I loved Morocco as a country. But the people were too much. Scammed everywhere from the hotel porter to people on the street all looking for a handout. Visiting a leather and we were literally locked in until we purchased something. Even though we liked nothing. It is a pity because Morocco has a lot to offer but scammers ruin it for everyone.
@@AndalusianPrinceNO! It’s a MOROCCAN issue. No where in Europe are you ever “locked in” until you buy something or, do people helping others with directions asked for MONEY! Moroccans need to have more self dignity & pride in themselves & start behaving like really “honest & decent” human beings that will truly honor Allah’s glory & name!
@@kismet2354It happens in Istanbul - not to me as I lived there and am an experienced independent traveller - but to many tourists in carpet shops. In the 9 years I lived there I saw more scams than I had ever seen before in over 30 years of travel, and lost much of my faith in humanity. Morocco was nowhere near as bad, especially for sexual harassment. In Beijing it happened to me in a DVD shop! I was literally locked in for 20 minutes in a windowless room until I bought a film.
as a Moroccan, this definitely saddens my heart, i was born in fez and grew up there, and luckily i was able to travel myself, see other parts of the world, but i can definitely agree with you, Fez is full of tourist traps, old or young will approach you for different kind of services, and sadly so many tourists fall for it, that's why they keep doing it, but the tourists doesn't understand one thing, the government has really invested in this kind of issues, so one call to the police can really solve this issue and those scammers will pay a heavy price, so as a moroccan born in a tourist city i'd say that it's completely safe a secure to go morocco, those scammers won't dare to touch you cause they know how the rules are strict when it comes to harming a foreigner, just go there and enjoy your experience, always bargain at lower than 50% of what they offer you at those stores in the old medinna, or just buy from souvenirs from a trusted store or online, and if someone keeps bothering you offering a tour guide or help, just decline nicely, but if that person insist, go ahead and call the police immediately, and tell them you have a fake tourist guide harassing you and asking for money, i swear those people will learn their lessons in the hardest way possible.
Morocco is a fantastic place to go, don’t worry about how your country could be viewed and know that video titles are clickbait in most cases. If people can’t handle another country, don’t go. I know that western European countries (where I’m from) can also be considered “not nice” to be, but for very different reasons. Culture is culture, just gotta get to know it and adjust ❤
Why are they scamming people? isn't it against their faith? or it's because tourists are considered "sinful" people and have no value as human beings because of their different religion?
@@Florentina-b1f yes they are faithless human beings and they scam the sinful tourists lol. i don't have an answer to your question, cause i'm sure there are tourist scam artists in all over the world, and linking them to a religion is out of topic.
@@Florentina-b1f It has nothing to do with religion or beliefs. Muslims do not view people of other faith as "no value". However, fraudsters, scammers, are found all over the world, but they come in different colours and sizes. We just saw the Morocco version of scams. And remember, that these are minority. The video is supposed to be educational.
Good video. These scams can happen, but as you say at the end, 99.99% of Moroccans are friendly, helpful, and incredibly generous. They will invite you into their homes, treat you to a wonderful dinner and give you the shirt off their back. Being firm and polite is the way to go. I lived there for three years (in Meknes and Rabat) and have never experienced so much warmth and kindness.
May be a good trick would be to always say "No thanks, I live here, I know the city". And if he asks where do you live, what do you do etc, you just give him a short answer to make him lose interest. For instance, I would say that I help police to work on some international cases. Another good idea is to ask them for money, because you allegedly lost yours and now need help. These things would make them simply vanish.
I’m from Morocco and yes this mostly happens to tourists because they think they’ll believe it easily but Morocco overall is such a beautiful country I recommend visiting it
The scams are so bad here in Morocco that we have a kind of anxiety when going to another city especially when dealing with taxis. It has really made us dislike Morocco. We will just get a rental car next time and use tour guides, would not recommend Morocco for budget, new travellers who are not travel tough.
@@Pe_Dro_Jr1 nah Moroccans are great! Our tour guide in Marrakech cooked for us, they were awesome. Also had great hotel and riyad hosts etc. I think business culture in shops and taxis need tougher rules and enforcement then things will change. But the Moroccan people in general were lovely :)
Please please be honest with your viewers. 🚨 They do NOT treat the animals with care. The monkeys are often beaten and starved and made to dance in stupid outfits. The snakes are usually de-fanged, mistreated and exploited for money. I’m in Marrakesh and have seen with my own eyes. Plus many others will attest to what I’m saying. BE HONEST!!!! 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
99.9% of morrocans own pets and care for animals, it's the uneducated hustlers that will do anything to make a dollar from foreigners. Remember, if not a single tourist posed with them, they wouldn't exist. As they haven't in the past.
Please remember: Poor farmers and artisans were hit hard during COVID19 Pandemic 2 year shutdown. When going to open markets anywhere travel with a guide trusted buddy & a map. Women never travel alone; travel in groups or with chaperones. Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact if necessary.
Not in all big cities, mainly just Marrakesh and this started happening relatively recently, to a lesser extent in fez as well, must remember morocco is quite big and it has 16 regions the size of countries, with different mentalities and cultures and ethnicities, so you will not have the same experience in all regions..for example i am certain you wouldn't face these problems in Tangier.
@@donniet685 that's cap ngl, you're very unlikely to get scammed in Tangier or Rabat,The only place in Morocco where you might get scammed is Marrakech
I really liked a lot of things about Morocco when I visited but I will never go back for the simple reason that you had to be on your guard and aware at all times and you can never really relax because everywhere we went there were people trying to scam us or take advantage of us. Not trusting anybody, second guessing everything everybody said to you, having to push away and say no to the dozens of people an hour who would run up to you and try to pressure you into buying something was exhausting. If anybody approaches you in Morocco and you are a tourist, there is a 99.9% chance that they are trying to scam you, sell you something, or beg for money. I have been all over the world and the beggars in Morocco were out of control. Here in the states, people will wave to you from a distance, and usually politely ask you for some money. In Morocco, the beggars run right up to you and physically block your path, and put their hand up in front of your face and stare at you, waiting for you to give them some money. I had a lady slap my arm really hard when I sidstepped her when she was begging for my money.
I'm ashamed to read this as a Moroccan. I'm sorry to read that you had to face all these situations in my country. But I think the people who stop you in the street to hassle you only represent the very ignorance and deprivation ( both intellectual and material ) in which they were raised or to which they were trained. Many broke people have the courage to work or learn new skills/languages to improve their life quality.
We were in Jemaa Fnaa square last night, and we got so streesed because of all these people bombarding you to go and eat at there stalls. So frustrating and hinders you enjoy your experience. People are generally nice but last night was really stressful
YES! Thank you for this brilliant state of mind. As a Moroccan I feel ashamed and sorry for each and every tourist who leaves Morocco with a bad experience and bad memories.
It's not only in Morocco where these "tourist scamms" happen. Africa, South America, Europe, the USA, and Asia, all over the world. Check the taxi fare with your accommodation and ask guidance for shopping. Honestly, souvenir shopping is the best scamming opportunity. Bargain. That's the custom in many tourism dependent places. Say also NO to things you don't need.
I was prepared to haggle, but the leather shops start at 30X-50X the price you know the item is worth, according to prior research. Sellers go ballistic and acting insulted and angry, and also quite intimidating as they gather other sellers to back them up. I ended up paying way too much for a bag that stunk like a skunk, and ended up in the garbage. Never going back to the markets in Marrakech. The rest of our Moroccon experience was super nice, though !
Yeah, I paid like 28€ for a beautiful leather bag, but it smells awful, and I don't know what to do for it to not smell like shit from a distance, haha The price was not bad, tho. I bought it at a store at the ensemble artisanal, with fixed prices, but the bag had two tags with different prices: the one outside was 30 something euros, and the one inside was cheaper, 28€... I ripped off the expensive one and ended up paying less...
Hello !! I'm so so sorry. As a Moroccan, I'd like to tell you that not all my fellow citizens are like that. There are some who are vehemently opposed to tourist scams. As a journalist, I travel abroad, in countries poorer than mine, and I have the same experience as you. I often tell myself that these people are victims of the ignorance that prevails in their own environment, but I end up feeling sorry for them and give them a few coins, telling them not to take the piss out of tourists because it's bad for them. It's counterproductive, but I can't solve this kind of situation rationally.
Some tourists don't understand the socioeconomic dynamics of poor countries and thus see poor people who are trying to make ends meet by approaching tourists in an unorthodox fashion in the eyes of a westerner while in the same breath are happy to pay 10x the price in Europe for the same service, getting scammed legally and on the books, sometimes knowingly and others unknowingly. When in Morocco or a similar country, i give a little money and refuse the service as i know some of them are just begging indirectly.am i encouraging them to keep doing it? Probably yes. Would i solve the problem by not giving? Probably not coz the solution is far more complicated than simply that.
You are very right morocco is not only a country of the rich and the middle class but different social classes coexist there what you said is enough, there is no need to add more i really liked your comment 😔❤️
You are welcome if you need any help just call any person you trust him but really bro don’t worry it’s not all Moroccan like that we are different in every nation but Moroccan people so friendly and so kind people come to our house your welcome with your family and don’t gave us money you will like we invited our family and you too you are you can be and we are so sorry because I feel bad as a Moroccan
@@donniet685 We did it! Drove everywhere, including Figuig and all the way to the bottom of Western Sahara and had an amazing time! Took my wife and three kids, and spent about 5 weeks there! I’m tempted to make a video about the whole trip at some point, it’s just quite time consuming! My main tips though, don’t speed, cops will catch you from 2km away (it’s desert so no trees or buildings in the way to block their radar guns view), and carry a big bag of (halal) sweets to give out to people that beg, help you and hassle you, it’ll save you a fortune and people are all grateful that you’ve given them that so they’ll stop pestering :)
I love what you said at the end. I met the kindest strangers who helped me out in Fez but the souqs in Marrakech were awful because they have turned the kindness of Morroccans into threats and scams. That was my experience anyway. Actually felt unsafe in Marrakech due to this
Thanks for the info. I was thinking of going to merrakech and fed but after seeing a few videos like yours I have changed my mind . I guess I will be going to Tunisia, Turkey
Taxi drivers are the first line of the mafia in so many countries. Do research and take a bus is always my first option . . I even try and book flights that arrive in the daylight of the morning or early afternoon to help facilitate this.
You are not scammed a thousands of dollars in Morocco ,like you are in US ,or the west ,in Morocco if you are scammed you are scammed only a dollar or two which amounts to nothing.
It is very good to give advice to foreign people coming to Morocco, and do not forget also the deception of some shop owners who also exaggerate their prices greatly, and foreigners do not go to other shops to make sure of the real price and the quality of a product.
Absolutely another spectacular beautiful shooting adventures filming edition captured and you doing an excellent great job, gorgeous updated resume and the settings presentation looks super awesome super amazing and super cool, keep it up Sir and take care of yourself over there, appreciation and a big fat thanks from MTL CDN ..
We asked our riad owner about how much a taxi should cost and were totally scammed by him. It took the shine off our holiday as Marrakech was such a lively, vibrant city and I loved engaging with the locals in the Souks. It brought back my schoolgirl French and I was surprised how much I remembered.
Thank you for the further nice video. I see it a little bid different than other writers. When I visit as a European a country like Morocco it is no problem for me to pay a little surplus when the people are friendly. I guess for the local it is not easy to survive and for me it is okay when they make with the „rich“ tourist a little higher profit. But of course I don’t want today a multiple price than locals.
I lived in Morocco for a year and all these are good tips - I didn’t fall for any scams as I had already spent many years in Istanbul, where the scams are identical! I was also in the capital, Rabat, where there are no tourists, so no scam artists. You are a man, so I want to point out that for women, you have to factor in sexual harassment as well. In Fez, for example, I was followed by many men who asked me if I ‘wanted a husband, who could xxxx me hard’ Never start talking to random people in the street - just stay mute and walk on. I would also like to point out one more thing - never, ever accept anything to eat or drink from someone in the street. In Istanbul, many tourists have been drugged and made to take the perpetrators to their hotel or hostel and give them their money and valuables. Sadly, this mainly happened to Asian tourists (from Korea and Japan)
i visited over 35 countries before i turned 30 and morocco was certainly one of my least favourite. beside the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech museum and gardens which was stunning everywhere else was full of annoying touts and scammers and the food was mainly unpalatable. I even ate at la mamounia and i could have gotten a similar meal at a local cheesecake factory or something
Oh God, I'm sorry, but I think the food was the best... Did you try the famous tagine? Maybe you didn't go to the right restaurants... Freshly taken off the heat, with such tender meat and dates and nuts...
Worst place on earth, DON'T go there! I booked an extra plane ticket to get out of this horror city. Just came back yesterday, and I am so thankfull that I not grew up in this culture. If you want a good reality check; go there.
I'm still investigating whether I was scammed or not: a guy guided me to an Herboristerie, and it had a lady at the entrance extracting the argan oil on that mechanism they have made of stone, and this guy with a white uniform showed us around, and started trying to sell their products. I ended up buying this argan oil from the Herboristerie le 35 epices and a soap, and they offered me a little tagine with their traditional red lipstick. I didn't pay a lot, tho... But maybe it was all fake? Then, when I was leaving the store, the guy that conducted us there was waiting for us, and tried to guide us to his shop, so we would buy something from him...
I don't recommend anyone to visit this country. I have visited 25 countrys and Morocco was the worst when it comes to scams etc. The only way to avoid the scams there is not going there.
First of all, thank you for sharing that with us. In fact, I totally agree with you. I'm originally from Morocco and I might tell you that even local tourists suffer from these people, i.e., bum ones. Sorry for saying that!!!!. In addition, have you ever heard that in Islam this kind of behaviors is forbidden???? As the matter of fact, those you got scammed by are definitely guilty and sinners before the Lord. Hence, actually those people don't obey the rules of our religion. Shame on them! On the other hand, thank God as abovesaid there are sill people who are real muslims and who follow and comply with the rules. For instance: treating and being nice to the foreigners and guests, no to spoil and trick on them as a way of cheating, because in accordance with our Sharia Law (Islamic Law), these acts are forbidden. IMHO, unfortunately, these guys do all their best to ride the gravy train. regardless of their faith. This is set, by this time and on behalf of all Morrocans, I mean good ones, I apologize to you brother and I feel really sorry for your bad experience. Anyway, from now on stay tuned and watch out for it
Exactly.. We have the same problems with like that kind of people and we also feels realy bad of that problems. We are so sorry. هادا هو النوع لي كيف كنقولو مسلم غير بالاسم حيت الافعال تاعهم خايبة بزاف وكاع هاد المواقف لي طراو ليه دزت حتى انا منهم ما مرة ما زوج وديما حتى انا كانحس بخيبة كبيرة بزاف. الله يهدي ماخلق.
First of all, 50 MAD was 5$ at the time you commented. Second of all, it's trash quality that should be no more than 2$ even in the US. Third of all, I just replied to an old comment.
Sadly, so true! Rule of thumb, ask women. they are reliable. + Morocco is more expensive than spain/portugal because of this. Always have some local friends to go with you shopping.
The ways I got scammed: 1- I showed too much interest on their traditional eyeliner, the Kohl, and this shop owner guided me to another shop owner who set up this big price, and when I gave him money, he said he didn't have 20 dirams for the change, and gave me a bunch of useless straw... I paid like 60 dirams for that tiny kohl bottle that I bet doesn't cost more than 10 dirams... 2- A guy guided us to an Herboristerie, and I think I ended up buying fake argan oil, from Herboristerie le 35 epices (i bought later at a cooperative, and the colour and smell are different), and he waited for me to guide me to his shop, but I politely said no to him 3- I paid 350 dirams for a traditional dress with a hood, medium size, but when I arrived at home they gave me a size XXL... Luckily, i remembered the shop, but I exchanged it for other less expensive dress, since they didn't have my size...
It must have been a strange experience for you, being a Japanese. I think there is nothing like that in Japan, maybe once in a while, but not so many times in one day at one market.
Marakesh is just one city way down south, in a country that has 16 regions (like states in the usa) the size of countries, this is just a marakesh problem. Also scams can happen anywhere, Japan included, ever heard of the yakuza extortion and scam business?
@@csx3180 I have to say that when I was in Japan nobody linked to the Yakuza (or otherwise) threw a snake at me and demanded money . . . .not even a Pikachu.
You should say noooo and tell them i ll call the police .. as a moroccan Marrakech and fez unfortunately are full of scammer but they ve no power if u know how to deal with them.. sorry for that .. anyway wherever u go u meet bad and good people …i got scammed in mexico and i was afraid that i couldn’t open my mouth… at least in morocco they re scared as soon as u mention the police
Well this is the thing. They take advantage of the weak. Like seriously what are they going to do in the main square in the middle of the day when you say "No"?
how you going to argue on prices when the deference is 30 cents yeah do not get ripped off but a few dollars or cents more then the other shop its still way cheaper then America or Europe
This is part of the fun. But only if you have the confidence to back these FOckers down. We got good at this in Angola & Naija...but one of by Limey buds would sometimes scare the FFF out of us by going into Overdrive on Cops asking for a few Kwanza just to get someting to eat. Luckily, they never realized their authority to stick it to us....usually @ 3am.
The worst country in terms of scammers is Madagascar. Beware of the Indonesian-looking Malagasies there. I hope you will never go there. This video reminds me of them. God bless you.
baghin ybi3o lih shal 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 lmohim ybi3o ay haja wrabi kbir 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 It's not a scam, they're just trying to sell things and you can refuse at the beginning. That's the way SOME people sell - and when someone offers you a service and you ACCEPT it, there's no problem if you give them some change at the end. 5 or 10 euros is nothing for us, but for them, it is something. the salaries are too low there, it is okay when u help some people out there. And they may refuse ur money.
What you say is rude. It's not scam. It's an other culture. You have to travel more. People who guide you didn't force you, and they ask only for 1 or 2 dollars. It's nothing for us. When you see old people, or poor people, trying to give a service instead of begging because they have pride, you should have a little bit of compassion. Many people didn't have your chance to go to school, they live by tourism. I know it can be annoying because we feel force, and sometimes they forced a little, but at the end it's only 0,5 or 1 dollar, and you helped someone in need. In London or Paris there are real scammers, and people who insult you because they are drunk or because they think 1 dollar was not enough. Scammers are real and they scam a lot. In Morrocco, changing the price is something common, everybody know that. In your country they do the same, if you want to book an hotel in certain period the price can tripled, and you think it's normal. But for me, it's a scam. I hope you will have more compassion for poor people in the future, and a little generosity. Personaly, when i see an old man under the hot sun trying to sell a necklace at one dollar, even if i don't want, i will try to buy it. I have the good life in holidays, one dollar is nothing, it's normal to be thankful if people helped. If you think it's normal to let poor people in their situation and that your money is only yours, then you can live your life like you want.
im living here in morocco for almost 30 years and in my experience, there are two types of mentality here, one helps foreigners and the other make foreigners as a milking cow. they see foreigners as a walking cash.
I only have one way to avoid scams when I travel; I don’t speak or make eye contact with anyone on the streets. 😂
We are so sorry they make me as a Moroccan so shamed really so sorry
@@Pe_Dro_Jr1why you say sorry bro , i was scammed as well in mexico and turkey , this is in every famous tourist countries// cities in the world
Yeah, literally nowhere do strange men want to speak to strange men genuinely.
Excellent advice
💯
Avoid specialy one of the most vicious Marrakech scamer : taxi Mustapha Chamharoc
I loved Morocco as a country. But the people were too much. Scammed everywhere from the hotel porter to people on the street all looking for a handout. Visiting a leather and we were literally locked in until we purchased something. Even though we liked nothing. It is a pity because Morocco has a lot to offer but scammers ruin it for everyone.
That's Africa for you
Then don't go to tourist traps, this shit id a global issue, not a moroccan one. Travel without planned guides and just explore on your own.
ignore them and tell them howa
@@AndalusianPrinceNO! It’s a MOROCCAN issue. No where in Europe are you ever “locked in” until you buy something or, do people helping others with directions asked for MONEY! Moroccans need to have more self dignity & pride in themselves & start behaving like really “honest & decent” human beings that will truly honor Allah’s glory & name!
@@kismet2354It happens in Istanbul - not to me as I lived there and am an experienced independent traveller - but to many tourists in carpet shops. In the 9 years I lived there I saw more scams than I had ever seen before in over 30 years of travel, and lost much of my faith in humanity. Morocco was nowhere near as bad, especially for sexual harassment. In Beijing it happened to me in a DVD shop! I was literally locked in for 20 minutes in a windowless room until I bought a film.
as a Moroccan, this definitely saddens my heart, i was born in fez and grew up there, and luckily i was able to travel myself, see other parts of the world, but i can definitely agree with you, Fez is full of tourist traps, old or young will approach you for different kind of services, and sadly so many tourists fall for it, that's why they keep doing it, but the tourists doesn't understand one thing, the government has really invested in this kind of issues, so one call to the police can really solve this issue and those scammers will pay a heavy price, so as a moroccan born in a tourist city i'd say that it's completely safe a secure to go morocco, those scammers won't dare to touch you cause they know how the rules are strict when it comes to harming a foreigner, just go there and enjoy your experience, always bargain at lower than 50% of what they offer you at those stores in the old medinna, or just buy from souvenirs from a trusted store or online, and if someone keeps bothering you offering a tour guide or help, just decline nicely, but if that person insist, go ahead and call the police immediately, and tell them you have a fake tourist guide harassing you and asking for money, i swear those people will learn their lessons in the hardest way possible.
Morocco is a fantastic place to go, don’t worry about how your country could be viewed and know that video titles are clickbait in most cases. If people can’t handle another country, don’t go. I know that western European countries (where I’m from) can also be considered “not nice” to be, but for very different reasons. Culture is culture, just gotta get to know it and adjust ❤
Why are they scamming people? isn't it against their faith? or it's because tourists are considered "sinful" people and have no value as human beings because of their different religion?
@@Florentina-b1f yes they are faithless human beings and they scam the sinful tourists lol. i don't have an answer to your question, cause i'm sure there are tourist scam artists in all over the world, and linking them to a religion is out of topic.
@@Florentina-b1f It has nothing to do with religion or beliefs. Muslims do not view people of other faith as "no value". However, fraudsters, scammers, are found all over the world, but they come in different colours and sizes. We just saw the Morocco version of scams. And remember, that these are minority. The video is supposed to be educational.
A scammer is a scammer my friend it has nothing to do with religion we locals also suffer from scammers@@Florentina-b1f
Good video. These scams can happen, but as you say at the end, 99.99% of Moroccans are friendly, helpful, and incredibly generous. They will invite you into their homes, treat you to a wonderful dinner and give you the shirt off their back. Being firm and polite is the way to go. I lived there for three years (in Meknes and Rabat) and have never experienced so much warmth and kindness.
May be a good trick would be to always say "No thanks, I live here, I know the city". And if he asks where do you live, what do you do etc, you just give him a short answer to make him lose interest. For instance, I would say that I help police to work on some international cases. Another good idea is to ask them for money, because you allegedly lost yours and now need help. These things would make them simply vanish.
I’m from Morocco and yes this mostly happens to tourists because they think they’ll believe it easily but Morocco overall is such a beautiful country I recommend visiting it
I guess there are so much tourist traps around the world. I like your suggestions Wes.
Yes, you always need to be careful as a tourist😳
The scams are so bad here in Morocco that we have a kind of anxiety when going to another city especially when dealing with taxis. It has really made us dislike Morocco. We will just get a rental car next time and use tour guides, would not recommend Morocco for budget, new travellers who are not travel tough.
It was way worse before 1999 with the old King.
Actually now its EZ ... UR correct .... act tough
We are so sorry they make me as a Moroccan so shamed really so sorry
@@Pe_Dro_Jr1 nah Moroccans are great! Our tour guide in Marrakech cooked for us, they were awesome. Also had great hotel and riyad hosts etc. I think business culture in shops and taxis need tougher rules and enforcement then things will change. But the Moroccan people in general were lovely :)
It's well known that taxis are basically the first line of the scam mafia in almost all countries.
@@Pe_Dro_Jr1 why you Say so sorry?
Please please be honest with your viewers. 🚨 They do NOT treat the animals with care. The monkeys are often beaten and starved and made to dance in stupid outfits. The snakes are usually de-fanged, mistreated and exploited for money. I’m in Marrakesh and have seen with my own eyes. Plus many others will attest to what I’m saying. BE HONEST!!!! 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
Anyone that has their photo taken with ANY live animal is helping to facilitate cruelty.
99.9% of morrocans own pets and care for animals, it's the uneducated hustlers that will do anything to make a dollar from foreigners. Remember, if not a single tourist posed with them, they wouldn't exist. As they haven't in the past.
Please remember: Poor farmers and artisans were hit hard during COVID19 Pandemic 2 year shutdown. When going to open markets anywhere travel with a guide trusted buddy & a map. Women never travel alone; travel in groups or with chaperones.
Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact if necessary.
Thanks for the insights. It is frustrating to see and be in a place where irresponsible people take advantage of tourists.
Not in all big cities, mainly just Marrakesh and this started happening relatively recently, to a lesser extent in fez as well, must remember morocco is quite big and it has 16 regions the size of countries, with different mentalities and cultures and ethnicities, so you will not have the same experience in all regions..for example i am certain you wouldn't face these problems in Tangier.
Haha. Fuck! Tangier is like the mecca of scams for the "fresh off the boat" crews.
@@donniet685 that's cap ngl, you're very unlikely to get scammed in Tangier or Rabat,The only place in Morocco where you might get scammed is Marrakech
Not honest peoples at all
I really liked a lot of things about Morocco when I visited but I will never go back for the simple reason that you had to be on your guard and aware at all times and you can never really relax because everywhere we went there were people trying to scam us or take advantage of us.
Not trusting anybody, second guessing everything everybody said to you, having to push away and say no to the dozens of people an hour who would run up to you and try to pressure you into buying something was exhausting.
If anybody approaches you in Morocco and you are a tourist, there is a 99.9% chance that they are trying to scam you, sell you something, or beg for money. I have been all over the world and the beggars in Morocco were out of control. Here in the states, people will wave to you from a distance, and usually politely ask you for some money. In Morocco, the beggars run right up to you and physically block your path, and put their hand up in front of your face and stare at you, waiting for you to give them some money. I had a lady slap my arm really hard when I sidstepped her when she was begging for my money.
I'm ashamed to read this as a Moroccan. I'm sorry to read that you had to face all these situations in my country. But I think the people who stop you in the street to hassle you only represent the very ignorance and deprivation ( both intellectual and material ) in which they were raised or to which they were trained. Many broke people have the courage to work or learn new skills/languages to improve their life quality.
l would skip the markets altogether. Just go to your local flea market. The merchandise probably comes from the same place.
We were in Jemaa Fnaa square last night, and we got so streesed because of all these people bombarding you to go and eat at there stalls. So frustrating and hinders you enjoy your experience. People are generally nice but last night was really stressful
The more tourists get to know these scams the more (i hope) the scams will eventually stop.
Not many people are watching these kinds of videos.
YES! Thank you for this brilliant state of mind. As a Moroccan I feel ashamed and sorry for each and every tourist who leaves Morocco with a bad experience and bad memories.
It's not only in Morocco where these "tourist scamms" happen. Africa, South America, Europe, the USA, and Asia, all over the world. Check the taxi fare with your accommodation and ask guidance for shopping. Honestly, souvenir shopping is the best scamming opportunity. Bargain. That's the custom in many tourism dependent places. Say also NO to things you don't need.
Certain scams are more prevalent in some countries than in others.
We are so sorry they make me as a Moroccan so shamed really so sorry
why are you sorry for what others do who cares i people think all moroccan are scammers or friendly let them think what they want @@Pe_Dro_Jr1
Morocco is in Africa dingus.
Why do people even take taxis anymore. In most places it is known that they are basically the first line of the mafia.
Such an accurate recap of my experience there. Did you have any issues recording there? Could they see the camera or care?
I was prepared to haggle, but the leather shops start at 30X-50X the price you know the item is worth, according to prior research. Sellers go ballistic and acting insulted and angry, and also quite intimidating as they gather other sellers to back them up.
I ended up paying way too much for a bag that stunk like a skunk, and ended up in the garbage. Never going back to the markets in Marrakech.
The rest of our Moroccon experience was super nice, though !
Yeah, I paid like 28€ for a beautiful leather bag, but it smells awful, and I don't know what to do for it to not smell like shit from a distance, haha
The price was not bad, tho. I bought it at a store at the ensemble artisanal, with fixed prices, but the bag had two tags with different prices: the one outside was 30 something euros, and the one inside was cheaper, 28€... I ripped off the expensive one and ended up paying less...
I am flying to Morocco in two months. Thank you for the tips!
You will indeed be giving a lot of "tips".
Hello !! I'm so so sorry. As a Moroccan, I'd like to tell you that not all my fellow citizens are like that. There are some who are vehemently opposed to tourist scams. As a journalist, I travel abroad, in countries poorer than mine, and I have the same experience as you. I often tell myself that these people are victims of the ignorance that prevails in their own environment, but I end up feeling sorry for them and give them a few coins, telling them not to take the piss out of tourists because it's bad for them. It's counterproductive, but I can't solve this kind of situation rationally.
Some tourists don't understand the socioeconomic dynamics of poor countries and thus see poor people who are trying to make ends meet by approaching tourists in an unorthodox fashion in the eyes of a westerner while in the same breath are happy to pay 10x the price in Europe for the same service, getting scammed legally and on the books, sometimes knowingly and others unknowingly.
When in Morocco or a similar country, i give a little money and refuse the service as i know some of them are just begging indirectly.am i encouraging them to keep doing it? Probably yes. Would i solve the problem by not giving? Probably not coz the solution is far more complicated than simply that.
You are very right morocco is not only a country of the rich and the middle class but different social classes coexist there what you said is enough, there is no need to add more i really liked your comment 😔❤️
These are all good tips, very helpful if I go to Morocco.....and you are so friendly Wes, who would want to scam you?🤣🤔✊🏻
Really well made video! We are going to Morocco in our car from the UK now and are literally going to ignore everyone.
You are welcome if you need any help just call any person you trust him but really bro don’t worry it’s not all Moroccan like that we are different in every nation but Moroccan people so friendly and so kind people come to our house your welcome with your family and don’t gave us money you will like we invited our family and you too you are you can be and we are so sorry because I feel bad as a Moroccan
how can you enjoy a trip without talking to people the scammers are very stupid and you would notice easily that they are scammers
Haha. Best comment . . . How was your trip? Is thomas even still alive?
@@donniet685 We did it! Drove everywhere, including Figuig and all the way to the bottom of Western Sahara and had an amazing time! Took my wife and three kids, and spent about 5 weeks there! I’m tempted to make a video about the whole trip at some point, it’s just quite time consuming! My main tips though, don’t speed, cops will catch you from 2km away (it’s desert so no trees or buildings in the way to block their radar guns view), and carry a big bag of (halal) sweets to give out to people that beg, help you and hassle you, it’ll save you a fortune and people are all grateful that you’ve given them that so they’ll stop pestering :)
nice to meet you. total beathtaking edition!ciao,
Thank you!
I love what you said at the end. I met the kindest strangers who helped me out in Fez but the souqs in Marrakech were awful because they have turned the kindness of Morroccans into threats and scams. That was my experience anyway. Actually felt unsafe in Marrakech due to this
I'm sorry as moroccan I apologie
So tiring having to deal with scams. Makes me want to avoid those countries.
Very insightful! Thank you
Thanks for the info.
I was thinking of going to merrakech and fed but after seeing a few videos like yours I have changed my mind .
I guess I will be going to Tunisia, Turkey
Hello, do not forget to visit the city of Ifrane, the city of Hajib, and the city of Azroua They are close to each other
I found the taxi drivers the worst
Taxi drivers are the first line of the mafia in so many countries. Do research and take a bus is always my first option . . I even try and book flights that arrive in the daylight of the morning or early afternoon to help facilitate this.
i am from morocco and i'm sorry man for this gnore these type of ppl and have fun
You are not scammed a thousands of dollars in Morocco ,like you are in US ,or the west ,in Morocco if you are scammed you are scammed only a dollar or two which amounts to nothing.
yes totally but who will understand they jsut share bad things which are small bad thing but good thing the won't 😑
It is very good to give advice to foreign people coming to Morocco, and do not forget also the deception of some shop owners who also exaggerate their prices greatly, and foreigners do not go to other shops to make sure of the real price and the quality of a product.
I guess there are so much tourist traps around the world. I like your suggestions Wes
Just got back and had plenty of idiots trying to direct us to somewhere and I knew they still as for money told him to get lost
Absolutely another spectacular beautiful shooting adventures filming edition captured and you doing an excellent great job, gorgeous updated resume and the settings presentation looks super awesome super amazing and super cool, keep it up Sir and take care of yourself over there, appreciation and a big fat thanks from MTL CDN ..
Did you go to other parts of Morocco and how did you travel to those parts?
色々な国から情報を発信してくれて、ありがとうございます。英語が使えて すごいですね😊
ありがとうございます😊
Wes is good man, we shared room at welcome hostal
We asked our riad owner about how much a taxi should cost and were totally scammed by him. It took the shine off our holiday as Marrakech was such a lively, vibrant city and I loved engaging with the locals in the Souks. It brought back my schoolgirl French and I was surprised how much I remembered.
Thank you for the further nice video. I see it a little bid different than other writers. When I visit as a European a country like Morocco it is no problem for me to pay a little surplus when the people are friendly. I guess for the local it is not easy to survive and for me it is okay when they make with the „rich“ tourist a little higher profit. But of course I don’t want today a multiple price than locals.
Error in typing: I don’t want to pay a multiple price than locals
I lived in Morocco for a year and all these are good tips - I didn’t fall for any scams as I had already spent many years in Istanbul, where the scams are identical! I was also in the capital, Rabat, where there are no tourists, so no scam artists. You are a man, so I want to point out that for women, you have to factor in sexual harassment as well. In Fez, for example, I was followed by many men who asked me if I ‘wanted a husband, who could xxxx me hard’ Never start talking to random people in the street - just stay mute and walk on. I would also like to point out one more thing - never, ever accept anything to eat or drink from someone in the street. In Istanbul, many tourists have been drugged and made to take the perpetrators to their hotel or hostel and give them their money and valuables. Sadly, this mainly happened to Asian tourists (from Korea and Japan)
i visited over 35 countries before i turned 30 and morocco was certainly one of my least favourite. beside the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech museum and gardens which was stunning everywhere else was full of annoying touts and scammers and the food was mainly unpalatable. I even ate at la mamounia and i could have gotten a similar meal at a local cheesecake factory or something
Did you get the squits?
Oh God, I'm sorry, but I think the food was the best... Did you try the famous tagine? Maybe you didn't go to the right restaurants...
Freshly taken off the heat, with such tender meat and dates and nuts...
A firm but friendly "La, shokran!" (No thank you!") worked most of the time for me.
Why is not working google maps??
Can i use drac or euros
Worst place on earth, DON'T go there! I booked an extra plane ticket to get out of this horror city. Just came back yesterday, and I am so thankfull that I not grew up in this culture. If you want a good reality check; go there.
I'm still investigating whether I was scammed or not: a guy guided me to an Herboristerie, and it had a lady at the entrance extracting the argan oil on that mechanism they have made of stone, and this guy with a white uniform showed us around, and started trying to sell their products. I ended up buying this argan oil from the Herboristerie le 35 epices and a soap, and they offered me a little tagine with their traditional red lipstick. I didn't pay a lot, tho... But maybe it was all fake?
Then, when I was leaving the store, the guy that conducted us there was waiting for us, and tried to guide us to his shop, so we would buy something from him...
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍What you say is true, by the way, I am a Moroccan citizen, and I would like foreign people to learn how not to be deceived by anyone.
I don't recommend anyone to visit this country. I have visited 25 countrys and Morocco was the worst when it comes to scams etc.
The only way to avoid the scams there is not going there.
Do you know Professor Mori Kato from Japan ?
First of all, thank you for sharing that with us. In fact, I totally agree with you. I'm originally from Morocco and I might tell you that even local tourists suffer from these people, i.e., bum ones. Sorry for saying that!!!!. In addition, have you ever heard that in Islam this kind of behaviors is forbidden???? As the matter of fact, those you got scammed by are definitely guilty and sinners before the Lord. Hence, actually those people don't obey the rules of our religion. Shame on them! On the other hand, thank God as abovesaid there are sill people who are real muslims and who follow and comply with the rules. For instance: treating and being nice to the foreigners and guests, no to spoil and trick on them as a way of cheating, because in accordance with our Sharia Law (Islamic Law), these acts are forbidden. IMHO, unfortunately, these guys do all their best to ride the gravy train. regardless of their faith.
This is set, by this time and on behalf of all Morrocans, I mean good ones, I apologize to you brother and I feel really sorry for your bad experience. Anyway, from now on stay tuned and watch out for it
Exactly.. We have the same problems with like that kind of people and we also feels realy bad of that problems. We are so sorry. هادا هو النوع لي كيف كنقولو مسلم غير بالاسم حيت الافعال تاعهم خايبة بزاف وكاع هاد المواقف لي طراو ليه دزت حتى انا منهم ما مرة ما زوج وديما حتى انا كانحس بخيبة كبيرة بزاف. الله يهدي ماخلق.
Why sorry?
Nice video. Can we ask shop keepers for directions???
First amazing video as usual 👌 second how someone can contact you 🤔
Thank you! There are links to my socials and contact in the description
You thought $3 for a wire was a rip off? Your not in China broo
First of all, 50 MAD was 5$ at the time you commented.
Second of all, it's trash quality that should be no more than 2$ even in the US.
Third of all, I just replied to an old comment.
It seems like the mint is the Mark Of The tannery Beast. LOL!
Morroco looks too much trouble/ stress
Welcome bro
At Tangier I took a candid photo of a snake charmer. I didn't pay him a penny.
$5.00 for a usb c cable is not a rip off
I wouldn't pay more than 3.
Sadly, so true! Rule of thumb, ask women. they are reliable. + Morocco is more expensive than spain/portugal because of this. Always have some local friends to go with you shopping.
I also experienced these scams, but they were the ones who will find their lives sad.
The ways I got scammed:
1- I showed too much interest on their traditional eyeliner, the Kohl, and this shop owner guided me to another shop owner who set up this big price, and when I gave him money, he said he didn't have 20 dirams for the change, and gave me a bunch of useless straw... I paid like 60 dirams for that tiny kohl bottle that I bet doesn't cost more than 10 dirams...
2- A guy guided us to an Herboristerie, and I think I ended up buying fake argan oil, from Herboristerie le 35 epices (i bought later at a cooperative, and the colour and smell are different), and he waited for me to guide me to his shop, but I politely said no to him
3- I paid 350 dirams for a traditional dress with a hood, medium size, but when I arrived at home they gave me a size XXL... Luckily, i remembered the shop, but I exchanged it for other less expensive dress, since they didn't have my size...
It must have been a strange experience for you, being a Japanese. I think there is nothing like that in Japan, maybe once in a while, but not so many times in one day at one market.
Aside from the cheating and rip-off, did you at any time feel threatened or unsafe?
Marakesh is just one city way down south, in a country that has 16 regions (like states in the usa) the size of countries, this is just a marakesh problem.
Also scams can happen anywhere, Japan included, ever heard of the yakuza extortion and scam business?
@@csx3180 I have to say that when I was in Japan nobody linked to the Yakuza (or otherwise) threw a snake at me and demanded money . . . .not even a Pikachu.
@@donniet685 just cuz it didn't happen to you doesn't mean it doesn't happen
Because they asked you money for unwanted services it does not mean it’s a scam. It’s a different culture than japan you have to keep in mind.
Welcome to morocco 🇲🇦❤️
Thanks
thanks
You are not used to these practices in a different culture than yours. That still not entitle you to label them as scams.
You should say noooo and tell them i ll call the police .. as a moroccan Marrakech and fez unfortunately are full of scammer but they ve no power if u know how to deal with them.. sorry for that .. anyway wherever u go u meet bad and good people …i got scammed in mexico and i was afraid that i couldn’t open my mouth… at least in morocco they re scared as soon as u mention the police
Well this is the thing. They take advantage of the weak. Like seriously what are they going to do in the main square in the middle of the day when you say "No"?
how you going to argue on prices when the deference is 30 cents yeah do not get ripped off but a few dollars or cents more then the other shop its still way cheaper then America or Europe
Everytime you buy something in your own country you should just give them 30 cents for every item then? Adds up fast
Do they have a red light district? Asking for a friend.
yes
We are Moroccans and we get scammed all the time especially in Marrakech and Taxis. There is less to inexistent scam in the north part though!
Nice👍🇲🇦
just don't go to jema al fna if you don't wanna be scammed
Haha you showed the old man’s face in this video.
ما في احد في الجروب ولا شي انا عندي ❤️🇲🇦
This is part of the fun. But only if you have the confidence to back these FOckers down. We got good at this in Angola & Naija...but one of by Limey buds would sometimes scare the FFF out of us by going into Overdrive on Cops asking for a few Kwanza just to get someting to eat. Luckily, they never realized their authority to stick it to us....usually @ 3am.
I just say "no thank you" in whatever language that's spoken. Easy peasy.
❤
This scams even happens in los angeles.
Doesnt mean it should be normalized
Even though there are a shitload of weirdos in Los Angeles nobody ever threw a snake at me and demanded money. LMFAO!
Have you actually ever been to LA? I’ve never had a monkey jump on me in LA and be charged for it or be charged for fake directions. Don’t be silly.
Morocco is headache place
As a moroccan i advice touristes to take pictures of scammers and post them .. what a shame .. Marrakech and fez need to be cleaned
The worst country in terms of scammers is Madagascar. Beware of the Indonesian-looking Malagasies there. I hope you will never go there. This video reminds me of them. God bless you.
baghin ybi3o lih shal 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
lmohim ybi3o ay haja wrabi kbir 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
It's not a scam, they're just trying to sell things and you can refuse at the beginning.
That's the way SOME people sell - and when someone offers you a service and you ACCEPT it, there's no problem if you give them some change at the end. 5 or 10 euros is nothing for us, but for them, it is something. the salaries are too low there, it is okay when u help some people out there. And they may refuse ur money.
Don’t go there simple
What you say is rude. It's not scam. It's an other culture.
You have to travel more.
People who guide you didn't force you, and they ask only for 1 or 2 dollars. It's nothing for us.
When you see old people, or poor people, trying to give a service instead of begging because they have pride, you should have a little bit of compassion.
Many people didn't have your chance to go to school, they live by tourism.
I know it can be annoying because we feel force, and sometimes they forced a little, but at the end it's only 0,5 or 1 dollar, and you helped someone in need.
In London or Paris there are real scammers, and people who insult you because they are drunk or because they think 1 dollar was not enough.
Scammers are real and they scam a lot.
In Morrocco, changing the price is something common, everybody know that.
In your country they do the same, if you want to book an hotel in certain period the price can tripled, and you think it's normal. But for me, it's a scam.
I hope you will have more compassion for poor people in the future, and a little generosity.
Personaly, when i see an old man under the hot sun trying to sell a necklace at one dollar, even if i don't want, i will try to buy it. I have the good life in holidays, one dollar is nothing, it's normal to be thankful if people helped.
If you think it's normal to let poor people in their situation and that your money is only yours, then you can live your life like you want.
exactly 🙂
haha i got scammed in Rome, Italy.
Im going to scam them when i go there ...
I cant believe you’ve been scammed a lot of times! What in the world! Are you doing it intentionally for a content?
That's how they deported you just scamm them simpel
scammed in an african nation, no way!
Avoid Morocco
i hate morocco for that so much
ISLAM
im living here in morocco for almost 30 years and in my experience, there are two types of mentality here, one helps foreigners and the other make foreigners as a milking cow. they see foreigners as a walking cash.
I always say this in the travel circles. The worst thing about travelling is that the locals see you as some kind of walking ATM machine.
It's okay. Getting scammed in Morocco is part of the package. Welcome back anytime ❤️
Why do things that makes easier for scammers to scam you?