Morocco isn’t like the other cities you’ve traveled to in Europe, therefore, knowing what to take to Morocco can be tricky. There isn’t a corner pharmacy to buy medications, big supermarkets for your favorite foods and drinks, public bathrooms when you need to go, and easy public transportation to help you get around. There isn’t a big information desk in the airport, and no free maps being handed out when you arrive. You kind of have to figure it out on your own (and you will!), but a little before planning and knowing what to take to Morocco BEFORE you go can go a long way.
If you’ve traveled to other third-world countries, you probably know what you should bring to stay comfortable and stay safe, but if you haven’t, here is a list to get you started. Obviously, I’m not an expert in this subject, but these are things I wish I had known to take to Morocco, so I hope it can be helpful for you!
1 // Hand sanitizer. We did not bring this and we absolutely should have. The bathrooms in cafes and restaurants are often nothing more than a disgusting hole and a bucket of water. There is not a sink in sight, so a quality hand sanitzer to carry with you will do wonders.
2 // Tissues or toilet paper. For the same reason above, you will want to keep some sort of paper with you at all times because you can´t count on it being provided.
3 // Printed copies of things you may need:
- a good quality copy of a map of the city
- instructions on how to get to your hotel from the airport (look on Trip Advisor, as others often write about this)
- information about the current Euro or Dollar to Dirham Exchange rate, so you know what to expect in the airport.
- copies of all itineraries, plans, and some general information on how to get where you want to go. Don’t count on the wifi!
- if you’re flying RyanAir, PRINT YOUR TICKETS AT HOME! DON’T EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO DO IT IN MOROCCO.
- copy of your passport.
4 // Sun-screen. If you go to Tangier, you will be on the coast and the sun is strong, even in the spring. Bring some sunscreen to prevent those wrinkles 🙂
5 // Money belt or a good place to keep extra money. This is generally a good idea when traveling, but don´t carry ALL of your money in your wallet in case something happens. It´s good to carry some in your wallet, some in another location on your body (money belt, money pack under your shirt, etc), and leave some locked in your suitcase.
6 // Conservative clothing. Do you need to wear a burqa? Absolutely not! But do I think you should walk around and shorts and a tank top? No. Morocco is relatively tame compared to some of the other Muslim countries, but you will be stared at if you dress like that. I wore jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt and sweater each day and never felt uncomfortable. At tourist cafes, I felt that it was ok to wear just the t-shirt if I was hot. We saw one woman wearing denim cut-off shorts and a t-shirt and even the tourists were staring. For guys, modest clothing is best. No need to whip out your Polos and Sperry’s in Morocco.
7 // Your camera and a good attitude. Like with any travel, things can go wrong and like I said before, this is no first-world country. There can be delays, it can be difficult to find what you need, people are going to point you in a million different directions, but everything will be fine. It’s only a few days, so sit back, relax, and have fun! And take a lot of pictures!
Is there anything else you would take to Morocco?
