» » In cheap, unclassified hotels without star ratings, trickling cold water and squat toilets are
common.
» » Sometimes hot water is enthusiastically promised, but it may be tepid at best and only
available at certain times of the day.
» » In rural areas, water is sometimes heated by a wood fire, but this comes at an
environmental cost. Wood is expensive, water is often in short supply and deforestation is a
major problem in Morocco.
» » In small towns and rural areas the hammam may be a better bet.
Smoking
» » Smoking is a national pastime in Morocco and nonsmoking restaurants and hotels are
almost unheard of.
» » This generally affects popular places rather than top-end restaurants and hotels, where you
may find nonsmoking areas.
» » Most popular eateries and cafes have outdoor seating, so the problem is reduced.
» » Only the very top-end hotels (including Sofitel) have a nonsmoking policy.
WOMEN
» » In Muslim countries, it is generally considered unacceptable for women to smoke.
» » Particularly outside the big cities, you’ll seldom see women smokers.
» » This is a cultural rather than religious dictate.
» » Although most religious leaders condemn smoking, like drinking, as haram (forbidden), only
during daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan is the habit seriously eschewed.
» » This shouldn’t affect foreigners too much, although women may wish to refrain from
smoking within local homes and be discreet elsewhere.
Theft
On the whole, theft is not a huge problem in Morocco. Travellers can minimise risk by being
vigilant (but not paranoid) in the major cities and taking some basic precautions.
» » When wandering around the streets, keep the valuables you carry to a minimum.
» » Keep what you must carry around with you well hidden.
» » Be particularly careful when withdrawing money from ATMs.
» » External money pouches attract attention.
» » Neck pouches or moneybelts worn under your clothes attract less attention. They are better
places to keep your money, passport and other important documents.
» » If you prefer to keep things in your room (preferably locked inside your suitcase), nine times
out of 10 you’ll have no trouble.
» » Rooms in top-end hotels often have safes.
» » Other hotels sometimes have a safe in reception, where you could stow valuables such as
a camera.
» » Leaving anything in a car, even out of sight, is asking for trouble.
» » In the large cities, notably Casablanca, there are some desperate people, and physical
attacks on foreigners occasionally occur.
» » Treat the medinas with particular caution at night.
» » The medinas in Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangier have a particular reputation for petty
theft.
» » In such medinas, a common tactic is for one person to distract you while another cleans out
your pockets.