
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Oujda-Angad, Oriental, Morocco
1. Grand Souk Scam Alert
Stay vigilant while shopping at Grand Souk. Be aware of overpricing and distraction tactics.
- Know Fixed Prices: Learn the fixed prices for common items before bargaining.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on your shopping to avoid being distracted by unscrupulous individuals.
- Trustworthy Shops: Shop at reputable stores in the Grand Souk and avoid street vendors if possible.
2. Taxi Scams & Tips
Avoid overcharging and unwanted stops by taxis. Use regulated taxi stands or pre-arrange rides.
- Regulated Taxi Stands: Use regulated taxi stands for a hassle-free experience.
- Pre-Arranged Rides: Pre-arrange rides using trusted services to avoid overcharging.
- Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Do not accept offers for rides from unmarked or unofficial taxis.
3. Fake Guides in Kasbah Al-Rihan
Avoid fake guides at Kasbah Al-Rihan who may lead you to overpriced shops. Request an official guide.
- Official Guides: Request an official guide from the tourist office for a genuine experience.
- Shopping Scams: Be wary of guides who try to lead you to specific shops in exchange for commission.
- Know the Area: Familiarize yourself with the layout of Kasbah Al-Rihan to avoid being led astray.
4. Counterfeit Currency Warning
Avoid receiving counterfeit money when exchanging or paying. Check bills for authenticity.
- Check Authenticity: Examine bills closely for security features such as watermarks and holograms.
- Use Reputable Exchangers: Only exchange money at reputable exchanges or banks to avoid counterfeit bills.
- Keep Cash Securely: Keep your cash secure and in a safe location to avoid losing it to theft.
5. Street Food Scams at El-Maslah
Be cautious when eating street food at El-Maslah as some vendors may use low-quality ingredients or add unwanted items.
- Reputable Street Food Vendors: Seek out reputable and popular street food vendors.
- Avoid Eating Uncooked Foods: Avoid eating foods that are not thoroughly cooked, such as salad or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Stick to Familiar Dishes: Choose familiar dishes and avoid trying new items from unknown vendors.
6. Sim Card Scams at Mobile Shops
Avoid being charged for unnecessary services or receiving faulty sim cards at mobile shops.
- Official Mobile Shops: Only purchase SIM cards from official mobile company stores.
- Check Included Services: Carefully review the services included in your plan before purchasing a SIM card.
- Register Your SIM Card: Register your SIM card to avoid issues with activation and use.
7. Renting Bicycles in Oujda
Avoid bicycle rental scams by verifying the condition of the bike and returning it on time.
- Check the Condition: Thoroughly inspect the bike before renting to ensure it's in good working order.
- Negotiate Rental Terms: Clearly agree on rental terms, including deposit and return time, with the bike owner.
- Return Bike on Time: Return the bike on or before the agreed-upon date to avoid penalties.
8. Overpriced Hotel Rooms
Avoid overpaying for hotel rooms by researching and comparing prices before booking.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices of hotels in your desired area using various travel websites.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get a sense of the hotel's quality and value.
- Negotiate Rates: Attempt to negotiate rates with the hotel if you find a better deal elsewhere.
9. Bogus Charity Collections
Avoid donating to fake charities by researching legitimate organizations in Oujda-Angad.
- Research Legitimate Organizations: Research local charities and verify their legitimacy before donating.
- Avoid Street Solicitations: Be wary of solicitations from people on the street claiming to be collecting for charity.
- Use Trusted Donation Methods: Donate through trusted methods, such as dropping donations at an official charity location.
10. Phony Tour Agencies
Avoid fake tour agencies by checking for licenses and reading reviews.
- Check for Licenses: Ensure the tour agency is licensed and registered with local authorities.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to ensure a positive experience.
- Negotiate Tour Details: Clearly discuss and agree on tour details, including price, itinerary, and guide qualifications.
11. Fake Police Officers
Avoid being scammed by fake police officers. Stay alert and don't share personal information.
- Stay Alert: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Ask for Identification: Request identification from any police officer who approaches you and verify it.
- Don't Share Personal Information: Never share personal information, such as your passport or wallet, with strangers.
12. Dangerous Camel Rides in Angad
Avoid dangerous camel rides by ensuring the animal is well-cared for and the ride operator follows safety guidelines.
- Check Animal's Condition: Inspect the camel's health and overall condition before riding.
- Wear Protective Gear: Wear a helmet and other protective gear during the ride for added safety.
- Follow Operator's Instructions: Listen to the operator's instructions throughout the ride to ensure safety.
13. Car Rental Scams
Avoid car rental scams by inspecting the vehicle thoroughly and reading the contract carefully.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before signing any paperwork.
- Read the Contract: Carefully review the rental contract, including the terms and conditions.
- Return the Vehicle on Time: Return the vehicle on or before the agreed-upon date to avoid penalties.
14. Exchange Rate Scams
Avoid being overcharged for currency exchange by researching fair rates and using reputable exchanges.
- Research Fair Rates: Compare exchange rates offered by various providers to find a fair rate.
- Use Reputable Exchanges: Exchange money at banks or reputable exchange offices for the best results.
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money on the street to avoid scams and counterfeit bills.
15. Fake Guides at Historical Sites
Avoid fake guides at historical sites who may lead you to overpriced shops. Request an official guide or use a guidebook.
- Official Guides: Request an official guide from the tourist office for a genuine experience.
- Use Guidebooks: Purchase a guidebook to explore historical sites independently and at your own pace.
- Avoid Street Solicitations: Be wary of solicitations from people on the street claiming to be guides.