Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Vaccinations for Morocco:- Routine vaccines: MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers.
- Hepatitis B: Consider if you might have contact with blood or needles.
- Typhoid: For adventurous eaters or rural areas.
- Rabies: If you plan on animal interaction or extended outdoors stay.
Consult a healthcare provider for the latest advice and updates.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Morocco, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for MoroccoCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas—women should cover their shoulders and knees. Always use your right hand for eating, offering, or accepting items. It’s polite to greet with a handshake; men may also exchange cheek kisses.
Avoid public displays of affection. Same-sex relationships are illegal, so LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
During Ramadan, be respectful by not eating or drinking in public during daylight. Bargaining is common in markets, so feel free to negotiate. Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Morocco.
- Tajine: A slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it’s cooked in. It’s a staple in Moroccan cuisine, combining meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, often served with couscous. The slow process allows flavors to meld, making it a cultural icon.
- Couscous: Often served on Fridays, this dish is made of steamed semolina grains topped with meat, vegetables, and a fragrant broth. It’s a communal dish that represents hospitality and social gatherings in Moroccan culture.
- Pastilla: A savory-sweet pie traditionally made with pigeon or chicken, wrapped in thin pastry and dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon. Its layers of flavor reflect Morocco’s historical blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian influences.
- Harira: A hearty soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat, often enjoyed during Ramadan. It’s a comforting dish that symbolizes breaking the fast and communal meals.
- Mechoui: Whole lamb or mutton roasted to perfection, usually at traditional celebrations. Seasoned with simple spices, this dish showcases Morocco’s love for communal feasting and sharing.
Yes, tap water in Morocco is generally safe to drink in larger cities and locals do drink it. However, tourists often prefer to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Buying bottled water is cheap and widely available if you want to play it safe.
The main language in Morocco is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Morocco includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Morocco,
English is increasingly spoken, particularly in tourist areas, major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes, and among younger generations and professionals. Many people working in the hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and shopkeepers, often have a good command of English to cater to international visitors.
However, outside tourist hotspots, English proficiency may be limited, with Arabic and Berber being the primary languages spoken. In rural areas, you might find that French is more commonly understood, as it is widely used in education and business.
While navigating Morocco, it’s beneficial to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to enhance communication and show respect for the local culture. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, travelers will generally find enough English speakers to facilitate their journey.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Morocco is MAD (د.م.).
When backpacking in Morocco, having cash on hand is crucial. While ATMs are common in cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, they can be scarce in rural areas. Make sure to withdraw enough dirhams before heading off the beaten path. Look for ATMs at major banks like BMCE or Attijariwafa Bank for reliability.
Carrying a stash of euros or dollars is a good backup plan. Many exchange bureaus in touristy areas offer decent rates, but always double-check for hidden fees. Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels as their rates are usually less favorable.
Credit cards are generally accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is king in smaller establishments and souks. Keep some small bills and coins handy for street vendors and local transport.
In Morocco, tipping is customary and generally appreciated. In restaurants, leaving a tip of 5-10% of the bill is common, while small tips for services like porters or taxi drivers (around 5-10 dirhams) are also welcome. If you’re at a café, rounding up the bill or leaving loose change is often enough.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.