Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco
1. Tourist Hotspots Scam
Avoid overly friendly locals offering help or tours at popular sites like Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan II Mosque. They may demand payment for services not rendered.
- Friendly Approach: Strangers offering unsolicited help could be scammers.
- Demand for Payment: Services not rendered should never require payment.
- Popular Sites: Scammers often target tourists at popular tourist attractions.
2. Fake Guides Scam
Unlicensed guides may approach you in Rabat's medina offering their services. Stick to licensed guides from reputable agencies.
- Unlicensed Guide: Guides without official licenses may provide poor service or mislead you.
- Reputable Agencies: Licensed guides from recognized agencies ensure quality service and accurate information.
- Medina Locations: The medina is a common area where scammers try to take advantage of tourists.
3. Taxi Overcharging Scam
Taxi drivers may attempt to overcharge at the airport or train station. Agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Airport/Train Station: Scammers often target tourists at transportation hubs.
- Agreeing on Price: Prevent unexpected high charges by agreeing on a price before starting the journey.
- Reputable Taxi Companies: Trust reputable taxi companies to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel.
4. Counterfeit Goods Scam
Beware of cheap items offered for sale in markets or on the street. They may be counterfeit or poor quality.
- Cheap Items: Items that are significantly cheaper than usual could be counterfeit.
- Markets and Streets: Scammers sell fake items in markets, streets, and tourist areas.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase items from reputable shops to guarantee their authenticity.
5. Currency Exchange Scam
Unauthorized money changers may offer poor exchange rates at marketplaces or on the street. Stick to banks or authorized bureaus de change.
- Marketplaces and Streets: Scammers often target tourists in areas where money changes hands.
- Banks and Authorized Bureaus: Exchange your currency at authorized establishments to avoid poor rates.
- Poor Exchange Rates: Unfavorable exchange rates could signal a scam.
6. Sim Card Scam
Some mobile phone shops may sell faulty SIM cards or overcharge for services. Research the best providers and compare prices before purchasing.
- Faulty SIM Cards: Scammers sell damaged or non-functioning SIM cards.
- Overcharging for Services: Providers may charge excessive fees for services.
- Research and Comparison: Avoid scams by researching providers, comparing prices, and reading reviews before purchasing.
7. ATM Skimming Scam
Criminals may use skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Use well-lit and busy areas and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Well-lit Areas: ATMs in well-lit areas are less likely to have skimming devices.
- Busy Areas: Criminals are less likely to approach ATMs when they're busy.
- Covering the Keypad: Protect your PIN by covering the keypad while entering it.
8. Car Rental Scam
Rental cars may have hidden damage or be overpriced. Thoroughly inspect the car before renting and get a written agreement of the rental terms.
- Hidden Damage: Scammers may try to charge for damages that were already present.
- Overpricing: Some rental companies may overcharge for their services.
- Inspection and Written Agreement: Avoid scams by inspecting the car thoroughly before renting and getting a written agreement of the terms.
9. Dinner Party Scam
Invitations for traditional Moroccan dinners may turn out to be overpriced or low-quality. Research establishments and read reviews before attending.
- Overpricing: Scammers may charge excessive prices for their services.
- Low-Quality: The food and service may not meet the promised quality.
- Research and Reviews: Avoid scams by researching establishments and reading reviews before attending a dinner party.
10. Jewelry Scam
Beware of street vendors selling gold jewelry. The quality may be poor or it could be fake.
- Poor Quality: Street-sold jewelry may not meet the expected quality.
- Fake Gold: Gold jewelry could be gold-plated or imitation gold.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase jewelry from reputable shops to guarantee its quality and authenticity.
11. Donation Scam
Beggars may approach you asking for money in the name of charity. Verify the legitimacy of organizations before donating.
- Legitimate Charity: Donate only to recognized and legitimate charities.
- Beggars Pretending to be from Charity: Scammers may pose as charity representatives to solicit money.
- Verification of Organizations: Avoid scams by verifying the legitimacy of charities before donating.
12. Carpet Scam
Beware of overpriced or low-quality carpets sold in Rabat's medina. Research prices and shop around for the best deal.
- Overpricing: Scammers may charge excessive prices for their carpets.
- Low-Quality Carpets: The quality of the carpet may not meet your expectations.
- Research and Shopping Around: Avoid scams by researching prices and shopping around for the best deal.
13. Hassle for Tips Scam
Service providers like taxi drivers or restaurant staff may demand tips beyond reasonable amounts. Tip according to your satisfaction but be aware of cultural norms and customs in Morocco.
- Cultural Norms and Customs: Understand the tipping culture and expectations in Morocco.
- Reasonable Amounts: Avoid overtipping by giving a reasonable amount based on your satisfaction.
- Demanding Tips: Some service providers may demand tips beyond what is fair and reasonable.
14. Fishing Scam
Be cautious when purchasing fish in Rabat's markets. Scammers may sell poor quality or overpriced fish.
- Poor Quality Fish: The quality of the fish may be poor.
- Overpricing: Scammers may charge excessive prices for their fish.
- Reputable Fishmongers: Purchase fish from reputable and trusted fishmongers to guarantee its quality.
15. Camel Ride Scam
Scammers may offer camel rides at inflated prices near tourist attractions like the Chellah Necropolis. Compare prices and negotiate for a fair deal.
- Inflated Prices: Scammers may charge excessive prices for their camel ride services.
- Negotiating a Fair Deal: Avoid scams by negotiating a fair price for the camel ride.
- Comparison of Prices: Compare prices with other camel ride operators to ensure you're getting a reasonable deal.