Morocco Etiquette and Customs: 15 Dos and Don'ts for Visitors

The short answer: greet people before anything else, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), use your right hand to eat and give, ask before photographing anyone, accept a glass of mint tea when offered, and say "la, shukran" with a smile when you are not interested. Moroccans are famously hospitable, and these small gestures are noticed.

Greetings and conversation

1. Greet first. "Salam alaykum" or "bonjour" before any question, even in a shop. Handshakes are common; touching your heart afterwards is a warm sign of respect.
2. Follow the lead with the opposite sex. Some men and women prefer not to shake hands across genders. If a hand is not offered, a nod and a hand on the heart is perfect.
3. Take your time. Asking about family and health comes before business. Rushing is seen as cold.
4. Avoid sensitive topics. The King and religion are not subjects for jokes or casual debate.

Dress

5. Cover shoulders and knees in medinas, villages and religious places, for men and women. Light, loose clothes are cooler anyway.
6. Beachwear stays at the beach or the pool. In Essaouira or Agadir, cover up when you walk back into town.

Our Morocco packing list has a full wardrobe by season.

Food and hospitality

7. Use your right hand to eat, pass food and hand over money. The left hand is traditionally used for washing.
8. Eat from your section of a shared dish, and use bread as your spoon.
9. Accept the tea. Mint tea is the symbol of welcome. One glass is polite; you do not have to finish a third.
10. Remove your shoes when entering a home or when you see shoes at a door.

Religion and public life

11. Mosques are closed to non-Muslims, with a few exceptions such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and Tin Mal in the Atlas. Medersas like Ben Youssef in Marrakech and Bou Inania in Fes are open.
12. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the street in daytime. Restaurants for visitors stay open, and the evening atmosphere after iftar is wonderful.
13. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. Drinking in the street is not acceptable.
14. Keep affection discreet. Holding hands is fine; kissing in public is frowned upon.

Photos and money

15. Ask before photographing people. Many will say no, especially women and elders; some performers in Jemaa el-Fnaa expect a tip. Never photograph police, military or guards at royal palaces.

Tipping is part of daily life for drivers, guides, porters and waiters; our tipping guide gives the usual amounts. Bargaining in the souks is expected and friendly; see how to haggle in Marrakech.

Saying no politely

You will be invited into shops and offered services many times a day. A smile, "la, shukran" and walking on is all it takes. Moroccans respect a clear, friendly no far more than an evasive one. Learn a few more words in our article on the languages of Morocco.

Traveling with a local driver-guide makes all of this easier: ours explain customs as you go, from village visits to a family lunch. See our private Morocco tours.