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Morocco Culture
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The people of Morocco are well-known
for their warmth, hospitality and inhibition. It is very common
to be showered with invitations for coffee or tea throughout
one’s stay. In fact, it is not unheard of for someone
to invite you to their house or offer you some mint tea while
you’re shopping in their boutique. It is not unusual for
these invitations to be extended after having just met someone
(a taxi driver or a tour guide) or after minutes of brief conversation.
Such invitations |
are part of the culture and should not be frowned upon or looked
at with suspicion or shock. A genuine and polite decline is all it
takes if you’re uninterested. Etiquette and manners are highly
regarded in Morocco and Westerners and foreigners should take every
effort to adhere to such customs.
The status of women in Morocco is not nearly the same as in those
of Western nations. If you are a woman traveling alone or with other
women, it is advisable you follow certain practices to avoid any
uncomfortable or uneasy situations. It is not common for women to
be seen alone or unaccompanied after dark or in bars or nightclubs.
Additionally, women should take extra precaution in their dress,
being especially careful not to wear anything revealing or offensive.
Women traveling alone will often be asked if they are married, and
if not, how come (sometimes even followed by marriage proposals!).
Use the same sense in dealing with these situations here as you
would at home. Often, women traveling alone will wear a fake, cheap
ring on their wedding finger to avoid any unwelcome advances or
questions.
Many of these unspoken rules or practices are not widespread across
the entire country, especially in bigger cities such as Casablanca.
Because Morocco has many etiquette rules and practices, it is recommended
you read up on the culture as much as you can before you go. Never
let the fear or angst of not fitting in or sticking out keep you
from enjoying such a magical place. When in doubt, look around and
follow local custom and behavior - even the smallest attempt at
understanding their culture is a welcome gesture to Moroccans.
More Information
 www.cia.gov
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