Visit Morocco: 15 Culture Shocks of Morocco
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
- Heading to Marrakech or Casablanca or the Sahara Desert there are a lot of wonders to see in Morocco. Here we talk about the culture shocks and cultural differences that tourists and travelers should pay attention to, so they can have the best visit possible to Morocco. So if you are heading to Fes or going to the blue city of Morocco Chefchaouen this video is to help you travel better.
Filmed in Marrakech
Copyright Mark Wolters 2020
Tourist and travel information for visiting Morocco.
#visitmorocco #visitmarrakech #morocco
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My Mom used to take me to the Souk when I was a kid and she gave me a pretty cool tip. If you want to buy something, never ever show your interest in that thing, let the salesman believe that you wanted something else from the same category, and then start the bidding. Make sure the salesman understands that you don't like the final price and then turn his attention to what you really wanted to begin with. At that time, the salesman is already exhausted and will settle for a really modest price. I was never good at it but my mom was. Hope that helps
All the mum know how to bargain
Your kids are really lucky having all of these wonderful memories when they grow up. God bless them .
Hey everyone, as someone who spent his whole life in Morocco. I would like to clarify some points:
1. This is more of a "15 Culture Shocks when you come to Marrakech, not Morocco"
2. I'll start with the mosque thing which is completly false, you can enter, watch and see any mosque whether its prayer time or not, no one will bother you its actually the complete opposite. Just like we as muslims can enter and see any church or jewish temple inside or outside of the country with no problem.
3. It gets pretty crazy in the big city medinas, like the medina in fes, marrakech which is something you need to experience but that's not the case in all of Morocco. The north is very different from the south (Marrakech is like the starting point of the south) its very chill and calm in the north with better nature and sceneries (I myself have never even been to Marrakech because I prefer travelling to the northern regions)
4. There's no bargaining in food
5. This is not a disagreement, but to put it in perspective, Morocco is 712,000 Km² or 443000 miles² which is 3 times the size of the entire United Kingdom(including england, scotland, wales and northern ireland)
6. Yes it will get hot in the summer because Marrakech is close to the desert, unlike the northern regions where you will find freezing temperatures in the winter (ifrane, ketama and all the atlas regions get a daily temparture of -15 c to 0 c everyday) and medium temperatures in the summer.
7. Smoking hachich publicly is again a thing you'll only see in Marrakech. I myself have never seen it ever living in Fes, Meknes and Casablanca where people go to bars or clubs and you can do whatever you want but not publicly.
8. You'll never encounter a problem with a Taxi if you simply ask them to turn on the distance counter, which gives a fixed amout that you will pay in the end.
Thanks again for the video!
I think I agree with you on this having been to Morocco twice myself
I prefer the nature in the areas near Marakech more than the north tho (from someone who had lived in both regions), it gets pretty green in there in spring time n very veeery lovely, the road from Marrakech to ouarzazate is pretty cold in winter since it's part of the atlas mountains and pretty dangerous too so just put that in mind when you decide to go there.
come ooon maan you live in fes and you never saw people hachich in public ... hhhh i mean it's a good time to get out of your house .
you can just go to taha isso's channel and watch toto making a jwan on plain sight for god sake.
شوهتي بينا اخاي مروان
come ooon maan you live in fes and you never saw people hachich in public ... hhhh i mean it's a good time to get out of your house .
you can just go to taha isso's channel and watch toto making a jwan on plain sight for god sake.
شوهتي بينا اخاي مروان
@@subarukun7921 شوهة هي ملي تقول مكاينش لحشيش فالزنقة أخي؟ ناس برا البلاد كنشجعوهوم يجيو را كانخرج كتر منك وعارف شنو كاين.
I'm a moroccan and i find this video very interesting... I don't necessarily agree with some stuff you said but in general this was a pretty accurate depiction of my country.
What would you disagree with? I always love input from natives of a country.
@@kickinfamily Hey I hope you don't mind me being a different person from the one that commented, but I've been in Morocco my whole life and I'll tell you and other travelers what I disagree with.
1. This is more of a "15 Culture Shocks when you come to Marrakech, not Morocco"
2. I'll start with the mosque thing which is completly false, you can enter, watch and see any mosque whether its prayer time or not, no one will bother you its actually the complete opposite. Just like we as muslims can enter and see any church or jewish temple inside or outside of the country with no problem.
3. It gets pretty crazy in the big city medinas, like the medina in fes, marrakech which is something you need to experience but that's not the case in all of Morocco. The north is very different from the south (Marrakech is like the starting point of the south) its very chill and calm in the north with better nature and sceneries (I myself have never even been to Marrakech because I prefer travelling to the northern regions)
4. There's no bargaining in food
5. This is not a disagreement, but to put it in perspective, Morocco is 712,000 Km² or 443000 miles² which is 3 times the size of the entire United Kingdom(including england, scotland, wales and northern ireland)
6. Yes it will get hot in the summer because Marrakech is close to the desert, unlike the northern regions where you will find freezing temperatures in the winter (ifrane, ketama and all the atlas regions get a daily temparture of -15 c to 0 c everyday) and medium temperatures in the summer.
7. Smoking hachich publicly is again a thing you'll only see in Marrakech. I myself have never seen it ever living in Fes, Meknes and Casablanca where people go to bars or clubs and you can do whatever you want but not publicly.
8. You'll never encounter a problem with a Taxi if you simply ask them to turn on the distance counter, which gives a fixed amout that you will pay in the end.
@@marouanechahidi7415 Excellent, thanks for the detailed feedback!
@@kickinfamily Sure thing!
@@marouanechahidi7415 Perfectly explained ! and I can't agree more. Thank you dear compatriot :)
In islam, as in the most religions, is vanity a sin. So if you where richer than for example your neighbours, you did not show it externally. Thats why they built , Like decades ago, not very obvious houses. But inside its a whole different story...
Greetings from Amsterdam from a dutch moroccan
I was just there in January! I did a 2 week road trip through Rabat, Casa, Marrakesh, and Essaouira 💖💖💖
Pro tips: Stock up on argon oil while you're here. Tipping is only 10% And in the bars they pour SO heavy!
Are there any traveling restrictions due to the pandemic? Looking to visit in May
@@chrisc6415 Yes the borders are still closed, you might get stuck in the layover country so be careful please, they will open soon by the end of May from what I heard.
Great explanation thanks you answered all my questions. How cool you went with your children. Thanks again. ❤
such a fabulous informative video. I love your style, presentation and detail. Thank you
Thanks for the video and the tips, very interesting and helpful advice to keep in mind 👍
I enjoyed your Morroccan culture shock video. A lot of stuff you cited as culture shock are true in sense, I can see why it’s a shock to cross the road in Morocco. Thanks for sharing :)
All your advice - '' how things works in this country'' , plus other information are highly appreciated👍 , Thanks 😘
Thank you
Awesome, glad I found your videos. I am taking my son (10yo) on a surprise trip to Morocco for his birthday in a month. I'm excited for and myself.
Thanks for being an awesome ambassador to our country :)
This was chock full of excellent info enthusiastically delivered, thank you! I was on a live stream video with a travel agent about Morocco and in the first few minutes there were so many inaccuracies I had to click off 🤦 And I haven't even been to Morocco yet lol. But luckily that led me to find your video and I am looking forward to Morocco more than ever. Thanks for all your great information and recommendations. Hope you and your family have many wonderful trips! 🤗
Best part of Morocco, the people. Second in the north for $5 you can get enough hash to get high for a fortnight. Walter is right, I had a guy I asked drop his fruit cart and walk me 4 blocks to a barber. They are extremely helpful.
Seeiously helpful
Random, but I love the volume of your voice in this video! It’s giving me ASMR vibes!
What I found that was really neat and interesting was that “everywhere” we stayed in Morocco; in our suite was an arrow tiled into the floor!
Awesome video!!
Mark, I love your positivity and travel stories.. Been watching for like 10 years now and whether its Japan, Morocco, Europe, Central America.. even sweet home Chicago your videos are always great and super accurate to my experiences!
Thank you Taylor. I appreciate you sticking with us for so long
Bonus Tip: The tagines in restaurants are delicious, but expensive (by local standards), and repetitive. Check out the sandwich shops, where the locals tend to eat. Prices for a generous submarine sandwich are 7-15 Dirham, depending on where you are. You might walk a little farther past the tourist areas, but typically, you can find a sandwich place within 6 blocks of wherever you are in the cities, outside of the medinas.
So true. Insane size sandwiches :)
Yah and if you want some variety there is so many other than tagines, couscous and mint tea to experience Moroccan gastronomy, i suggest: bastilla (with fish, or chicken each one is a whole different world), "seffa" (it's a kind of very thin noodles prepared in a steamed way with sinnamon and sugar, it's simple but reaaally good), "briwat", the sweets, "roasted chicken filled with rice", "steamed chicken", and you can always find sooo many different special dishes that are related to the region you're in. Please don't restrain yourself in the tagine as it's the most famous one but there is reaally a ton of so much better things to eat. Just ask the locals about their special dishes other than the typical ones, they don't recommend them at first in restaurants; thinking that you might only want what you already know (which is tagine)
Once more, another great video! Keep up the good work guys!
Thank you Steven
I used to be incredibly shy about haggling and thought it made me look cheap then when I lived in Kuwait and Afghanistan, I leaned that it was rude if you didn’t haggle a bit or try to get deals and now I’m much more open to it. So ready to visit Morocco when it’s free range!!!!
Have you been to Turkey? Way more to do then Morocco. Oh and Turkish airlines was the best airlines ever. Morocco just didnt have much wow factor. Sahara is sand dunes. Pretty at sunset. I loved the mint tea. People were cool. But overall its very dirty with trash everywhere including attractions.
I'll be in Morocco for at least 3 months starting March 1st! Thanks for the great tips.
Hi ur welcome here
Lots of Mint tea too!!! I loved the doorways and Colorful. TILES
the food in these videos always makes me hungry 🤤
My parents were born and raised in Morrocco, they move here to Australia in the mid 1960s, took them one month by ship to get here.
I love your passion!!
This is a wonderful overview and, having traveled there several times, I think everything you have said is spot on. I would only respectfully add 1) learning a few words to use when meeting people - it will open smiles and doors and, 2) have a few coins to give to people who are seeking alms in the street.
The tip about the toilet paper may be the most important heads up you've ever given. Great video Mark
I do what I can
PLEASE DO ONE ON CAIRO... SAME THEME, and one on safety (for solo travel). As for the souk, I felt guilty bargaining for stuff that seemed super cheap, so if their offer sounds reasonable, why not pay that if I can afford it? Who knows how many sales that 1 vendor makes in the whole market in a full day. I rather support that individual than to underpay for something
awesome mark!
Marrakech teach you always open your eyes and mind is great experience
I'm envious. That would be epic.
Sorry I didn’t finish my thoughts.... On a whole it was fantastic!!!!! Traveling ALL through Morocco was definitely exciting!!!!
Thank you for sharing! Wonder if I can get the sleeper train ticket online or at the station only.
Very good information
Welcome in Morocco 💖💖
Wow! What a great episode!
Thank you . Just one main shock I had there - as a woman , Europian, and solo traveller, you should be prepared mentally for the trip, if you don't want to have unpleasant or even scary experiences, like me. Just a long dress and a scarf for the hair is a MUST. I've met beautiful people there but it is deffenitly a different culture
Information is important battle I was impressed you man-to-man therapy though they have a little movie movie Rapido
Greetings from Marrakesch. Im actually there right now.
And many of the shocks are gone in COVID season
We use water to wash down there after going to bathroom.. then pat with tissue to dry. 😅
I've been to Morocco as a western tourist with a friend from Morocco (Meknes) and that was an awesome way to enjoy the country. I felt a lot safer that way. Nevertheless an awesome place to visit.
Great information, thank you. On the subject of pictures: I don't have a phobia of having my picture taken, but I get really pissed off when people take my picture without my consent, even friends! I am a western European and live in north Europe. The new smart phone culture wasn't always around. Yes people had cameras prior to having smart phone, I sure did too, but we were more discerning of where and when to take pictures. So you mentioning that people should aske permission to take pictures of Moroccan locals only makes sense.
I'm watching your videos cos my nieces are demanding I be the Father figure of the group, I need to know what I'm letting myself into. Fortunately for me I could pass as a local elder, just need to figure out dress code lol .
Tank you for the comprehensive bits of info. 👍👍
Yes Moroccan they don't use only the paper toilet, they use water and soap for deep clean 👌
mark when are you going to Istanbul?
I'm moroccan who has a culture shock.. its my first year living here and I'm depressed, cry myself to sleep and don't want to leave my house
Been in Morocco with my family for over two months, I'm not a people person but Moroccans have changed that. I cannot say enough good things about them. As an Australian, I reckon there are as many scams, shonky salesmen etc, in Australia so really all I can give is one piece of advice, chill out and smile. This is a culture that enjoys a laugh and if you're to uptight, that's your problem. The second you let go and consciously decide to enjoy yourself will be when you realise what a fantastic place this is.
I was surprised to find that Morocco is a bit larger that California in sq miles. There is no way you would think you could see all of Cali in a short time.
And their coats are SO similar! Driving along the coast in Morocco felt like Big Sur 🤣
didn't know that either
Having been to both, its apples to oranges. California has many climates and some of the prettiest mountains and painted deserts anywhere. The coastline up north and all is wonderful. Morocco does have some pretty coast but the mountains are pretty bland and the sahara is sand dunes. People are cool but the trash is everywhere. Its also pretty run down.
He has teacher energy
I've fell in love with the architecture of Morocco because of where I work. I work at a movie studio and the setting is Morocco 🇲🇦. All the film sets are of moroccan homes. The beautiful courtyards and incredibly derailed homes are cool.
Lovely country 💞🇫🇷
I'm moroccan and i still get super overwhelmed when visiting the old medinas 😂
For the food you want some variety there is so many other than tagines, couscous and mint tea to experience Moroccan gastronomy, i suggest: bastilla (with fish, or chicken each one is a whole different world), "seffa" (it's a kind of very thin noodles prepared in a steamed way with sinnamon and sugar, it's simple but reaaally good), "briwat", the sweets, "roasted chicken filled with rice", "steamed chicken", and you can always find sooo many different special dishes that are related to the region you're in.( fella moroccans plz put in the reply some of your region's special dishes so that people can really know about our kitchen) Please don't restrain yourself in the tagine as it's the most famous one but there is reaally a ton of so much better things to eat. Just ask the locals about their special dishes other than the typical ones, they don't recommend them at first in restaurants; thinking that you might only want what you already know (which is tagine)
I just came here for the comments, I cant even imagine thinking that moroccan food is just tagines. Bastilla was to die for. In Fez we had kefta and our tour guide took us to a canteen where 'people from here eat' and they were better french fries and hamburgers than I've ever had here in north america in my life. And thats supposed to be something WE are good at.
Shocking! Hope your family is having fun, I loved traveling with my kids they behaved awesome when we traveled not as much at home.
Same with ours
Where to exchange the currency to get a better deal?
Great tips 👌, Morocco is on my bucket list. It reminded me of Turkey. Thanks for sharing!
I didn't think it was in turkeys league.
Glad we could
G
reat hearing from you and good remarks. To make it clear; most of moroccan people they use water in toilets. That's why you will not find toilet papers in some places.
how good is the plumbing in Morocco? if I bring TP am I able to just toss it in the toilet or do I need to throw it out like other places? thx
Simple. If there is a basket for the tissues, use it.
If there isn't, flush it. Most modern buildings have totally adequate plumbing.
Usually pretty decent
I haven’t been for about 15 years but the gas stations and beaches didn’t have flush toilets. Just a hole and a water tap. People usually left plastic water bottles in them so you can get a bidet effect going.
Just wash your bum and get used to the wonders of cleanliness.
I'm from Morocco Marrakech that you say was real
Every time I visit family in Morocco, it’s always my aunt that I bring with me to do all the bartering and bargaining.
welcome to morocco
What is the name of the hotel (I think it's a hotel) at 5:18? It looks lovely.
I loved Morocco! People are so interesting!
0:14 Balak Balak 😹😹 means "move away from (the road for instance)
I will also mention that homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. There is a measure of tolerance but that applies to the locals rather than tourists.
I have never heard Mark mention anything about LGBT-related travel issues. I will never spend money in any country where I am not welcome.
@@charleshamilton9274 LGBT matters is an easy thing for Mark to overlook. I do not think it is strictly true to say that you would not be welcome in Morocco. You would be as long as you did not say too much about yourself and traveled alone.
@@adampowell5376 - Yep, that’s just how I want to spend my vacation. No thanks. Far too many places where I can openly talk about myself and travel with a loved one.
How can there be an “measure of tolerance “ for something that is ILLEGAL in that jurisdiction?
@@Feedthegoat Very simple. They do not prosecute in certain areas. There are others countries in the world where homosexuality is illegal but not prosecuted or not automatically prosecuted. In Germany between 1929 and 1933 homosexuality was illegal but not prosecuted. Berlin has a very thriving gay scene.
Earthquake tore it up. ❤ rebuild ❤
❤
I love Marocoo
Do you or Jocelyn have any safety tips for solo female travellers? I tend to feel a bit put off when in comes to places like Morocco of Egypt or Turkey because I'm worried it's not going to be safe for me to visit by myself.
Turkey, especially big cities like Istanbul, Izmir, etc are incredibly safe as a solo female tourist. the middle east isn't a monolith, and lumping them all in the same category like this is kinda offensive.
@@tubz No I understand that. This is just based on people advising me not to go myself. But sometimes people are wrong.
There are mosques in Morocco you can go into. (Of course there are some you cant) You may be be asked to wash your hands and feet and if you are a woman cover your hair (depending on the mosque)
I'm really bad at haggling, I don't know what price something should be so whatever price it is sounds ok to me
Marrakesh is a must see. The jamaa al-fna there is incredible, it has the greatest collection of weird sights, sounds and smells on earth.
Have you ever been to Tangier? I understand that it is interesting, as well.
I spent a day in Tangier, after arriving from Spain in a ferry. It’s not nearly as overwhelming as Fez or Marrakech, but it captures the essence of those larger markets in its Medina.
Of course, we didn’t see the craft making happening in Tangier, like we did in Fez.
If you don't mind sharing, can you tell us your flight itineraries from/to the US?
We flew Chicago to Amsterdam to Marrakech. KLM and Trabsavia
Im shocked that you tipped 350 dh that's tooooooooooooooooo much for a tip 🤯
Why not. Why not be generous from time to time if possible? Did you think about the person receiving that tip! He probably had a wonderfull happy day and he will probably never forget that generous visitor who was so kind!
Smoking Hash in Morocco in public is illegal. However, you can smoke in Amsterdam in Hard Rock cafes, and many Dutch cities.
Hi everyone ,ur welcome here in Morocco yep i’m native , I’m really for any help
I like your sons Kakimi jersey. Great vid.
They made so many friends with that jersey and not just in morocco
On my Bucket list mate . Stay safe
I lived in Morocco for a year... It was mysterious and yes I was ripped off badly on purpose from a taxi driver and it was definitely hot there . My motel had coed toilet roomBut the people on a whole were friendly .
They rip everyone off. I remember as a Morroccan, taking cab and he put his meter off. I am like excuse me sir but how I am I supposed to know how much I owe u 😂
Appreciate how your boy has a Hakimi jersey on. He’s a rapid soccer player 🏃🏽💨 thanks Mr. Mark to you and your family for these videos
are these tip for people who have never left their one horse town in the states?
Hi Mark, which month was this ? It’s been on our list so highly appreciated
November
well i wanna say something , cause females can feel excluded but its mostly out of respect there been treated that way , moroccans are a bit shy , they would not wanna communicate with your wife or females in general cause they will think that its inappropriate to do so . i know there are exceptions and people can be rude sometimes , but thats just the way it is , and i am glad you have enjoyed the trip
5:19 OMG (the view, not the facts)
About toilet paper we use water instead of paper it's more effective specially warm water
:))) Do you always speak this fast, or is that you are trying to have shared things faster before another person shows up again and again in the shot? :))) I'm wonderimg how many more you have cut out besides for those who we can still see. And your eyes !!! they speak so much in the last one, when someone starts appearing from your left. I rewatched this moment a few times :)) Thank you for your information anyway!
Smoking hash is illegal whether you are a local or a tourist and you would get arrested !! There is a certain tolerance in some places but that doesn't mean it's ok
True & authentic report
Thnx for telling visitors the most important way how to visit the customs the language & mostly
The toilet paper : most Moroccans are Muslims for that reason some places have no toilet paper because we clean our behind & genitals with water after & soap for that reason you will find a small bucket under the tape for this purpose .
To Pi is no problem you have a sink too to wash your hands
The rest is 👌
Thank you
I'm shocked 😂
That Medina looks a bit Funky and cold
It was really cool though
true , it's a shit hole
@@woltersworld Funky cold Medina- Tony Loc
@@paultipton743 you made the joke that was in my head.....
It is old. More than a thousand years old. You can even see universities that became livestock stalls that became universities again.
As a moroccan from casablanca exactly when i go to Marrakech i always have a problems with taxis specialy to go to hotels 5 stars but in casablanca for example there is many applications it will give u how much to pay exactly 💯
yes, the apps in casablanca were really helpful. thank you!
can u mention which apps ,does it work in all of morocco
@@barood3 no just for casablanca there is many apps that charge u 5 dh or 10 dh plus for other city's unfortunately 😕 and also its very easy to rent a car everywhere with good prices
@@user-ir7te7qu8w thanks bro ,could mention which apps u use in Casablanca
@@barood3 heetch
You guys are wonderful. I've been itching to plan something fun and only considering places currently open to Americans. I'm also thinking about Turkey.
We were supposed to ne in turkey this june... alas that didn't get to happen
I have seen both, I think turkey is a lot better
There is no problem in petting stray cats as long as you wash your hands right after petting them. 😺
Please, please upgrade your camera to something with stability control. My phone video is less shaky than your vids.
Love your VD just need to clarify some stuff HH, we don't use toilet paper we use water and soap 🧼 😅, but for female travels that super untrue, in fact the women's are the ones who bargain the most, and it's completely safe for females, also it's a Muslim country after all so if you with your gf or wife, you will find lot of people talking to you and not her, because in thier culture they are respectful for you and her by not looking at her and talking to her, yeah it's very different but that's culture not disrespectful ❤️
7:31 Passerby
I love Morocco
#5 No toilet paper, really should have been #2😉
I was being open minded n the quality of the food when he mentioned ‘no toilet paper’😂😂😂
The bathroom that have no toilet paper definitely has water, big bowl, big cup and soap. Because we believe in cleaning with water and soap not only paper.