp (hashish). People in the northern areas grow it, and it’s processed illegally for local and international markets. Other drugs make their way into the streets too, but it seems like the authorities are doing a decent job cracking down on that.
As a tourist, the worst thing you’ll probably see is someone with a joint. Moroccan society is conservative, and even drug users tend to avoid doing it publicly out of shame and fear of judgment, and of course, the police.
So, as long as you’re not out there looking for drugs or trouble, you’ll be perfectly safe from any drug-related issues in Morocco.
Road Accidents
Driving on Moroccan roads, especially in crowded cities, can be dangerous. Morocco has one of the highest rates of fatal road accidents. Poor driving skills, selfish behavior on the road, and poorly maintained vehicles are just a few reasons why driving here can be risky.
As a first-time visitor, you’ll definitely notice the chaos. Moroccans are used to it and, in many ways, are part of the problem. So, you’ll either need to adapt or find a reliable driver. Public transportation is also an option to consider.
Overall, driving in Morocco can be pretty scary for tourists. Marrakech, in particular, is a nightmare. The city is full of unpredictable bikers and pedestrians. My advice: always let them go first, or at least keep your distance.
The bright side? You’ll leave Morocco with reflexes like a cat!
So, there you have it, getting robbed, getting scammed, rare drug incidents, and road accidents are generally the worst things that could happen to you in Morocco. Is Morocco safe? I’d say yes, despite these issues, which honestly exist in almost every country.
But there’s more to think about.
How Safe is Morocco: Q&A
The truth is that every tourist’s experience in Morocco is different, depending on things like their background, interests, and what they expect. But two big factors that can shape your time here are gender and sexuality. Cultural norms and how locals treat you can vary because of these.
For example, solo female travelers might face different challenges than male travelers, and LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware of the local customs and attitudes. Here is a Q&A sections that answers some of the most common question people have about safety in Morocco:
Is Morocco Safe for Women?
Morocco is safe for both men and women. Although being a Muslim country, women in Morocco aren't forced to cover up . And as a woman, you don't need a male guardian to access the country, nor to travel through it. However, female tourists in Morocco occasionally experience some harassment from some men. Mainly catcalling and being approached forcefully.
Is Morocco Safe for LGBTQ People?
No. To this day, gay sex is considered a punishable crime in Morocco, with jail time. People are forbidden to openly declare being gay or engage in same-sex relationships. Morocco is still an Islamic conservative country, and the Islamic religion strictly forbids such relationships. Moroccan society also considers this subject a taboo. However, the government turns a blind eye to LGBTQ tourists if they are discreet in public.
So, in a nutshell, LGBTQ tourists are safe in Morocco unless they openly express their relationship in any way in public. Advice: If you're a member of the LGBTQ community, you can visit and enjoy Morocco just like any other visitor, as long as you keep the fun indoors and in very private spaces.
Is Morocco Safe for Jewish people?
Yes, Morocco is safe for Jewish people. However, Jewish people from Israel might experience some discrimination and rejection. This is due to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, with the majority of Moroccan people being on the Palestinian side. To put it in a simpler manner, Jewish people are welcomed in Morocco unless they reveal being from Israel or being supporters of the Israeli side. The government, of course, protects Israeli tourists, and aside from getting the cold shoulder, they will be safe.
Is Morocco Safe for Americans?
Yes, Morocco is safe for Americans. Going to Morocco as an American doesn't mean you're less safe than other tourists from other nationalities. In fact, Americans are much welcomed in Morocco and might even find it easier to navigate Morocco than other visitors thanks to the English language.
Despite French being the most common foreign language spoken by bilingual Moroccan people, English is rapidly becoming popular as well, especially among the new generations. So, going to Morocco as an American will give you an advantage when it comes to communication with the locals. Finding a guide who can speak English would also be easy in Morocco.