Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Casablanca, Morocco

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid unofficial taxis and agree on a price before starting the journey.

Unregistered Taxis: These vehicles can charge higher prices and may not have valid licenses.
Fixed Routes: Some drivers might take longer routes to increase the fare.
Negotiate Price: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey.

Be cautious when shopping at souks offering suspiciously cheap items.

Check Authenticity: Examine the quality and branding of goods to ensure their authenticity.
Haggling Tactics: Bargain sensibly, but keep in mind that extremely low prices may indicate fakes.
Official Shops: Purchase items from reputable shops or official outlets whenever possible.

Buy sim cards only at authorized sales points and avoid offers from street vendors.

Street Vendors: These vendors may provide unregistered SIM cards or tamper with your device.
Invalid Sim Cards: Invalid SIM cards can lead to call drops, billing issues, or data theft.
Authorized Sales Points: Purchase your SIM card from official outlets like Maroc Telecom, Meditel, or Inwi stores.

Avoid guides who approach you unsolicited and only hire professional services.

Unsolicited Approaches: Guides who approach tourists without being asked may offer unlicensed services.
Professional Services: Hire a guide through reputable travel agencies or hotel concierges.
Check Credentials: Ask to see their official credentials and check reviews online before hiring.

Be wary of individuals offering tours or taking photos within the mosque without permission.

Unauthorized Guides: These guides may charge excessive fees for services not authorized.
Respect Cultural Norms: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering the mosque out of respect.
Official Tours: Join authorized tours or hire a licensed guide to ensure proper etiquette.

Use ATMs at banks or secure locations and be aware of card skimming devices.

Card Skimming: Criminals may install card skimmers to steal your account information.
Secure Locations: Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, populated areas to reduce the risk of theft.
Cover PIN: Always cover your PIN when using an ATM to prevent others from seeing it.

Avoid rickshaw rides offered by unofficial drivers and negotiate a fare before starting the journey.

Unofficial Drivers: These drivers may charge exorbitant prices or take you on a longer route.
Negotiate Fare: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
Registered Rickshaws: Look for rickshaws that have a license number and official markings.

Use official exchange offices and avoid street vendors for currency exchanges.

Street Vendors: These vendors may give you less money than agreed or provide counterfeit bills.
Official Exchange Rates: Exchange rates at official offices are regulated and consistent with the market rate.
Check Bills: Always check received bills for authenticity before leaving the exchange office.

Avoid beaches with vendors pushing unwanted items and choose beaches with security personnel.

Unwanted Items: Vendors may force items on you or overcharge for services.
Security Personnel: Beaches with security personnel are less likely to have issues with vendors.
Choose Reputable Beaches: Research popular and reputable beaches before visiting.

Avoid eating street food from unhygienic stands and choose popular, busy areas.

Unhygienic Stands: These stands may use expired ingredients or have poor hygiene practices.
Popular, Busy Areas: Food from busy areas tends to be fresher and cooked with care.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious street food options.

Be wary of individuals who follow you or ask for help to get money.

Following Tourists: Individuals who persistently follow tourists may be scammers.
Fake Emergencies: Scammers might fake emergencies or accidents to get money.
Support Local Organizations: Support local organizations that help the needy instead of giving directly to individuals.

Book accommodation in advance and be cautious of hotels with too many vacancies.

Too Many Vacancies: A hotel with too many vacancies might be trying to scam you.
Reputable Hotels: Book accommodation at reputable hotels to reduce the risk of scams.
Read Reviews: Read reviews online and check the hotel's reputation before booking.

Inspect rental cars thoroughly before driving away and return the car in good condition.

Thorough Inspection: Inspect the car for any existing damages before driving away.
Return in Good Condition: Return the car in good condition to avoid being charged for damages not caused by you.
Reliable Rental Companies: Choose a reliable rental company with positive reviews and ratings.

Research ticket prices for tourist attractions before visiting and avoid overpaying.

Research Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices online to ensure you're not being overcharged.
Official Outlets: Purchase tickets at official outlets or authorized vendors to avoid scams.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about the best places to visit and the actual ticket prices.

Avoid buses with no official markings or tickets and always validate your ticket.

No Official Markings: These buses may not be registered, and the drivers might overcharge.
Validate Tickets: Always validate your ticket upon boarding and when exiting the bus.
Official Buses: Look for buses that have official markings and display their route clearly.