Destination Morocco Podcast Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them
Feb 15, 2022
Streetwise tales from Marrakesh cover airport arrival tricks, staged luggage searches, and taxi scams to watch for. Learn cash and dirham tips, how to pick a local SIM, and avoid porter or rental ripoffs. Beware henna artists, juice stall overcharges, fake tours in the square, and commission-driven guides. Practical safety moves and body language cues help you stay clear of common tourist traps.
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Get A Local SIM Card Immediately
- Buy a local SIM (Ittisalat Al-Maghrib recommended) with a 50–100 MAD prepaid package before leaving the airport.
- Having mobile data lets you call taxi police, navigate, and recharge services immediately.
Negotiate Taxi Fares And Keep A Trusted Driver
- Agree taxi fares in advance from your hotel and save a reliable driver's number to avoid repeated scams.
- Expect most inner-city rides under 100 MAD and tip a couple extra dirhams for trusted service.
Reject Too-Good Desert Tour Offers
- Avoid excursion offers in Jamaa el-Fnaa that sound too cheap; they often pack you into old minibuses and end with shared dorm-like lodging.
- Do research and book reputable tours rather than accepting street offers promising desert trips for low prices.