Moroccan Culture & Customs Guide 2026: Essential Etiquette

Religion & Religious Customs

Islam in Morocco

Morocco is 99% Muslim (predominantly Sunni Maliki school). Islam shapes daily life, social norms, and cultural practices. However, Morocco is relatively moderate and tolerant compared to some Muslim countries.

Prayer Times

Muslims pray five times daily: dawn (Fajr), noon (Dhuhr), afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and evening (Isha). You'll hear the call to prayer (adhan) from mosques throughout the day.

• Shops and services may pause briefly during prayer times
• Be patient if your taxi driver or shopkeeper needs to pray
• Lower music volume and speak quietly near mosques during prayer

Friday (Jumu'ah)

Friday is the holy day when Muslims attend communal prayers at noon. Some businesses close or have reduced hours Friday morning. However, Morocco is generally business-as-usual for tourists.

Mosques & Religious Sites

• Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims in Morocco (unlike some Muslim countries)
• Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the notable exception—open to visitors with guided tours
• Don't attempt to enter mosques unless clearly marked as open to tourists
• Dress modestly near mosques (cover shoulders, knees)
• Be respectful during prayer times—no photography of people praying
• Women: bring scarf for head covering if entering permitted mosques

Ramadan

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Dates change yearly (lunar calendar). During Ramadan:

• Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours (very disrespectful)
• Many restaurants close during day—hotel restaurants remain open for tourists
• Evening iftar (breaking fast) meals are festive social occasions
• Some attractions have reduced hours
• Business pace slows during day, picks up at night
• Be extra respectful and patient with fasting locals

Greetings & Social Interaction

Common Greetings

• "As-salamu alaykum" (Peace be upon you) - Response: "Wa alaykum as-salam" (And upon you peace)
• "Labas?" (How are you?) - Response: "Labas, hamdullah" (Fine, praise God)
• "Bonjour" (French) widely used, especially in cities
• "Sbah al-khir" (Good morning) - Response: "Sbah an-nur"

Physical Greetings

• Handshakes: Common between men. Use right hand only
• Men greeting women: Wait for woman to extend hand first—many conservative women don't shake hands with men
• Between friends: Multiple cheek kisses (usually two, sometimes three)
• Hand over heart: Respectful greeting when not shaking hands
• Always use right hand for greetings (left hand considered unclean)

Conversation Etiquette

• Inquire about health and family before business
• Small talk is important—don't rush to business
• Moroccans value indirect communication—be polite, not blunt
• Personal space is closer than in Western cultures
• Eye contact shows respect when speaking

Topics to Avoid

• Politics (especially Western Sahara issue)
• Criticism of Islam or the monarchy
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• Excessive alcohol consumption stories
• Very personal questions about family matters

Moroccan Hospitality (Most Important Cultural Value)

Hospitality is sacred in Moroccan culture. Guests are considered blessings, and hosts go to extraordinary lengths to welcome visitors.

Tea Culture

Moroccan mint tea is more than a beverage—it's a social ritual and symbol of hospitality.

• Always accept tea when offered—refusing is offensive
• Tea served three times: "First bitter like life, second sweet like love, third gentle like death"
• Accept at least one glass, preferably all three
• Don't pour your own tea—host pours (it's an art form)
• Pouring from height creates foam—sign of skill
• Business discussions happen over multiple glasses of tea

Home Invitations

If invited to a Moroccan home (a great honor):

• Remove shoes at the entrance
• Bring a gift: pastries, tea, fruit, or flowers
• Greet elders first with extra respect
• Wash hands when basin is brought (before and after meal)
• Compliment the home and food generously
• Don't finish all food—suggests you weren't given enough
• Stay for tea after meal—it's expected
• Thank host profusely when leaving

"Inshallah" (God Willing)

You'll hear "inshallah" constantly. It means "God willing" and reflects Islamic belief that all outcomes are in God's hands.

• "See you tomorrow" → "Inshallah"
• Doesn't always mean definite yes—can mean "maybe" or "I hope so"
• Don't take it as unreliability—it's cultural and religious expression

Dress Code & Modesty

Morocco is moderate, but modest dress is appreciated and often leads to better experiences.

General Guidelines

• Cover shoulders and knees in public
• Avoid tight, revealing, or see-through clothing
• Beach wear only at beach/pool—never in cities
• Men: avoid sleeveless shirts in cities
• Women: loose-fitting clothes more comfortable and respectful

Context Matters

• Major tourist areas (Marrakech, Agadir): More relaxed, but still modest
• Rural areas: Conservative dress essential
• Religious sites: Maximum modesty required
• Beaches: One-piece or modest two-piece swimsuits preferred (topless illegal)

See our complete packing guide for detailed clothing recommendations.

Bargaining & Shopping Culture

Bargaining is expected and enjoyed in Moroccan souks. It's a social interaction, not just price negotiation.

Bargaining Basics

• Initial prices are inflated—expect to pay 40-60% of first asking price
• Bargain good-naturedly—it should be fun, not confrontational
• Start low: Offer 30-50% of asking price
• Walk away strategy: Often brings seller back with better price
• Be willing to walk away if price doesn't meet your limit
• Fixed-price shops: Look for "Prix Fixe" signs—no bargaining

Bargaining Etiquette

• Don't bargain unless genuinely interested in buying
• Once you agree on price, you must buy—backing out is very rude
• Keep negotiation friendly and respectful
• Smile and maintain good humor
• Accept tea if offered during negotiations (slows down process, builds rapport)
• Don't insult the merchandise—just negotiate price

Where Not to Bargain

• Restaurants and cafes (except tourist-heavy Jemaa el-Fna food stalls)
• Taxis (agree on price before entering, but don't bargain standard routes)
• Fixed-price shops and modern stores
• Hotels and riads
• Museums and attractions

Dining Etiquette

Basic Table Manners

• Use right hand only for eating (left hand considered unclean)
• Wash hands before eating—water basin brought around
• Say "Bismillah" (In God's name) before starting
• Eat from section in front of you in shared dishes
• Use bread as utensil to scoop food
• Don't waste food—take only what you'll eat
• Leave some food on plate—empty plate suggests you weren't given enough

Tea Etiquette

• Host pours tea—don't pour your own
• Hold glass by rim (it's hot!)
• Sip slowly—tea is very sweet and hot
• Accept at least one glass when offered
• Tea served after meals—stay and enjoy

See our complete food guide for more dining customs.

Cultural Dos and Don'ts

DO:

• ✓ Accept tea and food when offered
• ✓ Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees)
• ✓ Remove shoes when entering homes and some shops
• ✓ Use right hand for eating, greeting, giving/receiving
• ✓ Greet people with "As-salamu alaykum"
• ✓ Bargain respectfully in souks
• ✓ Ask permission before photographing people
• ✓ Respect prayer times
• ✓ Learn basic Arabic/French phrases
• ✓ Be patient—Moroccan pace is slower
• ✓ Tip appropriately (10-20 MAD service, 50-100 MAD guides)
• ✓ Show extra respect to elders

DON'T:

• ✗ Refuse tea or hospitality
• ✗ Eat, drink, smoke in public during Ramadan daylight
• ✗ Enter mosques unless specifically open to tourists
• ✗ Show public affection beyond hand-holding
• ✗ Use left hand for eating or greeting
• ✗ Photograph people without permission
• ✗ Criticize Islam or the monarchy
• ✗ Point feet at people (insulting)
• ✗ Be overly loud or aggressive
• ✗ Discuss politics or controversial topics
• ✗ Show impatience or anger publicly
• ✗ Assume everyone speaks English
• ✗ Drink alcohol visibly in public (illegal outside licensed venues)

Frequently Asked Questions