Safety and scams are among the primary concerns for travelers visiting Marrakech for the first time. The city of about a million people is one of the top destinations for foreign tourists traveling to Morocco.
Unfortunately for many of these visitors, Marrakech is also synonymous with scams and a concern for safety. But is that an accurate and fair analysis of travel to Marrakech?
Marrakech may not be the hotbed of theft and travel scams many prospective travelers are led to believe, but there is certainly a need to be hyper-aware during your visit. The following will help you stay safe, avoid scams and make the most of your trip to Marrakech.
Common Scams in Marrakech
There are a plethora of scams in Marrakech targeting naive and unsuspecting tourists. Sadly, the best thing to do for your safety and security is to maintain alertness and a distrusting mindset. Now, for some of the scams in Marrakech. More will surely be popping up, but here are a few of the most common scams:
The Monkey Scam
The monkey scam is one of the most visible scams in Marrakech. This is an easy scam to avoid, but tourists still fall victim each day.
Men with docile, well-trained monkeys standing in Jemaa el Fna (the main square) will suddenly plop one of these captive primates on the shoulder of an unassuming tourist. After the shock wears off, tourists will probably crack a smile and maybe even try to take a selfie. The monkey’s captors will offer to take photos.
If it reaches this point, they’ve got you.
Whenever the ordeal is over, the captors will demand money. In all likelihood, tourists will have to buy their way out to avoid angering the monkey men. The only suggestion I can offer, other than avoiding the monkeys in the first place, is to refuse to pay some absurd sum. Stay strong.
The Marrakech Snake Scam
Despite extensive research and warnings, the snake scam got me in Marrakech. I got greedy and tried to be sneaky, but it didn’t work out so well.
Just like the monkey scam, the snake scam in Marrakech is clearly visible and easily avoidable. Whatever you do, don’t let them put a snake around your shoulders, and don’t think you can sneak a picture. Trust me, these guys have lookouts to catch you.
For the full breakdown of the Marrakech snake scam, read how stupid I was and what happened. Don’t make the same mistake.
“The Road is Closed” Scam
“Excuse me, sir. Are you going to *insert landmark*? No, no, the road is closed. This way…”
That’s how this very common Marrakech scam starts. A local with surprisingly good language skills finds a tourist heading in the direction of a popular attraction. The scammer then claims, often politely, at first, and under the guise of “practicing their English,” that the road is closed ahead.
It’s incredible how many roads in Marrakech are closed. *Note sarcasm*
These particular scammers are usually persistent and relentless, but will eventually leave you alone if you continue walking and ignoring them. However, on occasion, their persistence can turn into frustration. I met one backpacker sporting a sore neck and a fading black eye. He told me that in Marrakech one of these “the road is closed” scammers hit him after he refused to go along with their scam.
This end result is the exception, but it is a concerning result regardless. The moment someone becomes remotely threatening or angry, walk away.
The objective of this scam is to lead tourists on a trek around town and then demand money for services. Another objective is to lead the tourist to a shop, where the perpetrator of the scam will likely receive a kickback for any purchases.
The point of “the road is closed” scam is always money, but it’s a lie. THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED.
Henna Tattoo Scam
The henna tattoo scam in Marrakech is one that occurs in busier areas, such as Jemaa el Fna. The women of Marrakech can be aggressive, as well. The henna tattoo scammers will grab onto the arm of an unsuspecting tourist (usually a female) and begin applying henna. If the tourist gives in, the woman will then demand money. It is, per usual, likely to be an absurd sum.
The best way to escape this scam is to resist. If you find your arm grabbed, get it back. Clearly and loudly say “no.” This is not the time to worry about hurting someone’s feelings or appearing rude. They aren’t considering your feelings. Yank your arm back and walk away.
Taxi Scams in Marrakech
Taxi scams may be the most common travel scam in the world. Personally, I have been ripped off by taxi drivers in Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Serbia. Fingers crossed, I have finally learned my lesson. Taxis in Marrakech are just as likely to be the location of tourist scams.
As usual, in places like Marrakech, it is best to never trust a taxi meter. Agree on a price before entering the vehicle. Consult the staff at your hotel, hostel or riad for an appropriate fare before hailing a taxi. Most fares in the city center should have a consistent flat rate. Rates to/from the airport should also be consistent.
Taxi scams are annoying, and flat rate rides are often more expensive than the ride should cost. The meter in the taxi isn’t broken, but don’t take the chance. Confirm the price before the ride.
Safety in Marrakech
Marrakech is not an inherently dangerous city. Most of the safety issues travelers encounter relate to one of the above-mentioned scams. Marrakech is still a place that requires visitors to constantly consider their safety.
Carry the Right Bags
After checking into my riad in Marrakech, the owner sat down with a map to highlight places of interest. The first place he pointed to was Jemaa el Fna. The first tip was a safety warning: “Wear your bag on the front. Nothing in your pocket when you walk here.”
Honestly, I never wore my backpack on the front of my person, but many tourists in Marrakech do. The most important safety concern for your bags in Marrakech is to bring the right bags.
This is not a place to carry a stylish purse or a grocery sack. And your bag needs more than a string for straps. It’s about practical use of the bag. My small backpack for daily wanderings has multiple compartments and has adjustable straps to securely fasten the bag to my body.
Mind Your Pockets
Wearing clothing with good pockets is essential to travel safety in Marrakech. With the exception of airheaded Instagram “models,” most travelers want some sense of security and practical use out of their travel clothing.
It’s not the most fashionable way to travel, but I always pack a few clothing items that provide a sense of security. Columbia PFGs are cool and versatile, and the pockets are great for storing an extra stash of money, ticket stub or something small I don’t want to bury in my backpack. There is also always a pair of pants with secure pockets in my large backpack. My apologies to fashion bloggers, but it gives me peace of mind.
The best travel clothing for safety and security is ScotteVest. I’ve been traveling with ScotteVest products for over five years. These clothes have hidden and secure pockets. They even come with a guarantee. Best of all, ScotteVest products are more fashionable than cargo pants or the fishing shirts that I wear.
When it comes to clothing with the right pockets, the rules are simple. Yes, invest in some quality travel clothing, but, most importantly, don’t put important items in easily accessible pockets. Please, don’t have wads of cash in one back pocket and your passport in the other. Traveling smart is the main priority of travel safety in Marrakech.
More Morocco from the Hangry Backpacker:
Travel Safety for Females in Marrakech
Female travelers, especially solo female travelers, have additional safety concerns in Marrakech. Women do not have to avoid Marrakech altogether, and serious, violent crimes against tourists are rare. However, rare does not mean absent.
Many females have reported being the victim of harassment in the streets of Marrakech. This abuse usually comes in the form of lewd and inappropriate comments. Some of the comments are particularly disgusting. A few female travelers have even been the victim of physical harassment, with local men randomly touching or groping them.
Female travelers in Marrakech should be alert and wary when traveling down empty streets. If some creepy dude is following you or lingering around you, start moving to an open area. At night time, it is unwise to wander away from open, busy areas.
Personally, I think this advice is important for the safety of all travelers in Marrakech, but there is clearly additional reason for concern for females.
Other Safety Tips for Travelers in Marrakech
Common sense is the most important defense mechanism for travel safety in Marrakech or anywhere else. Many unfortunate events can be avoided by basic smarts.
- Be careful what you eat. Moroccan food is great, but you don’t want to get sick. Piping hot is the safest food in Marrakech. Use caution when consuming “fresh” fruits in the city. Consult my guide to Food Safety in Southeast Asia for more tips. It works for Marrakech, too.
- Don’t flash money unless you want it stolen. Be discreet. Keep it in your pocket. Better yet, leave it in the backpack. And leave the bulk of your cash and at least one backup card locked away back in the room.
- Walk with purpose. Getting lost is fun, but the truth is that a tourist walking in circles with a giant map is a target. At the very least, try to look like you aren’t easy prey.
- Dress appropriately. Morocco is a very traditional, conservative muslim country. Skimpy clothes, tattered tank tops or walking barefooted is stupid. Not only is it completely disrespectful to the local culture – like it or not, it is their country – this goes against any notion of common sense travel and safety in Marrakech.
- Don’t wander alone at night. It’s that simple. If you’re going beyond a busy or touristy area at night, go with a group.
- Leave your passport at the hostel/hotel/riad. Have a copy in your day bag.
Scams & Safety in Marrakech
Yes, scams are prevalent in Marrakech. Safety concerns exist in Marrakech, too, especially for certain travelers. That doesn’t mean travelers need to avoid Morocco.
Marrakech is an interesting city. It has become a major tourist destination. Travelers of all types, millions of them, are visiting each year. Unfortunately, that popularity has brought a considerable amount of travel scams and safety concerns to Marrakech.
Morocco is a great tourist destination. Between the tourist traps and tedious travel days, the country has much more to offer visitors. Great food, beautiful landscapes and some of the most beautiful doors (yes, doors) are a few reasons travelers fall in love with Morocco. If you make it to Marrakech, enjoy the sights, smells and sounds. Most of all, remember to travel smart.
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