What to Know Before You Go

When traveling to Morocco, you’re in for a beautiful, sensory-rich adventure. From ancient medinas to desert nights under the stars, this guide will help answer your most common questions before we hit the road.

🧭 Will we have a driver and a tour guide?

Yes! We’ll have a private driver with us throughout the journey. While drivers handle transport, they are not permitted to guide in medinas or cultural sites. That’s where our amazing licensed city guides step in. If we’re staying in a pedestrian-only medina, luggage transport and rides for meals or outings outside the medina will be arranged.

🧳 How much luggage should we bring?

Pack light! One suitcase and one personal item per person is ideal. We are on the move during this adventure so you want to pack light to travel well!

☀️ What’s the weather like?

With our trip planned in late October, this is one of the best months to visit Morocco. The weather is mild and perfect for travel. Daytime temperatures can reach around 86°F and nighttime lows near 59°F.

👕 What should I wear?

• Women – Dress modestly. There is no need necessarily to cover hair, arms, or legs, but this helps with sun protection and is also respectful.
• Men – Pants are more common than shorts.
• Evenings – Moroccans often dress up for dinner. Bring layers, especially for cooler desert nights.
• Comfortable walking shoes!
  

🧼 Can I do laundry?

Yes! Most hotels and riads offer laundry services. Local dry cleaners (“pressings”) are also an option – our driver can assist.

🕌 Can tourists enter mosques?

Generally, no. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is an exception. Modest attire is required and shoes must be removed.

🧴 Should I bring toiletries and meds?

Yes! Bring your preferred brands and ALL prescription medications. Hotels provide basics, but availability varies.

🍽️ What about food & restaurants?

I’ll share a curated list, but you’re free to explore too! We will enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning. Lunch is on our own but we will be given guidance on where to go. We will have some special complimentary evening meals together including: 

• Welcome dinner in Rabat! We’ll enjoy a meal at a cozy, family-run establishment
• Dinner is always included when we are in remote areas such as the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert Camp

🥦 Are vegetarian options available?

Yes! Think veggie tajines, couscous, pastilla, lentils, and Morocco’s famous avocado smoothies. Share any dietary needs with me in advance and I’ll coordinate with our driver.

⚠️ What about food allergies?

I can provide allergy cards in French and Arabic. Bring any essential medications like an EpiPen as availability can be limited.

💧 Water & Food Safety

Tap water in Morocco is not recommended for drinking. Please stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. It’s also best to use bottled water for brushing your teeth and don’t swallow water in the shower. Drink only bottled water with unbroken seals, boiled tap water, and purified water. Avoid ice cubes unless you make them yourself with water you know is clean.

When it comes to food, Morocco is known for its flavorful and fresh cuisine. While dining out, we’ll be eating at reputable restaurants and trusted local spots. As with any international travel, it’s wise to avoid raw or unpeeled street food unless you’re confident in the vendor. Cooked foods, tagines, couscous, and fresh bread are all safe and delicious staples you can enjoy with confidence. Eat only well-cooked, very hot meals. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless you wash well and peel it yourself. Skip street vendors, buffets, and any foods that have been sitting out.


Always, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and travel with hand sanitizer.

🗣️ Will English be enough?

Yes! Many people in tourism speak English, though French is more common. Our driver is multilingual, and you won’t have trouble communicating.

🌟 What are Morocco’s can’t miss experiences?

Our trip covers ALL the highlights, but I can help you book extras:

• Cooking class in Marrakech (10 AM–2 PM on our final day)
• Hammam experience (traditional bath house before heading for departure)
  

💰 How do we handle money?

• Cash is king
• ATMs are common and usually fee-free (check with your bank)
• Bring a backup card (Visa/MasterCard preferred, as AMEX is rarely accepted)
• Shops may have minimums for cards or charge small fees

🛍️ What’s worth buying in Morocco?

Shopping is part of the fun! Some favorites:

• Spices & Pottery (especially Fes blue ceramics)
• Leather (bags, poufs, slippers – Marrakech & Fes)
• Rugs & Textiles (handmade Berber designs)
• Argan Oil & Thuya Wood (look for women’s cooperatives)
• Metalwork & Lanterns (especially in Marrakech)

💸 How does tipping work?

Tipping is a daily part of life in Morocco. A tip for our private driver/guide is included. Extra tipping that shows appreciation is always welcome. Here’s a quick guide:

• Restaurants: 10–15%
• City/history guides: $5-10 per person
• Short Specialty Guides – $2 per person per tour
• Camel handlers: $2–5 per person
• Porters/luggage handlers: $1–2 per bag
• Housekeeping – $2 per day
• Street Performers & Musicians $1-2

Use small dirham notes when possible. Larger tips can be in dirhams, dollars, or euros.

🛂 Passport & Visa Info

• No visa needed for U.S., Canadian, European, and Australian travelers staying under 90 days.
• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay (some recommend 6 months beyond entry).
• At arrival, you’ll receive a visitor number—keep it handy for hotel check-ins.
  

🔐 Is Morocco safe?

Yes. Morocco is welcoming and tourism is a major industry. We use licensed guides and regulated drivers and our driver will keep us informed along the way. As always, use common-sense precautions when traveling:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid large crowds and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Keep your passports, money and travel documents in a waist belt or secure bag. 

🛡️ Should I get travel insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Many U.S. policies don’t cover overseas medical care. Insurance can also protect against delays or cancellations. I recommend Travel Insured International and can send you a quote upon request.