6 Things to Check before Going to Morocco

To appreciate Morocco better, a preview of the following is necessary prior to visiting: visa, safety, society and culture, customs, language, and best times to travel.

Morocco is an Islamic country located in North Africa. It is bordered by awesome neighboring places such as the Sahara desert, Atlantic Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea, making it a tourist attraction. However, to be able to appreciate and enjoy your stay better, there are some things you need to know before going to this place, which are as follows:

Visa

In most cases, going to Morocco is not a cause of concern. Most nationalities can enter the country without a visa, and some of which are: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Philippines, and more. For a complete list, contact the Moroccan Embassy. All you need is a passport with an expiration date of not less than 6 months.

Safety

As with any other country, harassment and theft are also apparent. Although it is not that prevalent and serious as compared to other countries, it is always good to be careful at all times to avoid getting harmed. Stay away from secluded areas where people can hardly be found. These are high risk areas where criminals hang out. The probable cause for such unlawful acts can be linked to drug cases involving kif, which is illegal and sometimes offered to tourists. Do not easily trust anyone if you do not want to end up caught by police officers. While terrorism issues, on the other hand, are not that rampant, there was one case that took place several years ago. However, as a traveler you do not have to worry anything because everything is already under control.

Society and Culture

Most Moroccans practice Islam. Their weekends fall every Thursday and Friday. Do not be surprised if you see lots of establishments, including shops and restaurants, closed during those days. Their family is their top priority. Whatever decision an individual has to make, listening to what other members has to say is always a requirement. Thus, nepotism is prevalent in this place because they believe that benefaction of one's family is of utmost importance.

Customs

When greeting people, it is a common practice to shake hands and give and cheek-to-cheek kisses. However, men must wait for women to initiate a hand shake. If they don't, just bow your head as a sign of respect. Since this is an Islamic country, women are known to be very conservative. As a visitor you must know how to respect their customs. Wear appropriate clothes so as not to attract their attention. Avoid highly revealing outfits as a sign of modesty.

Language

While Arabic is the official language, they also have three other languages spoken in various parts of the country. French is the unofficial language used when conducting business, while Spanish is widely used, especially in the northern part. But as the people become educated, especially the new generation, they prefer English when communicating since this is universal.

Best times to travel

The number of tourists who visit Morocco is at its peak during July and August since these are the times when the climate is hot. However, if you want to stay away from the heat and crowds, you may travel somewhere between November and March. Although, these months can be messy at times due to frequent rains.

It is essential that you familiarize yourself with Morocco first before you book a trip so that you will maximize your stay and enjoy it to the fullest.

About The Author For assistance in looking for a place to stay, like apartments Tangier, you may want to check out this site: Immobilier Tanger for more information.