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Staying Safe

What to watch for

Henna scams, fake guides, tourist police, horse carriages, LGBTQ+ safety, and navigating the medina at night.

7 observations

  1. 01Why do the henna ladies grab your hand?The paste stains in seconds and can't be wiped off.Once it's on, you're expected to pay — typically 300 to 500 dirhams for a small dribble, a price that's never mentioned beforehand. Hands in pockets or visibly occupied reads as unavailable.→
  2. 02Are the monkeys in the square ethical?No.→
  3. 03Should I take a horse carriage?Look for the blue SPANA band on the horse's ankle.→
  4. 04What is the police touristique?Morocco's dedicated tourist police unit.→
  5. 05How do I tell a real guide from a fake one?Official guides carry a large circular brass badge.→
  6. 06What do I do if I get lost at night?Head toward light.→
  7. 07Why do the streets look sketchy?They're centuries old, not dangerous.→