marrakesh , morroco

[ThisVividGreenEagle]

due to fly in july to morroco very nervous to say the least
ive heard many diffferent things about it over there so i do have multiple questions

1. what should you wear when going to the markets and leaving hotel
2. how many outfits should i pack for 2 weeks
3. i read that you can onlu convert money in marrakesh not in the uk then bring to marrakech is this true? TIA xxx

1. dress modestly. Cover shoulders arms legs, definitely cleavage.
2. same as for any other holidays, check if you have washing facilities at your accommodation.
3. Yes. Change currency at airport when you land if possible. Otherwise there will be plenty of places in the city.

I’ve been to Morocco twice. You don’t need to cover up just wear what you normally would on any other holiday. It will be very very hot in July and it stays hot well into the evening.

It’s a closed currency so you can change money when you get there, there is a place in the airport. The hotel I stayed at changed cash for me, the cash machines will also let you withdraw Dirhams.

Modest dress.
You will need comfortable footwear and try to take clothes that will mix and match.
You will be able to exchange cash in Marrakech. Not all ATM's have the tech to support withdrawals with UK cards, but definitely some will.
Don't be nervous. Marrakech is great, the people are lovely, and I felt safe.

You're looking at probably being around or above 40 degrees in July
Are you travelling with children OP? Please watch out for them and you in that oven heat.

Very light natural fibres to try and keep you cool and somewhat protected from.the sun!

They'll be plenty of tourists in normal summer clothes, so if you're sticking to town and tourist areas then whatever you're comfortable in.
Get cash out of the ATM. You'll get a better rate than charging it at the airport. You'll be able to pay by card in most places.

We went in December. Wore tshirts and long floaty trousers, my DP wore shorts-I think I could have but I'd not packed any.

Expected we might find the city difficult compared to some (we travel a lot) but had no issues at all

I found that card wasn't accepted in most places!

What are you nervous about?

1. I wore long or mid length dresses but you could get away with city shorts.

1. Up to you

1. There are loads of money exchange places.

The city is very walkable but there are also lots of taxis around.

Most restaurants don't serve alcohol but we don't mind that. If you do want booze, you'll need to research restaurants in advance but they are usually on the pricier side.

You can convert money at the airport in Marrakesh, exchange rate fine, but not the very best. Lots of exchange places in the medina and the hotel Ali has the best currency exchange in Marrakesh. I would dress modestly outside the hotel.
A lot of places are cash only.
dada is a great rooftop bar to watch the sun set.
we also liked Nomad - decent restaurant, no alcohol, but great mint tea and juices.

Our bank card worked at the ATMs at the big bank on the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, amazingly, but there are lots of exchange places in the Medina. They prefer dollars, though.
Most people wore normal summer clothes, no one bothers.
We always felt safe.
So many lovely rooftop restaurants and cafes.
Go to the Jardin Majorelle for the biggest cacti you’ve ever seen in your life. It’s also the cleanest, most perfectly kept gardens I’ve ever been to.

Don't let anyone grab your hand and do a henna tattoo "for free" - someone did it to me then demanded lots of money for it! Luckily I can speak quite forcefully in French, she left me alone eventually 😅

its my first time flying so probably that and unsure of rules and regulations in the country too many places and people say different things x

There are lots of places to exchange money, particularly in the old town where I was. All the atms I tried took U.K. cards.

the old town was very busy with tourists most of whom were wearing what they would in the U.K./France/Germany etc.

the mosques are not open to non Muslims so you do not need to worry about dressing modestly to visit them as you will not be allowed in.

the old town is, much like central London, absolutely chocka with tourists. Marrakech is a major tourist destination and few of the tourists dress modestly.

the locals don’t generally wear burka or similar but will cover and the women generally wear hijab.

it’s not an extreme Muslim country.

I wore cropped baggy trousers/long shorts, or a maxi skirt and a loose t-shirt.
Its best to cover shoulders and knees.

Cash is generally preferred but some fancier places take cards. Euros are also accepted by some and as tips. ATMs are not plentiful but there are banks and bureau de change at the beginning of the big square.
Our riad was OK with us bringing wine and beer from the Carrefour supermarket in the Nouvelle Ville, a good walk away, prob a taxi ride in hotter weather.
Not as much hassle as we'd expected, people friendly and funny, but we learnt some Moroccan Arabic, which was appreciated. If someone does offer you henna tattoos, fruit, 'free' food, etc you don't want, just say La shukran which means no thank you and have a lovely time.

It’s a closed currency so don’t get too many dirhams because you won’t be able to exchange them for GBP back in the UK.

It was 45 C when I went there in July so take plenty of factor 50 and a big hat, cool fabrics like cotton and linen. Stay hydrated all day. Your clothes will dry quickly in the sun so don’t overpack.

Ramadan is over so you will be able to get alcohol freely in supermarkets and in restaurants that serve it.

Avoid henna tattoos because you won’t know the price until it’s too late.

If you don’t speak French take a phrasebook in case you need a pharmacy.

Most Moroccans are exceptionally kind and polite. Haggling is expected - just walk away if you don’t want to buy something with a firm “Non, merci”

I love Marrakesh! I have been twice (the 2nd time was last week) and I already want to go back.
Agree with the above points. Definitely go to the gardens. There are some fantastic rooftop bars in the medina too. We went to one called Kabana but there are lots (I wasn’t drinking but they were definitely serving alcohol). A really lovely one is El Fenn (it’s also a hotel) - but this was closed for a private function.

Also when you are in the Souks, just keep the bargaining good humoured. I saw some people (tourists) getting quite aggressive and moody. There really is no need. Keep it good humoured and have a nice chat with a smile on your face. I am no expert but someone told me that I should be aiming for about 2/3 of the original price that is suggested (I may be wrong) . There are these gorgeous stripy jugs everywhere at the moment that I have seen in gift shops near my house for £70. My friend paid £12.

I want to go again with an empty suitcase! Have a great time