Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tangier, Morocco

All Topics about Tangier All Cities in Morocco

1. Grand Socco Scam

Avoid fake guides offering to show you around the Grand Socco area. They often overcharge or lead you to shops where they receive commission.

Unwanted Shopping Stops: Guides may take you to shops for unnecessary purchases.
Exorbitant Fees: Fees for guiding services can be much higher than the standard rates.
Commission-Based Recommendations: Guides may recommend places based on their commission, not your needs.

Be wary of people asking you to sign a petition or complete a quick survey. They may distract you while someone picks your pocket.

Distraction Technique: Scam artists use distractions to pickpocket.
False Petitions or Surveys: The petition or survey is fake and serves only to distract you.
Pickpocketing Risk: The main purpose of the scam is to pick your pocket.

Be vigilant when exchanging money. Some vendors may give you fake currency in return.

Counterfeit Bills: Scammers use counterfeit Moroccan Dirhams.
Unscrupulous Money Changers: Some money changers may give you fake currency intentionally.
Check Your Change: Always check your change for counterfeit bills.

Avoid being repeatedly approached by street vendors or taxi drivers. They may be aggressive and persistent in an attempt to overcharge.

Persistent Approaches: Vendors or taxi drivers may follow you and be overly persistent.
Overcharging: They may demand a higher price, assuming that tourists are ignorant of local rates.
Aggressive Behavior: Some scammers may become aggressive when you refuse their offers.

Be aware of unscrupulous fish sellers at the market. They may weigh your fish with sand to increase the price.

Sand-Weighted Fish: Sellers may add sand to the weight of the fish.
Overcharging: Prices can be much higher than in other markets or shops.
Negotiate Before Purchase: Always negotiate the price before purchasing fish at the market.

Some riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses) may overcharge tourists for rooms or services.

Inflated Room Prices: Room prices can be significantly higher than in other accommodations.
Added Fees and Charges: Extra fees or charges may appear on the bill after your stay.
Research Before Booking: Always research riad prices before booking to avoid overpaying.

Avoid car rental scams by checking the vehicle for damage before renting and reading reviews of the rental company.

Damage Before Renting: Check the car for existing damage before driving away.
Unfair Charges: Rental companies may charge for damages that occurred prior to your rental.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the rental company before choosing them.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on a fare before starting your journey.

Agree on the Fare: Always agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.
Inflated Meters: Taxi meters may be manipulated or inflated to charge higher fares.
Negotiate Fairly: Negotiate a fair price for your journey based on the distance and time.

Be cautious when visiting the Cobra Museum. The guide may charge exorbitant fees and push unnecessary purchases.

Excessive Fees: Fees for entry, photos, or souvenirs can be much higher than in other museums.
Pushy Sales Tactics: Guides may pressure you to buy items or pay additional fees.
Falsely Claimed Rare Specimens: The museum may claim to house rare cobra species that are not actually present.

Avoid fake guides offering tours. They often charge higher prices and may lead you to overpriced shops.

Exorbitant Fees: Fees for guiding services can be much higher than the standard rates.
Unwanted Shopping Stops: Guides may take you to shops for unnecessary purchases.
Commission-Based Recommendations: Guides may recommend places based on their commission, not your needs.

Beware of individuals posing as police officers. They may ask for money or personal belongings.

Impersonation: Scammers dress as police officers to deceive tourists.
Aggressive Behavior: They may become aggressive or threatening if you refuse their demands.
Report Suspicious Activity: Always report suspicious activity to local authorities.

Avoid the dyeing goat scam. The 'dye' used may be a toxic substance.

Toxic Substance: The supposed 'dye' may actually be a harmful substance.
Overpriced: Prices can be significantly higher than in other shops or markets.
Decline the Offer: Decline offers of dyeing a goat, especially if the 'dye' is not clearly labeled.

Be cautious when visiting fortified walls. Some guides may exaggerate the historical significance or charge excessively.

Exaggerated History: Guides may overstate the historical significance of the site.
Inflated Fees: Fees for guiding services can be much higher than the standard rates.
Decline Unwanted Add-Ons: Decline any unnecessary add-ons or upsells, such as photos or souvenirs.

Be aware of unofficial guides offering tours at the Kasbah Museum. They may charge higher fees and provide inaccurate information.

Exorbitant Fees: Fees for guiding services can be much higher than the standard rates.
Inaccurate Information: Guides may provide incomplete or inaccurate information about the museum and its exhibits.
Check Museum Guidelines: Always follow the museum's guidelines for using guides.

Be wary of offers of cheap transportation or tours from people at Tangier Med Port. They may overcharge or take you to undesirable locations.

Overpriced Services: Services offered at the port can be significantly more expensive than in the city.
Unwanted Destinations: The tours or transportation may take you to places that are not on your itinerary.
Negotiate the Price: Always negotiate the price before agreeing to any services.