Guide 05 of 07
Staying Safe
What to watch for
Henna scams, fake guides, tourist police, horse carriages, LGBTQ+ safety, and navigating the medina at night.
7 observations
Why do the henna ladies grab your hand?
The paste stains in seconds and can't be wiped off.
Once it's on, you're expected to pay — typically 300 to 500 dirhams for a small dribble, a price that's never mentioned beforehand. Hands in pockets or visibly occupied reads as unavailable.
Should I take a horse carriage?
Look for the blue SPANA band on the horse's ankle.
Read more →What is the police touristique?
Morocco's dedicated tourist police unit.
They handle theft, harassment, vendor disputes, and overcharging. Officers speak French, some speak English and Spanish. Tourist police units operate in Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Agadir. Smaller cities like Essaouira and Chefchaouen have general police presence but no dedicated tourist unit.
How do I tell a real guide from a fake one?
Official guides carry a large circular brass badge.
Read more →What do I do if I get lost at night?
Head toward light.
Read more →Why do the streets look sketchy?
They're centuries old, not dangerous.
Read more →