Videos

Ramadan in 2024 starts on the evening of Sunday, March 10th and goes until Tuesday, April 9th, followed by the feast of Eid al-Fitr, or the ‘Feast of Fast-Breaking.' Despite its perhaps solemn reputation, Ramadan is a joyful time for Muslims around the world, Morocco being no exception. As Azdean, Hiba and Sam explain in today's episode, the food is unique and better, families and community frequently come together, and it is a time for celebration and collective spirit, where sacrifice and diligence go hand in hand with helping others and giving back. The question though is often raised by non-Muslim travellers, "Can I travel to Morocco during Ramadan? Is it worth it, is it a good idea?" Our episode today is to counter that view and establish that, although routines and schedules are undeniably different during Ramadan, it is still very much possible to travel to and around Morocco during the holy month, and in fact it is quite a special experience. Hiba, Sam and Azdean discuss t…

Our live Q&A session this month focused on identifying useful phrases in Moroccan languages that travellers can use while in the country. As a very multilingual country, this means doing so in more than one language, which as we explore today essentially means Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Berber (or Tamazight, the original indigenous language), and French, which is still in very common use and may be at least a bit more familiar to many travellers. interspersed with our language lesson, and particularly in the first 20 minutes, is some background and contextual information on languages in Morocco, where you'll hear each one, and in what situation. We have a fun conversation on language identity, and talk about examples when Azdean, Sam and Hiba had to figure out themselves which language to use, and how their accents were interpreted. It turns out that the dialects alone amongst Berber speakers can be quite distinct! It's not just travellers but locals as well who navigate this ling…

This simple trick will help you avoid getting charged unfairly for your meal, especially at cafes and food stalls in the souk and medina.

What is a situation that seems innocent but could lead to more trouble in Morocco? How do you avoid getting into dangerous situations? How do you know if someone is trustworthy or if they will take advantage of you? Are these problems unique to Morocco? No, but they can happen, and all you need is to be prepared. Listen to Sam's story in this video about how the scam unfolds. You're in the square, and someone gently bumps into you, 'by accident.' "Oh, I'm very sorry, excuse me." - "That's okay, no problem." "Do you need help, are you looking for something?" - "Oh we're just looking for the tanneries." "I'm not going that way but I can find someone to show you, follow me..."

Not so long ago, like scarcely more than two or three years, if you needed a taxi into the city upon exiting the airport in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès etc., you were in for a frustrating, tedious and uncomfortable experience of simply finding a cab. Getting someone you could trust to take you where you needed to go, in a direct line, at a fair price, without any other shenanigans was surprisingly difficult. It put your bartering and negotiation skills to the test, right away upon your first step into Morocco. With luggage, kids, fatigue or any other factors included. Fortunately, the authorities have finally taken a major step in rectifying this problem. Finally you have peace of mind and security to simply get where you need to go!

You're newly arrived in the square, looking around, trying to get your bearings, figuring out where to go. A friendly local passes by and asks casually if you need any help. You say you're just thinking of going to the tanneries today. Turns out they're closed, good thing he was here to tell you! He can show you what's open today instead. And the scam begins...

03:40 "Secure your luggage at the airport to prevent theft." 07:59 Tourists targeted by scams in foreign countries. 15:33 Positive experience at airport customs with kids. 22:11 Taxi service improved in Morocco with kiosks. 26:48 Taxi scams in new town, avoid them. 29:47 Official government rates for taxi fares in Morocco. 37:03 Market feels like a battleground, still fun. 40:09 Scammers are smart and work together well. 50:05 Restaurant scams: beware of menu price changes. 52:29 Pay Moroccan price, negotiate, beware of scams. 57:10 Bartering culture and firmness in dealing with sellers. 01:01:12 Local guide essential, beware taxi scams. Call police. In this month's session, Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, navigate the labyrinth of traveller scams in the bustling streets and markets of Morocco. With a focus that is as practical as it is necessary, they will equip you with the knowledge to sidestep common pitfalls that many an unwary traveller might stumble into. What are the l…

Walking through the medina of Marrakech, hearing the call to prayer. Souks and fresh bread. The essence of Morocco.