After living in Morocco for over a decade, I've seen countless travelers make the same mistakes that end up costing them money, time, and peace of mind. Today, I'm sharing three crucial tips that will help you navigate Morocco like a local and save you from some common tourist pitfalls.
1. The Persistent Seller Situation
We've all been there – you're strolling through the medina when a friendly seller invites you to "just look" at their shop. Before you know it, you're trapped in an unwanted interaction that seems impossible to escape.
What Not to Do
Don't engage in conversation, make excuses, or feel obligated to explain yourself. I've seen many tourists try to be polite by giving explanations or promising to return later, which often leads to more persistent following.
What to Do Instead
The solution is beautifully simple: keep walking and ignore them completely. This isn't being rude – it's the most effective and culturally understood way to handle the situation. As someone who walks through the souks daily, I can tell you with certainty that this method works 99% of the time. The moment you engage, even with a "no, thank you," you've opened a door that's harder to close.
2. The Transportation Trap
One of the biggest money-wasters I see is tourists relying on the wrong type of transportation.
The CTM Solution
CTM buses are Morocco's hidden travel gem. Here's why they're my go-to recommendation:
- They connect virtually every major destination in Morocco
- Tickets are incredibly affordable
- Buses are comfortable and air-conditioned
- Schedules are reliable and consistent
- You can book tickets in advance
- They have designated stations with clear pricing
I recently took a CTM bus from Casablanca to Marrakech for a fraction of what a private transfer would cost, and the experience was completely hassle-free.
3. The Taxi Mistake
Many visitors fall into the trap of exclusively using private taxis, often paying astronomical tourist prices for short trips.
The Smart Alternative: Grand Taxis
Let me introduce you to one of Morocco's best-kept transport secrets: shared taxis, known as "grand taxis." Here's what makes them brilliant:
- They cost between 2-5 dirhams per person (20-50 cents)
- They cover all main areas and popular routes
- They're a great way to travel like locals
- They run frequently throughout the day
- They're perfectly safe and regulated
I use grand taxis regularly for getting around, and they're a fantastic way to save money while experiencing authentic local life.
Money-Saving Comparison
To put things in perspective, here's a real cost comparison for a typical inner-city journey:
- Private Taxi: 150-200 dirhams ($15-20)
- Grand Taxi: 2-5 dirhams ($0.20-0.50)
- Savings: Approximately 195 dirhams ($19.50)
Practical Tips for Implementation
1. For Dealing with Sellers:
- Keep walking at a steady pace
- Maintain forward vision
- Don't make eye contact
- Save your smiles for actual interactions you want to have
2. For Using CTM:
- Book tickets a day in advance when possible
- Arrive at the station 30 minutes early
- Keep your ticket handy for checking
- Download the CTM app for easy booking
3. For Grand Taxis:
- Learn the fixed prices for common routes
- Have small change ready
- Ask locals about the main grand taxi stations
- Be prepared to wait until the taxi fills up with other passengers
A Personal Note
Living in Morocco has taught me that these simple strategies can transform your experience from potentially stressful to genuinely enjoyable. It's about knowing the local way of doing things and not being afraid to step out of the typical tourist comfort zone.
Your Turn
Have you tried any of these strategies in Morocco? Or do you have other tips to share? Drop them in the comments below – I love hearing about different experiences and learning new tricks from fellow travelers!
Remember: Sometimes the best travel experiences come from doing things the local way, even if it feels a bit unfamiliar at first.