Morocco, the full name is the Kingdom of Morocco (Morocco) and the Persians called this country “Marrakech”. This is a country located in North Africa, famous for the Sahara desert. Morocco has a very important position, controlling the Strait of Gibraltar, facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This is the only country not in the African Union but in the Arab League.
The right time
Located on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, June to September are the best months to visit Morocco. Although humid, the weather is warm, with little rain and temperatures peaking at around 20 degrees Celsius. Inland areas, there is scattered rain throughout the year and it is quite hot. In the central region, March to June and September to December are the most pleasant months. Meanwhile, in the high mountains, the weather is much colder than elsewhere. Some of the high peaks are covered in snow from November until June.
Don't go alone
Traveling to Morocco is safer with a friend or group of friends. It is best to stay together as much as possible. Be sure to have a way to communicate with family, fellow travelers, and other members of your group. Be aware that international phone plans can be expensive. If you are going to be away for more than a week, consider purchasing a cheap prepaid phone as soon as you arrive at the airport.
In any case, it is not safe to go out at night in a remote and unfamiliar place, even if Morocco has been declared safe. You should calculate the time to finish everything before dark. If it is really urgent, you should ask the driver or tour staff to escort you through the difficult part of the road.
Appropriate clothing
If you go to Morocco, the most important thing to pay attention to is your clothes. You should dress carefully so as not to attract unnecessary attention. The best way is to dress like the locals. This is also a way to show respect for the culture of the indigenous people. In particular, you should choose flat, comfortable shoes so you can walk, look around and admire the beauty of Morocco.
If you visit a mosque, women must cover their arms and legs and wear a headscarf. Men must also wear trousers below the knee. It is best to wear loose clothing like Muslim women and cover your head with a headscarf when entering a mosque. In hot weather, many visitors choose to wear local clothing because it helps keep the body cool.
Phrases to watch out for
In addition to the official language of Arabic, people here can also speak many other languages such as French, Spanish and some dialects such as Tashelhit, Tamazight, Tarifit... English is also popular in tourism or business discussions.
However, three Arabic words that may be useful on your trip are Choukran (Thank you); La Choukran (No, thank you); Feen (Where are you); and Salam Alikome (Hello). Also, be on the lookout for someone shouting “balak” in the crowded and cramped markets of Morocco. This word means “get out of the way”.
Be careful when taking pictures
According to Moroccan culture, every image taken reflects their soul, so you will only be allowed to take photos with the permission of the locals. You are also not allowed to take photos of the monkeys and snakes in the main square, unless you are willing to pay a fee.
Coffee culture
For Moroccans, especially men, coffee shops are considered the most familiar places. They often gather here to enjoy cups of aromatic coffee or traditional mint tea and discuss life. Hafa and Baba are considered two of the most popular coffee shops for tourists. This could be a good suggestion for tourists who love to travel and love coffee.
