Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fès, Morocco
1. Medina Scam: Counterfeit Currency Exchange
Beware of unofficial money changers in the Medina offering rates better than banks. Their currency can be fake or over-valued.
- Avoid Unlicensed Changers: Only exchange money at official institutions or authorized exchange bureaus.
- Check Bills Carefully: Always verify the authenticity of bills using a light source, as fake notes often have imperfections that show up when held against the light.
- Use ATMs Carefully: Withdraw money from ATMs located in banks or secure areas to minimize risk of card skimming.
2. Tour Guides: Overpricing and Misinformation
Some unofficial tour guides may overcharge or provide misleading information about Fès's attractions to maximize their earnings.
- Check Credentials: Ensure your guide is licensed by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
- Research Attractions: Know the price range and key points about each attraction before agreeing to a tour.
- Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices with your guide upfront, and never pay in full until the tour is completed.
3. Carpet Shops: Pressure Sales Tactics
Some carpet shops may use aggressive sales tactics or misrepresent the value of their goods to force a sale.
- Research Ahead: Learn about Moroccan carpets before visiting shops, and be aware of their typical price range.
- Don't Rush Decisions: Take your time to consider purchases without feeling pressured. It's acceptable to leave a shop without buying anything.
- Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices, and be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a fair price.
4. Hotel Key Scam: Unauthorized Copies
Some hotel staff may make unauthorized copies of your key for their own use or to rent to other guests.
- Request a New Key: Ask the hotel to provide you with a new key if you suspect someone else has access to your room.
- Lock Doors and Windows: Always lock doors and windows when leaving your hotel room, and keep valuables secured in the safe.
- Report Incidents: Inform the hotel management if you find duplicate keys or experience any unusual activity in your room.
5. Transportation Scams: Overcharging and Sabotage
Some taxi drivers may overcharge or sabotage the meter to inflate fares. Be aware of this risk when traveling by taxi in Fès.
- Negotiate Prices Beforehand: Always negotiate prices before getting into a taxi, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Use Prepaid Taxis: Consider using prepaid taxis from authorized stands to avoid disputes about fares.
- Check Meter Functioning: Ensure the taxi meter is functioning properly, and report any issues immediately.
6. Street Food: Contaminated or Expired Food
Some street food vendors may serve contaminated or expired food to unsuspecting travelers.
- Choose Established Stands: Look for busy, established food stands with a good reputation among locals.
- Check Preparation Area: Ensure the preparation area is clean and that food is being handled hygienically.
- Avoid Suspicious Offers: Be wary of street vendors who offer food that seems too good to be true or is being pushed aggressively.
7. Charity Scams: Fake Orphans and Beggars
Some individuals pretending to be orphans or disabled may approach tourists seeking money. These scams can often be fake, with the scammers pocketing the donations.
- Avoid Giving Money Directly: Instead of giving money directly, consider donating to established charities or organizations.
- Be Wary of Solicitations: Beware of individuals who seem overly persistent or pushy when asking for donations.
- Check Credentials: If you choose to give directly, ask for identification or proof of affiliation with a legitimate organization.
8. Fake Guides: Misleading Tourism Information
Some individuals may pose as tour guides to provide misleading or inaccurate information about Fès's attractions and services.
- Check Credentials: Ensure your guide is licensed by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
- Research Attractions: Know the price range and key points about each attraction before agreeing to a tour.
- Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from trusted sources, such as your hotel or other reliable travelers.
9. Riad Rentals: Hidden Fees and Low Quality
Some riads may charge hidden fees or provide subpar accommodations after initial agreement.
- Read Reviews: Thoroughly research the riad online, reading reviews from other travelers.
- Negotiate Prices Upfront: Clearly agree on all costs and services before booking your stay.
- Check for Hidden Fees: Ensure that the agreed-upon price includes all taxes, fees, and services.
10. ATM Scams: Skimming and Card Retention
Some ATMs in Fès may be rigged with skimmers or have unscrupulous attendants who retain your card. Be cautious when using ATMs.
- Use ATMs Carefully: Withdraw money from ATMs located in banks or secure areas to minimize risk of card skimming.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers or cameras from capturing your information.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.
11. Bazaar Prices: Haggling and Overcharging
Prices in Fès's bazaars can be inflated, making haggling essential. However, some merchants may overcharge or use deceptive practices.
- Research Prices: Learn about the typical price range for each item before negotiating.
- Haggle Confidently: Be assertive when haggling, but be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a fair price.
- Check Quality: Inspect goods carefully before finalizing a purchase, and don't be afraid to ask for a refund or exchange if necessary.
12. Restaurant Bills: Inflated Prices and Added Charges
Some restaurants in Fès may inflate prices or add hidden charges to your bill.
- Check the Menu Thoroughly: Review the menu carefully, noting any special charges or service fees before ordering.
- Ask for Itemized Bills: Request an itemized bill to ensure you are being charged accurately.
- Negotiate Prices Upfront: If the restaurant appears to have a reputation for inflating prices, negotiate prices before ordering.
13. Car Hire: Damage and Extra Charges
When renting a car in Fès, beware of damage that may not have been present upon pickup, as well as hidden charges.
- Inspect the Car Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspect the rental car for any existing damage before signing the agreement.
- Read the Agreement Carefully: Carefully read the rental agreement to understand all terms, including insurance policies and penalties.
- Check Fuel Levels and Condition: Ensure the car has sufficient fuel upon pickup and that it is in good working condition.
14. Sim Card Scams: Fake SIM Cards or Overpricing
Some mobile phone shops in Fès may sell fake SIM cards or overcharge for services.
- Choose Official Shops: Buy SIM cards from official telecom company shops.
- Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from trusted sources, such as your hotel or other reliable travelers.
- Check Prices: Compare prices of SIM cards and services with those offered by other shops to ensure fairness.
15. Talisman Scams: Overpricing and Low Quality
Some talisman sellers in Fès may charge exorbitant prices for low-quality or counterfeit items.
- Research Prices: Learn about the typical price range for talismans before negotiating.
- Check Quality: Inspect talismans carefully, and don't be afraid to ask for a refund or exchange if necessary.
- Negotiate Prices Confidently: Be assertive when negotiating prices, but be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a fair price.