Picture this: you’re a tourist in Morocco, enjoying the warm sun, magnificent views, tantalising scents, and colourful culture. Unfortunately, in this beautiful city, you know there are a number of unscrupulous individuals just waiting for the chance to rip you off. Whether traveling to Marrakech, Fes, or Casablanca, having your information handy is the solution to making the most of your travels. If you plan on traveling to the country, we would advise you to rent a car in Morocco to protect you from experiencing some of these scams and ensure you can do things on your own terms. Listed below are five important pointers on how you can ensure safety and experience as much of Morocco as you wish to.
- Be careful of Fake Guides in the Medinas: Morocco’s crowded medinas can be the most enchanting places, but also where scams mostly happen. The most common fraud is fake guides approaching tourists and offering to lead them around. They can pose as “official guides” or inform you that the main street is closed and they can guide you through another one. They’ll also, in many cases, transport you around within shops that are owned by their friends or request a lot of money as a tip after the tour.
How to avoid this scam: Always employ licensed guides, who may be booked at hotels or official tourist offices. If you are accosted by someone in the medina claiming to be a guide, it is best to just smile and continue on your way without engaging in any form of conversation. Offline maps stored on your phone can also help you navigate independently, reducing the use of strangers for directions.
- Be Cautious with Street Sellers and Counterfeit Goods: Moroccan markets are heaven for shoppers but can also be a trap for scams. They inflate the prices of argan oil, saffron, or leather products and claim them to be authentic. Others would call an incredibly large price assuming that tourists are not aware of the locals’ prices.
How to avoid this scam: Perform price research beforehand in order to get an idea of what things should cost. Haggling is to be expected at Moroccan markets, so don’t hesitate to bid for a reasonable price. Buy specialty products such as argan oil, buy from certified cooperatives rather than street vendors to determine authenticity
- Watch Out for Overly-Priced Taxis and Hire a Car Instead: Tourists are usually the target of taxi scams in Morocco, where drivers will refuse to use meters or charge more. Some will even take a longer route to make the passengers pay more. This is particularly common when arriving at the airport or in large tourist areas
To avoid this scam: Insist that the driver switch on the meter before you get into the taxi. If they refuse, don’t hesitate to get another taxi. On long-distance trips, always agree on a charge first so that there are no fights at the end of the journey. You can also do away with all this by choosing to hire a car in the first place. Top-class marketplaces such as OneClickDrive offer cheap car rental in Casablanca, and in many other cities across Morocco. This way, you are spared the hassle of haggling over prices and ensuring that you are not overcharged by dishonest taxi drivers.
- Double-Check Restaurant and Hotel Receipts: Another common scam is overcharging in restaurants or hotels. Restaurants will add extra items to the bill, charge for something that is free (like bread or olives), or employ an unlisted “tourist menu” with higher prices.
To avoid this scam: Always ask for a priced menu when you order food. When the bill is presented, check it thoroughly to avoid any surprises. If something does not seem right, you do not need to hesitate to question it. Being paid in cash is sometimes better too, because some companies would claim their machines are “broken” in an effort to blackmail you into their terrible exchange rates.
Conclusion
Knowing what you know now, we bet you’re super ready for any would-be scammer that you may come across on your trip to Morocco. Having said all that, keep in mind that the likelihood of getting scammed is low, and Morocco is a country that truly is worth visiting.