Moroccan Etiquette: Customs and Culture Tips for Travelers

Moroccans are famously hospitable, and a smile really is a sign of friendliness here: you’ll be welcomed with tea, invited to share a meal and helped when you’re lost. Knowing a few customs makes those encounters even warmer, and helps you avoid unintentional mistakes.

Here’s a practical guide to Moroccan etiquette for travelers.

Greetings

Greetings matter in Morocco, and they take time. The most common greeting is As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you), answered with Wa alaykum as-salam. A simple salam works in casual situations. In French, bonjour is understood almost everywhere.

• Handshakes are common between men, often followed by touching the hand to the heart.
• Between men and women, let the woman decide whether to offer her hand. Placing your right hand on your heart is a polite alternative.
• Ask how someone is before getting to business. Small talk is part of good manners.

Hospitality and invitations

If you’re invited into a Moroccan home, consider it an honor.

• Bring a small gift, such as pastries, fruit or something from your home country.
• Remove your shoes if your hosts do.
• Accept tea. It’s the centerpiece of hospitality. Read our guide to Moroccan mint tea.
• Eat with your right hand when sharing a communal dish, and eat from the section in front of you.
• Expect to be offered more food. Leaving a little on your plate signals that you’ve had enough.

Dress and modesty

Morocco is relatively relaxed, especially in big cities and resorts, but modest clothing is appreciated, particularly in medinas, rural areas and religious sites. Covering shoulders and knees is a good rule for men and women. Our guide to what to wear in Morocco has practical tips by season.

Mosques and religious sites

Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims. The major exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours. You can admire other mosques from outside, and visit historic religious buildings that are open as monuments, such as madrasas in Fes and Marrakech. Dress modestly and speak quietly near places of worship, especially during prayer times.

Ramadan etiquette

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Visitors aren’t expected to fast, but it’s respectful to:

• Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day, especially in traditional areas
• Be patient with changed opening hours
• Accept an invitation to iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, if you’re lucky enough to receive one

Photography

• Always ask before photographing people, and accept a “no” gracefully.
• Some performers in tourist squares expect a small payment for photos.
• Don’t photograph military sites, police or government buildings.

Bargaining and money

Bargaining in the souks is normal and expected, but keep it friendly. Small tips are customary for guides, drivers, porters and waiters. For more practical advice, read our 7 things to know before traveling to Morocco.

Public behavior

• Holding hands is fine, but keep public displays of affection discreet.
• Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars, but drinking in public is not acceptable.
• Speak calmly. Raising your voice is considered rude.

Useful words and phrases

• Salam — hello
• Shukran — thank you
• La, shukran — no, thank you
• Afak — please (in Darija)
• Bslama — goodbye
• Inshallah — God willing, heard constantly in conversation