As with any country, it’s essential to be aware of common scams in Morocco to avoid falling victim to them. By traveling with SaharaTrek, you’ll avoid most of them, but here are some scams to watch out for while visiting Morocco:
Fake guides
Fake guides (Faux Guide) in Morocco are individuals who pose as official or licensed tour guides but are not authorized by the Moroccan government to provide professional guide services. These individuals often target tourists in popular tourist destinations and offer their services for a fee.
The problem with fake guides is that they may not have the required knowledge or training to provide accurate and informative tours, and they may take tourists to places that are not safe or appropriate. Additionally, they may engage in fraudulent practices such as overcharging tourists for their services or taking them to shops where they receive a commission for purchases made by the tourists.
To avoid falling victim to fake guides in Morocco, SaharaTrek provides official guides we’ve worked with for years. Each is trained to provide accurate and reliable information about the country’s history, culture, and landmarks, and they can also ensure the safety and security of their clients.
Counterfeit money
Like in many other countries, counterfeit money is a problem in Morocco, and tourists can sometimes fall victim to scams that involve fake currency.
To avoid accepting counterfeit money, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with Moroccan banknotes and their security features, such as watermarks, security threads, and holograms. You can also ask for smaller denominations, which are less likely to be counterfeited, and avoid exchanging money with street vendors or unofficial money changers.
When paying for goods or services, checking the currency carefully and ensuring that it is genuine before handing over your payment is also advisable. If you suspect you have been given counterfeit money, you should report the incident to the police immediately.
While counterfeit money is a risk when traveling in Morocco, taking some basic precautions and being aware of the potential problem can minimize the likelihood of encountering counterfeit currency.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing can be a problem in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of valuables can occur in crowded places like markets, public transportation, and tourist attractions.
To avoid falling victim to pickpocketing in Morocco, it is recommended to take precautions such as:
- Keep your belongings close to you and in sight at all times. Avoid leaving your bag or backpack unattended or hanging it on the back of a chair.
- Use a money belt or a neck pouch to keep your valuables like passports, money, and credit cards safe and secure.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; keep your wallet or purse in a zipped pocket.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior or individuals.
- Avoid flashing expensive jewelry or electronic devices that could draw attention to yourself.
- If you are in a crowded place, such as a market or public transportation, keep your hands in your pockets and your bags in front of you.
Taking these precautions can reduce the risk of being pickpocketed while traveling in Morocco. Additionally, if you become a crime victim, report it to the police immediately and contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.
Fake products:
Knockoffs are a problem in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas where counterfeit goods are often sold to unsuspecting tourists as genuine Moroccan crafts. Fake products can include clothing, shoes, bags, electronics, and even food and beverages.
Some of the most common places where fake products are sold in Morocco are markets, bazaars, and street stalls. While the prices of these fake products may be cheaper than genuine ones, they are often of poor quality and may not last long.
To avoid buying fake products in Morocco, it is recommended to shop at reputable stores and markets that are known for selling genuine products. It’s also a good idea to check the price and quality of similar products at different stores to ensure that you are getting a fair deal.
If you are purchasing top-end products, such as rugs, check the item’s authenticity by looking for government markings and other identifying features. You can also ask for a receipt or guarantee of authenticity.
While fake products are a problem in Morocco, by being cautious and taking some basic precautions, you can avoid falling victim to scams and ensure that you are getting genuine products for your money.
Scams involving transportation
It is important only to use licensed taxis, which are typically painted red with a white roof and a taxi sign on top. Unlicensed taxis may not be insured and can pose a safety risk. However, it is not uncommon for even licensed taxi drivers to overcharge tourists for rides. To avoid this, make sure to agree on a fare before getting in the taxi, and make sure it is a reasonable price by asking locals or checking online.
To avoid the hassle, travel with SaharaTrek
Overall, exercising caution and common sense while traveling in Morocco is essential, just as you would in any US city. Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to say no to offers that seem too good to be true. Fortunately, by traveling with SaharaTrek, you don’t have to worry about most of the negative experiences of the independent traveler.
Transfers are arranged with a professional driver waiting for you when you arrive and will be with you every step of the way until you depart Morocco. In the major cities, professional and trusted guides are hired and waiting to show you the city and even take you to the most reputable shops. The Riads are expecting you and can have a porter waiting for your arrival. So don’t let the adventure become a hassle; trust SaharaTrek.