8 Common Scams in Morocco
Scams, the common downside of traveling. We dislike talking about this stuff as much as the next guy, but it’s important to know what to look out for and how to stay safe, so you can enjoy spending your time and hard-earned money. That being said, here’s 8 common scams in Morocco that you might encounter. Additionally, we’ve added some tips on how to avoid them, so that you can keep being the savvy traveler that you are.
The “pre-paid” Master Card at the currency exchange bureau
Ugh, this one is the worst. Here’s how it works: You go to exchange your money and the clerk offers you a portion in cash and insists that a portion go onto a pre-paid Master Card, which will be usable at any ATM machine or purchase point. The only catch? They don’t give you a PIN number for the card, nor does it come with any instructions on how to activate it. Additionally, less than 20% of merchants & restaurants in Morocco accept debit or credit cards, so you really need to be operating on cash-only basis anyway. So what are you left with? A card with a couple hundred bucks on it that you can’t use anywhere and ultimately the bank gets to keep.
How to deal: DO NOT accept this. If you are exchanging money anywhere, just simply do not allow this. They will push hard, because they get a commission for this, but just be firm. Get all of your money in cash and compare the exchange rates to what is current on Google. Remember - in Morocco, cash is king.
Getting the “Moroccan Price”
The system in the souks in Morocco is haggling, and you need to be really good at it to score a non-tourist price. Even still, you’re going to pay a tourist price. The merchant will dance with you from one number to another, while you each exchange some friendly banter and laughs back and forth, and once you agree on a price, he will probably tell you that YOU ripped HIM off and that he gave you the “Moroccan price” but the reality is - no one gets the Moroccan price except for the Moroccans. You are always going to pay a little more than the locals and that’s ok.
How to deal: If it’s an item that you really want, don’t be afraid to compare prices with different merchants. Do some research with locals (ask your Riad manager or a local friend if you have one) for an idea on what the price for the particular item should be. And most importantly, if you absolutely want the “Moroccan price”, your best bet is to kindly ask a Moroccan to buy it for you.
Taxi Scams
Here’s the scenario: You wave for a taxi and the guy stops, you open the door and get in, tell him where you’re going, and then you notice that the meter is turned off. Common scam in Morocco! In cities like Marrakech & Fes, where the petite taxis are all regulated by the meter, this should never happen. The guy will probably tell you that the meter is broken and try to negotiate a base price with you. And it’s probably going to be much higher than you’d be paying if the meter was turned on. So, best bet? Get out of that taxi and get another one.
How to deal: In Marrakech, the minimum fare for a taxi ride in a petite taxi during daylight hours is 7 MAD and 10 MAD after dark. Be prepared to pay at least this much, even if the meter shows less. After you hit the minimum, pay what’s on the meter and nothing more. If the meter isn’t running, get another taxi or ask him to turn it on. They are required by law to do so!
Direction scams in the Medina
You’re walking along, minding your own business and someone approaches you to offer you directions to a particular landmark, market or museum. They might tell you that a road is closed and that you must walk another direction. Now occasionally that might be true, but don’t you think you would see signs for that? This scam is for confusing the tourist with incorrect directions to get them further lost and then demand money for “help” to find their way back. Not nice, and not fun.
How to deal: Don’t accept directions from people you do not know. Simple as that. Carry a paper map, and if you get lost, dip into a cafe or shop and ask the person in charge for directions, or quickly connect to their wifi to re-orient yourself on your maps application. Riad staff are also very helpful at understanding the medina streets, so don’t be shy to ask them for directions! Remember - historically, medinas were built to confuse potential attackers, so they are actually made for getting lost. But that doesn’t mean that getting lost has to be unpleasant!
Animal Photo Scam
This scam is particular to Marrakech in the Jemaa el Fna square, aka - the “big square” of Marrakech. You’ll see tons of guys with animals like monkeys, cobras, etc. all waiting for curious onlookers to come and ask for a photo. That’s all fine and good, but once you take your photo, the demand for money comes - and it doesn’t stop at a few dirhams.
How to deal: Negotiate a price BEFORE you take pics. Don’t try to sneak a pic, either - they will see you, and they will ask for payment. Remember, whether you agree with it or not, this is how they make their money, and they are very good at their jobs. Discuss the price first and then you’re all good. If they ask for more after, too bad.
Fake Guide Scam
Did you know that not just “anyone” can be a tour guide in Morocco? A guide actually has to be licensed by the Ministry of Tourism in order to lead tourists anywhere in Morocco, and it’s a serious profession. In this case, a local guy will approach you in the medina and offer his services as a guide locally or on day/overnight trips to the Sahara, Atlas Mountains, etc. and will probably offer you a sweet deal. That’s probably because a) he’s not really a guide and b) he’s getting a nice commission from a travel company that isn’t worried about breaking the law. Once you agree to a fake guide, you’ll be exposed to all kinds of additional scams like commission-based sales for the “guide”. And be aware - there are tourist police in civilian clothing in most medinas, and they watch for stuff like this. Nothing will ruin a guided tour than your fake guide getting busted by the cops and taken to jail!
How to deal: Ask to see your guide’s Ministry of Tourism badge. They are all required to carry it at all times when working with tourists.
Tree Goats Scam
Maybe you’ve seen photos of the iconic “goats in trees” on the route to Essaouira from Marrakech. The truth? Goats are nimble and love to climb things, and they love to eat from argan trees. But - no sensible argan farmer would allow goats to ruin his crop, so this “phenomenon” is actually just a stunt for tourists. Although it’s not authentic, it’s still a funny thing to see, but it’s gonna cost you.
How to deal: Be prepared to pay for photos and holding baby goats, if you’re interested in this activity. You should expect to pay about 10 MAD for photos and 10-20 MAD for holding/petting the goats. They might ask for more, but this is standard.
Phone Snatchers
Probably the biggest buzzkill to any holiday - a street thief. In cities like Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech these guys are super common and they make their getaway fast - on motorbikes. You might be walking along, filming something for your instagram story and then BAM! - your phone gets swiped right out of your hand and is in the pocket of a motorbike thief before you can even blink.
How to deal: Don’t walk and text. Don’t walk and map, unless you’ve got a strong hold on your phone. And most importantly, if you want to take a photo - stop, look around, step out of the street - and do it quickly. We’ve seen this happen (and it’s happened to our co-founder) too many times for this to be a one-off phenomenon. Also, a note: the likelihood of you getting your stolen phone back is minimal at best, so be extra cautious!
These are our “favorite” scams to look out for, and tips on how to deal with them - but you’ve probably read or heard about others. Most important piece of advice from us: do not let this deter you from traveling to Morocco! The country is amazing, and with a good head on your shoulders and a little bit of advance research and preparations, you can have an unforgettable trip here (in a good way)!
Any questions? Just ask!