A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Morocco

3 rules found

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · Morocco

Morocco: don't proselytise

Do

  • Respect the local Islamic faith

Don’t

  • Trying to convert Muslims to another religion or handing out missionary material
  • Publicly criticising Islam (including online)

Proselytising can mean a fine or up to 3 years in prison; publicly criticising Islam can mean up to 2 years.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice

Cultural sensitivitiesEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · Morocco

Morocco: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day

Do

  • Check opening hours during Ramadan
  • Dress according to local custom

Don’t

  • Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or swearing in public during the day

It offends people who are fasting.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice

Site-specific notes 6

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Moroccan tagine

  • Eat only with your right hand
  • never throw bread away or put it on the ground
  • during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day

Aït Benhaddou

  • Don't walk into homes that are still lived in
  • ask before photographing villagers
  • the earthen buildings are fragile, so don't climb or carve on them.

Hassan II Mosque

  • Non-Muslims may not enter on their own and must join an official tour
  • don't make noise or disturb worshippers in the prayer hall.

Chefchaouen

  • When taking photos in residential lanes, try not to disturb residents, and smile before photographing people
  • cannabis is traditionally grown in the Rif, so don't buy it or photograph the crops.

Fez medina and Chouara Tannery

  • The strong smell of the tannery is normal — don't complain loudly
  • non-Muslims may not enter the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
  • haggle moderately for leather goods, as insulting offers are considered rude.

Marrakesh medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa

  • Photographing street performers usually requires a tip, so agree the price first
  • during Ramadan avoid eating and drinking in public by day
  • don't heckle the snake charmers or startle the snakes.