What's the etiquette I should learn before visiting Morocco?

Dress is the etiquette that signals respect fastest, and it's simpler than people fear. Morocco is a moderate Muslim country, not a strict one, but covering your shoulders and your knees in public — for both men and women — keeps you comfortable, blends you in, and earns warmer treatment, especially away from the tourist core and in rural areas. Women don't need a headscarf in daily life, but a light scarf in the bag is invaluable for mosque courtyards, conservative villages, sun and chilly evenings. The rule of thumb I give clients: smarter and more covered than you'd dress for a beach holiday.

Language and greetings open every door. You don't need fluency — a handful of words transforms how you're received. "Salaam alaikum" (peace be upon you) as a greeting, "shukran" for thank you, "la shukran" for "no thank you", "inshallah" (God willing) and "bsslama" for goodbye will earn you delighted smiles all day. Handshakes are common; some conservative people, particularly of the opposite gender, may prefer a hand placed over the heart instead of a shake, so follow their lead. The right hand is for greeting, eating and giving or receiving money or gifts, as the left is traditionally considered unclean.

Photography is where well-meaning visitors most often cause offence. Always ask before photographing people, especially women and older people — a smile and a gesture toward the camera is enough, and a refusal should be respected instantly and graciously. Some performers and market vendors will expect a few dirhams for a posed shot, which is fair. Be discreet around anything that could read as poverty tourism. And mosques: with a few exceptions like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the grand ones are closed to non-Muslims, so admire the architecture from outside and never wander in or photograph people at prayer.

A few final graces round it out. Public displays of affection are best kept very low-key; holding hands is fine, more than that draws disapproval. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the street in daylight out of respect for those fasting. Accept offered mint tea — refusing the symbol of hospitality can sting. Tip modestly and often. And when in doubt, mirror the people around you and lead with warmth. Moroccans are forgiving of honest mistakes by visitors who are clearly trying to be respectful; the effort itself is what they notice and appreciate.