Unveiling Marrakech: A Traveler's Diary
My Moroccan Adventure: Things I Wish I Knew
My recent trip to Marrakech was an absolute whirlwind! I wanted to share some insights that might be helpful if you're planning your own adventure. These are the little things I picked up along the way that you might not find in your typical guidebook.
Essential Tips for Your Marrakech Getaway
1. Money Matters
When you land in Morocco, head straight for the ATM at the airport to withdraw Dirhams. You'll find that cash is king in Marrakech, with very few places accepting card payments. While some vendors accept Euros, getting local currency is the way to go.
2. Visa Information
Good news for my fellow Vietnamese travelers! You can easily apply for an e-visa directly through the official Moroccan website. The current cost is around 770 MAD (approximately 74 Euros). It's a bit pricey, so consider planning a longer trip to make the most of it. A quick overnight trip might not be worth the visa fee.
3. Airport Security (Especially from Malaga!)
If you're flying from Malaga Airport in Spain to Morocco, arrive extra early! The security lines for flights outside the EU can be incredibly long. I almost missed my flight because of the queues. On arrival in Morocco, be prepared for additional baggage checks.
4. Getting from the Airport to the City Center
You can grab a taxi from the official airport taxi stand, which will cost around 14-16 Euros. For a more budget-friendly option, download the InDrive app. You can book a taxi for approximately 5-7 Euros. Surprisingly, you can even negotiate the price on the app! Note that even with the app, you'll still need to pay in cash.
5. Wi-Fi Connectivity
While many places offer free Wi-Fi, the connection can be unreliable and slow. I highly recommend purchasing a local SIM card with data at the airport. You can get 20GB for around 20 Euros, which will give you plenty of data for your trip.
6. Hand Sanitizer is a Must
Surprisingly, hand sanitizer is not readily available in Marrakech. While you'll find plenty of convenience stores, they rarely stock it. Some pharmacies might have larger bottles, but they're not very convenient for travel. Bring your own, as many public restrooms lack soap or are not particularly clean.
7. Sunscreen Savvy
Pack sunscreen! It's expensive in Morocco, and some products might even be counterfeit. If you're traveling from the EU, buy it before you go to ensure you have a reliable product.
8. Desert Tour Essentials
If you're planning a desert tour with quad biking, a face covering is absolutely essential! The dust is intense, especially if you're riding at the back. I was practically blinded by the dust! Wear long sleeves too. Despite the dust, it's an incredibly fun experience that you shouldn't miss.
9. Navigating the Medina
If you look lost and someone offers to help you find your way back to your Airbnb, be aware that they will almost certainly ask for money afterward. It's not necessarily about the money itself, but the way they act like they are simply helping can feel like a scam when they demand payment.
10. Jemaa El-Fnaa Square: Picture Perfect, But Be Prepared
Jemaa El-Fnaa Square gets incredibly crowded in the evenings. You'll see many groups performing traditional music. If you stop to watch or take a photo, they will expect payment. The collectors can be quite assertive, so be prepared.
11. Foodie Adventures
I loved the food in Marrakech! Everything I tried was delicious, especially the Tagines. I highly recommend these restaurants: Chez Cherif, Tajina Secrets, Cafe Restaurant Dar, Cuisine de terroir.
12. Must-See Marrakech
A quick Google search will reveal many attractions. But if you're short on time, I recommend these spots: Desert tour, Souk Market, Madrasa Ben Youssef, Jemaa el-Fnaa, El Badi Palace. Also, check out Gueliz, the modern part of Marrakech and considered the "rich" district. It's interesting to see a different side of the city.
13. Tipping Etiquette
While not explicitly stated, tipping is generally expected. If you're happy with the service, a tip is appreciated and will likely result in even more attentive and cheerful service.
Final Thoughts on Marrakech
Overall, I felt quite safe in Marrakech. Despite feeling like the whole city is a giant, maze-like market where everyone is trying to sell you something, it was fine. I didn't encounter any pickpocketing or theft.
Marrakech reminded me of Vietnam many years ago, which was both heartwarming and a little sad. Life here can be tough, and while the people are friendly, there's also a bit of shrewdness. You'll be approached and haggled with everywhere you go, which can feel overwhelming. But I didn't find it off-putting, perhaps because I understand the motivation behind it. Ultimately, everyone is just trying to make a living.
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