Practical tips

The first price is never the price

In the souks, opening high is part of the game — nobody expects you to accept it. Answer with a smile, offer distinctly less, and climb back up in small steps. If the seller lets you walk away, your offer was genuinely too low; if he calls you back, you were about right. Golden rule: only negotiate for what you truly intend to buy.

Haggling is a conversation, not a conflict

Accept the tea if offered, compliment the craft, take your time. A smiling, firm « la choukran » (no thank you) is always enough to decline — no need to justify yourself or stop at every solicitation.

Petits taxis: insist on the meter

The beige petits taxis are reliable AND cheap when the meter runs. Before getting in, simply ask « compteur ? » — if the driver refuses or quotes a flat price, let it go and take the next one. At night the metered fare carries a surcharge; that is normal and legal.

The airport: the one ride not to improvise

THE black spot of Marrakech taxis. Across our 30 observed airport rides (June-July 2026, data published on getme.ma), the median opening price asked by street taxis was 300 MAD — more than double a fixed-price transfer booked in advance — and touts were present on every observation. Book your transfer ahead — the return leg too.

Dress: respectful comfort

Marrakech is used to visitors and demands no particular dress. The right reflex: shoulders and knees covered in the medina (especially for religious monuments), closed comfortable shoes — the alleys are cobbled, dusty and full of surprises. Hat and water in summer, a warm layer for winter evenings.

« It is closed, I will take you somewhere else »

The great classic: someone assures you the square, the madrasa or your riad is « closed » and offers to guide you elsewhere (often to a cousin's shop). It is almost always false. Say thanks, keep walking, check for yourself.

The spontaneous fake guide

A young man kindly « walks you » to your destination, then demands payment on arrival. If you are lost, step into a shop and ask the shopkeeper, or follow the signs to Jemaa el-Fna — and remember: the Koutoubia is your compass.

The unrequested henna

On Jemaa el-Fna, a woman may grab your hand and start a « free » henna tattoo — then demand payment. Withdraw your hand politely but immediately. If you want henna, choose the artist yourself and agree the price BEFORE.

Useful numbers

Police: 19 (in town) · Royal Gendarmerie (outside town): 177 · Fire brigade / ambulance: 15. Your riad is also your best local ally: save its number before heading out, and carry its business card — showing it to a shopkeeper is the surest way to find your way back.