About Morocco: Dos and Don'ts
Dos
- Always be polite and kindly respond to many questions that a Moroccan will ask you before the actual conversation starts. Moroccans will always ask you how are you, how is your health, your family, if everything's ok, etc. This is a very important part of social system in Morocco and is actually very pleasant and nice.
- Accept the mint tea that many people, including the merchants in medina will offer you, unless you are really in a big hurry.
- In Moroccan patisseries and from vendors that are selling sweets in the medina, you will often be offered a pastry or a biscuit to try it. Accept this, since you are not bound to buy anything, and Moroccans greatly enjoy being good hosts. This is something not found in the West, and you'll learn to like it.
Don'ts
- Don't enter the mosques in Morocco — they cannot be accessed by non-muslims, except for those that are strictly designated for tourist visits.
- Avoid the following subjects of conversation entirely: religion, politics, the royal family, the Middle Eastern conflicts (Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Israel, etc), Western Sahara.
- Don't take photos of Moroccans. They don't like it and they value their privacy very much. Also, many merchants in medinas won't allow you to take pictures of their store.
- Don't take photos of people praying.
- Don't take photos of officials (policemen, military, etc) and of official buildings.
- Avoid eating on the street (while walking). This is considered impolite and you'll attract a lot of strange looks. Moroccans always sit down and put everything else aside while eating.
- Don't laugh or talk loud. Moroccans consider this to be very impolite. Any excessive display of individuality is considered rude and impolite.
- Don't swear (ever!) in any language. Moroccans are known for their talent to learn new languages. This is especially true with shop owners and merchants in medinas: they are fluent in many languages and can understand quite a few phrases even in ones that aren't spoken widely.
- Don't stare if you see men holding hands. This is commonplace in Morocco, like in many other Arab countries and is a display of true friendship.