Morocco Etiquette: What Not to Do on Your Trip

Good Morocco etiquette is mostly common sense plus a few local rules that nobody tells you until you break them. If you come from Jamaica or Trinidad, you already have a head start: you know that you greet people before asking for anything, that elders get respect, and that hospitality is serious business. Morocco works the same way, with Islam and family values shaping daily life. Here is what to do, what not to do and how to avoid the small mistakes that make locals wince.

Morocco etiquette in 10 rules

1. Greet before you ask. “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) or a simple “bonjour” opens every conversation, even in a shop.
2. Dress modestly, especially in medinas, villages and religious sites.
3. Use your right hand for eating, passing food, giving money and shaking hands.
4. Ask before photographing people, and accept a “no” with a smile.
5. Do not enter mosques unless they are explicitly open to non-Muslims.
6. Keep public affection discreet. Holding hands is fine; kissing in the street is not.
7. Do not criticize the King or the royal family, and avoid heated political debates.
8. Do not drink alcohol in public places or walk around drunk.
9. Take off your shoes when entering a home or when you see shoes by the door.
10. Accept tea when it is offered, at least one glass. Refusing hospitality outright can feel rude.

Greetings and conversation

Moroccans take greetings seriously. A quick “Salam alaikum” is answered with “Wa alaikum salam.” People then ask about your health, your family and your trip before getting down to business. Rushing straight to “How much?” can seem cold. Arabic (Darija) and Tamazight are the main languages, French is widely spoken in cities and tourism, and English is spreading fast among younger people and guides.

Handshakes between men and women

Men usually shake hands with men, sometimes followed by touching the heart with the right hand. Between men and women, let the woman decide: many Moroccan women do offer their hand, but some religious men and women prefer not to touch someone of the opposite sex. If someone places their hand on their heart instead, do the same. It is not an insult.

Safe and unsafe topics

Family, food, football and travel are great conversation starters. Moroccans love talking about the national team. Topics to avoid with strangers include the monarchy, religion (unless your host brings it up), Western Sahara and Israel–Palestine politics. Speaking against the King is not only impolite; it can break the law.

Dress code: what is respectful

There is no legal dress code for visitors, and you will see everything in Marrakech. But covering shoulders and knees earns you more respect and less unwanted attention, especially in Fes, Chefchaouen and rural villages. Light, loose clothing works well in the heat. Swimwear belongs at the beach or pool, not in town. Our detailed guide on what to wear in Morocco covers women, men and the desert.

Mosques and religious sites

Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims. Do not step inside, even if the door is open, and avoid photographing worshippers. The great exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided visits for visitors of all faiths; our Casablanca city tour with the Hassan II Mosque includes the interior visit. Historic Koranic schools (medersas) such as Ben Youssef in Marrakech and Bou Inania and Al-Attarine in Fes are open to everyone and give you a look at the same stunning architecture.

Five times a day you will hear the call to prayer. Lower your voice if you are close to a mosque, and on Friday around midday expect some shops to close while men attend prayers.

Table manners and visiting a home

Being invited to a Moroccan home is an honor. Bring a small gift such as pastries, fruit or a box of sugar cones (a traditional present). Avoid bringing alcohol unless you know your hosts drink.

• Take off your shoes at the door if your hosts do.
• Wash your hands before eating; a host may bring a basin and kettle.
• Eat from the part of the shared dish in front of you, using bread and your right hand.
• Wait for the host to start, and expect to be urged to eat more. Saying “Alhamdulillah” (thanks be to God) signals that you are full.
• Compliment the cook. It is always appreciated.

For the dishes you will meet at the table, see our guide to Moroccan food.

Photography: ask first

Many Moroccans, especially women and older people in rural areas, do not want to be photographed. Some believe it is intrusive; others simply dislike being a tourist attraction. Always ask, or use gestures to ask. In Jemaa el-Fna, snake charmers, water sellers and performers will expect a tip if you photograph them, so agree beforehand. Never photograph military, police, palace guards or government buildings. Drones need official authorization in Morocco and are often held at customs if you arrive with one, so leave yours at home unless you have a permit.

Couples, LGBTQ+ travelers and the law

Holding hands is fine for couples, but kissing and hugging in public draw stares. Moroccan law forbids sex outside marriage for Moroccans, and some hotels may ask a mixed Moroccan–foreign couple for a marriage certificate. Foreign couples are rarely asked anything.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Morocco under the penal code. LGBTQ+ travelers visit every year without problems, but discretion in public is strongly advised. Hotels generally do not question two adults sharing a room. For broader safety advice, see our article on whether Morocco is safe.

What not to do in Morocco: quick reference

Avoid	Do instead
Entering mosques or photographing people at prayer	Visit the Hassan II Mosque or open medersas
Eating or passing money with your left hand	Use your right hand
Kissing in public	Hold hands, save the rest for later
Drinking alcohol outdoors	Drink in licensed bars, hotels and restaurants
Snapping photos of people without asking	Ask first, or photograph the scenery
Joking about the King or religion	Talk food, football and family
Damaging banknotes or coins bearing the King’s portrait	Treat money with care
Accepting a “free” tour from a stranger	Book an official guide
Losing your temper in a negotiation	Smile, stay friendly, walk away if needed

Time, patience and “inshallah”

Caribbean travelers will recognize the relaxed approach to time. Meetings start a little late, lunch runs long and “inshallah” (God willing) can mean yes, maybe or probably not. Do not take it personally, and build some slack into your plans. On the other hand, tours, transfers and trains generally run on schedule, so be ready when your driver arrives. Raising your voice to speed things up almost always backfires; calm persistence and a smile work much better. Remember too that Friday midday is prayer time and that many family businesses close on Sundays in the new towns.

Shopping, tipping and the “free guide” trick

Haggling is normal in the souks, and doing it with good humor is part of the etiquette. Our guide on how to haggle in Moroccan souks explains how. Tipping is expected for most services, from porters and hammam attendants to drivers and guides; small coins and notes in dirhams are best. Our guide to money and tipping in Morocco gives typical amounts.

In the medinas, a friendly stranger may tell you a street is “closed” and offer to show you the way, then lead you to a shop or ask for money. You do not need to be rude; a firm “La, shukran” (no, thank you) and walking on is enough. The easiest fix is an official, licensed guide. Our guided Fes medina walking tour puts you with an official guide in the most confusing medina in the country.

A few words that open doors

• Salam alaikum: hello (literally, peace be upon you)
• Shukran: thank you
• La, shukran: no, thank you
• Inshallah: God willing (you will hear it constantly)
• Bslama: goodbye
• Bshal?: how much?

Using even two of these makes people smile. Morocco is warm and forgiving with visitors who make an effort. Find more practical advice in our Morocco travel guide.