THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU VISIT MARRAKECH.

A few helpful tips you may find useful before arriving in Marrakesh.

Marrakech is a cash society. Although many cafes and restaurants take cards, cash is often the preferred method of payment.

In the main square called Jamaa El Fna, you will need cash to purchase almost everything.

There are 🏧 machines located around the city.

I use the one outside the post office near where the horse and carriages stand, close to the taxi rank.

The exchange rate is good, and it was always working.

You can get cash at the airport, but the exchange rate isn’t great.

There are also plenty of places to exchange money around the city.

It’s advisable to always carry a small amount of cash with you.

It’s useful for tipping, small purchases in the souks, and picking up a bottle of water.

Something you may want to consider if you don’t wish to get any cash at the airport is..

Make sure to organise a taxi to your hotel or riad in advance.

Most accommodations will do this for you when you book, and it’s prepaid.

You will probably need a SIM card.

I got an Orange SIM in the airport, and they put it into my phone for me.

This saved me any hassle, and I had data from the moment I arrived.

Having data gave me reassurance as a solo traveller.

I could use Google maps in the souks, which was helpful in case I got lost.

Tipping is not customery in Marrakesh, but the food and service are usually exceptionally good.

So it’s nice to be nice.

I generally leave a small tip of approximately 20-30 dirhams.

You can drink the tap water allegedly.

Personally, I didn’t.

I preferred to air on the side of caution, plus it doesn’t taste that good.

There are plenty of places selling bottled water around the medina, and riads or hotels also sell water.

Non Muslims can’t go inside the Mosques, with the exception of Hassan ll Mosque in Casablanca.

Koutoubia Mosque has the most beautiful gardens, which are well worth a visit. They are open to everyone, and particularly nice in the evening when they’re lit up.

Some tourist attractions get incredibly busy, so try to arrive at opening times for the best experience.

The same applies to shopping in the souks.

Aim to arrive at places like Bacha Coffee and Bahia Palace for around 9.30.am.

Although Marrakech is an Islamic city, it’s fairly relaxed and liberal.

However, out of respect for the culture of your hosting country, it’s appropriate to cover your shoulders when visiting certain religious places.

Aim to dress modestly without exposing too much flesh, and you’ll have a great experience.

NB: See my separate post on what to wear when visiting Marrakech.

Marrakech is a dry city. However, there are bars and clubs that cater to Western tourists.

There are a few nice bars selling alcohol and cocktails around the medina, such as Le Pergola and Kabana rooftop bar.

Gueliz and Hivenage have plenty of clubs and bars if you want a night out with alcoholic beverages and entertainment.

Some high-end riads and hotels will have alcohol also.

It’s forbidden to consume alcohol in the medina unless you’re in a place that is licensed to sell it.

If you get tired of haggling in the souks, there is an artisans market.

The prices are slightly higher but you can simply buy the products without having to bargain for them.

People in Marrakesh can be quite camera shy.

It’s best not to take photographs unless they specifically say you can.

Be prepared to have to pay for the privilege, too.

Most travellers are discouraged from starting conversations about the King of Morocco.

Try sticking to conversations about the history of Marrakech and Amazigh culture.

The locals will love telling you all about it..

There are a few scams going on in the square, but it’s mainly opportunists trying to make a dirhams.

I haven’t had any problems myself, but just keep your wits about you and don’t fall prey to anything.

Marrakech is relatively safe, but just like anywhere else in the world, exercise caution with your personal belongings in crowded areas.

Keep your personal items in front of you and don’t carry large amounts of money around.

The Souks close around 9.00 to 10.00 pm, so be careful if you’re walking around after that, especially if you’re a solo female traveller.

I haven’t experienced anything unpleasant, but it can feel rather unnerving in the dark alleyways after dark.

NB: See my separate post about solo female travellers in Marrakech.

Happy travels.