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10 tips to solo visit Morocco in a safe, budget way

1.Airport on arrival/departure

The customs efficiency is really low that it's strongly advised to arrive the airport 2 hours at least before the departure of your flight. My Japanese friend who study in Morocco missed her flight even though she arrived the airport 1.5 hours earlier. Taking Marrakesh airport as example, it was super cool design due to Cop 22 in 2016, like using solar energy. But it took me around 1.5 hours for ongoing check-in and customs process. Even for cabin luggage, you have to validate your tickets in check-in counter. Arriving 30 minutes earlier may do so travelling within Europe, but not in Morocco.

use of solar energy

no electricity is needed for daytime

2. Transportation

Intra city

Public transport is not recommended, the bus schedule is not fixed and difficult to read the routes. The passengers have to inform the driver where do they want to be dropped out, it is nearly impossible to take the public transport if you don't even speak any French or Arabic.

If you travel in group like 3-4, it may be even cheaper to take Tuk tuk/taxi with meter, more flexible and comfortable.

Local price would be DH15/€1.5 for riding 15 minutes. Even for the locals, they have to negotiate with the drivers. For foreigner, they will charge 2 times more than usual, even if you know French or Arabic.

Inter city

A few bus company and the most reliable one is CTM http://www.ctm.ma. They have on-time schedule and more convenient seats relatively.

3. Temperature difference

Hot is the first impression of African countries. So I was suprised with the four seasons weather within a day in Morocco.

Around 11°c before 11am, starts getting hot and reach about 26°c the afternoon, feeling cool from 4pm and drop to 12°-13° at night.

The locals usually wear T-shirt, sweater and down jacket, put on and put off the clothes according to the weather change.

4. Concern about solo travel

It's exotic but dangerous, people have high hospitality but like to overcharge everything. Especially for tourist cities, people used to overcharge everyone, no matter you can speak French or Arabic, regardless your natioanlity.

(Some may ask for tips even though you were asking for directions)

However, Moroccans are very friendly and like learning different culture, so I was lucky to meet them and hang out with local people from different cities every day.

5. Accommodation

Staying in hostel would definitely be a good way to meet new people, especially local people who is good at negotiation! Hostels usually located in Jemaa El Faa area and it's like a puzzle. Google map is not worked so please check the Youtube video of how to reach your hostel. I was brought by a local when we are asking for direction and paid euro 2 for tips.

Jemaa El Faa area

many hostels located here

 

Backpackers Grapevine Hostel

Address: 21 Derb Sidi Bouloukate، Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

Phone: +212 642-786925

Price: €5-8/night

 

There are many couchsurfing hosts in Morocco, mainly the male. However, verification and good reference is not sufficient for finding hosts here. Taking me as example, I found a verified female host, but eventually didn't show up. Another host with a few recommended references, he sounds creepy when we have conservation. Later, I found out that there are some not recommended personal reference from female solo travelers. In fact, I get close with my host who don't have any reference before. I think it's important to get to know more about you hosts before your arrival.

I tried to make up 10 points to look more professional but obviously failed haha

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