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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Marrakesh, Morocco: how to avoid them
Photo made by Andrea Koelink on Pexels.com
Marrakesh is generally safe but busy with pushy street sellers and informal drivers who quote inflated prices, especially around the medina and the main square. Use the official airport taxi rank, the official bus, and always agree on the fare before any ride. Most issues are price-related rather than dangerous, so stay calm, be firm, and confirm every price in writing or on a meter.
Updated October 2026
Common scams in Marrakesh, Morocco and how to avoid them
1. Fake guides at the main square
How it works: People approach tourists near Jemaa el-Fnaa offering to show them around the medina or souks, then demand a large payment at the end of the walk, sometimes leading to commission shops.
How to avoid it: Decline politely and walk on. Use an official licensed guide booked through your riad or hotel.
2. No meter and inflated fares
How it works: Petit taxi drivers outside the airport and in tourist areas refuse to use the meter and quote multiples of the fair daytime rate, especially for foreigners.
How to avoid it: Insist on the meter, or agree a firm price before boarding. Use Heetch or Careem apps where available.
3. Snake charmers and henna artists
How it works: Performers in the square place snakes on tourists or draw henna on hands without consent, then demand a steep payment for the unsolicited service.
How to avoid it: Do not engage. If approached, say no clearly and keep your hands away from henna offerings.
4. Poor-rate street exchange
How it works: Men near the square or in the souks offer to exchange money at attractive rates on the street, but hand over short counts or fake notes, or quote a rate that changes once cash is shown.
How to avoid it: Only use banks or official exchange offices, and count notes before leaving the counter.
5. No prices on menus
How it works: Some restaurants in tourist-heavy areas present menus without prices or add significant service fees at the end, leaving tourists with a much larger bill than expected.
How to avoid it: Ask to see prices before ordering and confirm whether service is included when the bill arrives.
6. Unexpected rooftop or shop tours
How it works: Touts lead tourists through shops or up to rooftops for a view, then pressure them into buying goods at inflated prices or charge an exit fee for the guided stroll.
How to avoid it: Do not follow touts. Walk with purpose, and only enter shops you choose yourself.
7. Grand taxi seat selling
How it works: Grand taxi drivers fill seats with multiple passengers going the same direction and still charge each person the full private-rate fare, or quote a price per car and then demand per seat.
How to avoid it: Clarify whether the price is per person or per car before getting in, and confirm the destination.
Official tickets for the top sights in Marrakesh, Morocco
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
Use the official taxi rank just outside arrivals. Agree on the fare before getting in, as many drivers refuse the meter. Expect roughly 150 to 250 MAD into the medina or Gueliz depending on destination and time.
Best alternative: Alsa airport bus line 19 to Jemaa el-Fnaa square (30 MAD (€2.73), about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 6 MAD (€0.55) (Single bus ticket inside the city on Alsa routes)
- Paying by card
- No contactless bank card payment on city buses or petit taxis; carry cash in small notes.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Around 10 percent in restaurants, small change for petit taxi drivers and porters, and a few dirhams for guides and hotel staff. Round up rather than calculating exact percentages.
Cover and service charges: Most riad and restaurant menus in tourist areas show prices without any cover charge, but some add a service line of around 10 percent. Confirm whether service is included when the bill arrives. In the main square, menus may be shown without prices, so ask before ordering.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Prefer ATMs attached to major bank branches. Always choose to be charged in Moroccan dirhams and decline dynamic currency conversion. Some independent street ATMs carry high fees, so check the fee warning on screen before confirming. Carry small notes, as many shops and taxis do not accept cards.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around the main train station: Late at night, keep bags closed and stay alert, as pickpocketing and informal offers to carry luggage are reported near the station exits. Use the official taxi rank across the plaza.
- Outlying streets of the old medina at night: Some unlit lanes away from the main souk routes are very quiet after dark; keep to well-traveled paths and carry a charged phone and the name of your riad in writing.
Emergency number
19
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Frequently Asked Questions about Marrakesh, Morocco
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated October 2026.