Customs & Etiquette
Cultural codes for a respectful trip
Morocco is a country of legendary hospitality. Knowing a few rules of etiquettewill allow you to have authentic encounters and show your respect forthe local culture. Moroccans always appreciate visitors' efforts!
Good Practices
Greetings
À faire
- •Shake hands firmly with the right hand
- •Say 'Salam Alaykoum' (peace be upon you)
- •Take time to exchange news
- •Among close friends: kiss on the cheeks
À éviter
- •Extend the left hand (considered impure)
- •Greet briefly without exchanging
- •Men: do not extend hand first to a Muslim woman
At a Local's Home
À faire
- •Remove shoes at the entrance
- •Accept the tea (refusing is impolite)
- •Bring a gift (pastries, fruits)
- •Compliment the house and the cooking
À éviter
- •Refuse hospitality several times
- •Criticize or compare
- •Sit before being invited
- •Take photos without permission
At the Table
À faire
- •Eat with the right hand only
- •Wait for the host's invitation
- •Serve yourself again (sign of appreciation)
- •Say 'Bismillah' before and 'Hamdoulilah' after
À éviter
- •Eat with the left hand
- •Get up before others
- •Finish your plate completely (sign of lack)
- •Talk with mouth full
At the Souk
À faire
- •Bargain with a smile
- •Take time to chat
- •Accept the tea offered by the merchant
- •Compare prices between shops
À éviter
- •Bargain if you're not interested
- •Get angry or raise your voice
- •Take photos without asking
- •Touch everything without intention to buy
Dress Code
Morocco is tolerant but will appreciate respectful attire, especially outside beach areas
For women
Recommandé
- Shoulders covered
- Pants/skirts below the knee
- Non-transparent fabrics
- Scarf for mosques
À éviter
- Low necklines
- Short shorts in the city
- Tight clothing
- Swimwear outside the beach
For men
Recommandé
- Long pants or bermuda shorts
- T-shirts or shirts
- Casual attire acceptable
- Closed shoes for visits
À éviter
- Bare chest in the city
- Very short shorts
- Ostentatious religious symbols
- Neglected outfits when going out
Exception: beach areas
Sur les plages touristiques (Agadir, Essaouira, etc.), le maillot de bain est parfaitement accepté.However, avoid topless and cover up as soon as you leave the beach.
Religious Traditions
Ramadan
Holy month of fasting. Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke from sunrise to sunset.
- Avoid eating/drinking/smoking in public
- Tourist restaurants remain open
- Adjusted hours (shops, administrations)
- Festive atmosphere in the evening (iftar, evenings)
Mosques
Sacred places of worship. Most are closed to non-Muslims, except for a few (Hassan II).
- Modest clothing required
- Remove your shoes
- Silence and respect
- Do not visit during prayers
Friday
Main day of prayer. Many shops close between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Collective prayer around 1 p.m.
- Traditional couscous with family
- Some souks closed
- Calmer atmosphere
Practical Tips
Photography
Always ask before photographing someone, especially women and in rural areas.
Tipping
Baksheesh is part of the culture. Plan to have small change.
Alcohol
Legal but discreet. Consume only in licensed establishments.
Public Affection
Avoid public displays of affection. Holding hands is tolerated for married couples.
Useful Expressions
Quelques mots en arabe marocain (darija) feront toujours plaisir !
Ready for adventure?
Now that you know the codes, discover the wonders of Morocco!