Skip to content
Some scams

Northern Africa

Tourist scams in Morocco

Morocco is generally safe, but tourists often face persistent touts, false guides and inflated prices. Marrakech needs extra care, while Fez has elaborate guide and tour scams; pickpocketing and taxi overcharging also occur in several cities.
  1. 1 TaxisVery commonTaxi meter refusal and inflated faresDrivers leave the meter off or quote a high fixed fare. Some hotels and transport agencies also quote inflated taxi prices. In Rabat, arriving visitors are directed towards expensive white airport taxis.Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Agadir, Casablanca 2Read
  2. 2 Tours and guidesVery commonFalse guides and shop detoursAn unsolicited guide offers sightseeing, accommodation help or a visit to a handicraft warehouse. The walk leads to shops or other businesses where you face sales pressure or requests for payment.Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca 3Read
  3. 3 On the streetVery commonClosed street or closed attraction claimsSomeone says a road, hotel or attraction is closed, under construction, a prayer area or off limits to tourists. They offer another route to a business with inflated prices. In Marrakech, the detour may lead into a quiet alley for a robbery.Fez, Marrakech 1Read
  4. 4 Hotels and roomsCommonUnwanted hotel directions for paymentTouts intercept visitors near their accommodation. They claim routes are closed or GPS does not work, then lead you a short distance to your hotel and expect money.Medina streets with many places to stay 1Read
  5. 5 On the streetCommonDirections followed by a payment demandA stranger walks with you or shows you the way, then demands money even though no paid service was agreed.Marrakech 2Read
  6. 6 TheftCommonPickpocketingThieves take money, phones or other valuables from pockets and bags in crowded places.Rabat, Casablanca, Fez 2Read
  7. 7 Tours and guidesCommonFriendly stranger on a train or busA stranger presents himself as a respectable visitor, sometimes a hotel owner, and invites you to eat with relatives. The visit becomes a sales pitch for accommodation, commission-paying shops and expensive tours. A bus driver may also take part.Fez 3Read
  8. 8 Tours and guidesCommonFree tannery tour with a forced paymentSomeone offers a free tannery visit, then aggressively demands money. They may also claim there is very little time left to visit or buy.Marrakech 2Read
  9. 9 ShoppingVery commonPaper hidden inside leather shoesPoor-quality shoes have paper inside the sole. A seller's bending demonstration may hide the weakness.MarrakechRead
  10. 10 On the streetCommonStudent or translation request leading to a shopSomeone says they are a student who wants to practise English. Others ask you to translate a letter or help a relative abroad. Following them can lead to a carpet or souvenir shop.Tourist areas 1Read
  11. 11 On the streetCommonMisleading directions to gain your trustSomeone calls out that your destination is close or points towards the medina when you are already inside it. The aim is to get you to trust and follow them.Medinas and tourist areas 2Read
  12. 12 ShoppingOccasionalFree gift followed by a theft accusationA vendor gives you a supposedly free item. A group then accuses you of stealing it and pressures you to pay.Vendor areasRead
  13. 13 Fake officialsOccasionalFake tourist authority badgesFalse guides show printed photo badges or documents claiming a link to the Ministry of Tourism. They use this appearance of authority to redirect you to expensive businesses.MarrakechRead
  14. 14 TaxisOccasionalTaxi change and luggage tricksAfter the journey, a driver adds a luggage charge or claims to have no change so you leave a larger payment.Marrakech 2Read
  15. 15 Buses and trainsCommonBus is full claimTaxi touts say your bus is full to steer you into a grand taxi. They may also try to sell you goods while the taxi is being prepared.Marrakech 1Read
  16. 16 Buses and trainsOccasionalUnofficial bus ticket sellers and invented pricesTouts offer bus tickets or quote arbitrary prices outside the terminal. Some claim an extra charge is needed for air conditioning. In Fez, touts target tourists with tickets to Chefchaouen.Marrakech, Fez 2Read
  17. 17 Tours and guidesOccasionalExpensive desert excursion that goes nowhereA hustler sells an expensive desert excursion. The promised trip turns out to be days of driving around just outside the city.Fez 1Read
  18. 18 ShoppingCommonFalse government-regulated shop claimsSellers claim prices are regulated or that a shop is a government-regulated co-operative. This discourages bargaining and makes a high price seem official.Fez 2Read
  19. 19 ShoppingCommonCounterfeit branded goodsPhones, watches, clothing and accessories are offered as branded or genuine at bargain prices. The Apple and Samsung phones described at Djemaa El-Fna are copies with cheaper parts and less storage.Marrakech, Casablanca 2Read
  20. 20 ShoppingCommonInflated market pricesSellers start with a price far above the going rate. Strong sales pressure can make an inexperienced visitor accept it.Marrakech, Casablanca 2Read
  21. 21 ShoppingOccasionalLast-chance Berber market pitchA seller claims a Berber group only comes every 15 days, so you must buy now or miss your chance.Marrakech 2Read
  22. 22 ShoppingCommonCactus silk claims and premium pricesMerchants charge a premium for products called cactus silk. The material described is rayon, and sellers may also offer fakes or lie about what an item contains.Marrakech 2Read
  23. 23 On the streetOccasionalFree henna followed by a high billA trader offers a free henna tattoo, then demands a very high payment. Some henna is also mixed with chemicals such as PPD to make it darker, which can cause serious allergic reactions.Marrakech 2Read
  24. 24 On the streetOccasionalSnake photo payment pressureA snake charmer puts a snake around your neck for a photo and expects payment.Marrakech 2Read
  25. 25 Food and drinkOccasionalComplimentary food added to the billStaff bring small plates of fries, salad or other food as though they are complimentary. Each plate later appears on the bill.Marrakech 1Read
  26. 26 Food and drinkCommonFood-stall blocking and false friendshipTouts push menus towards you, block your path, grab your hand or call you an old friend. A friendly conversation becomes pressure to eat at their stall.Marrakech 2Read
  27. 27 Food and drinkOccasionalOrange juice price switchA seller charges more after you drink. Different prices for ordinary and blood orange juice can also be used to create confusion.Marrakech 2Read
  28. 28 Food and drinkCommonWatered-down juiceVendors dilute juice with tap water. You receive less juice, and the water may upset your stomach.Marrakech 2Read
  29. 29 Food and drinkOccasionalRefilled bottled waterVendors refill plastic bottles with tap water and sell them as bottled water.Marrakech 1Read
  30. 30 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM fees that are not displayedAn ATM may show no withdrawal fee and provide no receipt, yet a fee later appears on your bank account.Some bank ATMs 1Read
  31. 31 Changing moneyOccasionalAirport shop exchange-rate markupPrices are usually displayed in euros. Businesses may accept dirham but calculate the payment using their own exchange rate, which can make the purchase more expensive.Marrakech 1Read
  32. 32 ShoppingOccasionalMarket detours on tourist signsSome signs appear to send visitors through markets or other places to spend money rather than along the most direct route.MarrakechRead
  33. 33 TheftOccasionalMotorbike drive-by theftA thief on a passing motorbike snatches exposed valuables.Casablanca 2Read
  34. 34 Other tricksOccasionalDrugging followed by an attackA traveller is drugged and then attacked or robbed. Solo travellers are warned to take particular care.Marrakech 1Read
  35. 35 Hotels and roomsOccasionalRoom-service robberyA solo guest may be targeted for robbery when someone delivering room service enters the room.MarrakechRead

Where to stay alert

  • Medinas and souqsFalse guides, persistent touts, unwanted hotel directions and pressured shopping.
  • Djemaa El-Fna, MarrakechTaxi overcharging, counterfeit phones and aggressive food-stall sales. Unordered food can appear on bills.
  • Medina alleys, MarrakechFalse closure claims can lead to expensive businesses or quiet alleys where robbery may occur.
  • Medina tanneries, MarrakechFree tours can end in aggressive payment demands and false claims of limited opening times.
  • Train station, Avenue Hassan II, MarrakechDrivers approach arriving passengers and quote fares well above the meter price.
  • CTM bus station, MarrakechWaiting taxi drivers are described as charging heavily inflated fares.
  • Gare Routière near Bab Doukkala, MarrakechThe account of the former station describes arbitrary ticket prices and invented air-conditioning charges. Intercity services moved to Al Azzouzia in July 2026.
  • Marrakech-Menara Airport, after securityBusinesses display euro prices and may apply their own rate when accepting dirham.
  • Fes el-Bali, especially around the tanneries, FezFalse guides use closed-road claims to redirect visitors.
  • Gare Routière, FezTouts try to sell tourists bus tickets to Chefchaouen.
  • Trains and buses arriving in FezFriendly strangers invite visitors to relatives' homes before selling hotels, shopping tours and excursions.
  • Old Medina, CasablancaFalse guides mainly gather around this area.
  • Derb Ghalef souq, CasablancaQuestionable branded goods and a high risk of paying well above the going rate.
  • Maarif, CasablancaShops offer bargain goods described as genuine, including branded accessories and clothing.
  • Rabat–Salé Airport taxi areaVisitors are funnelled towards expensive white taxis; some petit taxi drivers also refuse the meter.
  • Medina streets and crowded buses, RabatCrowds create opportunities for pickpockets.
  • City centre, AgadirSome taxi drivers demand a fixed amount instead of the meter fare.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check that the meter starts at the beginning of the ride.
  • If taking a fixed-fare ride, agree on the full price before getting in.
  • Ask about luggage charges and carry small notes.
  • Walk away from tourist taxi queues if the quotes seem high.

Money

  • Use banks or official exchange offices and check the rate.
  • Confirm that you will receive an exchange receipt and keep it.
  • Carry small notes and keep larger notes hidden separately.
  • Ask for a price before accepting goods or services.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check that an ATM accepts your card before inserting it.
  • Read fee screens and check your account after withdrawing.
  • Never hand your card to an informal guide or booking intermediary.
  • If an ATM keeps your card at Marrakech airport, ask airport security for help.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed, close to you and in view.
  • Keep valuables out of back and outside pockets.
  • Hide your phone and jewellery near passing traffic.
  • Use a safety wallet or hotel safe for money and passports.
  • Avoid poorly lit alleys and deserted areas at night.

Nights out

  • Keep your drink in sight.
  • Avoid accepting opened drinks from strangers.
  • Ask your hotel or trusted locals about suitable venues.
  • Seek urgent medical help if you suspect you have been drugged.

Where you stay

  • Save your accommodation's contact details and arrival directions.
  • Check closure claims directly with your accommodation.
  • Receive room service at the door when alone.
  • Do not let an unsolicited helper take control of your booking.

Tours and guides

  • Arrange a guide and agree on the price before starting.
  • Get an excursion's route, stops and full price in writing.
  • Decline free tours that you did not seek out.
  • Keep control of your payments and booking decisions.

Police and officials

  • Do not rely on a printed badge alone to verify a guide.
  • Check claims about closures independently.
  • Seek police help if someone threatens you, blocks you or keeps your property.

What travellers say about Morocco

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Morocco safe for a first-time visitor?

Morocco is generally safe. The main problems described are persistent touts, false guides, inflated prices and theft. Agree on prices early and keep control of your route and bookings.

Where should I be most alert for scams?

Take extra care in Marrakech's tourist areas and Fez's medina. Djemaa El-Fna, tannery areas and transport stations need attention. Watch your belongings on crowded buses and medina streets.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a taxi?

Ask for the meter before getting in. If the driver refuses, agree on the full fare or choose another taxi. Confirm luggage charges and carry small notes.

Should I believe someone who says my route or hotel is closed?

Check for yourself or contact your accommodation. False closure claims are used to lead visitors to shops, paid guides or quiet alleys.

Can I trust a friendly invitation on a train to Fez?

Be cautious if it quickly leads to meeting relatives, booking a hotel or buying a tour. This is a described sales scam. Keep your card and booking decisions under your control.

Are free gifts, henna and tannery tours really free?

They can lead to payment demands. A gift may be followed by a theft accusation. Refuse unsolicited gifts and free henna, and agree on any tour price before starting.

How can I avoid buying fake or poor-quality goods?

Do not rely on a brand logo or a seller's claim. Inspect shoes yourself, check phone specifications and ask what fabrics contain. Compare prices before paying.

What should I check at food and drink stalls?

Confirm the price and refuse unordered extras. For orange juice, agree on the type and pay before drinking. Check bottled-water seals and watch for juice diluted with tap water.

What are the main theft risks?

Pickpocketing is described in crowded streets and buses. Casablanca also has motorbike drive-by theft. Keep bags closed, valuables hidden and phones away from passing traffic.

Who can help if I am scammed?

Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Tourist police patrol Djemaa El-Fna in Marrakech. Contact your card issuer for card problems, your insurer for claims and your embassy if your passport is stolen.

Reviewed by