How to Handle Unwanted Attention in Morocco Respectfully
Something that always saddens me when reading through Morocco travel forums is the number of people who report receiving unwanted attention in the country.
While there are always people who respond saying this didn’t worry them or that it was on par with what they’ve experienced in other countries, there are enough people who feel that it is an issue in Morocco. And sometimes, it’s a reason why solo travellers (particularly women) decide not to travel to Morocco.
Personally, I have received unwanted attention in Morocco – catcalling on a few occasions, a guy who insisted on trying to “guide” me and a couple of boys who thought it would be “funny” to try and brush their hands against me in Djemaa el-Fnaa.
Yes, this was all incredibly frustrating and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. But honestly, I’ve experienced similar (and worse) in other countries I’ve travelled to.
That’s not to justify it by any means. Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, no matter where they are in the world.
But if I add up all of the uncomfortable situations I’ve experienced in Morocco over the last 10+ years, they are more than outweighed (a thousand times over) by the incredible generosity Moroccans have shown me.
Looking back, I would never let these few isolated experiences deter me from travelling solo around Morocco. After all, I think stepping outside your comfort zone is a big part of the travel experience and, for me, it has been confidence-building.
However, if it’s your first time visiting Morocco (particularly if you’re travelling solo), you might be worried about receiving more attention from strangers than you’re used to. This can come in the form of everything I’ve explained above, as well as persistent sales tactics and unwanted comments while walking down the streets.
While these interactions can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not expecting them, it’s important to approach them with cultural awareness and understanding, rather than immediate frustration.
Most encounters are harmless and learning how to respond confidently and respectfully can make your experience much more enjoyable.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
What Does “Receiving Attention” in Morocco Actually Mean?
Morocco has a long tradition of hospitality and striking up conversations with visitors is considered perfectly normal to some. Many locals are genuinely curious about where you’re from or want to practise their English, French or Spanish.
I know this because I am married to a Moroccan who loves connecting with people. Honestly, he can strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Whenever I lose him, I’ll turn around to find him chatting to a stranger who is now a new friend.
So sometimes, the attention tourists receive is purely about human connection, which is why I think it’s really important to travel through Morocco with an open mind. If you think everyone has ulterior motives, you’ll miss out on experiencing the genuine warmth of Moroccan people….like my husband!
That said, in busy tourist centres, there can be an economic element. Tourism is a major source of income and many people in historic medinas work as shopkeepers, guides, drivers or artisans. Starting a conversation can be an attempt to drum up business, particularly when there is so much competition.
In other instances, people may not have been able to secure legitimate work and are trying to rustle something up in the informal economy. They may present as unofficial “guides”, sometimes tricking tourists into using their services by offering to show them directions.
Last time I was in Marrakech, a porter had loaded my luggage from the trunk of the taxi into his trolley while I was still getting out of the vehicle. And before I knew it, he was off in the direction of my riad (after finding out where I was staying from the driver).
This all happened before I had time to even think whether I wanted this service or not.
Once I finally caught up with him and explained I didn’t have any cash (I had just flown in and hadn’t been to an ATM), he was annoyed at me. At the same time, I was a little annoyed at him for excluding me from the discussion at all (and expecting me to pay).
At the same time, I could empathise that trying to find work as a porter was difficult and he was likely only trying to make ends meet. It was a really uncomfortable situation – I wanted to be supportive, but I didn’t like the tactics he had employed.
Expect More Attention in Tourist Hotspots
In my experience, the most persistent attention comes in heavily visited areas, most notably the medinas of Marrakech and Fes. Thousands of tourists pass through these streets every day and there’s a lot of money to be made (or lost).
Perhaps there’s more competition amongst shopkeepers, drivers and guides, and in response, they have to be more proactive in engaging potential customers. This might be by inviting you inside a stall to have tea, friendly greetings that lead to a sales pitch or directions being offered without being asked.
Outside of these medinas, I find that interactions are much more relaxed, which is why I often recommend first-time solo travellers start their trip outside of Marrakech or Fes. Fly into Casablanca and make a beeline for Rabat, Morocco’s laid-back capital, or jump on a bus in Marrakech for breezy Essaouira.
Then, once you’ve had a few days to adjust to the culture shock and get into the rhythm of Moroccan life, venture into the historic cores of Marrakech and Fes. Or skip them altogether!
Morocco has so many amazing places to explore, many of which offer a much more relaxed experience for solo travellers.
Start With a Simple “No, Thank You”
One of the easiest ways to decline unwanted attention, particularly when it comes to turning down unsolicited “guides” or invitations into shops, is with a polite but confident response.
Simply say: “No, thank you” or the Darija version: “La, shukran”. I always do this with a smile and while acknowledging the person, rather than being dismissive.
Alternatively, you could say: “Maybe later” – it’s non-committal and a good option if you actually like what the person is selling but don’t want to commit to any purchases at that point in time.
I find that being clear and courteous is the most effective approach, then just keep walking in the direction you were headed. If you start trying to explain why you aren’t interested or justify your reasoning, you’ll likely attract more attention than you did in the first place.
That said, if you do want to connect and chat with people, go for it! Sometimes it’s those spontaneous conversations you have in the street that are the most memorable.
Be (Slightly) Wary of Unsolicited Help
In many of Morocco’s medinas, it’s common for someone to offer directions if they think you look lost. Sometimes this is a genuine act of kindness. Other times, the person may expect payment afterwards.
If you don’t want assistance, politely decline. If you do accept help, it’s worth remembering that a tip may be expected. Remember, many people are working in the informal economy and being paid for their services isn’t unreasonable (in my opinion, at least).
What does bother me is when people approach randomly and say something along the lines of: “You’re going in the wrong direction” in an attempt to confuse me, even though they have no idea where I’m heading in the first place. And sometimes, if I am a little lost…it does confuse me!
My suggestion is to download an offline map onto your phone – it means you have a reference point if you are feeling lost. Alternatively, if you do want to ask someone for directions, go to a local shopkeeper or restaurant staff to receive solicited help. It will likely be offered with no conditions.
Dressing Respectfully
This is an often debated topic: will dressing respectfully and/or wearing a hijab mean you won’t receive as much unwanted attention. Some women say “yes”, others “no”.
The truth is, even Moroccan women receive attention they don’t want in the streets. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that will (hopefully) diminish in the coming years…and it happens all over the world.
Personally, I think that dressing respectfully will reduce the amount of attention you receive. If you wear tiny shorts and a midriff top, the male gaze will follow you everywhere you go. It’s just not the norm in Morocco and people will react accordingly.
I am a firm believer that women should be able to wear what they want, when they want. Men shouldn’t be policing what we wear or making us feel uncomfortable with our choices.
But (and here’s the big “but”) I also think that being cultural respectful is important when travelling abroad, as is keeping yourself safe.
For women, lightweight clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is not only culturally appropriate, but you’ll likely feel more comfortable.
And it’s not only women who should consider what they wear. For men, avoiding going shirtless away from beaches is considered respectful.
Trust Your Instincts
We’ve all heard this phrase countless times: trust your instincts. But it’s a good motto to return to when uncomfortable situations arise.
There’s a difference between genuine interactions and situations that don’t feel quite right, and your instincts will usually let you know.
If something doesn’t feel right, first try to remove yourself from the situation by walking away or heading towards a busy area.
If someone is making you feel really uncomfortable and you’re not sure what to do, enter a shop, a restaurant or a hotel. Either let the staff know what is happening or just ask if you can hang out for a moment.
Most Moroccans are horrified at the thought of travellers feeling unsafe in their country and they will do what they can to help.
I walked into a random hotel once for safety, although it was in Taiwan, not Morocco. A man had been following me for around 10 minutes and when I realised something wasn’t right, I started to panic and walked into the first hotel I saw.
After explaining my situation to the staff, they showed me somewhere I could calm down until the man was gone and I was ready to go out again alone.
Don’t Let One Experience Define Your Trip
Honestly, most women I have spoken to have experienced some kind of situation in Morocco that has made them feel uncomfortable – catcalling being the major one. But the degree of discomfort they have felt and the responses have been completely different.
For some, these interactions define their visit and are deeply unsettling. For others, they’re merely a blip during an otherwise incredible cultural experience.
Perhaps, like me, they’ve experienced catcalling in different parts of the world and feel it’s just an annoyance that women (unfortunately) have to deal with.
I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t be upset by these situations, particularly if they do upset you or are threatening in any way. Travelling solo can feel vulnerable at times, so always be kind to yourself in acknowledging your reactions and ensure you feel safe in the aftermath.
But I encourage you to remember that any “bad apples” you encounter don’t represent Morocco as a whole….or the people of Morocco in general.
Keeping uncomfortable situations in perspective allows you to remain open to experience the incredible warmth of Moroccans, which is a big part of why this country is such a memorable destination.
Respect Goes Both Ways
As visitors, it’s worth remembering that we’re guests in another country with its own customs, traditions and social norms. Responding politely (even when declining an offer) helps foster positive interactions and shows respect for the people and places you’re visiting.
Honestly, I’ve seen some tourists treating Moroccan shopkeepers and taxi drivers with disdain and it really saddens me to see. I think some people arrive in the country with their walls up…or even with a bit of a superiority complex.
Treating one another with kindness is really important and should guide all of our human interactions. At the end of the day, we are all just trying to get through this life the best way we know how – having empathy is key.
At the same time, feeling respected yourself is equally important. You are never obliged to continue a conversation, accept an invitation or purchase something if something doesn’t feel right about it. Setting clear, polite boundaries is entirely appropriate and can usually be done without causing offence.
Most importantly, don’t let the occasional persistent salesperson or awkward encounter overshadow everything else the country has to offer. Morocco is filled with generous people and unforgettable experiences – and for most travellers, those are the memories that last long after the trip is over.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
By purchasing through my links, you’ll be supporting my website at no additional cost to you
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
