If you’ve been considering visiting Marrakesh as a woman, you may have heard some rumours floating around.
Let’s just say, it doesn’t always get the best reputation for safety.
But, like everywhere, sadly the world isn’t always a safe place, especially for women.
This doesn’t mean that you cannot go out and explore, you just need added caution.
Luckily, I have got you covered. I’ve compiled my top tips on how to stay safe as a woman in Marrakesh.
Don’t draw attention to yourself
Moroccan culture is centered around modesty, emphasising dignity and hospitality.
Dress codes play a huge role in this culture, especially around religious sites.
It is so important and respectful to honour this culture and make sure that you cover up and dress modestly.
Covering up can also protect you from unwarranted attention.
Especially in a city where people are trying very hard to sell things, anything that brings extra attention to you should be avoided.
For me, even something as small as having a cat on my t-shirt meant that I got meowed at.
This was playful and not sinister, but if this attention is something that makes you nervous, I recommend trying to be as simple as possible.
As a tourist, it’s inevitable that you will stick out, so wearing something plain can help you remain low-key.
Get used to saying ‘la shukran’
If you’re a people pleaser like me, you may want to treat everyone with kindness.
In the UK, even when I know I am being scammed, I still end up stopping to chat to the sellers on the streets.
Unfortunately, you are going to have to learn to throw your people pleasing tendencies out the window and learn to say no.
There are a lot of sellers, especially in the main square, and if you stop for all of them you will never end up getting anywhere.
But don’t just say no, say ‘La shukran’ which means ‘No, thank you’ in Arabic.
Not only is it respectful to speak the language, but it signals that you know what you are doing and gives you authority.
The sellers are everywhere, and they can be persistent.
But you have to learn to remain firm, say ‘la shukran’ and walk onward.
Also, don’t be afraid to simply ignore people and just walk on past.
The more authority you can show, the better, as this makes you less of a target.
Don’t show hesitation
The sellers are of course harmless, they are just trying to make money.
However, nobody really enjoys getting hassled.
So if you want to avoid as much of this as possible, you have to look like you know what you’re doing.
If you want one piece of advice: do not hesitate.
Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, even if you’re overwhelmed or lost, just keep walking with confidence.
Don’t be tentative, don’t look confused; just fake it until you make it.
The second you show hesitation; you are a target.
The more confident you look, the more likely you are to be left alone.
Never follow people
This sounds simple, right? Who would follow strangers?
But in Marrakesh, you’d be surprised at how many times people have tried to get me to follow them.
Never, under any circumstances, should you follow.
It seems straightforward, but believe me, they can be convincing.
The scammers know how to charm you, and they can seem like the most genuine people in the world.
After all, they just want to lead you out of the way of a truck, or help direct you somewhere.
But no matter how genuine, how charming, never ever follow them.
When we were trying to find an ATM, we fell into this trap.
The guy seemed so genuine and lovely, and vowed to show us a once in a lifetime ‘berber market.’
Before we knew it, we were led thirty minutes out of our way to a secluded area that did not meet the description. Instead, we were beckoned into his shop.
Unbeknownst to us, this is a common scam, and one that can easily fall under the radar.
Don’t ask for directions in the street
Just like every new city, Marrakesh can be tricky to navigate.
But unlike other places, I do not recommend asking for directions in the street.
Like I mentioned before, people can seem genuine but have bad intentions.
There are so many genuine, lovely people in Marrakesh, but unfortunately not all have good intentions, and it can be hard to differentiate.
So, I would recommend finding a quiet space and figuring it out online.
Or, if you really want to ask someone, you would have more luck asking a little independent business or going inside a shop.
These business owners are some of the loveliest people I have ever met, and if you’re inside an establishment, it is harder to be led astray.
Always stand your ground
This links to ‘no hesitation’ tip, but you really have to get used to being firm and showing authority.
If you’re a people pleaser like me, this can seem impossible.
But trust me, it becomes a necessity.
Some of the sellers don’t know how to take no for an answer, and if you don’t tell them straight, you will never get away.
There’s a fine line between firm and rude. You do not have to be mean, you simply just have to exude confidence and stand your ground.
Trust me, you won’t offend anyone by doing this.
Travelling as a woman can be daunting, but you are just as worthy of exploring the world.
Don’t let anyone steer you away from visiting Marrakesh, it is a truly unique and characterful city.
If you keep these tips in mind and always stand your ground, you will set yourself up for a smooth experience.
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