7 Things You Must Keep in Mind Before Visiting Morocco

The first thing you should know about Morocco is its unpredictable weather. The temperatures are unbearably high in Summer, and can drop dramatically at night. Even during the height of Summer, you should bring extra snacks with you. In winter, the temperatures fluctuate wildly between the morning and midday. In winter, I experienced morning temperatures that hovered around zero celsius. To keep your mind at ease, you may want to pack some reading material and an Arabic phrase book to learn the language.

Moroccan culture is different than American culture. It is always best to ask questions to locals about local customs before traveling. Then, be sure to bring bottled water, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes. While it might seem like a lot, it will make your stay easier and more enjoyable. Similarly, try not to carry expensive electronics in your luggage.

The culture in Morocco can be quite different from your own, so check with your hotel before choosing a tour company. The same goes for Moroccan fruit. Though most Moroccans eat organic fruits and vegetables, there's a chance that they're treated with pesticides. Although Moroccan food is generally safe to eat, it's advisable to avoid eating street food, as many people have complained of food poisoning. To avoid getting food poisoning, eat fresh fruit and vegetables that are organic and locally-grown. If you can't find organic produce, take a tablet of cumin, which is often recommended by locals. And always drink bottled water.

When it comes to safety, you need to know how to drive. Most cities in Morocco are shared roads and police are extremely vigilant. You may be pulled over and given an expensive ticket. You can buy inexpensive sandals in the markets, but be aware that you need to drive carefully. A car or motorcycle in Morocco is not an automatic. You'll need to have your driver's license and your car registration number.

Be prepared for the local culture. Most people try to see everything in one week or ten days. However, you can also fly point-to-point in Morocco. While the airline company's network is very extensive, you can choose a cheaper option. In addition, you'll get A/C and a reserved seat. The Moroccan climate is very different from the rest of the world, and it can change without warning.

Be prepared for all kinds of scams. Using unofficial 'tour guides' is a common mistake. You need to stay safe and avoid scams. In Morocco, you'll find many unlicensed 'tour guides' on the street. You should also use licensed, government-run buses. The official bus companies don't charge for the service. If you can't afford to pay for it, don't.

There are many languages in Morocco. The local lingua franca is the Darija dialect of Arabic. This language is comparable to West African creole, which is a combination of several different languages. Most Arabic speakers outside of Algeria and Tunisia can't understand Moroccan, but it's worth checking the local language to be sure before visiting. This is one of the most important aspects of travel in Morocco, so be prepared.

You'll need to consider Morocco's climate. The country is predominantly Muslim. You'll need to dress accordingly. Wear light-weight fabrics are the best choice. You'll need a lightweight jacket for evenings. If you're hiking, you'll need to wear several layers. You'll need a jacket for the day and a lightweight jacket in the evening. You can wear a heavy coat if it's warm.

Tipping is important, and Morocco's authorities regularly reduce the number of passengers. If you're a tourist, you should always tip your tour guide a few dirhams. This can make a big difference in the amount of money you tip. Moreover, you'll need to be patient as Moroccans are not used to being tipped. Regardless of the language you speak, you'll want to tip a lot.

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