Morocco has become lately one of the favourite destinations for travellers around the world. That’s because of its amazing attractions and interesting diversity of its culture. Before visiting any country, it is very important to have certain knowledge about it. In this article, we will try to provide you with seven things that are better to know before you come to visit this unique country on a private Morocco desert tour.
MOROCCANS DO NOT SPEAK ARABIC.
It is true that the official language of Morocco is Arabic, but Moroccan people do not speak standard Arabic. They speak Darija, which is a mixture of four languages (Arabic, French, Spanish and Tamazight). However, some claim that Darija is an Arabic dialect that has been heavenly influenced by the mentioned languages. Others consider Darija as an independent language. Furthermore, sometimes, a Moroccan individual could use three or two combined languages to construct one sentence. Above all, standard Arabic is the official language and is widely used in Media and Politics.
MOROCCAN PEOPLE ARE NOT ALL ARABS
Most people think that the entire population of Morocco are Arabs but they are not. Morocco is divided into Arabs and Berbers (Amazigh) who are the first inhabitants of Morocco before the Arab conquest in the 8th century. You can explore the Berber lifestyle during a day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech.
CURRENCY, CHANGE AND CASH
The Moroccan currency is Dirham. Most of the time, one Dollar equalizes 9 Moroccan Dirhams. It is very important to have change with you when you are visiting Moroccan shops. Do not expect people to have change when you pay. Also, make sure you have cash and small bills to tip. Credit cards are only accepted in big hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and large stores. Everything else is mostly cash only.
IMPORTANT CITIES
The capital of Morocco is Rabat city and the largest city in Morocco is Casablanca, which is considered the economic centre of Morocco. Here are the other three Imperial cities in Morocco besides Rabat:
Fez:
Founded in the 8th century, Fez is the oldest city in Morocco. It is also seen as the intellectual and spiritual city of Morocco.
Marrakech:
(The Red City): It is the second Imperial city in Morocco after Fez. Its foundation was in 1062 by Abu Bakribn Umar. According to the Travel Guide Website, this fascinating city has been ranked the 9th best destination in 2019 and the 6th in 2017.
Meknes:
Sultan Moulay Ismail built it in the 17th century. It is only 60 kilometres away from Fez.
NON-MUSLIMS CAN NOT ENTER MOSQUES.
Most of the time, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mosques. As an exception, Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the only Mosque in Morocco that opens its doors to non-Muslims. It is ranked the third largest of its kind in the world and the second in the African continent. Besides its amazing architecture, it can contain more than 25000 worshipers at a time.
FRIDAY IS A HOLIDAY
If you have any plans like shopping, try to do them on days but Friday. Usually, it is not expected to find everything going all day long.
SHOPPING IN MOROCCO.
It is better to: not show excitement when you are purchasing in Morocco, to bargain even with the taxi driver and ask about different shops about the price of the same product that you desire to buy.
Explore amazing things about the on this Morocco tour guide
