Tourist Scams & Common Pitfalls in Morocco: How to Spot Red Flags and Travel Confidently

Morocco is a welcoming country, and most dealings with shopkeepers go smoothly. But as in every major destination, a few practices target travellers who are rushed or poorly informed: commission shops on organised tours, fake guides at the medina gates, cars rented out without a contract. Here is how to spot them.

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Published on 26 September 2026

The #1 bus tour trap: commission shops
Is Marrakech safe? Fake guides near historic medinas (Fez, Marrakech)
Unlicensed street car rentals: the extreme danger of bogus contracts
Car rental red flags to watch for

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The #1 bus tour trap: commission shops

It is the most common complaint from people who booked a coach excursion or a package: a good part of the day goes on so-called “cooperatives” selling carpets, leather or argan oil, where staff are waiting for you to buy.

Guides and drivers often take a commission on what you spend. With your own car, you choose your stops: a village cooperative you picked out in advance, or none at all if you don't want to buy anything.

Is Marrakech safe? Fake guides near historic medinas (Fez, Marrakech)

Around the medina gates, such as Bab Boujloud in Fez, or on the way to the Chouara tanneries, young men often approach visitors on foot: “That way is closed today”, “The square is blocked for prayer”, “I'll show you the way, it's free”.

The aim is almost always to steer you to a shop that pays them a commission. Answer “La, shukran” (no, thank you) with a smile, without stopping or arguing, and keep going with your map.

Unlicensed street car rentals: the extreme danger of bogus contracts

Near some airports and bus stations, touts offer cars without a proper contract at very low prices. Walk on by.

These cars often belong to private owners renting them out with no insurance that covers rental. If you cause an accident or the car is stolen, nobody covers the loss, and you may end up paying for the damage yourself.

On Loccor, every agency is approved by hand by our team before it appears on the site: we know who is behind each listing, and the agency signs the Loccor partner contract before it publishes a vehicle. The condition of the vehicle and its insurance are the agency's responsibility.

Car rental red flags to watch for

Before booking a car, watch for three warning signs. 1. A daily price far below what other companies show for the same category and dates: the difference often comes back at the desk, as insurance you must take before you get the keys. 2. No clearly stated deposit amount. 3. No written contract and no check of the car's condition at pick-up.

Frequently asked questions

How can you identify an official licensed tourist guide in Morocco?

The guiding profession is regulated by Law 05-12, and official guides are licensed. Ask to see their professional card, or book a guide through the tourist office or your riad.

Is it considered rude to decline mint tea in a souk boutique?

No. You can politely decline, and accepting commits you to nothing: mint tea is part of the welcome. Drink it, say thank you, and leave empty-handed if nothing appeals.

What should you do in case of a dispute with a vendor or operator?

Stay calm and don't pay anything under pressure. In Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir, the tourist police wear a distinctive uniform: go to one of their officers, or to any police officer.

Is Marrakech safe for tourists?

The trouble travellers most often report in Marrakech is scams, pushy touts and pickpocketing, far more than violence. Keep valuables out of sight in the medina, agree on a price before any service, and read your own government's travel advice before you go.

Is Casablanca, Morocco, safe for visitors?

The trouble visitors run into is mostly petty crime: pickpocketing and bag-snatching in busy areas and on beaches. Keep valuables out of sight, put luggage in the boot before you park rather than once you are parked, and read your own government's travel advice before you go. If you have a problem, Casablanca has tourist police officers in a distinctive uniform.

Is Tangier, Morocco, safe, and what should you watch out for?

The usual traps are touts and self-appointed guides offering to show you the way and, near some airports and bus stations, men renting out cars without a proper contract. Say no politely and keep walking, rent only with a written contract, and leave nothing on show in a parked car. Tangier also has tourist police if you run into a dispute.

Safety in Marrakech: is it different for Americans?

No. The problems travellers report in Marrakech, scams, pushy touts and pickpocketing, affect every nationality alike. US citizens should read the State Department's travel advisory for Morocco before leaving, as British travellers read the UK Foreign Office advice. In the medina, keep valuables out of sight and agree on any price before a service.

Is Morocco safe for women travelling alone?

Women do travel around Morocco alone, by car or otherwise. The problem most often reported is unwanted comments or insistent attention in busy medinas and souks: a firm, polite "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walking on usually ends it. Covered shoulders and knees draw less attention, an official guide keeps fake ones away, and a hire car means you are not relying on unofficial taxis or offers of a lift. As anywhere, avoid deserted streets late at night and choose accommodation with good recent reviews.

Sources

GOV.UK

Travel.gc.ca

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Written by the Loccor editorial team, the platform connecting travellers with car rental agencies in Morocco.