Marrakech: classic traps and how to avoid them
"Road closed", fake guides, pushy henna, taxis without meters: nothing dangerous, but enough to spoil a day and your budget. Here is how to spot them and say no politely.
- You save:
- often 100–500 MAD over a stay
"That way is closed"
This is the most common trap: someone tells you the street, museum or square is closed and offers to show you "another way". The walk almost always ends in a shop or a tannery, with a tip requested on arrival.
The fix is simple: thank them and carry on with your offline map. If you are truly lost, ask a shopkeeper or a family for directions rather than the person who approached you.
Henna, photos and animals
On Jemaa el-Fna, some women take your hand to start a henna design and then demand a high price. Keep your hands by your side and say no clearly. Same logic with snake charmers and monkey handlers: photos are paid, and the price rises once the picture is taken. Ask the price first, or skip it, especially as the treatment of these animals is questionable.
Taxis, guides and prices
Marrakech petit taxis have meters: ask for it to be switched on, or agree the price before getting in. To visit the medina with a guide, go through your riad or an official guide, who wears a badge, and agree the duration, price and "no shops" before you set off.
In the souks, bargaining is normal. Offer a reasonable price, keep smiling and do not hesitate to walk away: that is often when the price drops.
In practice
- Download an offline map before entering the medina.
- "La, shukran" (no thank you) with a smile settles most situations.
- Taxi: meter or price agreed before getting in.
- Guide: official, visible badge, price and duration agreed in advance.
- Photos of performers or animals: ask the price first.
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