5 tips for navigating markets in Morocco

1. Stay aware of your surroundings

Markets in Morocco can be pretty overwhelming as there is stuff and people everywhere. The store owners will yell out to you, but make sure you don't get distracted by this. Enjoy the markets but stay alert for pickpockets and other people who seem to bump into you. The markets are safe but you just have to be careful.

2. Bargain!!

This is one of the most important tips! The shop owners expect you to bargain and they will not be offended by it. However, remember that this is only in the markets. Do not be that person who tries to bargain in an actual shop as the owner will not be happy. But in the markets please feel free. They know you are not from Morocco before you even being to speak and will ramp up the prices so make sure you bargain it down to something reasonable that you would pay for in the US.

3. Remember to do the conversion in your head

60 Dirhams might sounds like way too much money for a scarf, but after you do the conversion, you realize its only 6 dollars! In my opinion thats a pretty great price for a scarf! Do the conversion in your head while bargaining and don't worry when you hear the initial price! Its usually a lot less money than you think and you can usually bargain it down on top of that.

4. Most of the stuff you can find in every single market

Of course there are plenty of exceptions to this rule. Art for example is great to get when you see it as you probably will not find the exact same

piece again. However, I swear those scarfs will be in a shop 5 spots down and that wooden camel is in every single marketplace in Morocco! You will find it again so don't worry! You might even find it for a lower price.

5. Make sure you look up!

Rabat

The open air markets in Morocco are about more than shopping. Even just walking around in them is an unforgettable experience. You are shopping outside, and we have nothing like it in the US. It is such a unique and amazing experience. Don't get so distracted by the shopping and all the people. Look around! Take pictures! and look up at the sky!!!