Travelling slowly in Morocco is very enchanting. With its rich landscapes, diversity, and deep historical roots, this is an ideal Slow Travel destination. However, as with many popular tourist places, travellers should be aware of the different Moroccan scams. Although most Moroccans are incredibly kind and helpful, if not careful you can easily get caught up in one of the tourist scams.
Having been scammed many times, probably more than I even realised, I’ve learnt a few key insights. By learning about the game’s rules, you can save money and prevent those moments that leave a bitter taste. Now, let’s get down and debunk these vicious scams in Morocco.
Travelling slowly in Morocco is very enchanting. With its rich landscapes, diversity, and deep historical roots, this is an ideal Slow Travel destination.
However, as with many popular tourist places, travellers should be aware of the different Moroccan scams. Although most Moroccans are incredibly kind and helpful, if not careful you can easily get caught up in one of the tourist scams.
Having been scammed many times, probably more than I even realised, I’ve learnt a few key insights. By learning about the game’s rules, you can save money and prevent those moments that leave a bitter taste. Now, let’s get down and debunk these vicious scams in Morocco.
The 8 biggest Moroccan scams for tourists
1/ Moroccan scam: FAKE tour guide and direction giver
How does the Direction Giver Scam in Morocco work?
This is probably the most common (and annoying) scam in Morocco you will have to face. It happens mostly in tourist hotspots like Fes or Marrakech.
Whenever you’re pausing for a second, checking Google Maps, and out of nowhere, someone will pop up and offer to guide you. This person will often be a child or teenager.
Even if you didn’t ask for help, they might follow you to your destination, only to demand payment for their services once you arrive. These Moroccan scammers are notoriously persistent and often target tourists who seem unsure of their surroundings. This is a classic move to put you in an awkward situation.
This is probably the most common (and annoying) scam in Morocco you will have to face. It happens mostly in tourist hotspots like Fes or Marrakech.
Whenever you’re pausing for a second, checking Google Maps, and out of nowhere, someone will pop up and offer to guide you. This person will often be a child or teenager.
Even if you didn’t ask for help, they might follow you to your destination, only to demand payment for their services once you arrive. These Moroccan scammers are notoriously persistent and often target tourists who seem unsure of their surroundings. This is a classic move to put you in an awkward situation.
Dealing with Direction Givers
Rule number one: never accept help from someone who offers directions without you asking. They’re likely looking for a payout via a Moroccan scam. Stay confident, ignore their aggressive tone (they won’t touch you due to police intimidation), and walk away.
However, if you need directions, ask shop owners, elderly people, or families. These groups are way much less likely to scam you.
Rule number one: never accept help from someone who offers directions without you asking. They’re likely looking for a payout via a Moroccan scam. Stay confident, ignore their aggressive tone (they won’t touch you due to police intimidation), and walk away.
However, if you need directions, ask shop owners, elderly people, or families. These groups are way much less likely to scam you.
Fake Guide Scam (Faux Guide)
Then, the faux guides who’ll approach you directly, offering city tours. A licensed guide in Morocco will always wear a visible badge, so it’s easy to identify the real deal.
These fake guides might not ask for money upfront, but they’ll lead you to shops where they earn a commission if you buy something or to restaurants owned by friends. It’s all part of one of the biggest tourist scams in Morocco.
Then, the faux guides who’ll approach you directly, offering city tours. A licensed guide in Morocco will always wear a visible badge, so it’s easy to identify the real deal.
These fake guides might not ask for money upfront, but they’ll lead you to shops where they earn a commission if you buy something or to restaurants owned by friends. It’s all part of one of the biggest tourist scams in Morocco.
Spotting Faux Guides
Always ask to see a guide’s badge. If you’re unsure, politely suggest checking with the police. A legitimate guide won’t mind, but a scammer will likely flee. This simple step can save you from one of the most frequent scams in Morocco.
2/ Moroccan scam: Berber pharmacy
How does this scam in Morocco work?
One of the most common scams in Morocco occurs in the so-called Berber pharmacies. These pharmacies sell products like Argan oil, saffron, natural oils, and skincare items.
The catch? Most of it is fake and heavily overpriced.
I experienced this firsthand during my 24-hour stay in Tetouan. Sellers often claim that the Argan oil is government-regulated or that the saffron is produced by Berber tribes in the mountains. These false stories are used to justify sky-high prices.
You will frequently end up in these shops because fake guides or locals offering “helpful” directions lead you there. Their motivation? Money, they get a commission if you buy something.
One of the most common scams in Morocco occurs in the so-called Berber pharmacies. These pharmacies sell products like Argan oil, saffron, natural oils, and skincare items.
The catch? Most of it is fake and heavily overpriced.
I experienced this firsthand during my 24-hour stay in Tetouan. Sellers often claim that the Argan oil is government-regulated or that the saffron is produced by Berber tribes in the mountains. These false stories are used to justify sky-high prices.
You will frequently end up in these shops because fake guides or locals offering “helpful” directions lead you there. Their motivation? Money, they get a commission if you buy something.
How do you avoid this scam in Morroco?
First, run away from these shops. However, if you get caught up in one of these scams in Morocco, don’t panic! There are a few ways to protect yourself and avoid falling for Moroccan scams.
When it comes to saffron, the easiest way to spot a fake is to smell it. Never purchase saffron in a sealed container. Real saffron has a strong and distinct aroma. So, if you sniff it and detect nothing, you’re likely being sold safflower, a cheaper lookalike with none of the taste or benefits.
For Argan oil, here are some tips to ensure you’re getting the real deal:
Bubbles
Shake the bottle. Pure argan oil forms small bubbles that disappear within seconds. If the bubbles linger, it’s likely mixed with other oils.
Foam
Pure Argan oil doesn’t foam when shaken. If it does, you’ve got a diluted product on your hands.
Texture and Absorption
Real Argan oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft without a heavy residue.
Overall, consider any initial price in a Berber pharmacy a tourist scam in Morocco. Always ask for at least a 40% discount from the first price they gave you to get closer to the real product value.
First, run away from these shops. However, if you get caught up in one of these scams in Morocco, don’t panic! There are a few ways to protect yourself and avoid falling for Moroccan scams.
When it comes to saffron, the easiest way to spot a fake is to smell it. Never purchase saffron in a sealed container. Real saffron has a strong and distinct aroma. So, if you sniff it and detect nothing, you’re likely being sold safflower, a cheaper lookalike with none of the taste or benefits.
For Argan oil, here are some tips to ensure you’re getting the real deal:
Bubbles
Shake the bottle. Pure argan oil forms small bubbles that disappear within seconds. If the bubbles linger, it’s likely mixed with other oils.
Foam
Pure Argan oil doesn’t foam when shaken. If it does, you’ve got a diluted product on your hands.
Texture and Absorption
Real Argan oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft without a heavy residue.
Overall, consider any initial price in a Berber pharmacy a tourist scam in Morocco. Always ask for at least a 40% discount from the first price they gave you to get closer to the real product value.
3/ Moroccan scam: Tannery
How does the Tannery scam work?
You will probably hear about Morocco’s well-known traditional leather tanneries during your itinerary in Fes or Marrakech. These sites have become hotspots for tourist scams in Morocco.
Here’s how it typically happens. While wandering near the tanneries in the Medina, seemingly friendly “guides” will offer to take you through a special entrance, claiming you can avoid the regular ticket fees.
Sounds great, right? Not really. Once inside, these guides start demanding money, often a LOT more than what you would have paid for a legitimate entry ticket. Some travellers have even reported feeling pressured or intimidated into forking over cash for what turns out to be an overpriced, unofficial “tour.”
You will probably hear about Morocco’s well-known traditional leather tanneries during your itinerary in Fes or Marrakech. These sites have become hotspots for tourist scams in Morocco.
Here’s how it typically happens. While wandering near the tanneries in the Medina, seemingly friendly “guides” will offer to take you through a special entrance, claiming you can avoid the regular ticket fees.
Sounds great, right? Not really. Once inside, these guides start demanding money, often a LOT more than what you would have paid for a legitimate entry ticket. Some travellers have even reported feeling pressured or intimidated into forking over cash for what turns out to be an overpriced, unofficial “tour.”
How do you avoid being scammed at the Tanneries?
Always use the official entrance to avoid falling for this common Moroccan scam. Politely but firmly decline any offers from people claiming they can get you in for free or show you a better way.
These “friendly” offers are rarely what they seem, and they more often than not lead to uncomfortable situations.
In Fez, for example, entry to the tanneries is free. So, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! Stick to the main route and save yourself both hassle and money.
Always use the official entrance to avoid falling for this common Moroccan scam. Politely but firmly decline any offers from people claiming they can get you in for free or show you a better way. These “friendly” offers are rarely what they seem, and they more often than not lead to uncomfortable situations.
In Fez, for example, entry to the tanneries is free. So, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! Stick to the main route and save yourself both hassle and money.
4/ Moroccan scam: Restaurants with hidden costs
How can you be scammed in Moroccan restaurants?
If travelling slowly in Morocco, you want to try the local cuisine. But here’s the trick: in some Moroccan restaurants dodgy tactics are used to scam unsuspecting travellers. A common trick is offering bread and water as “complimentary,” only for you to find them added to your bill later. Another tactic involves charging for items you didn’t even order or swapping menus with different prices.
Initially, you might order a feast after seeing affordable prices on the menu, only to receive a higher-priced salty bill. Then, they will back it up with a second, more expensive menu they claim was the original.
If travelling slowly in Morocco, you want to try the local cuisine. But here’s the trick: in some Moroccan restaurants dodgy tactics are used to scam unsuspecting travellers.
A common trick is offering bread and water as “complimentary,” only for you to find them added to your bill later. Another tactic involves charging for items you didn’t even order or swapping menus with different prices.
Initially, you might order a feast after seeing affordable prices on the menu, only to receive a higher-priced salty bill. Then, they will back it up with a second, more expensive menu they claim was the original.
How do you avoid this Moroccan scam?
To avoid this scam in Morocco, always review your bill before paying. If a waiter offers something “free,” decline unless you’re happy to pay for it later. But if you end up being scammed, pay only what you believe is the original price and walk away confidently.
Often, restaurants engaging in these shady practices are well-known to the authorities, so they are unlikely to pursue any action if you refuse to pay their inflated “tourist” prices.
To avoid this scam in Morocco, always review your bill before paying. If a waiter offers something “free,” decline unless you’re happy to pay for it later. But if you end up being scammed, pay only what you believe is the original price and walk away confidently.
Often, restaurants engaging in these shady practices are well-known to the authorities, so they are unlikely to pursue any action if you refuse to pay their inflated “tourist” prices.
5/ Moroccan scam: Hash dealers and farms
How does this scam in Morocco work?
This one is arguably the most dangerous out of all the scams in Morocco. It operates with a deceptive simplicity, making it even more frightening.
A local dealer will offer you a large quantity of hashish and might even smoke some with you to gain your trust. Once you are high and relaxed, a “policeman” conveniently arrives on the scene, likely working with the dealer.
He will threaten you with arrest unless you hand over a heavy sum. Then, if you decide to refuse, you risk facing serious legal trouble, possibly ending up in a Moroccan jail.
This scam is particularly common in places like Chefchaouen, where seemingly friendly locals might invite you to visit a hash farm. Never accept these invitations! I made that mistake once and ended up in one of my worst solo travel experiences, which could have gone terribly wrong.
This one is arguably the most dangerous out of all the scams in Morocco. It operates with a deceptive simplicity, making it even more frightening.
A local dealer will offer you a large quantity of hashish and might even smoke some with you to gain your trust. Once you are high and relaxed, a “policeman” conveniently arrives on the scene, likely working with the dealer.
He will threaten you with arrest unless you hand over a heavy sum. Then, if you decide to refuse, you risk facing serious legal trouble, possibly ending up in a Moroccan jail.
This scam is particularly common in places like Chefchaouen, where seemingly friendly locals might invite you to visit a hash farm. Never accept these invitations! I made that mistake once and ended up in one of my worst solo travel experiences, which could have gone terribly wrong.
How do you safely avoid it?
Simple: don’t buy drugs, little junkie. Seriously, stay away from any illegal substances to not fall for this Moroccan scam. The legal repercussions are severe, and if you get caught, you could face a long time in jail with little chance of escaping it. Only pay for it if you’re sure you can trust the people you’re with. But honestly, it’s best not to risk it.
Simple: don’t buy drugs, little junkie. Seriously, stay away from any illegal substances to not fall for this Moroccan scam. The legal repercussions are severe, and if you get caught, you could face a long time in jail with little chance of escaping it. Only pay for it if you’re sure you can trust the people you’re with. But honestly, it’s best not to risk it.
6/ Moroccan scam: Pictures with animals and local clothes
How can you be scammed with animals or local clothes?
A golden rule to avoid scams in Morocco is to be cautious when someone offers you something. This mantra also applies to taking a picture of you, especially if it implies an animal or dressed in traditional Moroccan clothing.
This common Moroccan scam usually happens around popular tourist spots, with snake charmers, magicians, and camels often being part of the setup.
It might seem like an innocent offer, but after the picture is taken, they could demand an exorbitant amount of money (often based on how much cash they’ve seen in your wallet). Sometimes, they may even grab your camera or phone and refuse to return it until you pay.
A golden rule to avoid scams in Morocco is to be cautious when someone offers you something. This mantra also applies to taking a picture of you, especially if it implies an animal or dressed in traditional Moroccan clothing.
This common Moroccan scam usually happens around popular tourist spots, with snake charmers, magicians, and camels often being part of the setup.
It might seem like an innocent offer, but after the picture is taken, they could demand an exorbitant amount of money (often based on how much cash they’ve seen in your wallet). Sometimes, they may even grab your camera or phone and refuse to return it until you pay.
How do you avoid this Moroccan scam?
The simplest way to avoid this tourist scam in Morocco is to skip the staged photos altogether. But if you want that memorable shot with a snake charmer or camel, you must negotiate the price before taking any.
Also, be discreet when handling money. Don’t show how much cash you have. If they see a large sum, they’ll ask for more.
The simplest way to avoid this tourist scam in Morocco is to skip the staged photos altogether. But if you want that memorable shot with a snake charmer or camel, you must negotiate the price before taking any.
Also, be discreet when handling money. Don’t show how much cash you have. If they see a large sum, they’ll ask for more.
7/ Moroccan scam: Fake Fossils and Minerals
How does this scam in Morocco work?
Morocco is famous for its authentic fossils and minerals (source: here), but beware, many of these items sold in the souks are fake (surpriseeeee!)! Yes, scams in Morocco are quite common, especially when it comes to marketplaces and these so-called ancient treasures. Many tourists end up paying a heavy price for items far from genuine. I witnessed many of them when wandering around the best things to do in Ouarzazate.
In the bustling souks, you’ll also come across counterfeit or enhanced geodes and quartz crystals. While some sellers may have real geodes, they often add purple dye to the quartz crystals, making them look like expensive amethysts.
Morocco is famous for its authentic fossils and minerals (source: here), but beware, many of these items sold in the souks are fake (surpriseeeee!)! Yes, scams in Morocco are quite common, especially when it comes to marketplaces and these so-called ancient treasures.
Many tourists end up paying a heavy price for items far from genuine. I witnessed many of them when wandering around the best things to do in Ouarzazate.
In the bustling souks, you’ll also come across counterfeit or enhanced geodes and quartz crystals. While some sellers may have real geodes, they often add purple dye to the quartz crystals, making them look like expensive amethysts.
How do you avoid buying fake fossils and minerals in Morocco?
Come on, dude! Let’s be real, do you honestly think you’re going to find million-year-old dinosaur jaws or trilobites in a souk? Most of these “fossils” are nothing more than concrete sculptures, expertly crafted to look like the real deal. This is a huge contributor to this notorious Moroccan scam.
A quick way to spot a fake is by looking at the number of identical fossils side by side. If they all look the same, chances are they’re mass-produced concrete copies. Plus, genuine fossils are rarely perfect; they’ll likely have cracks, chips, or missing parts. If the fossil looks too flawless, it’s probably a replica.
Come on, dude! Let’s be real, do you honestly think you’re going to find million-year-old dinosaur jaws or trilobites in a souk? Most of these “fossils” are nothing more than concrete sculptures, expertly crafted to look like the real deal. This is a huge contributor to this notorious Moroccan scam.
A quick way to spot a fake is by looking at the number of identical fossils side by side. If they all look the same, chances are they’re mass-produced concrete copies.
Plus, genuine fossils are rarely perfect; they’ll likely have cracks, chips, or missing parts. If the fossil looks too flawless, it’s probably a replica.
8/ Moroccan scam: Taxis
How do you avoid being scammed by Moroccan taxis?
Taxi drivers can be quite aggressive, particularly around bus stations, train stations, and airports. The moment you step out of a bus or train, you’re likely to be surrounded by multiple drivers enthusiastically asking where you’re headed.
While it may seem convenient, this is where the potential Moroccan scam can begin. I lost around 20 euros trying to reach the amazing village of Tamraght from Agadir this way.
Once you hop into a taxi, drivers might attempt to scam you in different ways. First, they might give an inflated price, or worse, “forget” the price you initially agreed on and demand a higher fare at the end of the ride.
The second common tourist scam is to avoid using the metre, or in some cases, have the metre already set at a higher rate than it should be.
Taxi drivers can be quite aggressive, particularly around bus stations, train stations, and airports. The moment you step out of a bus or train, you’re likely to be surrounded by multiple drivers enthusiastically asking where you’re headed.
While it may seem convenient, this is where the potential Moroccan scam can begin. I lost around 20 euros trying to reach the amazing village of Tamraght from Agadir this way.
Once you hop into a taxi, drivers might attempt to scam you in different ways. First, they might give an inflated price, or worse, “forget” the price you initially agreed on and demand a higher fare at the end of the ride.
The second common tourist scam is to avoid using the metre, or in some cases, have the metre already set at a higher rate than it should be.
How do you ensure a fair price in Morocco taxis?
When using a petit taxi (the smaller city taxis), always ensure the driver starts the official metre. This simple step can save you up to 70% compared to the prices taxi drivers often quote without a metre.
For grand taxis (larger vehicles used for longer trips or shared rides), it’s crucial to specify that you want a collective or “collective” taxi. Without this clarification, some drivers will see your tourist status as an opportunity to charge you for a private ride, which will cost significantly more than a shared one.
If you want more advice and insights about this Moroccan scam, I would recommend you dive into How to get around Morocco by taxi.
When using a petit taxi (the smaller city taxis), always ensure the driver starts the official metre. This simple step can save you up to 70% compared to the prices taxi drivers often quote without a metre.
For grand taxis (larger vehicles used for longer trips or shared rides), it’s crucial to specify that you want a collective or “collective” taxi. Without this clarification, some drivers will see your tourist status as an opportunity to charge you for a private ride, which will cost significantly more than a shared one.
If you want more advice and insights about this Moroccan scam, I would recommend you dive into How to get around Morocco by taxi.
Navigate the biggest tourist scams in Morocco
Congrats! You now have an overview of the biggest Moroccan scams! You should be able to navigate this maze without (almost) losing any coins and know-how to sidestep them! Travelling in Morocco can still be one of the most enriching experiences, but it’s all about being smart and aware of the common pitfalls. Let’s not forget that it is part of the experience and that by coming into an unknown land, we accept to play with different rules.
But here’s the real question: Armed with this knowledge, will you embrace this ultimate Slow Travel Itinerary in Morocco and dive into a traditional and unforgettable Moroccan experience? Or will you pull back to explore other destinations in Africa?
Whatever your next move, remember that the best adventures are those where we stay curious, cautious, and open-hearted.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
Congrats! You now have an overview of the biggest Moroccan scams! You should be able to navigate this maze without (almost) losing any coins and know-how to sidestep them! Travelling in Morocco can still be one of the most enriching experiences, but it’s all about being smart and aware of the common pitfalls.
Let’s not forget that it is part of the experience and that by coming into an unknown land, we accept to play with different rules.
But here’s the real question: Armed with this knowledge, will you embrace this ultimate Slow Travel Itinerary in Morocco and dive into a traditional and unforgettable Moroccan experience? Or will you pull back to explore other destinations in Africa?
Whatever your next move, remember that the best adventures are those where we stay curious, cautious, and open-hearted.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
