Traveling the Marrakech Medina Markets

Most travelers don’t think about the wild markets of Morocco while planning a trip to Europe. However, considering it’s close proximity, every European bound traveler should consider it! If you’re planning a trip to Europe, consider making a quick trip south to the northern tip of Africa: Morocco.

Morocco is a strange and culturally rich country located between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Physically located only a short boat trip away from Europe, it has a deep history of traveler and trade.

Since Europe is home to many budget travel flight companies, cheap fares to Marrakech can be found daily. For U.S. Citizens, visas are not required if your stay will be less than 90 days. All you need is your valid U.S. Passport. Remember, if you need a passport quickly, go with a trusted passport expediter like Fastport Passport. Fastport Passport has been helping U.S. Citizens survive the Marrakech Markets for over ten years, and securing passports in as little as 24 hours.

 Once in Marrakech, you’ll likely head straight to the Medina, also known as the Old Town. Be prepared to have all of your senses overwhelmed. Moroccan culture thrives on bartering, so don’t be intimidated to flex your haggling skills.

Traveling the Marrakech Medina Markets

Remember, you are a guest here so you do not have home field advantage. The merchants are charming, clever, and just plain good at getting you to want whatever it is they have to sell. Remember these few tricks to help you survive the Marrakesh Market. 

Tips to Surviving the Marrakech Markets

Bartering 
Be prepared to haggle. Let yourself enjoy the moment. Don’t worry about being insulting with a low price. No matter how seemingly shocked the merchant will act, it’s all part of the game. Enjoy it!

Day one will most likely be your worst day. 
That’s ok. You are getting the feel for the atmosphere and the culture. The first day will be overwhelming, so don’t buy anything unless you absolutely need it. Most travelers end up wasting a lot of money that first day. Be smart, take it easy. Soak it all in first.

Tuck away the big bills. 
This means you might need to stop off at a bank and break your bills to get smaller change. If you tell them you only have 50 Dirham’s, and you pull out 100 Dirham’s…. Well you just shot yourself in the foot. Make them think you are on a budget (even if you’re not).

Go into it with a price in mind.
Know what you want to spend beforehand. Chances are your number is still higher than the value.

Use Your Language Skills
The Moroccans are brilliant with their knowledge of languages. Explain where you are from, they will want to communicate with you as much as you want to barter with them.

Need an escape? 
Throw out an extremely low price or ask for something you know they don’t carry. This gives you the option to get closer to see if you like something, but then an escape route when it’s not what you were looking for.

Watch out for motorcycles.
You’ll be amazed at how fast the motorcycles and carts can come whizzing past you in a tight little alley. One wrong move on the narrow streets and you will become a motorcycle tire’s best friend.

You won’t always win.  
There will always be that item that you will either pay too much for or you will never get the price you are asking.  Don’t fret. You are not the first person to say no, and you are not the first person to get ripped off. If you really liked it, then it will be worth it in the end.

Be strong. Chin up…. and smile.
Most of all they love a friendly face and they want to have fun with you.  The worse case scenario is you fall for their charm and end up helping the local Moroccan economy.