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Morocco Travel Tips

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 Way of Life.

A respect of local customs is a fundamental act of courtesy in a welcoming country.

To avoid embarrassing situations and misunderstandings, comply with common practice. Here are a few essential rules to follow:

• In Morocco, access to mosques and holy places is forbidden to non Muslims. A few exceptions are the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum at Meknes and the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum at Rissani.
• Avoid provocative clothing.
• Accept mint tea when offered, a sign of hospitality.

If you are invited to share in a family meal, you should symbolically use the ewer to wash your hands. This begins after the master of the house has said the "bismillah" in praise of God. Use your right hand to eat, taste everything, but don't think you have to finish everything on your plate, which is usually impossible! Avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public in daytime during the period of Ramadan. If you want to photograph somebody, don't forget to ask for permission.

Religion.

Islam is the official religion in Morocco, but it exists in perfect co-existence with the other religions (freedom to practice other religions of revelation is guaranteed in the constitution). The day is marked by five calls to prayer. The muezzin announces them from the top of his minaret. During the month of Ramadan, the Moroccans fast, refraining from eating and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Most civil service and public offices, monuments and shops alter their opening hours during this time. However, non Muslims will always find something to eat in certain restaurants, particularly in hotels. The days may seem long, but the nights are wonderful.

 

Religious Holidays.

These are public holidays throughout Morocco. Note that the following dates are those for 1996. They are approximately 10 days earlier each year:

• February 18: The Aid el-Fitr (or Aid el-Segir) marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
• April 28: The Aid el-Khebir (or Aid el-Adha) commemorates Abraham's sacrifice. The feast of the sheep.
• May 18: First of Moharem, the first day of the Hegira, the Muslim year.
• July 27: The Mouloud celebrates the birth of the Prophet.

Public Holidays.

Civil life is regulated by the Gregorian calendar. As opposed to other Muslim countries, the weekend consists of Saturday and Sunday. Friday is not a public holiday, but the Civil and Public Service offices extend their lunch break to allow the faithful to attend prayers. The religious life follows the Muslim calendar. It began on July 16, 622, the day Mohammed left Mecca to live in Medina where he had many more followers.

The Hegiran year, a lunar year, is made up of 12 months, but is shorter than the solar year. The month of Ramadan and the major religious festivals vary according to the Gregorian calendar. To obtain the dates, ask for information at the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

Customs at the Borders.

You can temporarily import most of your personal effects into Morocco without any formalities in quantities corresponding to normal tourist activity. For example: two tennis racquets, two pairs of skis, one tent and camping equipment, a camcorder, a camera, a Walkman, a pair of binoculars...if you have any doubts contact the Moroccan Consulate.

Restrictions apply to:

1. Alcohol (1 bottle of wine and 1 bottle of spirits or 3 bottles of wine per adult) and tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco per adult).
2. Arms and ammunition for hunting (shotguns are prohibited).
3. Professional photographic equipment. But no problem for your souvenir photographs.
4. It is forbidden to import or export Dirhams.

©1996 Al-Musaafer, L.L.C.