Morocco is an incredibly beautiful country packed with kind, warm, and deeply hospitable people. However, like any major global tourist destination, its busiest historical plazas feature a handful of professional hustlers looking to exploit unsuspecting foreign travelers. Learn how to recognize these classic setups to keep your money safe.
The 3 Most Common Medina Scams
Recognize these common street scenarios and deploy the exact defense tactics below to shut them down instantly:
1. The "This Street is Closed" Trick
The Setup: As you navigate deep toward a major landmark or your hostel inside the medina, a young man will approach you casually and wave his hands, saying: "Stop, that way is closed today for prayer," or "The path is blocked by construction." He will then offer to lead you down an alternate route, eventually guiding you into a dead end or his family's carpet shop, demanding a heavy 50–100 MAD tip for his time.
The Defense: Trust your digital maps over street advice. Say a firm "La, Shukran" (No, thank you), keep walking forward confidently, and check the path yourself. In 99% of cases, the street is perfectly open.
2. The Unsolicited Henna or Animal Photo Trap
The Setup: While walking across Marrakesh's Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a woman will grab your hand quickly and begin applying a henna design, or a performer will suddenly drape a monkey or snake over your shoulders for a quick photo opportunity. The moment the photo is taken or the dye touches your skin, they will aggressively demand 200 to 300 MAD.
The Defense: Keep your hands inside your pockets or high up across your chest when moving through dense performance areas. If someone tries to drape an animal on you, step away immediately. If they catch you, hand them a firm 10 MAD coin, state clearly that it is all you have, and walk away into a crowd.
3. The Deceptive Riad Luggage Porter
The Setup: When you exit a taxi at a medina gate, an aggressive kid with a rusty handcart will grab your heavy packs without your permission and begin running deep into the alleys, shouting for you to follow him. When you arrive at your riad door, he will demand an extortionate fee.
The Defense: Never let go of your pack until a clear financial price has been negotiated. Look the handler in the eyes and say: "20 dirhams flat, or I carry it myself." If they don't agree, pull your bag back.
Frequently Asked Questions: Scam Prevention
What should I do if a situation turns hostile or aggressive?
If a vendor or faux guide shouts or demands money aggressively in public, do not match their anger. Simply raise your voice clearly and say the words "La Police Touristique" (The Tourist Police). Morocco takes traveler safety incredibly seriously, and local hustlers risk severe legal penalties if the dedicated tourist police intervene.
Are the local kids genuinely trying to help me for free?
While children inside quiet rural villages are often genuinely curious and friendly, individuals offering navigation assistance inside the heavy tourist medinas of Fes and Marrakesh are almost always operating a business for tips.
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