Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour?

• An air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide and translator.
• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule.
• 24/7 in destination support from your guide.
• All accommodations, tours, and transfers for scheduled activities are covered unless otherwise listed on the itinerary.
• Local, private guide or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences – your expert will confirm your meet-and-greet locations with you.
• Breakfast each morning at your hotel or other lodging, plus any meals indicated on the itinerary.
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers. Please inform us if you will be traveling with additional luggage.

When are payments due? *
Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions. Deposit is due on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350, which is a non-refundable administration fee). The balance is due 90 days prior to arrival. Payments can be made in three installments.

If I have to change my travel plans, what are the cancellation policies?

• 90 days or more before arrival will receive a full refund minus $350 (per person) for administrative fees and any non-refundable paid fees (ex: hotel or excursion deposits). 
• 60-89 days will be subject to a loss of 30% of the program price.  
• 30-59 days will be subject to a loss of 50% of the program price.  
• 29 days or less will be subject to a loss of 100% of the program price.

What sort of hotel accommodations will I be staying at?
Accommodations range from 3-Star to 5-Star, depending on your budget and travel preferences.

Is it safe to travel in Morocco?
Morocco is a safe place to visit, especially when you travel with a private guide and driver, and respect the laws and local customs. The crime rate is low. However, just as you would when traveling in any foreign country, it’s a good idea to keep money and valuables in a zipped bag close to your body. In the weeks leading up to your tour, we will share a list of other travel tips to make your experience comfortable and safe.

Do I need a visa?
Visas are only necessary if you are staying 90 days or more.

Do I need to get vaccines?
Presently there are no vaccine requirements for entry into Morocco. We advise you to discuss recommendations with your medical provider that apply to you.

What about my medications?
Make sure to get any refills needed for your prescriptions in plenty of time before your travel dates. Keep medicines in their original containers. It is a good idea to bring some Imodium just in case you need it.

Can you drink alcohol there?
Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets. 

Are there vegetarian options on the menus?
Yes.

Is water OK to drink?
Drink bottled water to be on the safe side. And stay away from ice in drinks. Bringing some Imodium is a good idea in case you have a GI reaction to food or water.

How should I dress?
Loose cotton and linen clothes are best. A light jacket is good to pack for cool evenings, and when in the mountains. A shawl or large scarf for women is recommended and a handkerchief or bandana is good for neck protection. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that have been broken in before your travel.

Do women need to cover their heads/shoulders?
No. Morocco is a relatively liberal Muslim country, but as a matter of cultural respect women should avoid short shorts and bare midriffs.

How are the living standards for travelers?
Living standards and practices at destinations may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services, and accommodations. We select accommodations based on your budget and lifestyle preferences, but all our accommodations are clean, comfortable, and safe.

Do they have regular toilets in Morocco?
Yes, but toilet facilities do not always provide toilet paper. It’s advisable to keep something with you for those times. We will keep tissues in the vehicle but you need to remember to take it with you. Your lodging will always include regular toilets and oftentimes, also bidets. Occasionally, when traveling in the country, you will stop at places with squat toilets.

Is there a way to do laundry during the tour?
Yes, many hotels and riads offer laundry services, and some have washers/dryers in the rooms. This cost is not included in the price of your tour. Some riads do not provide washcloths. We encourage you to pack one.

What’s the weather like?
In general, the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures between 40-95. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate while inland it is hotter and drier. The Spring and Fall months are the most visited times in Morocco as the temperatures are warm and comfortable everywhere. During the Winter months, the temperatures drop at night, especially in the desert but the daytime temperatures remain mild.

What about money?
The local currency is the dirham which is about 10% in value to the US dollar. 10 Dirham = $1.
There are ATMs everywhere for exchanges. The dirham is a closed currency so must be purchased and redeemed within Morocco.

Can I use my debit/credit card in Morocco?
Credit cards are accepted in most places, but not in the markets/souks. Keep cash for shopping in those places, and for tipping. Make sure your credit cards are active a few weeks before you travel to ensure they are not expired and will work when in Morocco. Also, it’s a good idea to alert your banks and credit card companies before travel so they don’t flag you for suspicious activity.

Is tipping required?
Yes, always have some change ready for tips. We recommend paying cash for your tips if you go to a restaurant and pay with a credit card; that way you’re sure the money goes to your server if that is who you want to tip. 10% is recommended, but do check your bill at upper-end restaurants to see if a tip has already been added. Bathrooms have attendants who keep them clean; 3-5 Dirhams is recommended for them. Remember to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour; the amount can be at your discretion.

Is it appropriate to haggle for prices in the souks/markets?
Yes, haggling is expected and welcome, however not in the malls where there are international retailers.

Do I need an electrical converter?
You should bring along a 220V adapter C or E, the same one you would use in Europe. Make sure they have USB plug-in ability as well if you think you’ll be needing that.

Is it OK to take pictures of people?
They might charge you, so you should settle on a price before taking one.

Do they speak English in Morocco?
Most hotels, riads, and restaurants have at least one English-speaking person, especially in the major tourist cities. About 15% of the population in Morocco speaks English. Moroccan Arabic and French are the most frequently spoken languages. We provide guides who speak English so they will translate for you.

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Here are some useful words to know:

Hello (Peace be with you): Salaam Alikome (salaam a eleikum

Goodbye: bsslama

Bank: Banka

Thank you: Choukran (shook ran)

No Thank you: La Choukran

Excuse me: Smahli/Afak

God willing: Inshallah. (Inshallah is a Muslim’s way of showing faith that an event or
something that they have planned will happen in the future by the will of Allah.)

How much is it? bch-hal

Hotel: foundouk

Hospital: Sbitar

Left/right: lissae/limen

No: la

plane: Tiyara

Taxi: taxi

Boat: bato

bus: bato

Yes: Wakha

Let’s go: Yallah

Money: flouss

Sorry: Smahli

USA: Arabe

Watch out: Balak. (Although you may not use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the
medinas and souks, or outdoor markets. Locals will say “balak” if approaching with a mule,
motorcycle, or cart to warn you to move aside.)

Medina: The old city, or traditional walled cities.

Rampart: The wall around a city or medina, built to protect it.

 

* Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges, or hotel/lodge tariff increases between the quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise our best efforts to book hotels and lodging per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and when client booking is made within 90 days of the tour date, we may be forced to offer substitutes.