When talking about Slow Travel, few places are as enchanting as Morocco, with its rich landscapes, diversity, and deep historical roots. However, as with many popular tourist destinations, travellers should be aware of scams in Morocco. Although most Moroccans are incredibly kind and helpful, you can easily get caught up in scams if not careful.
Having been scammed many times, probably more than I even realised, I’ve learnt a few key insights. By learning about the rules of the game, you can save not just money but also prevent those moments that leave a bitter taste.
That said, despite the scams, I still highly recommend Slow Travel in Morocco. The country offers unforgettable experiences, and most of the fellow travellers I’ve met on my journey have shared this sentiment. Now, let’s get down and debunk these vicious Moroccan scams.
When talking about Slow Travel, few places are as enchanting as Morocco, with its rich landscapes, diversity, and deep historical roots.
However, as with many popular tourist destinations, travellers should be aware of scams in Morocco. Although most Moroccans are incredibly kind and helpful, you can easily get caught up in scams if not careful.
Having been scammed many times, probably more than I even realised, I’ve learnt a few key insights. By learning about the rules of the game, you can save not just money but also prevent those moments that leave a bitter taste.
That said, despite the scams, I still highly recommend Slow Travel in Morocco. The country offers unforgettable experiences, and most of the fellow travellers I’ve met on my journey have shared this sentiment.
Now, let’s get down and debunk these vicious Moroccan scams.
1/ Scams in Morocco: Fake tour guide & direction giver
How does this Moroccan scam work?
Direction Giver Scam
This is probably the most common (and annoying) scam in Morocco you will have to face. Mostly, it happens in tourist hotspots like Fes or Marrakech (another good reason to explore Slow Travel destinations).
Whenever you’re pausing for a second, checking Google Maps, and out of nowhere, someone will pop up and offer to guide you. 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. 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. Mostly, it happens in tourist hotspots like Fes or Marrakech (another good reason to explore Slow Travel destinations).
Whenever you’re pausing for a second, checking Google Maps, and out of nowhere, someone will pop up and offer to guide you.
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. A classic move to put you in an awkward situation.
Fake Guide Scam (Faux Guide)
Then, there are 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.
Often, 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 the scam.
Then, there are 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.
Often, 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 the scam.
How do you avoid this scam in Morocco?
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. Stay confident, ignore their aggressive tone (they won’t touch you due to police intimidation), and walk away.
However, if you do need directions, ask shop owners, elderly people, or families. These groups are way much less likely to scam you.
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/ Scams in Morocco - Berber pharmacy: Argan Oil, safran & more
How does this Moroccan scam work?
One of the most common scams in Morocco happens in the so-called Berber pharmacies. They 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 as they get a commission if you buy something.
One of the most common scams in Morocco happens in the so-called Berber pharmacies. They 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 as they get a commission if you buy something.
How do you avoid this scam in Morocco?
First, run away from these shops. However, if you find yourself caught up in one of these scams in Morocco, there are a few ways to protect yourself.
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 as part of the many scams 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 find yourself caught up in one of these scams in Morocco, there are a few ways to protect yourself.
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 as part of the many scams 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/ Scams in Morocco: Tannery
How does this Moroccan scam work?
Morocco is well-known for its traditional leather tanneries, with Fez and Marrakech hosting the most famous ones. These sites have become hotspots for scams in Morocco targeting tourists.
Here’s how it typically happens. While wandering near the tanneries, 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.”
Morocco is well-known for its traditional leather tanneries, with Fez and Marrakech hosting the most famous ones. These sites have become hotspots for scams in Morocco targeting tourists.
Here’s how it typically happens. While wandering near the tanneries, 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 this scam in Morocco?
To avoid falling victim to this common scam, always use the official entrance. 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 more often than not, they lead to uncomfortable situations.
For example, in Fez, 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.
To avoid falling victim to this common scam, always use the official entrance. 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 more often than not, they lead to uncomfortable situations.
For example, in Fez, 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/ Scams in Morocco: Restaurants with hidden costs
How does this Moroccan scam work?
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 entirely different prices.
At the beginning, you might order a feast after seeing affordable prices on the menu, only to receive a higher-priced salty bill at the end. Then, they will back it up by a second, more expensive menu they claim was the original.
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 entirely different prices.
At the beginning, you might order a feast after seeing affordable prices on the menu, only to receive a higher-priced salty bill at the end. Then, they will back it up by a second, more expensive menu they claim was the original.
How do you avoid this scam in Morocco?
To avoid this trap, always review your bill before paying. If a waiter offers something “free,” politely 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 trap, always review your bill before paying. If a waiter offers something “free,” politely 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/ Scams in Morocco: Hash
How does this Moroccan scam work?
Out of all the scams in Morocco, this one is arguably the most dangerous. 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.
Out of all the scams in Morocco, this one is arguably the most dangerous. 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 avoid this scam in Morocco?
Simple: don’t buy drugs, little junkie. Seriously, stay away from any illegal substances in Morocco. 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 absolutely 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 in Morocco.
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 absolutely sure you can trust the people you’re with. But honestly, it’s best not to risk it.
6/ Scams in Morocco: Pictures with animals or local clothes
How does this Moroccan scam work?
A golden rule to avoid scams in Morocco is to be cautious when someone offers to take a picture of you, especially if it implies an animal or dressed in traditional Moroccan clothing. This common 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 to take a picture of you, especially if it implies an animal or dressed in traditional Moroccan clothing.
This common 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 scam in Morocco?
The simplest way to avoid this scam in Morocco is to skip the staged photos altogether. But if you really 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 scam in Morocco is to skip the staged photos altogether. But if you really 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/ Scams in Morocco: Fake Fossils and Minerals
How does this Moroccan scam work?
Morocco is famous for its authentic fossils and minerals, 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 market places and these so-called ancient treasures. Many tourists end up paying a heavy price for items that are far from genuine.
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 inside, making them look like expensive amethysts.
Morocco is famous for its authentic fossils and minerals, 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 market places and these so-called ancient treasures.
Many tourists end up paying a heavy price for items that are far from genuine.
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 inside, making them look like expensive amethysts
How do you avoid this scam 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 the notorious scams in Morocco.
A quick way to spot a fake is by looking at the number of identical fossils side by side. If they all look exactly 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 the notorious scams in Morocco.
A quick way to spot a fake is by looking at the number of identical fossils side by side. If they all look exactly 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/ Scams in Morocco: Taxis
How does this Moroccan scam work?
Taxi drivers, particularly around bus stations, train stations, and airports, can be quite aggressive in their approach. 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 scams in Morocco can begin.
Once you hop into a taxi, drivers might attempt to scam you in a couple of common 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 trick 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, particularly around bus stations, train stations, and airports, can be quite aggressive in their approach.
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 scams in Morocco can begin.
Once you hop into a taxi, drivers might attempt to scam you in a couple of common 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 trick 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 avoid this scam in Morocco?
When using a petit taxi (the smaller city taxis), always make sure 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 “collectivo” 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 it I would recommend you to dive into How to travel Morocco by trains, bus, and taxis.
When using a petit taxi (the smaller city taxis), always make sure 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 “collectivo” 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 it I would recommend you to dive into How to travel Morocco by trains, bus, and taxis.
Ready to navigate the most common Scams in Morocco?
So, you’ve made it through the scams in Morocco maze without (almost) losing any coins, and now you’re armed with the 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, how will you navigate the vibrant streets of Morocco? Will you embrace the Slow Travel Itinerary in Morocco or look for more inspiration in the Blog?
Whatever your next move, always remember, the best adventures are those where we stay curious, cautious, and open-hearted.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
So, you’ve made it through the scams in Morocco maze without (almost) losing any coins, and now you’re armed with the 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, how will you navigate the vibrant streets of Morocco? Will you embrace the Slow Travel Itinerary in Morocco or look for more inspiration in the Blog?
Whatever your next move, always remember, the best adventures are those where we stay curious, cautious, and open-hearted.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
