Morocco surprises you in the best ways. One minute you’re weaving through a crowded souk, the next you’re sipping mint tea in a courtyard so quiet it feels like time has slowed down. The light, the colour, the way sound travels through narrow alleys, it all hits differently.
If it’s your first time heading there, planning ahead helps. The experience is rich, layered, sometimes chaotic, and always worth it. But you’ll enjoy it more if you land with a few things sorted. Trust that the fewer loose ends you have, the more room there is for real discovery.
Getting Online Without the Hassle
Wi-Fi exists, but relying on it? That’s another story. In cafés and guesthouses, it’s usually fine but outside the city centres, not so much. Your phone becomes your best friend, maps, bookings, translations, restaurant reviews, you name it. If you’re heading off the beaten path, you’ll want a backup plan.
That’s why many travellers pick the best eSIM for Morocco before they leave home. No SIM card hunting, no surprise fees – just scan, activate, and go. Having data as soon as you land takes away a lot of uncertainty, especially if you’re trying to arrange a ride from the airport or check into your stay late at night. It makes the whole first-day scramble feel less like a puzzle and more like part of the fun.
Learning the Rhythm
You’ll notice things move at their own pace. Not slow exactly, just… different. People take their time here, and conversations matter. Tea is served like it means something so remember to embrace that. There’s beauty in letting go of your usual rush.
Respect is big here and modest clothing isn’t about rules, it’s about blending in. Shoulders covered, knees too, especially in rural areas or holy sites. No one’s watching you like a hawk, but people do notice and they appreciate the effort to adapt, even if it’s subtle.
Learn a few words in Moroccan Arabic, like “salaam” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you) as these are small gestures that open doors. They also make the whole experience feel more personal and connected.
Getting Around and Getting Lost
Trains are good – cheap, mostly on time, and pretty comfy as well as being a lot cheaper than their European counterparts. They connect the major cities and make long distances feel manageable. Buses are more rugged but reliable enough though the trips will take a lot longer and be less comfortable. For places off the grid, you’ll want a driver or a tour since public transport don’t run to these spots. Desert roads are no joke, and navigation apps only go so far, so having a knowledgeable local on hand is always useful.
Inside cities, taxis work if you agree on a price first, otherwise, expect a bit of negotiation. Apps like inDrive are around in larger areas, but not everywhere. Getting lost is part of the adventure, and deep in the medinas, maps can’t always help you. Sometimes the best plan is no plan, just wander, look up, take it in, and trust your feet to guide you back.
Food, Water, and Surprises
You’ll eat well in Morocco with all the delicious spices, the bread, and the endless tagines. But ease into it and go slow the first couple of days, remembering to stick to bottled water and avoid anything that looks like it sat out too long. Don’t eat salad that may have been washed in tap water at some of the street stalls or less upmarket restaurants.
Bring some basics, rehydration tablets, hand wipes, maybe a backup snack for long travel days. Not because it’s rough, but because it keeps things simple and because comfort helps you stay present.
Final Thoughts
Morocco doesn’t care much about your schedule, it invites you to look around and to slow down. Also, it teaches you to listen, and maybe to see things a little differently than before you arrived.
