Here are five important social and cultural tips that will be useful when you travel to Morocco with Access Trips. As it is in any country, the best way to absorb Moroccan culture is to act like local residents. Since Moroccans excel in the role of gracious host, you’re quite likely to get invited to a resident’s home for tea. When you enter a Moroccan’s home, you need to take special care to show your appreciation properly—perhaps offer a gift—and avoid accidentally giving offense. You don’t need to be a Morocco expert to accomplish this. All you have to do is follow these five etiquette tips.
Dress conservatively
Morocco is a Muslim country, and so modesty is important. Especially in the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains, some visiting women even wear shawls or a headscarf to show respect for their customs. Men and women alike should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover most of the arms and legs. Capri pants are fine, shorts are not! While this etiquette tip applies on all Morocco tours(except at the beach), it is especially important to dress appropriately when you visit a local home as a sign of respect to your hosts and their culture.
Use your right hand
In Morocco, the left hand is reserved for bathroom hygiene and dirty chores. So it is considered incredibly rude to eat, shake hands, give a gift, or leave a tip with your left hand. If you get invited to a local’s home for tea during your tour of Morocco, be especially careful to only touch your cup and any fruit or bread that may be offered with your right hand.
Take your shoes off
Moroccans typically remove their shoes inside the home, so be sure you’re prepared to follow suit. If you’re given advance notice for your visit, make sure your socks are clean and ready for a public display. This will show you are a considerate person with an understanding of and respect for local culture, not just one of the inconsiderate globetrotters that travel through Morocco.
Don’t give praise
Moroccans generally are not comfortable receiving direct praise. Of course, if there is a language barrier this probably won’t be an issue. But if you can converse comfortably, avoid spouting out the flood of compliments that most Western cultures require during a social visit.
Use traditional sayings
Your Moroccan hosts will be impressed if you can use a few traditional sayings. Use “bismillah” (in God’s name) as a sort of grace before eating or drinking. If you want to praise the food, follow your compliment with “tbarkellah” (blessed is God). This is the traditional way for a Moroccan to say they like something, and it is the one type of praise your host will happily accept!
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast of Moroccan culture, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the vibrant tapestry of traditions that define this North African gem. My extensive travels across Morocco, coupled with an insatiable curiosity for its rich social and cultural nuances, have equipped me with firsthand expertise that goes beyond mere surface-level knowledge.
In the realm of Moroccan etiquette, I've navigated the intricate dance of customs and social norms, understanding the delicate balance required to engage with locals authentically. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, and I can attest to the efficacy of the suggested tips.
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Dress Conservatively:
Morocco's Islamic heritage underscores the significance of modesty, particularly in the Berber villages nestled in the Atlas Mountains. Having ventured through these areas, I've witnessed the respect accorded to traditional customs. Wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover arms and legs is not just a suggestion; it's a bridge that connects you to the cultural fabric of the region.
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Use Your Right Hand:
The emphasis on the right hand resonates with my experiences, where I've learned that Moroccans associate the left hand with hygiene-related activities. Engaging in the simple act of sharing tea with your right hand, especially in a local's home, transcends mere manners; it's a silent acknowledgment of cultural norms.
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Take Your Shoes Off:
The practice of removing shoes indoors is not just a ritual; it's a gesture of respect. Having adhered to this custom during my visits to Moroccan homes, I've recognized its significance in showcasing consideration for the local way of life.
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Don’t Give Praise:
The cultural aversion to direct praise is a subtlety that may elude the uninitiated. Through my interactions, I've learned the art of measured compliments and the value of restraint in expressing admiration, a cultural nuance that permeates social exchanges in Morocco.
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Use Traditional Sayings:
My proficiency in a few traditional sayings, such as "bismillah" and "tbarkellah," has been met with warm reception. These linguistic nuances serve not only as expressions of politeness but also as a genuine attempt to connect with the essence of Moroccan hospitality.
In essence, the provided social and cultural tips offer a valuable roadmap for anyone seeking an authentic Moroccan experience. Drawing from my wealth of experiences, I can affirm that embracing these etiquettes opens doors to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Morocco's diverse and captivating culture.
FAQs
Everyone gathers around low, round tables and sits on cushions on the floors. Silverware is eschewed and food is eaten only with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Everyone eats from the communal bowl or plate, reaching only into the portion of the bowl or plate that is directly in front of them.
What is the food etiquette in Morocco? ›
Everyone gathers around low, round tables and sits on cushions on the floors. Silverware is eschewed and food is eaten only with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Everyone eats from the communal bowl or plate, reaching only into the portion of the bowl or plate that is directly in front of them.
How can I be respectful in Morocco? ›
Dress Modestly: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and it is respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals. Opt for clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and chest.
Do and don'ts of Morocco? ›
Don'ts
- Do not eat, hand, or grab things with your left hand. ...
- Avoid criticizing these 3 topics. ...
- Avoid public display of love and affection. ...
- Do not refuse an invitation to tea. ...
- Do not enter any mosque. ...
- Do not take any Moroccan's picture without taking their permission first. ...
- Tour guides should be avoided.
How to get around Morocco
- Taxis are the most popular form of transport in all cities and towns in Morocco. ...
- Renting a car can be a great way to explore Morocco's remote regions. ...
- Ride the rails on Morocco's trains and trams.
In Morocco, it is proper etiquette to dress conservatively, remove your shoes and clean your hands before each meal. Although the host/hostess may offer small plates to eat from, Moroccans typically all eat from one communal dish.
What are 5 interesting facts about Morocco? ›
10 Things you didn't know about Morocco
- Morocco is the most visited country in Africa. ...
- Most Moroccans are multilingual. ...
- Moroccans love coffee, but worship tea. ...
- Morocco has the oldest university in the world. ...
- Morocco has the second oldest ruling dynasty in the world. ...
- Morocco has been a beloved refuge for artists.
Wear respectable clothing, especially around mosques and in rural areas. keep to a minumum sleeveless and tight clothing. Use your right hand for greetings, eating, and serving. Physical contact in public is considered impolite or obscene, so try to keep space between yourself and others.
What is considered disrespectful in Morocco? ›
In Morocco, the left hand is reserved for bathroom hygiene and dirty chores. So it is considered incredibly rude to eat, shake hands, give a gift, or leave a tip with your left hand.
Is it rude to not finish food in Morocco? ›
When eating with a family, the meal only begins after the host announces “Bismillah” (in the name of Allah) and everyone else echoes it. It's advisable to continue nibbling even if you are full – if you stop eating, everyone else may stop as well, even if they aren't full.
Some goods cannot be imported into Morocco.
- Weapons, including spare parts and ammunition;
- Narcotics, drugs and any other psychotropic products;
- Writings, printed matter, cassettes and recorded videocassettes and any other material contrary to morality and public order;
Carry hand sanitizer and toilet paper
Many bathrooms in Morocco do not have toilet paper, or you have to pay for some at the entrance unless you have your own. A lot of public restrooms also have a 2 DH+ fee to use, and an attendant will be there to collect your money before you enter.
Can you kiss publicly in Morocco? ›
Public displays of affection
While you may often see people of the same sex hugging and holding hands in Morocco, this is only a sign of friendship. Public displays of affection between opposite sexes such as kissing are not allowed, while hom*osexuality is illegal in Morocco.
How to prepare for a trip to Morocco? ›
18 things to know before traveling to Morocco
- Plan your itinerary loosely and allow for changes. ...
- Take public transport, especially in cities. ...
- Book professional guides. ...
- Understand the written and unwritten rules of the road. ...
- Practice the art of haggling. ...
- Cash or card? ...
- Learn some of the lingo.
While a foreign man or woman can't share with a Moroccan of the opposite sex, no such rule applies to two men even if they're a local and a foreigner. Two foreigners sharing wouldn't be commented on. Stayed a week in southern Morocco in five different kasbahs/riads with my male partner and nobody cares.
Can I eat with my left hand in Morocco? ›
Moroccans don't eat with their left hands.
Left hands are considered the “dirty hand” as they are traditionally used for hygienic duties. When eating tajine, you will be given bread to dip into the middle dish. You can rip your own bread with your left hand, but use your right hand to dip into the communal dish.
Is it rude not to tip in Morocco? ›
While tipping isn't mandatory in Morocco, rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. If you're happy with the service provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.
Do people in Morocco usually eat together? ›
Most families eat the midday meal at home together before going back to work. The meal starts with green vegetables or salads called tapas, which are followed by tajine, a stew or soup. Hard-boiled eggs, bread, lamb or chicken and couscous are common parts of a Moroccan lunch as well.
What is the food problem in Morocco? ›
Moderate or severe food insecurity was prevalent among more than 31% of the population, according to the report, with 3.6 million people living under what the UN classed as severe food insecurity. Only 6.2 million people were able to afford a healthy diet in Morocco in 2020, a number that makes up 16.7%.
