What should I know before visiting Morocco for the first time?

First, the mindset: Morocco is a feast for the senses — colour, spice, calls to prayer, mosaic, mountains and desert — and the warmth of its people is the thing most travellers remember. It is genuinely safe and welcoming. But it is also a developing country with its own pace and customs, so a little preparation turns potential frustration into pure delight. Go curious, patient, and open.

On money and logistics: the dirham is a closed currency, so you exchange on arrival rather than in advance, and you should carry cash because many smaller shops, taxis, riads and rural spots do not take cards. ATMs are common in cities. Tipping (a few dirhams to round up, more for good guide service) is customary and appreciated. Distances are large and mountain roads are slow, so do not over-pack your itinerary — three or four well-chosen bases beat a frantic dash.

On culture and respect, the essentials are simple: dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, especially away from resorts; greet people warmly, as relationships matter here; ask before photographing people and expect to tip street performers; and during Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking openly in daylight. Friday is the main prayer day, when some businesses pause around midday. Use your right hand for eating and greeting, as the left is considered unclean.

On the practical day-to-day: drink bottled water, use official or app-based taxis and agree the fare first, book licensed guides through your accommodation, and treat haggling as friendly sport rather than confrontation. A few words of French go further than English off the tourist trail. Keep copies of your passport, take out travel insurance, and check your government's current advisory before you fly.

Finally, lean into it. Say yes to the mint tea, get pleasantly lost in a medina (then check your map), watch a Sahara sunset, and accept that some hassle is the price of a place this vivid and unfiltered. Travellers who arrive prepared and good-humoured almost always leave already planning their return.