Traveling to Morocco is an exciting adventure. However, like in any popular tourist destination, it’s important to stay alert and be aware of common scams that could catch you off guard.
As a Moroccan, I’ve fallen victim to some of these scams myself, and I’ve learned how to handle them.
In this guide, I’ll share the most common scams you might face in Morocco and provide tips on how to avoid them, along with practical advice on how to navigate these situations according to local customs.
Common scams in Morocco
1. Overpriced Taxis
In cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, or Fes, taxis often don’t use meters. They’ll stop for you, and if you ask about the price, they’ll often say, “Don’t worry, just jump in“.
But the surprise comes when you reach your destination, and they ask for sometimes ten times the regular fare, especially if they think you’re unfamiliar with the area.
To avoid this, always check the approximate fare for your destination beforehand (ask your hotel receptionists or use the INDRIVE app).
If the taxi driver refuses to use the meter, insist that they give you a price before starting the ride, and only agree if you’re comfortable with it.
Here’s a revised version of that sentence:
If you take the ride and the taxi driver is giving you trouble or asking for more money, simply say, “I’m not paying more than the agreed-upon price. If you have a problem with that, drive us to the police station”.
This works like a charm with bad taxi drivers as they don’t want to deal with any legal trouble.
2. Helpful Strangers Scam
While most people in Morocco are super friendly and happy to help, some helpful strangers might have other intentions.
This usually happens when you’re wandering through the old medinas or souks, and you find yourself lost or looking for directions. That’s when a young person, or sometimes a few of them, will approach you offering to help guide you out.
You say “thank you” and go on your way, but then they start hassling you for money, and sometimes they ask for way more than just a small tip.
It’s best to be aware and not feel pressured. If you don’t need help, just kindly decline, or if you do accept, make sure you’re clear about the tip before they start.
Quick tip: Learn some of these Moroccan Arabic words to help you out.
3. Overcharging in Souks
Here’s a casual version of your paragraph:
Over-inflated prices is probably the most common scam practice in Morocco, and honestly, it’s really hard to avoid.
In touristy spots, prices are always inflated more than usual, and this happens everywhere, not just in Morocco.
You can try your best to haggle, but what I recommend is booking a guide you trust who can give you an idea of what regular prices are in the souks.
Sure, prices are high, but some vendors will triple that already high price just because they think you can pay it.
Haggling is part of the culture in Morocco, and even locals haggle.
But here’s the thing: some tourists take it a little too far, asking for ridiculously low prices. This can actually piss off the sellers, and it’s one of the reasons they might inflate prices even more for the next buyers.
Quick tip: Learn the ropes of haggling in Morocco.
3. Fake Handcrafted Goods in Morocco
What you need to watch out for when shopping in Morocco are fake traditional or handmade natural items.
Unfortunately, many so-called organic products in Morocco are fake, including popular items like Argan oil, Beldi (black) soap, Henna powder, and even the viral poppy flower lipstick.
Another common scam involves vintage rugs that are often brand new, despite what the vendors claim.
To avoid being scammed, it’s important to learn about the products you’re interested in so you can ask the right questions to verify authenticity.
Before heading out to shop, try to find trusted artisan shops (especially for beauty products) and, if possible, avoid the stalls in the souks.
Hiring a trusted guide can also be incredibly helpful in pointing you to the best places to buy authentic items.
Reading tip: I wrote a detailed post about the best Moroccan beauty products to buy, where to find authentic rugs, and some great souvenir ideas if you’re not sure what to pick up. Check it out to make sure you’re getting the real deal.
4. Henna Tattoo Scam
In Morocco, you’ll often find women offering henna tattoos in tourist areas.
While a henna tattoo can be a lovely souvenir from your trip, trust me, it can quickly turn into a nightmare possibly even a trip to the hospital.
Most of these women use black henna, which isn’t natural and can be harmful to the skin. Black henna contains synthetic materials are unsafe.
Unfortunately, it’s tough to verify if the women on the street are using 100% pure henna, but you can ask for green natural henna instead of black.
My best recommendation for a safe and authentic henna experience is to book an experience that guarantees the use of 100% natural henna.
For example, this lovely henna experience in Marrakech, you not only get a henna tattoo but also learn about the history of henna, the process of making it, and how to create hand designs, plus you’ll enjoy mint tea in the home of the host.
Honestly, I don’t think you can get a more authentic henna experience than this, and you get to interact with a local Moroccan woman in her house too.
But if you decide to take a risk and try the street henna women, be sure to ask about the henna they’re using and, most importantly, agree on the price before she starts.
It’s also a good idea to get a small tattoo first and see how your skin reacts to it.
5. Tanneries Scam
Tanneries are truly hidden gems, literally. In both Marrakech and Fez, they’re tucked away deep in the medina, with entrances often hidden inside shops.
That’s why so many tourists fall for the classic tannery scam.
A friendly local might offer to guide you there for free, only to lead you through a maze of alleys and into a leather shop with a perfect viewing terrace.
Once inside, they’ll pressure you to buy overpriced leather goods or demand a hefty tip for their help.
If you want to visit the tanneries, either go with an official guide or find a shop with a viewing terrace on your own terms.
And remember, if someone insists it’s free, there’s always a catch.
6. Fake Beggars Scam
During your trip, you’ll probably come across a lot of beggars, but not all of them are genuinely in need.
Most of them are actually part of organized groups that turn begging and gaining sympathy into a profitable business.
You might see women holding babies (sometimes rented or even drugged to stay asleep), kids selling tissues or small trinkets while asking for money, or even people pretending to have a severe injury that magically disappears when they leave the area.
If you really want to help, it’s better to donate to a reputable Moroccan charity rather than giving money on the street.
Scammers rely on tourists feeling guilty, but handing out cash just encourages them to keep going.
7. Drug selling scams
Morocco is famous for its kif and hashish production, especially in the Rif Mountains. So, it’s no surprise that many tourists, whether they’re looking for it or not, end up being offered drugs in cities like Chefchaouen.
But here’s the catch: this is often a setup for a scam.
A local might offer to sell you hashish or even take you to a farm where it’s made. Once you agree, things can go south fast.
You could end up being overcharged, threatened into buying more, or even robbed.
In some cases, the dealer might be working with phony police, and then you’re stuck with a bribe demand to avoid trouble.
The best way to handle this? Just say no, even if they’re persistent.
Don’t follow anyone into shady areas, and remember, buying or possessing drugs in Morocco is illegal and can land you in serious trouble.
8. Pictures with animals scam
In Marrakech, a lot of street vendors offering photos with animals, like monkeys, snakes, or birds.
This might seem like a fun way to capture a moment, but it’s not.
These animals are often poorly treated, and once you snap that picture, they’ll hit you with an inflated price, way more than you thought you’d pay.
To avoid getting scammed, it’s best to just say no to these photo ops.
If you do want to take a picture with these poor animals, always ask about the price upfront, and only take the picture if you agree on the price.
Don’t let them pressure you into paying more.
I personally think supporting this type of thing can contribute to animal cruelty, so it’s always a good idea to look for more ethical ways to enjoy your time in Marrakech.
9. Pickpocketing in Morocco
I personally think people make a bigger deal out of it than it actually is.
I’ve been traveling around and helping others plan their trips for a long time, and not once have I encountered any pickpocketing problems.
That said, it’s still a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like souks, bus stations, or touristy spots.
Just like in any other destination, there are always a few bad apples, so keeping your belongings close and being cautious never hurts.
But overall, it’s not something to stress about too much, it’s more about common sense and being mindful of where you are.
10. Car Rental Scam
A common issue is when rental companies hit you with unexpected charges once you return the car, claiming things like damage that wasn’t there when you picked it up, or extra cleaning fees.
Some rental companies might even try to charge you extra fees, even if you’ve already bought full insurance coverage.
To avoid these scams, always read the fine print before signing anything. Take photos of the car’s condition before you drive off, especially if there are any scratches or dents, so you’re not blamed for damage you didn’t cause.
Stick to well-known rental agencies and check online reviews for any red flags. It’s also a good idea to confirm insurance coverage ahead of time, either through the rental company or your personal travel insurance.
Reading tip: Driving is one of our favorite ways to travel in Morocco, and we have a guide on how to rent a car in Morocco.
11. Medina Guide Scams
You may be approached by random men claiming to be tour guides, especially in busy tourist areas.
They’ll offer to show you around, sometimes even saying they work for the tourism office or a nearby hotel.
While some might genuinely know the area, many are just looking to make quick money by taking you to shops where they get a commission or charging you unexpected fees at the end of the tour.
It’s a good idea to book guides through your hotel, local tourism offices, or trusted tour companies like Get Your Guide.
While not all guides in Morocco are licensed, some unlicensed guides are simply locals who know the area well.
Personally, I’ve worked with unlicensed guides who were very knowledgeable about their neighborhoods, even though they didn’t have an official tourism license.
If you decide to go with an unlicensed guide, just be cautious, always ask about their experience and agree on the price beforehand to avoid surprises.
12. Customs Scam
A common trick some customs officials in Morocco pull is casually asking for a “gift” or cash before letting you through.
It might seem like a friendly request, but it’s really just a way to pressure travelers into handing over money or small items.
While it can feel awkward, you should never give them anything. The best response is to stay firm and assertive. If you can, please report this behavior, but if that’s not an option, don’t hesitate to stand your ground and be direct.
If they push further, ask to see their manager. As long as you know the rules and aren’t carrying anything illegal, stay confident and don’t let them intimidate you.
Emergency phone numbers in Morocco
When traveling in Morocco, it’s always good to have emergency numbers on hand just in case you fall into a tricky situation:
Keep these numbers saved in your phone just in case.
- 190 or 112 – Police (in big cities)
- 177 – Royal Gendarmerie (for areas outside the city)
- 150 – Ambulance
- 15 – Fire brigade
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