Getting hassled

Visitors to Morocco's cities may find that they are subject to 'hassle' from street vendors and beggers of one form or another - from being approached to buy goods (legal or illegal!) to rude comments. Unfortunately for some people, this can mean that their visit to Morocco is not as enjoyable as it could otherwise be.

Firstly, it is a fact that most visitors to Morocco will experience some level of hassle although, in our experience, this is rarely as much as it is when recounted weeks or years later once at home.

The positive news is that, through education and the police, the country's government and Morocco Tourism have taken active measures towards reducing the level of street hassle which already is having a positive impact.

There are also a number of simple action that visitors can take to avoid the street hassle having a negative impact on their stay. We have summarised these steps into 5 simple steps:

1. Wear sunglasses which will avoid you having eye contact with any street hawkers and other nuisances

2. If you are approached, give a firm and polite "no" with a shake of the head, and walk on decisively (a smile also seems to help we find). Moroccan's are sensitive about public embarassment and a clear "no" out loud often scares off the most bold pest. But try not to be too rude or aggressive as this is not needed

3. If you find yourself lost in a tourist spot and reading a map to find your whereabouts, within a minute or two someone is likely to approach with an offer of assitance (which is usually just hassle). If lost, better to retire to a nearby bar and get your bearings over a quick drink

4. Morocco is a liberal isalmic country and locals can be offended by western females who walk about in public in skimpy tops and shorts. It is often this perceived offense that triggers unwanted, suggestive comments by locals. The best solution is for us ladies to dress with more a little more modesty than usual, perhaps covering our shoulders and legs with a sari or sarong. Given the heat and power of the sun in Morocco, this is often also a very practical step!

5. Finally, remember to relax! A few unwanted comments are frankly only a nuisance if you react to them. Better to accept that this still happens, smile, and rise above it all. In the end there are too many enjoyable things to do in Morocco than get upset over comments from people who have nothing else to do but hang about and annoy tourists!

We hope this advice helps.