What is Prohibited in Morocco? 8 Points to Keep in Mind – TangierTaxi (2024)

FAQs

What is Prohibited in Morocco? 8 Points to Keep in Mind – TangierTaxi? ›

Yes, you can drink alcohol in Tangier. Despite being a majority Muslim country, and despite the fact that consuming alcohol is prohibited by law for locals, alcohol consumption in Morocco is among the highest in North Africa. People buy and drink alcohol in Morocco more than most westerners think.

Yes, you can drink alcohol in Tangier. Despite being a majority Muslim country, and despite the fact that consuming alcohol is prohibited by law for locals, alcohol consumption in Morocco is among the highest in North Africa. People buy and drink alcohol in Morocco more than most westerners think.

You can bring alcohol into Morocco but there is no advantage in doing so unless you have a "must have" preference. Supermarket and alimentation stores (not Aswak Aselaam) have a good range of beers, wines and spirits which are generally cheaper than duty free.

The legal drinking age for Moroccans is 18, but for visitors this is a gray area, as most establishments will serve you no matter what the age (within reason, of course). Moroccan bars, called brasseries, are usually smoky, dingy drinking dens frequented by Moroccan men and prostitutes.

However, the dominant belief in Islam is that, not only is the consumption of alcohol in any of its forms forbidden, but Muslims should avoid even indirect association with alcohol.

Local laws

Sexual acts between members of the same sex, or outside marriage, are illegal. Possessing p*rnographic material is also illegal. Understand and follow local laws. Morocco has strict laws around religion, the monarchy, alcohol, photography and drone use.

Import restrictions apply to a limited number of products, including firearms, explosives, used clothing, used tires, p*rnography, and rugs similar to those produced in Morocco.

Can you wear shorts in Morocco? Yes, there is no problem with wearing shorts in Morocco. You will see this just about everywhere. However, in rural Morocco, you might want to stick with longer shorts, capri length or full length pants.

In some tourist places you can pay for hotels, restaurants, and activities in USD, EUR, or GBP, but only banknotes are accepted. Although, you'll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. In addition, you can get MAD from ATMs using your debit card. Withdrawing cash on a credit card is less favorable.

If you think you may have sex while you are in Morocco, be aware that AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted disease do exist. Please take all precautions and make sure to bring your own condoms.

What time do Moroccans go to bed? ›

Around 3-5 PM, most people will rest or sleep. After the evening breafast around 7:00 PM, most people rest or sleep another two hours, then get up for the evening. Many housewives and families will go shopping in the supermarkets between 10PM and Midnight.

The most popular drink in Morocco is green tea with mint. Throughout Morocco, making good tea is considered an art form and it is considered a tradition to drink tea often with family and friends.

Indeed, 2008 saw Morocco's parliament unanimously approve the banning of smoking in establishments like coffee shops and restaurants. Article 11 adds that violators of the public smoking bans would be subject to fines of 10 to 50 dirhams.

Gold contains rays which pass through body skin and influence blood cells. This is quite true for men (2). But it does not apply to the women because there is a layer of fat between the skin and flesh in women, which does not exist in men.

Ali said the Koran is clear that Muslim men are allowed to marry non-Muslim women as long as their brides are “People of the Book” — Christians or Jews, both of whom recognize Abraham as their spiritual forefather, as Muslims do. A Muslim woman, however, cannot marry a non-Muslim man unless he converts.

For those who aren't aware, tattoos are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. There is no specific Islamic verse outlining this point but many people believe wudu (the purification ritual) cannot be completed if you have a tattoo on your body. Hence, you can never pray.

Though most people are religious, they are generally easy-going. Nonetheless, you should try not to affront people's religious beliefs, especially those of older, more conservative people. Avoid, for example, wearing revealing clothes, kissing and cuddling in public, or eating or smoking in the street during Ramadan.

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. See Travelling during Ramadan. Avoid public displays of affection, particularly outside the main tourist areas and near religious places. Sexual relations outside marriage are punishable by law.

Food in Morocco is delicious and amongst the best in the world. However, you should only eat fruit or vegetables that have been peeled, washed or thoroughly cooked prior to eating. Seasoned travelers avoid salads altogether unless they're sure they've been prepared hygienically.

There is no limit on the amount of foreign cash you can bring in to the country. You won't be able to change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes and it's very difficult to exchange travellers' cheques. The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is non-convertible.

Can you bring medication into Morocco? ›

Moroccan Customs don't have a list of prohibited products, but they do advise anyone travelling with prescription medication to make sure they have a copy of the doctor's prescription which covers the medication and quantity carried.

While you do not need to cover your entire arms, it is highly recommended that you at least cover your shoulders. Tank tops or strapless shirts and dresses are not considered appropriate in the streets of Morocco. Again, you will experience a lot of harassment if you wear these items.

Morocco is still a cash-based economy. Euros, USD, and CAD – not Australian dollars, are always accepted in Morocco and you will save time bringing cash to convert, doing away with bank lineups or non-active cash machines to acquire dirhams.

On the bottom, jeans, maxi-skirts, dresses and slacks are perfectly acceptable for female tourists in Morocco. As a rule of thumb, it is best to wear bottoms that are at least knee length, and preferably longer. Similarly, loose-fitting items are preferred over tightly-fitting items.

Tangier. Tangier has a sophisticated, bohemian vibe. A lot of women feel more comfortable in dresses over pants, and a loose and floaty dress will keep you cool while walking around the medina.

Passports and Visas:

You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page. Visas are not required for visits lasting less than 90 days. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the most current visa information.

You can use credit and debit card in towns and tourist areas in Morocco. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. If you usually use an Amex card, you'll need to take an alternative card or carry enough cash for your trip, as you may not be able to find an ATM to withdraw cash easily.

Medicines & First Aid

Recommended items to take for any trip to Morocco are: paracetamol, ibuprofen, imodium, sun cream, lip balm, after-sun cream, mosquito repellant, sunglasses. A traveller's First Aid kit is always good to have on board in case of any injury.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Nearly all medicines, including antibiotics and painkillers, are available over the counter at Moroccan pharmacies. Aspirin is sold as Aspro; ibuprofen is sold as Analgyl, Algantyl, or Tabalon. Acetaminophen, the generic equivalent of Tylenol, is sold as Doliprane and is widely available.

Can I bring a girl to my hotel in Morocco? ›

Nevertheless, when it comes to extramarital relations, the legal situation is clear. Sexual contact between unmarried people is prohibited, under Article 490 of the Moroccan penal code. And as such, it is technically illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room.

On average, Moroccan men and women will bathe in a traditional hammam once a week, either alone or with their friends and family, to cleanse themselves, talk about life, socialize, and sometimes even make connections or new friends.

Moroccans tend to eat three meals a day, in similar fashion to the Western world, but usually taken after prayer. Breakfast is usually served from 7am onward, with most cafes opening at this time and serving a small selection of pastries and fresh bread to accompany a mint tea or coffee.

Can I wear leggings in Morocco? Can I wear ripped jeans in Morocco? Yes, you can wear leggings. However, and especially in rural areas, pair leggings with a longer tunic length top that covers your butt.

You'll often find a barley soup option as well as mint tea and coffee. What do Moroccans drink for breakfast? While you will find coffee, mint tea is the preferred drink of choice at a Moroccan breakfast. In addition to mint tea, locally grown oranges are squeezed into some of the best orange juice in the world.

Simply put, mahia is the spirit of Morocco. Traditionally distilled as an eau de vie by the Jewish population of the country (the Muslim population is not permitted to do so), mahia can be made from either figs or dates and aniseed.

In Morocco, cannabis production and consumption are illegal, both medicinally and recreationally. The cultivation of the plant is among the top five in the world.

Plan for around 30-35dh per pack. Hi, Local cigarettes are about 1/2 this price and Marquise in particular are very similar to Marlboro and 17.5 Dhs.

Avoid drinking tap water, it is preferable to drink only bottled water. Check that water bottles have not been opened before buying. Avoid ice unless made from bottled water.

Unlike many other forms of livestock, pigs are omnivorous scavengers, eating virtually anything they come across, including carrion and refuse, which was deemed unclean. Furthermore, a Middle Eastern society keeping large stocks of pigs could destroy their ecosystem.

Can Muslims wear diamonds? ›

In addition, Islam prohibits Muslims from possessing diamonds and colored gemstones (as well as gold, silver, pearls, and so on) in any forbidden form, such as statues, icons, dinnerware and vessels (for gold and silver), and men's jewelry (excepting a silver ring or sword hilt) (see Is There Zakat on Jewelry?).

Forbidden food substances include alcohol, pork, carrion, the meat of carnivores and animals that died due to illness, injury, stunning, poisoning, or slaughtering not in the name of God.

It is a fundamental tenet of Islam that everything is permissible, except those things that have been explicitly banned. Based on this, most Muslims would agree that it is permissible to have a dog for the purpose of security, hunting, farming, or service to the disabled.

Cousin marriage, a form of consanguinity (marriages among couples who are related as second cousins or closer), is allowed and often encouraged throughout the Middle East, and in other Muslim countries worldwide such as Pakistan.

Exposing the intimate parts of the body is unlawful in Islam as the Quran instructs the covering of male and female genitals, and for adult females the breasts. Exposing them is normally considered sinful. Exposing intimate parts when needed, such as going to the toilet or bathing, falls under a specific set of rules.

In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.

Muslim societies allow for up to four wives, but not without specific rules and regulations.

According to the Irish Times, "a majority of Muslims" follow the view taken by modern scholars such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi that music is forbidden "only if it leads the believer into activities that are clearly defined as prohibited, such as drinking alcohol and illicit sex".

If you buy alcohol in Morocco, you should always have your passport with you. Although you won't usually have any trouble buying drinks in specific shops or supermarkets, sometimes you'll be asked to show your ID.

Bigger cities like Casablanca, Tangier, and Rabat or more touristy places like Marrakech and Ifrane have a more laidback, liberal fashion style. You can walk around and see girls wearing crop tops, jeans, shorts, and pretty much anything you would see in other, more liberal places in the world.

Can you drink and smoke in Morocco? ›

In Morocco and in like any other country, tourists should respect local customs. If you go to Morocco during the period of Ramadan for instance, be careful not to consume alcohol in public. It is also recommended not to drink, eat and smoke in public, or at least with discretion, especially in less touristy areas.

The medina, kasbah, bazaars and souks are among the country's most vibrant, and the beaches are excellent. In the last century, Tangier became a hot spot for the international jet set.

Beer and wine are produced domestically. They also tend to be the most popular drinks in Morocco. Various types of wine are available, including Moroccan grey wine.

Morocco is generally safe. But it's important to watch out for petty crimes, such as pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Tetouan, Fes, Marrakech, and Tangier are all generally safe. Casablanca is generally safe but as the country's largest city and economic centre, the risks are the same as any other big city.

There are many typical dishes in Tangier that you must taste: couscous, tajin, hummus, maakouda, meat skewers, chicken with almonds, pastilla, bissara, kefta or zaalouk.

Carrying ID

It is in theory obligatory in Morocco to carry official ID at all times. In practice, a photocopy of the important pages of your passport will do, so long as the real thing is in your hotel in the same town. When travelling between towns, you should always have your passport on you.

“Mint tea is Morocco's national beverage and favourite pastime. Steeped in ritual and ceremony, it is always served to a guest when in a home or shop. Even a family without electricity, furniture, or an adequate roof will likely own a silver tray and pot for serving tea.

The easy answer is no; you do not need to cover your hair. That being said, there are some religious sites that may ask you to do so. Often they will have scarves for you to borrow, but I suggest bringing your own and carrying it in your purse or backpack just in case.

Major credit cards can be used in big shops, hotels or restaurants, especially in tourist areas, but you'll need to carry some cash with you for day-to-day transactions. For the most part, Tangier is a safe place to visit.

Tangier has a sophisticated, bohemian vibe. A lot of women feel more comfortable in dresses over pants, and a loose and floaty dress will keep you cool while walking around the medina.

Do they speak English in Tangier? ›

The official languages are Moroccan Arabic and Berber. French is also incredibly widespread. Many folks also speak some degree of English.