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If you’re a solo female traveling to Morocco, it’s important to be aware of the cultural norms and customs.
Also, there are some other things to keep in mind so that your Morocco trip is safe and enjoyable.
In this blog post, I will give 13 tips that solo female travelers in Morocco can use to keep themselves safe.
I’ll also tell you what to expect when visiting Morocco. and I’ll give you some advice on how to have a good time.
While these tips are super helpful for solo females traveling to Morocco, they are for everyone!
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Dress modestly
Morocco is a muslim country and like all other muslim countries , it is very important to dress modestly. This means covering your arms and legs, and avoiding shorts, skirts, and tank tops.
Headscarfs are NOT necessary in Morocco, even Moroccan women don’t have to wear them. It’s only a good idea to wear a headscarf if you are visiting religious sites like Hassan II mosque in Casablanca.
A woman in Riad Mansour Hotel, Marrakech
One thing tourist women usually do is put a headscarf on while wearing revealing clothes such as shorts and tank tops. I strongly advise against this as it is very disrespectful to the religion and culture and can draw some very unfriendly looks from the locals.
The idea behind dressing conservatively in Morocco is to blend in as much as possible and to avoid trouble. IF you are not sure what to wear in Morocco check our complete guide of packing for a trip to Morocco
Don’t be too friendly
Speaking from a Moroccan woman perspective, being too friendly with Moroccan men can lead to unwanted attention and even harassment. And that’s unfortunately true also for tourist women visiting Morocco.
To avoid this unfortunate situation, just be too serious when interacting with men. Yes, you can definitely be be polite but not too friendly though (I prefer not friendly at all).
A woman visiting Hassan II mosque, Casablanca
Another great tip is to avoid smiling to men. A smile in Morocco means a lot more to men in Morocco compared to a smile in America or elsewhere.
Don’t take photos of people without their permission
In Morocco, most people don’t like to be photographed by strangers. This is especially true for Moroccan women. If you want to take a photo of someone, it’s best to ask permission first and don’t be surprised if they say no. While some may be okay with you taking their photo, others may not be comfortable with it.
There are plenty of other things to photograph in Morocco anyway, so don’t worry if you can’t get a photo of every person you meet.
Don’t lose track of time
Morocco is a very relaxed country and it’s easy to lose track of time. Depending where you are in Morocco, the streets will be empty by 10 – 11 pm in a popular touristic area and it’s not safe to be out alone at night, especially as a woman.
A woman traveling in the Sahara Desert, Morocco
If you are planning on going somewhere far, make sure to leave early so that you can get back to your hotel before it gets dark. And If you are going to be late, plan your transport in advance so that you are not stranded.
Be careful of pickpockets
Like many other tourist destination in the world, there are pickpockets in Morocco. So, be sure to keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings.
Having a belt bag can be a practical and safe way of storing your belongings while exploring the souks of Marrakech or Fez. Also, holding your phone in your hand or using it while walking in the streets in Morocco is not the best idea.
A women traveling in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
I have friends and heard many other stories of foreigners who had their phones stolen like that. I get that is hard to find your way around a new country without using your phone map but it’s just the way it is in Morocco.
You must be very careful. What I usually do is stop somewhere safe check my map and hide the phone until my next stop to check. Unpractical, but it kept me safe
Don’t lose yourself in the crowds
Morocco is a busy country, and it’s easy to get lost in the crowds especially in the Souks. Pay attention to where you are and be sure to stay with your group if you’re traveling with one.
If you are lost, or look like you are, you may be approached by young men trying to help you find your way. Don’t go with them! Their intention is to show you the way out and then ask for money in return. Just say “La, Shokran” means No, Thank you in a serious tone.
A woman traveling in the Chefchaouen, Morocco
The best thing to do when you are actually lost in a Souk is to ask old men shop owners or women for help. They will be more than happy to help you and won’t ask for anything in return.
Keep an eye on your drink
It’s always important to be careful of your drinks when you’re in a foreign country, but this is especially true in Morocco. So, my advice is, If you are a women traveling alone in Morocco, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
Bargain, Bargain
In the Souks, it’s expected that you will bargain with the shopkeepers. That’s why the price is more than doubled at first, especially when you are a foreign women traveling alone. The shop owners think you are an easy customer.
A woman on a Riad rooftop, Morocco
I love haggling and beating people down on prices. Yes, it’s much easier when you speak the language but most shop owners speak decent English and they can quickly understand that you are not going to accept the price unless it’s reasonable.
If you are not happy with the price they gave you, let them know and that’s basically bargaining. The idea here is have fun with because it’s a Moroccan experience.
Don’t flash your money around
Flashing your money around is a sure way to attract attention, and not the good kind. Be discreet with your finances and keep your valuables hidden away. This can be hard in Morocco where mostly everywhere you go needs cash.
The best thing to do in this case is to keep small bills on you and have your money in different places.
Learn some basic phrases in Arabic or French
Although many people in Moroccan tourist areas speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija). This will show that you’re respectful of the culture and it will make your trip more enjoyable and fun.
A woman in a Moroccan Riad, Marrakech
If you are not sure where to start I recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic PhraseBook.
Stay with a group
It’s always best to travel in a group in Morocco, especially if you’re a woman. This will help you stay safe and avoid any unwanted attention. But this is not always possible. Many women travel solo and that’s when the extra precautions should be taken.
If you are a solo female traveler in Morocco, make sure to let your family or friends know where you’re going and when you’ll be back, your itinerary and which hotel/ hotels are you staying in.
Spend a little bit more on safety
Budget travelers may not be happy with this tip but I think it’s worth spending a little bit more money to be in a safe and comfortable environment, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone.
A woman relaxin in a Moroccan Riad, Marrakech
Planning your own Morocco itinerary can be very helpful, but things may not go as planned. You may not be happy with your chosen hotel, or find transport to get you where you want to go or get lost exploring a city. Many things can go wrong and put you in difficult situations.
Be ready to spend extra on arranged transportation, good and safe hotels, certified guides and tours. All these things may not be as expensive as you think but will certainly insure safety.
Finally, use common sense
As with any trip, it’s important to use common sense when you’re travelling in Morocco. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and move on.
Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Morocco. Bon voyage!
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