What Could Go Wrong in Morocco & How to React

Hey there, my dear friends! If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’m all about hyping up Morocco. Its vibrant souks, stunning landscapes, and rich culture are hard to beat. But let’s keep it real: no destination is perfect. Morocco has its share of challenges that travelers might face.

To help you prep for an awesome trip, I’ve scoured the web, including some recent X posts, to share the common complaints and drawbacks tourists encounter in Morocco. Don’t worry, this isn’t about scaring you off... it’s about setting you up for a smoother adventure by giving you a heads-up about some issues you may or you may not encounter.

Alright let's discover the not-so-much Bad Side of Morocco and How to React to any situation that MIGHT happen during your trip.

Aggressive Vendors and Scams in Morocco

One of the top gripes you’ll hear from travelers is about the persistent vendors. This is especially true in busy spots like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Tourists often report being approached by people offering unsolicited help, like giving directions or guiding you to a shop, only to demand an inflated tip afterward.

A post on X summed it up: “You can’t walk 4 feet without being accosted to buy crap by extremely aggressive men who grab you and touch you.” Scams are another issue. For example, fake guides might lie about a site being closed to steer you to their “cousin’s” shop. Taxi drivers can also overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

For instance, a Reddit user shared a story of a man in Marrakech claiming the Bahia Palace was closed. He led them to the tanneries instead, then demanded 50 dirhams and acted insulted when paid. Check the story from here.

How to Handle It: Be firm but polite with a quick “no, thank you” (or “la, shukran” in Arabic) and keep walking. Research your routes beforehand. Consider booking reputable tours through platforms like Get Your Guide to avoid fake guides.

Always agree on taxi fares upfront or use apps like Careem where available. Keep small change handy for minor transactions to avoid haggling over tips. You'll find more tips on how to avoid scams from here.

Pickpocketing and Petty Crime

Crowded places like the medinas of Fez or Marrakech are prime spots for pickpocketing. Tourists sometimes lose wallets, phones, or passports in the hustle and bustle.

One tweet jokingly claimed that “a skilled pickpocket in Morocco can take off with just as much money or valuables as an armed robber would anywhere else.” This is of course not totally true, but while violent crime is relatively low, petty theft can sour your experience if you’re not careful. Learn more.

How to Handle It: Stay alert in crowded areas. Use a money belt or a secure bag under your clothes for valuables. Avoid flashing expensive items like cameras or jewelry. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate place, as it’s illegal to send passports by post in Morocco. Discover more safety tips in this article.

Cultural Differences and Harassment

Morocco’s conservative culture can catch some travelers off guard. Women, especially those traveling solo, may face catcalling or unwanted attention, particularly in touristy cities.

A post on X warned that Morocco might not be ideal for women traveling alone due to men acting “like ANIMALS", this is simply not true. Female travelers in Morocco might face some instances of catcalling, but cases of aggressive sexual harassments are extremely rare.

Plus, the law stands firmly with women in Morocco against sexual harassments ( even catcalling)

A quick police report will get the harasser arrested.

Same-sex relationships are illegal, and public displays of affection can lead to trouble, so LGBTQ+ travelers need to be discreet.

During Ramadan, eating or drinking in public during the day is normal for tourists.

Read more about Morocco in safety terms from this extensive guide.

How to Handle It: Dress conservatively to blend in and respect local customs. Avoid public affection, especially near religious sites.

Overwhelming Heat and Environmental Challenges

If you visit Morocco in the summer (June to August), prepare yourself for intense heat, especially in places like Marrakech. Temperature starts getting low

Some travelers also complain about dirty beaches or unpleasant smells in certain urban areas.

Heavy rain in winter can cause flash flooding in mountainous or river-adjacent areas, which might disrupt your plans. I found this harsh article about 15 reasons to not visit Morocco. Most reasons are true; however, some others have become less frequent.

How to Handle It: Plan your trip for spring or fall for milder weather, or pack light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated during summer.

Check weather forecasts, especially if you’re heading to rural or mountainous regions, and follow local guidance during floods. Stick to well-maintained beaches like those in Essaouira for a cleaner experience. More information can be found here.

Underwhelming Nightlife and Dining

If you’re expecting a vibrant nightlife, Morocco might disappoint. Alcohol is restricted due to cultural norms. Nightlife in cities like Marrakech and Casablanca can feel “soulless” and expensive, with limited options for dancing or socializing.

Some travelers find the food bland compared to expectations, with tagines and couscous dominating but lacking variety in some places.

How to Handle It: Research restaurants with good reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor for authentic, high-quality meals. For nightlife, seek out upscale hotels or tourist-friendly venues that serve alcohol, but expect higher prices. If you’re after local flavor, embrace street food stalls for fresh, affordable eats; just check for hygiene.

Infrastructure and Service Issues

Some travelers report spotty infrastructure, like power or water outages in hotels, especially outside major cities. Service quality can vary, with complaints about overpriced or mediocre restaurants and accommodations.

Driving can also be chaotic, with reports of reckless drivers and even “corruption,” like bribing for licenses.

How to Handle It: Book accommodations with solid reviews on sites like Booking.com. Consider staying in riads for a more reliable, authentic experience. Always confirm prices for services upfront to avoid surprises. More details can be found here.

Conclusion: Embracing the Moroccan Experience

Despite these drawbacks, Morocco remains a breathtaking destination with warm, welcoming people and unforgettable experiences. The key is preparation. Knowing what to expect lets you focus on the magic of the country.

By staying aware about scams, dressing respectfully, and planning around the weather, you can dodge many of these issues and have a trip to remember for all the right reasons. Millions of travelers have done this before.

Have you been to Morocco and faced any of these challenges? Drop a comment or hit me up on X to share your tips for navigating the ups and downs of this country.

And remember, the adventure is just as important as the destination. So, embrace the journey, and let Morocco surprise you! (Hopefully in a good way).