7 Crucial Things to Avoid in Morocco (A Beginner's Guide)

Honestly, Morocco is one of the most vibrant, welcoming, and hospitable countries I’ve ever visited. But like any destination with a deeply distinct culture and a booming tourism industry, there are a few pitfalls that catch first-time travelers completely off guard—myself included on my first trip!

Most travel guides will tell you what you must do: sleep in a riad, ride a camel, eat a tagine. But sometimes, knowing exactly what not to do is what actually saves your trip from becoming a stressful mess.

To be fair, Moroccans are incredibly forgiving of tourist faux-pas, but to help you navigate the souks and the culture with confidence across your trip, here are the 7 crucial mistakes I learned to avoid the hard way.

1. Do NOT Drink the Tap Water (Seriously)

This is the golden rule of North African travel. Yes, the tap water in Moroccan cities is treated, and locals drink it without issue. But what surprised me was how quickly your stomach can turn just because it’s not accustomed to the local bacteria.

Drinking it, or even just brushing your teeth with it, is a fast track to ruining three days of your holiday hugging a toilet in your beautiful riad.

• My practical tip: Stick to sealed bottled water or, better yet, bring a reusable bottle with a built-in heavy-duty filter (like a LifeStraw or Grayl).
• Mistake to avoid: Forgetting about the ice! Avoid ice in cheap cafes and be wary of raw salads washed in tap water at local, un-reviewed spots.

2. Don’t Disrespect the Local Dress Code

Morocco is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country. While cities like Marrakech and Agadir are highly accustomed to Western tourists, wearing hot-pants, crop tops, or singlets in the old medinas is considered deeply disrespectful.

Honestly, you don’t need to cover your head or wear traditional clothing, but adhering to the “shoulders and knees” rule just makes blending in so much easier. You’ll get far less unwanted attention, too.

• My practical tip: Wear loose, light, breathable clothing. Maxi dresses, linen trousers, and polo shirts are absolute lifesavers in the heat.

Internal link: Read my extensive Morocco Packing List for Australians for exactly what I packed.

3. Avoid Taking Photos of People Without Asking

In many Western countries, taking street photography of locals is totally normal. In Morocco, it is highly sensitive. Many older Moroccans, particularly in rural areas or those working in the souks, have personal or religious objections to being photographed.

It took me a while to realize this, but you cannot treat the locals like props for your Instagram feed.

• My practical tip: Always ask “Mumkin sura?” (Can I take a picture?). If they say no, just smile and put the camera down.
• Mistake to avoid: Sneaking photos from the hip. They notice, and it’s incredibly rude. (If they say yes, they may ask for a small tip of 5-10 Dirhams, which is entirely fair if you are taking a portrait of an artisan!).

4. Don’t Fall for the “The Road is Closed” Scam

This is arguably the most common scam in Marrakech and Fes. You will be walking towards a major landmark, and a young guy will casually step in front of you and say, “The road is closed today,” or “That way is blocked, come this way.”

Spoiler alert: the road is not closed. He just wants to lead you deep into the medina to his uncle’s shop, or demand a hefty tip for “rescuing” you.

• My practical tip: Ignore him. Do not engage, do not argue. Just politely say “La, shukran” (No, thank you), and keep walking with purpose. They usually give up immediately.

5. Avoid Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Moroccan society values modesty, both in dress and behavior. While holding hands is generally fine for married or visibly established couples in tourist areas, anything beyond that (kissing, heavy embracing) in public is frowned upon. It’s technically illegal, though rarely enforced for foreigners.

• My practical tip: Save the romance for the privacy of your stunning riad courtyard.

6. Resist the Urge to Pet the Stray Cats and Dogs

Morocco is famously full of stray cats (who are generally well-fed by the locals and keep the medinas free of mice). While it’s incredibly tempting to pat them—and trust me, I wanted to—you really should avoid it.

Rabies is still present in Morocco. A tiny scratch from a startled stray animal will result in an immediate trip to the hospital for painful rabies shots, effectively ruining your holiday.

• Mistake to avoid: Reaching out to a sleeping cat in the souks. Admire them from a distance instead! If you want to help, you can donate to amazing local charities like SPANA or SFT Animal Sanctuary in Tangier.

7. Don’t Try to Cram Too Much In

Morocco looks deceptively small on a map. But moving between destinations involves navigating the winding roads of the High Atlas mountains or taking long, slow train rides.

As an Aussie, I’m used to driving vast distances, but what surprised me was how a 4-hour drive back home is very different from a 4-hour drive stuck behind a melon truck on a single-lane mountain pass in Morocco.

• My practical tip: Less is more. Don’t try to do Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, and Marrakech in a 7-day trip. You will spend your entire holiday staring out the window of a minivan. Pick two or three bases and explore them properly.

My Final Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes doesn’t mean you need to be paranoid or stressed—it just means you are traveling smart. Moroccans are some of the warmest people on earth, and showing that you understand and respect their culture will open doors to genuine interactions that money simply can’t buy.

Enjoy the magic of the medinas!