Like this video if you hate scammers. It helps the video grow to expose these people 👍 I witnessed innocent old couples fall for these scams and pay huge amounts to these people 💀
Unfortunately it's engraved in the culture of many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, shamelessly cheating, lying, stealing, and especially haggling over prices. It's sickening when hearing "I give you the best price for you!" which is often just BS. Of course not everyone in these counties do it, but a lot of them do. Gotta be careful and walk away as quickly as you're feeling uncomfortable.
How to deal with scammers: be firm and assertive, ignore them and keep walking, don't show that you are indecisive or hesitant, never stop to talk to them. They can smell vulnerability just like sharks smell blood. You have to stay in charge of the situation. Apart from that do a proper research beforehand to know how much things should cost on average.
I just left Marrakech. I loved it. I think sometimes Euro and Americans have issues with the “scammers”. But they aren’t even scammers they are just people trying to make a dollar. All you have to do is say NO and keep walking.
@@davinaharvey9001 If only 'keep walking' meant they stop following you. 99% of them keep following you and buzzing into your ear, not taking no for an answer
To visit morocco, you really need a Morrocan friend to go with you. But, as a Moroccan, I really apologize for the bad behaviors of everyone in Morocco.
he doesn't need a Moroccan friend. Most of the tourists are coming to the country without knowing anyone there and had a great experience, he unfortunately didn't by the looks of it.
As a Moroccan I think it is time that international tourists start sharing this kind of experiences. The Moroccan government prides itself in being a touristic country but still doesn’t crack down hard enough on this scammers. Hopefully things will change! Sorry you had to experience this!
My son just returned from Morocco and told us they stayed in the hotel the whole time because of the aggression against them, Stupid scammers make it bad for all the traders trying to make a decent living.
Your son shouldn’t be scared of scammwrs. There human like him tell him to be a man. Why was he locked inside his hotel for days scared from scammwrs. Your son acting like the taliban was in town lol .
Sorry for the bad experience. Unfortunately the amount of scammers in Marrakech especially the old Medina is crazy, they even scam locals so I cannot imagine how bad it would be for tourists!
What a shame, I was just looking at a short break in Morocco....no more! Taxi tip for anywhere, go to the back and take a picture of the taxi....if he gets angry, you got your answer!
Funny how all these daft 'travel couple' vloggers talk about how bloody amazing Morocco is and won't dare say anything else lol keep it real mate always.
@@vanhuvanhuvese2738 tbh mate,moroccan tourism ministry wont pay vloggers to do such things , bec they simply just dont give a dayum about tourisme, every one in the tourism ministry come just to take money and run away. par contre, morroco would have been a very nice place if they invested the money they get to impove the tourism industry
Fez may be my least favourite place I’ve been to. The surroundings, scenery and most locals are lovely but the scammers ruined almost every moment of it
It's disheartening to see how tourism in my country, Morocco, is being affected by scammers. On a recent trip to Marrakech, I encountered a lot of harassment. Everywhere I went, people were trying to take advantage of me by offering overpriced rides and goods. It's frustrating to think that these individuals believe tourists are foolish and easy to deceive.
It's a damn shame because it's an interesting country with a lot going for it. Exotic and affordable with a hell of a lot to see, good infrastructure and mostly friendly people. But the scammers and hustlers really ruin it. Hard to enjoy your day when half your energy is spent battling people trying to pressure you into something or other. I would still go back because I'm curious to see the desert villages in the east of the country, where apparently there's less hassle because it isn't as touristy.
just he is so sensitive. there good and bad everywhere. there is no heaven on earth yet. if he get mad from some scammers out of 40 million Moroccan I'm sure most of them are nice, he is not a traveler. he should stay in his mom basement
I was on a cruise a few years ago and it stopped off in Morocco for a couple of hours. We got a taxi to go to the shops. We ended up getting taken to a specific shop where we were compelled to buy something and yeah, cost an absolute fortune witch was pretty much the last of my cash. But honestly feared for our safety not coughing up as it was hostile. Sad to say never again lol.
I went to Fes and Rabat and Salé and made several videos about it. I encountered 0 scammers and was able to meet honest locals that invited us to see their house, a wedding, tours, etc without paying anything - just being friendly. I guess that Marrakech is like an infierno and you’re not the first person who talked about this.
he is sensitive. he should stay in his mom basement. he dorget his self he is also scammer, by making money from picturing and making video of those people. there some who travel and waiting to find bad thing to make some drama queen.
It's mostly Marrakech, and mostly the medina. The taxi drivers aren't as bad as other places in the world but they are at least 80% dishonest and give bad service, overcharging, being abusive and argumentative, lengthening the journey and stopping when hailed but refusing to take passengers..which is the reason they have a permit for public transport and illegal, of course.
Bruh why do people even go to Marrakech ? Agadir is 1000 times better (but rn dont go there there’s a lot of works, buildings and all...) maybe try thanja? They say it’s great or fes. I live in Casablanca, so i’m not sure, but Casa is pretty well developed, but it’s probably not as great as other cities for tourisme maybe
I visited Morocco in the 90s. The same scams existed, but no one ever got violent. This is a disturbing development for sure. We met the most beautiful people on train journeys who would share their own lunches with you. It's shame you have to put up with scammers in such an amazing place but I guess some people are just desperate.
Not really, I've lived worked and visited over 90 countries around the world and the UK is far from the worst. Even in Europe countries of a similar size like Italy & Germany pay a lot more than we do in the UK- but the MSM in the UK will never tell you that as its the fashion to slate the UK these days.
he should never travel if he is afraid of scammer, because morocco is the less scammers in the world. of course scammer and bad and smart ass are everywhere. maybe he need some therapy after vising Morocco or just he can go to his mom basement and cry. HHH, God bless Morocco.
@@mostwardi4389 shut up mate people like you who think are defending the honour of the country and culture are in fact the ones hurting it most, you re pushing people away by your attitude. Coming from a proud Moroccan.
@@hi._.golgo137 No I'm not definding scammers, but to talk about Morocan this way I rather like a scammer than somebody who insult Moroccans. because I know Moroccans are very nice at degree some thing they are damb and take advantage of them. there are some scammers like everywhere in the world, but not to make a video insluting all moroccan and Morocco. Only cheap traveler are like this.
As a moroccan, living in Casablanca i m really really sorry for your experience, people here do the impossible for money, they take advantage of foreigners not knowing what's going on there, some many of this scams happens also to locals, like the taxi and photo thing, but if u dont want to pay them its okey u should have called the police and you are fine, but that would take u some time.. anyways sorry for your experience mate im really ashamed, good luck 🤞🏻
Don't be ashamed, there are bad people in every country and the rest of us should not be judged by that. I would hope no one judges me for the worst Americans and accordingly I would never judge you my friend!
@@BackpackerBen Remember that Morocco is probably the poorest country that attract tourism in Mass. No only the salaries are extremely low and some people suffer hunger but it’s also a country with huge gap between rich and poor. I think people don’t understand how poor Morocco is. Many people live with less than a dollar a day. The problem won’t be fixed until 10 years from now
I just came back from a 12 days trip to Morocco, I’ve been to Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fez, Mezourga, Marrakesh, Casablanca and honestly I didn’t experienced all these scams you mentioned, I found Marocco a very beautiful country with friendly people. Of course you can find some taxi try to make you pay higher and some hustling but nothing more than other countries I visited
I think backpacker Ben is just a spoiled child who complain too much, he doesn’t have personality in my opinion, in fact finally he is just the poor imitation of bald and bankrupt
I went to Cairo. Terrible experience. First day, we were looking for a particular market. Some old guy came to us and told us: "I will bring you there" 15 min later we were in a parfume shop and the guy who brought us there was gone! Happens all the time. I won't go to such places were I come back more stressed than before going there.
@@BackpackerBen it is a shame, we want people to visit the country and feel comfortable. But the government don't even listen to our local problems how are they supposed to care about anything else. I personally think foreigner should be wary before coming here and learning to say a firm NO as we Moroccans do to these scammers. Furthermore, foreigners have the benefit of getting the police for situations like this and the scammers may get until 7years in prison.
I'm glad someone else is saying this...I spent 10 days in Morocco and it was the only place I couldn't wait to leave. Got sick of being constantly harassed. Can't get to know any locals as you're constantly suspicious of them, spoiling it for the many decent folk there. Having said that, I didn't visit Chefchaouen, which seems more mellow from what you're saying
So true mate and a real shame. I was suspicious of people generally just walking with me and actually being friendly to me cuz I was thinking is this leading to a scam. Sometime it didn’t and I was so surprised
Essaouira (beach town in the south) was filled with Moroccans on vacation and almost no foreign tourists. I would get approached with cameras and asked if I could take a family photo for them. After, I'd invariably joke "ten dirhim please." They laughed.
I'm from Morocco, and there is no need to sugar coat things. Self-awareness is not that great here, you will stumble across many people functionning mainly on their primal/animal instincts and this manifest through alot of things, one of them are the scammers who get abusive when you refuse their garbage service. Responding to them in a civilized manner will only invite them to push further, until you get aggressive in away that match their understanding, it can range from an aggressive gazing to yelling and insulting...god forbid if you show any signs weakness or shyness which they will read as submission and invitation to dominate (yeah, just like animals). But things could have gotten worse for you if you were not tourists, they are stupid but they know very well that if they get sued by a tourist, they are screwed. The government won't do much to prevent their interactions with tourists, but its very rigid and punishing if they were put under a spotlight of a complain from a tourist.
I had the same experience 2 years ago with my GF, we both hated it and said we've never go back. I've travelled quite a lot, as Marrakech was the worst place I've ever been, near constant harassment - couldn't even get a taxi without someone trying to pull one over on us. We ended up just sitting in the hotel for most of it as we literally couldn't be bothered to walk the streets.
I did quite like Marrakech but two taxi driver's attacked each other to get my fare. Extremely high intensity tho. Marrakech I mean. Agadir much more laid back
Hi guys, thank you for the great video. I can confirm that absolutely everything you said is 100% true. My husband is Moroccan (we live in Europe) and we visit there often. We take trips to different parts of the country. The snake scam in Marrakesh was the biggest one we’ve experienced and it got really dark. Guy caught me holding a phone, even thought I wasn’t recording or taking photos. As you said, who wants to take picture of abused snakes or monkeys?? Anyway, those bustards tried to grab a phone of my hand if we didn’t pay for the ‘photos taken’. My husband ended up having huge fight with them to the point that I got really scared that a street fight will break. It was us against them and there are many of ‘them’ as they all work together and some share profits together. Anyway, my husband called for the police. The police station is just by one of the ends of the Jemaa-el-Fnaa.I was truly shitting myself, I couldn’t understand what was being said and I ended up crying. The police issued a warning to the snake ‘scammers’ and told them to be more respectful of the tourists… but based on your story I gather this is happening every single day. Nobody should fall for that. But if you don’t know the language, don’t know how to involve the police - who don’t speak English either - how can you win?
@@johnmcclean343 I am not lucky, you see a idiot just say fuck off I have meet idiots everywhere even in Europe, keep your eyes open, happen even me in Croatia I just told him fuck off he do you want me call police he was so surprised, watch out they don't work alone, nothing they can do in public place, don't trust a stranger on the street that's my advice
Tell me about it lol. Finally someone says it! I went in 2015 and I hated the 3 days I spent in Marrakech due to the constant harassment of the scammers. Once, a guy even just threw a freaking huge snake over my shoulders and wouldn't let me leave until I paid him. Even trying to get something to eat in the main square is impossible since they bring you more food making you think it's all part of the same price but then the check comes and you end up paying a lot. It's really a shame because there are so many great places to visit there and a lot of nice people. I thought all Arab/Muslim countries were like that and felt a bit weary before going to Turkey but gladly, Turkey is an amazing place where you won't experience this kind of situations
Dude that just reminded of when I was in the Djemaa el-fna and the guy with the monkey on a chain told me to come get a photo with the monkey, of course I refused so he called me a mother f**ker and my girlfriend a b*tch 🙈😂
Why tf would you go to tourist crowded cities when you could just explore the country and visit places that arent filled with scammy algerians and foreigners.
@@BackpackerBen I watched a few of your videos, and because I did not know the countries, I really thought you did a great job (Pakistan especially). I visited Morocco multiple times .. and I can honestly say it is one of my favourite countries in the world. You seem to have seen JUST the tourist bits .. Jamaa El Fnaa.. Yes, it is true .. they are scammers .. but this day and age, with all the resources we have access to .. didn't you know? Didn't you do any research before going there? It is basically the same as saying "I hate London and London is a scam everywhere", when maybe you only went to Leicester Square and were approached by the wrong people. This is not right. You were a total tourist in Marrakech, you should go again as a traveller, maybe put your camera away for a while, speak to the locals, don't eat in tourist places, enjoy the city and the warmth of the people. This video is so bad I can not refrain from writing this .. and I actually like you. But you are really wrong in what you are saying here. It is too superficial and you haven't seen enough, I fear ... Be less touristy and dare more.
I spent a month traveling all over Morocco and had similar experiences to Ben. Chefchaouen was probably our favorite spot but even there we were asked for money by people we’d thought were our friends. And there is often a dark vibe in more rural areas where women are rarely seen and men cannot be trusted. I’ve traveled all over the world and avoided many a scam, but even seasoned travelers get tired when literally every interaction could be a scam.
I’m sorry for your experience Ben, I was born in Marocco and every time I travel back to visit my county and family happens that when I’m in Marrakech taxi drivers and locals try to scam me! Of course not everyone is a scammer! Hope you come back and visit more cities and collect great memories from there! ❤
😂😂شحال كنضحك على هدشي لي كاتب ليه ، خويا مكاينش لي خارج على المغرب قدكم و قسما بالله ، معمروا غادي يرجع ، زعم بداكشي لي كتبت غادي يسمع لك راهو غي منافق ، عندوا إنفصام فالشخصية أي تعليق كيجاوبوا بنفس فكرة الشخص !!! هدا أصلا متيصلاح يزور حت بلاد حيت غي كيقلب على بوز باش يدير لباس ، حيت فقير هدا مكان !!
This has been a problem forever. I had terrible problems back 30 years ago. People getting into our hotel room, trying to sell us drugs, threatening to kill us, "fuck your mother" and other insults, stalking us. So I have been the same - cannot be bothered to go back to Morocco as there are so many more pleasant places. However it is sad as it is a very interesting country and many ordinary Moroccans are really lovely and hospitable people. At the end of the day, like all other Arab countries, it has appalling, incompetent government so the economy is weak and not enough jobs for the young people.
Iam glad to hear it you aware about what is really going on … seems have good soul and i wish you back again but with good experience..btw Iam Moroccan and had alot in Morocco also so it’s not something about Europe or strangers
Loved your honest experience mate! it'll help Moroccan authorities combat scammers. You know: there always will be good & bad folks, don't let this stop you from exploring. Respect & Morocco is your second home & welcome back anytime♥
Just returned from Morocco travelling with another female friend. Yes, the scams and harassment do exist but generally they won't bother you if you quickly refuse/ignore them and walk away. Re taxis, check with your hotel/riad/restaurant what the rate should be and agree a fixed price with them. Scams exist everywhere.
I am planning to visit Morocco. As a female will I have to worry about my safety constantly? I have traveled to a lot of countries. This will be my first trip to Morocco. I aprreciate any information about the safety of a female traveling alone in Morocco. I am planning to stay there for about a week.
@Claire Chloe Generally I thought it was fine. We got people trying to get our attention or telling us we were going the wrong way as we walked in the medinas (ignore and trust Googlemaps). Was more dodgy walking in the evening through the tiny alleyways at night though, around the medinas of Fes and Marrakech. If you can, make arrangements with the restaurant for someone to help pick you up and walk with you back to your accommodation. Be aware of your surroundings and if you need help, ask someone in a shop and not random locals or the local policemen (seemed to be a few here and there walking around the medinas). Enjoy as it is a beautiful country
@@clairechloe5294 Morocco is a touristy and safe destination. I've backpackerd throughout South America and North Africa. Met many female solo travelers in hostels and Morocco is indeed very safe if you practice common sense. It's not a noobie traveler's destination but it's not India either. This videos does not portray Morocco in a good light but again, you can find travelers reporting that they've been kidnapped in Colombia by some drug lords when 99.9% of tourists do not experience this. For your safety and this applies to everywhere in the word, hide precious items and use a spare phone if possible, stick to other foreigners in touristy places, don't be by yourself in sketchy streets, do not roam outside alone after dark, dress adequately, it is a mhsulim country and as a tourist, you don't want to standout with mini shorts or explicit clothing, if someone approaches you a swift and clear NON MERCI with no smile will suffice. For taxis there's a few apps like careem. You can use the red taxi but make sure they have their meter on. There's a big difference between street hustlers and red taxis scsmmers. Although whoever posted this video will not appreciate the following but if you look and behave like a victim, they'll prey on you. This is everywhere in the world. I went to favelas in Brazil and sketchy streets in Medellin and although I did not feel safe, nobody tried to mess with me. Basic common sense "No da papaya" like they say over there, strong Body language and attitude is key. You'll be fine if you apply the advices thay Amy posted above. Use trip advisor, airbnb and reputable hotels/hostels do offer transportation as well as guided tours if you're not comfortable.
@@amytey1917 - Thanks a lot for your reply. I will be extra careful in the evenings. Anyway as I am traveling alone, I won't be out in the cities till late evenings.
@@clairechloe5294 hello, I came across your comment and I live in Morocco. Ignoring is the key. Or saying I will call the police and grab your phone and start doing it if someone or something is pressing you. Otherwise I had girls from the UK in my town and we walked at night and we did many activities and they felt safe. I think the best thing to have is a local guide. Remember, there's scammers everywhere in the world, and the experiences just varies from person to person. 👋💕
Sorry you had bad experiences Ben, I spent nearly 2 weeks there travelling around and luckily all was good and loved everything about the country, can happen anywhere I guess . Take care
Back 10 years ago I was exposed to different scams in Marrakech and Casa. Countered it by showing my knuckle and offering a taste of it. Problems were instantly solved. They even offered me my money back, giving me a free ride/entrance. Unfortunately, I think this is part of the local culture which is sad.. The bigger guy usually closes the deal. Now I'm planning go back in July to have a ball in Casa, once again. I'm 30 pounds heavier than last time, so no need for security this time either ;) ;)
As soon as I saw the title of your video I knew exactly which country you were talking about! I was 18 when I backpacked alone there to greetings of "What hotel? No, that hotel burned down. But my cousin owns a hotel, and for you, not tourist price, family price--because you are my brother." I didn't realize that the convictions for locals harassing tourists was a 7 year imprisonment, so until I learned that, I'd just flag down the tourist police whenever I was being scammed. On the train to the departure point in Spain, I coincidentally shared a birth with a fellow who invited me to dinner at his house when I was in Marrakesh (It's an honor from God to have a guest, he explained). It turned out he was the police chief! It made for a pleasant evening of guided pre-meal Moroccan rug shopping! ;)
Once I have been on a backpacking tour in Southern Spain. We met some other travellers who just came back from Marocco by ferry. We asked them, is it worth a go. They said: as soon as you leave the boat, the scammers are everywhere. Pickpocketers, fake tourist guides, greasy drug dealers, beggars, etc. Hearing this, we decided to stay on the European side of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Another scam they try is when I was walking through the square in Marrakech and someone came and put a snake around my neck and demanded money to take it off. Unfortunately for him I like snakes and I started to walk away with his snake and he was like ok ok ok. And he took it off.
I remember watching this video a while back, and I thought to myself it can´t possibly be that bad. Well... I just came back from my Morocco trip to Marrakech and Fez, and needless to say I am totally disappointed with the way me and my girlfriend were treated by the local scammers. Especially in Fez, we were constantly harassed, shouted at, chased and followed and nearly got robbed. We minded our own business, respecting everyone, we were dressed very modestly and we have done nothing provocative, however still we were insulted all the time. In our case the police were involved, and they had to escort us to our riad as some locals didn´t stop following us and harassing us. Morocco is a beautiful country and it has some very lovely people, but unfortunately due to these people I feel like I never want to return ever again. Morocco is the country where you cannot even enjoy 10 seconds of peace without someone approaching you to sell you something or to scam you!
I feel sad to hear this because i'm moroccan but i think you should have learned how to negotiate before traveling, because if you visit Egypt, I assure you, you will say that Morocco was better, and I respect your opinion, and I feel sorry because I know that my country is beautiful and many of our people are welcoming 🤍
@@oumaimamina”learning to negotiate” as you say doesn’t help anything. I have been to both Morocco and Egypt, and they are both bad for scammers.. but I will say truthfully that I think Morocco is worse. I planned to stay 10 days there and I had to leave after 4 because I could not take it anymore. My hotel room safe was broken into and money stolen, my phone was stolen another day from my pocket, I was surrounded and yelled and pushed by 5 men into an alleyway while they kept trying to get my money… I had to scream over and over again until finally a police came and helped me, and then he escorted me back to my hotel.. well guess what? Those men must have fallowed us to my hotel to see where I was staying because later that night they climbed onto my balcony and were banging on my window. I locked myself into the bathroom and called the police and security. So much more happened.. so many little things everyday constantly people trying to scam me or get money from me. It was the worst time in my life and I will never ever return or recommend anyone to go there, especially a woman. I am not a naive tourist either, I have been to over 55 countries I know how to travel. I was so respectful to everyone. I did meet some very, very nice people as well, they were amazing. But sadly, these horrible scamming people ruin your country for the rest of you.
Been to Morocco twice. First time in Fez and Meknes - absolutely loved it. Second time - in Marrakesh - not so great but enjoyed Essaouira and desert tour. I did get hassled but nothing I couldn't handle. The most disappointing was dishonesty. But I was also firm with them. No taxi driver managed to overcharge me. Two tried but I only gave them what they deserved - couldn't care if they were happy or not. I actually forgot my expensive jacket in one of the driver's cab. He still brought it back to my hotel. I'm fluent in French though - it seem to have helped. Fake guides were pestering me in Fez but I would piss them off faster than they would me. They would swear at me but I couldn't care - just walk on. I think things are worse past Covid. Two years there were no tourists and as in other countries that made poverty much worse. A lot of desperation. Police used to be very strict with fake guides, especially in Fez, but things may have changed with covid. Morocco is a stunning country, beautiful landscapes and interesting culture. I think you should come back but do yourself a favour - stay away from Marrakesh. Go to desert, mountains, coastal towns, desert fortresses. And be firm. They use aggression to intimidate you but won't actually harm you. Punishment for physical assault on tourists are very harsh.
@@BackpackerBen having been to India and Morocco several times the violence point is spot on 👍 a taxi driver who looked like Saddam Hussein locked me in his car and I almost got into a fight with a toilet attendent called Fatima. Wild Arab genes 😬
The thing is though, is that there are so many other amazing countries out there to visit where you don’t have to worry about shit like this or be stressed out. So a lot of people don’t want to waste money coming back to a place line that when there are many many other options.
Great video guys. I'm Moroccan and I just took the IELTS test yesterday in Rabat. I should've prepared with you guys for the listening test :))). I totally agree with you on "Marrakstress". I got pickpocketed twice in one week. The first time it was my phone and the funny thing is that I was pickpocketed while my wife was buying something from a side road seller, it was crowded and I was carrying our baby daughter; also I was wearing a Moroccan "gandoora " which has very large pockets. Anyway, the best part (which I realized after I got home and found my phone was stolen) is that the seller apparently was witnessing the pickpocket (and probably other persons) because he was saying and repeting something like " God damns fingers playing or sports), he meant pickpocketing :))), and I was like wtf is he saying that! As a Rabati, I'm never keen to visit Marrakstress. The second time, a week later, it was my wallet, it happened inside a shop. However, this time the guy/lady brought it back to the shop hours later, he/she threw it on the ground. Money was gone but at least he/she didn't take my id's, driving license and national ID. :)))
Thanks so much for sharing brother. These scams are an absolute outrage. The state should really not allow this to happen it's in their own benefit like!! Also she is so beautiful, that bubbly smile
Hi Ben, me and my girlfriend went to Morocco this year and the Henna scam happened to us too. I absolutely loved Morocco but we felt like Marrakech had more scammers than anywhere. I agree in the Blue city the people were so lovely and the same for Fez and Tangier, I've made a couple of vlogs on my channel about our experience
Never understand why people go to Marakech - for me it’s one of the worst cities in morrocco. Many much nicer traditional cities than that pile of rubbish
Just came back from 6 days in Morocco (3 Marrakesh and 3 Fes). All the scams and the stress you mentioned may happen, some more often (the helpful strangers) some less (the fake menu). However, everyone who travel to Morocco is perfectly aware of these tricks as there are thousands of article online so It’s not that difficult to prevent them.
As locals we face this too as well.. "Please YT tourists share more videos about this". We want the government to make a move and stop this shit as soon as possible!!
The scammers would be beyond annoying, so glad I haven't been caught up in that sort of thing yet. Kat is an absolute delight! Best wishes to you both on your future plans.
That’s exactly it!! They get mad if you don’t fall for their scam. Is so sad because at first I thought people were so friendly and then you realised that they are harassing people into giving them loads of money. I could not wait to leave and will never come back!
Sorry, man. It looked pretty bad in the last video with the hand trick and the directions guy. The authorities need to get ahold of this because it will definitely hurt their tourism industry. Such a shame because I’d love to visit Morocco. 🇲🇦
Glad you've put this together as it's helpful for tourist who plan to visit Morocco. I had the same experiences and it can be scary sometimes as they can be forceful and intimidating. It's such a shame that it's not managed better by the authorities, because as beautiful Morocco is, I'm also reluctant to return. Glad to hear that Chefchaouen is nicer, I didn't get to visit this city. Happy and safe travels!
The locals need to step in and defend the tourists being harassed, this includes the airport before they leave and the hotels when the taxi drops them off. The reason why it exists is because it is a cultural behavior.
As a Moroccan I'm desperately sad to hear such things that happened to you 😢 Scammers are everywhere but I will try my best to teach the children in my neighborhood to behave in good manners
Big tourist cities are and have always been a nuisance with scammers. If you can avoid the hire car scam then hire a car and travel out and around the country. Your experience will be much more positive. The people are friendly, kind and courteous. I have been visiting the country since 1973 and it is much improved re scammers. As you mentioned, if you have the cash to spare then hire an official guide, all the stress in the tourist centres will melt away and you will learn much.
I watched a few travel vlogs now about Morocco. It's definitely an interesting country with lots to see. Sadly, the scammers and touts are in all the videos. It looks very annoying, being there having to deal with them would be a lot worse. So, this will put off a lot of people from visiting.
The only solution is to have a moroccan man to have you here to guide you and protect you from this scams, because we know all the possible scams here, but then u ill have to pay the guide ..
I have visited Maroc several times over the last 40 years. I have noticed more scammers in recent years but personally have never had a problem. Maybe it would be different if I was walking around openly with a video camera.
It's sad that you could enjoy one of the most friendly and generous country ever A traveler should know how to transform energies, harassment into friendship, make joke and people laugh is medicine..... open your heart to everyone and you'll be surprise of how it is a different experience.... But probably you are not a traveler but just a tourist , you never learn the basic of moving energies into a funny experience !!
Normally Im very skeptical when I see people saying that videos arent going into peoples subscriptions tab because whenever ive also checked its never been true. I was looking at the new videos from my subscriptions then clicked on the home page and there was your video uploaded "14 minutes ago", and thought to myself "im pretty sure that wasnt in my subscriptions". I've gone back and refreshed it a few times and its not appeared, the latest video is from 38 minutes ago. Anyway it seems the subscriptions tab is probably a bit of an old school way for most people, at least youre on the homepage! I doubt theres any conspiracy against you, just annoying bugs
Morocco is one of those countries where you will need good connections to truly enjoy it. I never understand why tourists pick those crowded areas to visit where there is really nothing interesting to see. Research, research, research and plan before traveling to a city and you won't be as disappointed.
We visited Morocco as a group for a full day visiting several so called attractions, having an organised extorsion from the cruise ship we had no hassle whatsoever. Quite enjoyed the experience.
انا من المغرب و اشجع كشف المحتالين بالفعل و ضد التحرش . يجب ان يكون هذا الصوة مسموعا للحكومة هم ينامون طوال الوقت و يتناسون هذه الامور المهمة . لكن لا يجب ابدا التحريض على عدم السفر او زيارة اي دولة ما .
I spent a month traveling all over Morocco and had similar experiences to Ben. Chefchaouen was probably our favorite spot but even there we were asked for money by people we’d thought were our friends. And there is often a dark vibe in more rural areas where women are rarely seen and men cannot be trusted. My wife’s behind was grabbed more than once and in Taghazout two men were plotting to rape her. I’ve traveled all over the world and avoided many a scam, but even seasoned travelers get tired when literally every interaction could be a scam. To be honest we did have some lovely experiences in Morocco but we will never return.
Women are rarely seen? I dont know but my village back in north morocco is not like that at all. You have to realize that these ppl asking money from you are just poor ppl in the area like almost homeless.
Sorry to know that you had bad experience but I visited Morocco few months back and enjoyed it thoroughly with 0 scams what so ever. You just need to be a bit careful, I guess and btw I am not a Moroccan but loved the place!!
@Glasgow Rossco I am not Arab. But I guess my point was if you are a bit careful you can avoid scams. There are scammers in many touristy places all around the world and Morocco is no different. I was there with my wife and many times people used to reach me for services which we politely refuse or just move on ignoring them and you can avoid these. I was never in the situation when I was forced to accept their services. Maybe I was lucky? I don’t know but I did not have any unpleasant incident.
The "Restaurant Scam" I experienced in LONDON, in an Italian restaurant. The Italian restaurants in England always seemed to have an angle--couldn't sit where you wanted in an empty restaurant, or the food was presented as artwork, was not nearly enough for an adult, and had a huge price. Morocco sounds far worse than Egypt--and those folks are good.
fes and marrakech has the worst scammers , everyone is a hustler , even the kids ! rest of the moroccan cities are okay , loved the chefchouan as well.
Catherina is such an ideal travelling companion. She is always so positive and patient. I need to find me a Portuguese girl like Catherina to travel with.
We had 2 of the issues that you had! We had one of the 'locals' say that if you go any further in, you aren't welcome as foreigners and you will probably be attacked... Then a taxi one, he didn't drop us anywhere near where we asked, didn't have any change so dropped us at his friend's shop to get change who then was forcibley selling spices. Wouldn't rush back.
Really upset sorry if you had bad experience here in Morocco , this mentality began a few years ago, those who had a chance to discover our country between 2000 until 2010 saw the Beuaty and Magic of this land , but I think if you tried an new trip with Morrocan friends that will change totally this image , we also as local tourist now days here we suffer from scammers especially restaurant 😅, hope you enjoys your next trips
Bro.. it's obvious that you're not fully adapted or familiar with the local culture and mentality-especially after just one visit. You and your lady seem like genuinely nice people, which is exactly what those scammers are looking for-friendly, open, and maybe a bit too trusting. Depending on where you're from, this kind of aggressive sales pitch might feel like you’re being attacked. If you're used to the cooler, more reserved vibes of a Western European country where people barely talk to strangers, I get how this might have felt like an ambush. But here in Morocco, especially in places like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna, it’s just another Tuesday. Now, since you’ve made it clear that this experience has you swearing off Morocco for life, it’s important to know a few things. Tourist hotspots like Jemaa el-Fna are full of insistent merchants, and believe me, even the locals get harassed there! As a tourist, you've just got to ignore them, keep walking, and maybe throw in a mean look if they don’t back off. Walk fast and act busy-think of it as your ‘leave me alone’ face. And a little tip: maybe skip the ultra-tourist outfit that screams ‘I just parachuted in from Norway 3 hours ago!’ Go for something a bit more low-key. You don’t need to wear a djellaba, but maybe avoid the super short shorts and skinny tops that make you stand out like a neon sign. Another simple trick: when visiting popular spots, avoid the typical tourist groups-like the ones with guides who have them lined up two by two like a school trip. Instead, go with your lady or friend during the busiest time of day. That way, you’ll blend into the crowd, and the scammers will be too busy hassling someone else to notice you. And if you really want to dodge all that hassle, why not skip the tourist traps altogether? Morocco is incredibly safe, with a focus on making sure tourists are protected. You’re honestly safer here than on a Saturday night in a highly alcoholised London nightclubs avenue... Sure, the pushy merchants can be annoying, but serious crime is rare, and the culture is all about peace and tolerance. So next time, try exploring the more authentic side of Morocco. Who knows, you might end up loving it-just like those TH-camrs who moved here and never looked back. 🤙
I completely agree with everything you're saying . I love Marocco and have been there a few times and that's exactly how you need to move your self around . Be smart and get to know the country/ place your going. I will be back soon and will definitely recommend this beautiful country and amazing friendly people
I love Morocco, it’s my second time as a Turkish guy. I will come again and again. You guys, traveling world and you should know that the rest of the World is different than 20 big industrial economies of the world! Whit this knowledge, you should be open your eyes! Just ask before you do anything about prices, just check the menu or prices, ask them, talk them. Just be awake.. Most of the Moroccans people are trying to help you and they are so kind ! You should take same scammers with humour and it’s funny if you know how they act. As a Turkish guy, some of them also try to scam me, but I know the rules. It’s just funny sometime. Just ask before, check the menu, ask, speak. Sorry but the world is different than 20 industrial rich country’s. I will visit Morocco again. I hate scammers but I love Moroccans. Scammers has nothing to do with a country or nationality!
Living in Morocco compared to England or other countries shows a stark difference. In Morocco, there are luxurious palaces and beautiful residences, and most Moroccans, about 85%, own their homes. Conversely, in England and much of Europe, living spaces can feel cramped and it's common to share accommodation with multiple roommates, often having to label your food to ensure it isn’t taken. Moroccan homes often resemble palaces in their beauty. The food is great and not very expensive, whereas in Europe or other places, you have to buy everything individually, which can be very costly. Many houses in these areas are small and sometimes have a moldy smell. In these European countries, people often work tirelessly, akin to a horse
I've also had the guide scam in Marrakech. Suddenly I was in a hidden alleyway with the girl I was dating back then, facing 5 locals. There are no brave hearts on that moment, you don't know if there are knives involved or whatever. What got us to accept the "guide" were the closed gates, but the guy (started alone) told us the market had closed. I should have went back to the restaurant and called a cab or something. There is only one way of coming back to Morroco, in an 4*4 expedition with a full time guide, in a big group.
A tip I would give from my own experience (admittedly from over 30 years ago) is in the touristy areas it often pays to just accept it and hire a guide. For me it was ridiculously cheap and then all the scammers and touts leave you alone. It is basically a protection racket. The guy I hired was a pathetic individual. He ended up crying on my shoulder telling me that Morocco was screwed. No jobs, so no money, so no social status so no girl and no marriage, family etc. Everyone wanted to leave Morocco and emigrate because it was so hopeless. The one place I would be wary of is Tetouan in the Rif mountains. The hustlers there are hardcore and scary. Lots of screaming and death threats. Avoid.
Im really sorry to hear that , morocco is an amazing country but you didn't have a great experience in there . Hope the responsible people take action ASAP
I spent 8 days in Marrakech. I speak French and a few words of Arabic. I got scammed day 1......follow me, I'll show you where it is. He wanted 40 US dollars. I said thanks for the education, I'll never say a word to another Moroccan. The scammers were mostly in the old town but they are there, on aggressive duty 24-7-365. I asked a cop where my hotel was (slightly lost I was...) and instead of saying take your next left, it's right there, the pig bastard called his taxi pig friend and he took me for a ride, literally and figuratively. I have many Moroccan friends here in NE China and they are true friends. But I'll never go to Morocco. Why would I? The next year, I visited Tunis, Tunisia and it was the same there....The whole of Africa is a 'no-go' zone for me. No place for a blue-eyed white boy.
I have traveled to Mor 8 times and have had no real problems with scammers. Anyone who comes up to me I just ignore them or I say no English, or Russian.
I was there last spring and it was horrible. Literally relentless scammers any time I was walking out in public. Never going back. Too bad because it's a beautiful country
Hi there, I went to Marrakesh with 3 other ladies…I will never go back …we had a trip in a horse drawn carriage around the city and they took us to their friends and family’s shops and demanded we buy things there…we took a trip to the Atlas Mountains with a taxi driver…he was very nice but then found us a guide to take us up the mountain…however the guide refused to take us down unless we bought a huge amount of stuff from his uncle’s shop on the hill! As 4 women (I went with my friend and her two early 20s daughters) it was extremely scary!
Sorry for what happened to you and I hope you reconsider your decision about not returning. Don't let very few morons ruin the beautiful encounters, discoveries, and enjoyment you can still have in one of most mystical countries in Africa. My advise to you whether you are in Morocco or any other countries is to go with your guts. When you feel like you are going to be in a tense situation, just ignore the person(s) and keep walking until you see a cop. Safe travels!
Here currently. Met plenty of really decent Marrakeshians, given suggestions for genuinely reasonably priced places to eat inside and outside the old city. Really kind, sweet people. However totally agree Ben there are some super aggressive manipulative guys here too. Don't get led anywhere for any reason and if asked for money for anything do not pay. If you are easily intimidated I would not visit.
@@BackpackerBen update for ya: appears some doors/areas are locked post 930ish in parts of the old city of Marrakesh. And Google maps isn't detailed enough to show the way. There are guys who genuinely do show cut throughs in the labyrinth and don't ask for money either so thumbs up to them.
Absolutely agreeing on what you said! Since my first visit in Morocco I discouraged anybody from going to that country. From the Southern to the Northern parts and from the Western to the Eastern parts it gets worse. The worst region is around Tetouan-due to drug trafficking. Tourists get intimidated even with physical attacks, harrassed, scammed etc. Police won´t really help you, as they are corrupt. Prices given for a thing you are about to buy and considering to bargain on, are set up at 50X !! times the normal price. One thing to discern is, that in Morocco there are also very lovely, helpful and hospitable people, but those you regularly won´t meet since the scammers stick to you like flies and molest you during your whole stay, especially if you are travelling on your own. And I absolutely discourage any woman from travelling there.
I’m a tour guide in Morocco and hustlers are everywhere around the touristy part, especially in Fez Medina, Marrakech Medina. The only place where I let my group tour by themselves it’s in Tetouan where it’s very harassment free. So I’m surprised that you say that Tetouan is the worst place. Maybe you got confused with another city
@@skuda9 very different today. Tétouan has become one of the richest city in Morrocco and according to numbeo website , tetouan has a criminality close to Zurich .
I can only talk about own experience there and it began back in 2013... Met this really nice person and we became really good friends. I mean i was to this persons sisters weddings and dined with the family etc. But it would never go further than that. It was always the feeling of no matter how friendly they were or i was, i was always "The outsider", "The foreigner". Years went by and we kept our friendship but it just seemed to become more strained as time went by with just nonsense. I just had enough one day and said how i felt. And that is the last time i talked with my so called "friend" from Morocco. Their friendliness if just a facade of how they really are. Lets just say for one thing i experienced very hard talking about black people there with that family that was worse than American southern kkk ramblings. I kept on there for almost 8 years. I will never go back. Never. All of what you say in this video is true.
Réglez d'abord vos avions les touristes vont pas venir à pieds quand même !! EMBARRASSEMENT NATIONAL : TUNISAIR A320 - LE VOL LE PLUS CHOQUANT th-cam.com/video/en3PHwfw3bU/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JoshCahill
I am from Brussels, Belgium and I grew up with moroccans and have been to Morocco on my own and with my daughter many times. Knowing some darija and being streetwize helps.
enjoy the problems moroccan fans caused after Belgium vs Morocco match... as a spaniard im tired of most of them (not everyone is bad but damn... it seems like most of them don't have a father figure in their life or something... they are unpolite)
@@PaulTC97 these are the algerians and filthy people like you who caused the fire! Don’t even try to blame it in Moroccans. We were so happy & celebrating and haters like ur dumb ass started being violent! 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽
@@PaulTC97 we ruled spain for thousand of years all your history is Moroccan all your past is Moroccan I can def understand why that much hate! Insecurity and racism but fact is your dna has Moroccan origins fucking idiot
When I came back from Morocco just a week ago, I thought to myself the exact opposite, which is that I knew I’d visit again eventually. I had a lot of people trying to sell me things (that’s obviously part of the game), and a few very insisting people in Marrakesh because of how touristy it is (and that I really didn’t like and felt uncomfortable about, with dozens of people around you each trying to get you to eat at their restaurant, at Jemaa El Fna), but otherwise, all over the country, the people were lovely, the culture was wonderful to se and the trip was unforgettable for me. It’s crazy how people can have totally different experiences in a same country, and here I genuinly wonder whose experience reflects the odds.
Thank you for all the great information, I was thinking about a trip to morroco. But now no thanks. And thank you for having Kat ( or Catherine) participate in the video , yall are a great pair.
I'm glad you shared this video it really helped us prepare for our trip we encountered most of the scams mentioned and we were prepared to deal with them thanks to the warning. What we weren't prepared for was a drive by phone theft by a low life on a scooter in the Gueliz area on the last night of our vacation. You really have to have your wits about you at all times in "Mara-stress" as you call it
I experienced the same harassment (cheating and scamming) in Sri Lanka. Almost everyone that I encountered cheated or tried to cheat (con) me. It was a horrific experience.
Gotta say the worse thing you have to avoid is getting robbed /stolen from, and getting scammed specially marrakech. Bro I literally get flabbergasted by the amount of persuasion and words they speak per second and I'm from here. I get why wouldn't come here again, but too bad there are far better more beautiful cities here than the mainstreamed known cities where the scams thrive.
I was there 10 years ago and had a great time. Went all over. Secret...dress modestly and do not act like a jerk. The only problem I had was the camels are not comfortable to ride.
My father in law just returned from Morocco. He went with a Moroccan friend of his who just retired from a US Gov't job. He stayed with this man's family. My wife and I just happened upon this video of your experiences from your visit. Very informative and well done. Thanks Backpacker Ben.
I was scammed by a guy who was so " friendly" to me. It was a horrible experience. It left me with bitter feelings towards Morocco unfort. I was travelling on a budget and i was scammed in one of those hidden alleys in the medina in Marrakesh. I didn't ask for anything and all of sudden this super friendly guy demanded violently for money. I wish I could forget about those scary moments....sigh, I tell everyone NOT to go to Morocco.....Sad ..it was a dream of mine to visit that country,,,,
Like this video if you hate scammers. It helps the video grow to expose these people 👍 I witnessed innocent old couples fall for these scams and pay huge amounts to these people 💀
Are you going to Mongolia? 🤔
👍
Where you going
@@dee74raz not this year to cold
@@johnafrica7979 you’ll see next Monday ;)
scammers are not only hurting tourists, but damaging the genuine locals who actually work and depend on tourists to make a living.
Yes agree wholeheartedly...bc of their greed and poor values, they ruin it for the genuine locals
Exactly!
Unfortunately it's engraved in the culture of many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, shamelessly cheating, lying, stealing, and especially haggling over prices. It's sickening when hearing "I give you the best price for you!" which is often just BS. Of course not everyone in these counties do it, but a lot of them do. Gotta be careful and walk away as quickly as you're feeling uncomfortable.
Scammers depend on tourism to make a living too ;)
@@ramdas363unethically though. Its like saying thieves depend on ppls belongings to make a living
How to deal with scammers: be firm and assertive, ignore them and keep walking, don't show that you are indecisive or hesitant, never stop to talk to them. They can smell vulnerability just like sharks smell blood. You have to stay in charge of the situation. Apart from that do a proper research beforehand to know how much things should cost on average.
Magdalene did you have some bad experience in Poland too or just in Morocco ?
Here is an even simplar way to accomplish all that: just stay the f@ck out of the country. Your Moroccan scamming problems miraculously solved.
I just left Marrakech. I loved it. I think sometimes Euro and Americans have issues with the “scammers”. But they aren’t even scammers they are just people trying to make a dollar. All you have to do is say NO and keep walking.
They get mad if you don’t fall for their scam
@@davinaharvey9001 If only 'keep walking' meant they stop following you. 99% of them keep following you and buzzing into your ear, not taking no for an answer
To visit morocco, you really need a Morrocan friend to go with you. But, as a Moroccan, I really apologize for the bad behaviors of everyone in Morocco.
he doesn't need a Moroccan friend. Most of the tourists are coming to the country without knowing anyone there and had a great experience, he unfortunately didn't by the looks of it.
Do you have anyone who could take me round some of the best sites for a fee?
@@andym28 I don't, sorry.
@@andym28 contact me
Bs
As a Moroccan I think it is time that international tourists start sharing this kind of experiences. The Moroccan government prides itself in being a touristic country but still doesn’t crack down hard enough on this scammers. Hopefully things will change! Sorry you had to experience this!
well said mate, hopefully it can change
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Lesson one dont speak own language n learn arabic a bit
Tourism is less than 3% of the economy fyi
Lol....they're scammers everywhere especially in western havens like USA😂😂😂.....so why don't you preach that news in the US
My son just returned from Morocco and told us they stayed in the hotel the whole time because of the aggression against them, Stupid scammers make it bad for all the traders trying to make a decent living.
Tell him to grow a pair of testicles perhaps, there's nothing to worry about in Morocco anymore than where you live
th-cam.com/video/MEBaudHxi6k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sQXy-j2qQoo6Iwh-
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Your son shouldn’t be scared of scammwrs. There human like him tell him to be a man. Why was he locked inside his hotel for days scared from scammwrs. Your son acting like the taliban was in town lol .
Sorry for the bad experience. Unfortunately the amount of scammers in Marrakech especially the old Medina is crazy, they even scam locals so I cannot imagine how bad it would be for tourists!
Yes apparently locals get it as well 😖
@@BackpackerBen I always say it to my friends: Marrakesh is so overrated. Did you try visiting the other northern cities like Tangier or Tetouan?
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Its crazy man
@@BackpackerBen doubt it
What a shame, I was just looking at a short break in Morocco....no more! Taxi tip for anywhere, go to the back and take a picture of the taxi....if he gets angry, you got your answer!
good advise
Funny how all these daft 'travel couple' vloggers talk about how bloody amazing Morocco is and won't dare say anything else lol keep it real mate always.
So fake and cheesy mate, breaks me
@@BackpackerBen Init mate hahah make my skin crawl. Look forward to the next trip.
they get paid byt eh tourism ministry countries are now paying vloggers much more effective than paying marketing agencies.
@@vanhuvanhuvese2738 yes true
@@vanhuvanhuvese2738 tbh mate,moroccan tourism ministry wont pay vloggers to do such things , bec they simply just dont give a dayum about tourisme, every one in the tourism ministry come just to take money and run away. par contre, morroco would have been a very nice place if they invested the money they get to impove the tourism industry
Fez may be my least favourite place I’ve been to. The surroundings, scenery and most locals are lovely but the scammers ruined almost every moment of it
It's disheartening to see how tourism in my country, Morocco, is being affected by scammers. On a recent trip to Marrakech, I encountered a lot of harassment. Everywhere I went, people were trying to take advantage of me by offering overpriced rides and goods. It's frustrating to think that these individuals believe tourists are foolish and easy to deceive.
Marrakech is like that. That's why it's better to visit other places like Essaouira where the sellers are relaxed and respectfull.
It's a damn shame because it's an interesting country with a lot going for it. Exotic and affordable with a hell of a lot to see, good infrastructure and mostly friendly people. But the scammers and hustlers really ruin it. Hard to enjoy your day when half your energy is spent battling people trying to pressure you into something or other. I would still go back because I'm curious to see the desert villages in the east of the country, where apparently there's less hassle because it isn't as touristy.
Well said mate I agree
👍👍👍👍👍
just he is so sensitive. there good and bad everywhere. there is no heaven on earth yet. if he get mad from some scammers out of 40 million Moroccan I'm sure most of them are nice, he is not a traveler. he should stay in his mom basement
@@mostwardi4389 raye7 t9awd
@@hi._.golgo137 نتا دزايري اولد الكلبة ههه، لا حول ولا قوة الا بالله. سمح ليا لكنتي دزايري ماتناقشهومش. مرفوع عليك القام.
I was on a cruise a few years ago and it stopped off in Morocco for a couple of hours. We got a taxi to go to the shops. We ended up getting taken to a specific shop where we were compelled to buy something and yeah, cost an absolute fortune witch was pretty much the last of my cash. But honestly feared for our safety not coughing up as it was hostile. Sad to say never again lol.
I went to Fes and Rabat and Salé and made several videos about it. I encountered 0 scammers and was able to meet honest locals that invited us to see their house, a wedding, tours, etc without paying anything - just being friendly. I guess that Marrakech is like an infierno and you’re not the first person who talked about this.
Lucky man
Why aren't you verified yet?
he is sensitive. he should stay in his mom basement. he dorget his self he is also scammer, by making money from picturing and making video of those people. there some who travel and waiting to find bad thing to make some drama queen.
It's mostly Marrakech, and mostly the medina. The taxi drivers aren't as bad as other places in the world but they are at least 80% dishonest and give bad service, overcharging, being abusive and argumentative, lengthening the journey and stopping when hailed but refusing to take passengers..which is the reason they have a permit for public transport and illegal, of course.
Bruh why do people even go to Marrakech ? Agadir is 1000 times better (but rn dont go there there’s a lot of works, buildings and all...) maybe try thanja? They say it’s great or fes.
I live in Casablanca, so i’m not sure, but Casa is pretty well developed, but it’s probably not as great as other cities for tourisme maybe
I visited Morocco in the 90s. The same scams existed, but no one ever got violent. This is a disturbing development for sure. We met the most beautiful people on train journeys who would share their own lunches with you. It's shame you have to put up with scammers in such an amazing place but I guess some people are just desperate.
You are scammed far worse by the energy companies in the UK
Not really, I've lived worked and visited over 90 countries around the world and the UK is far from the worst. Even in Europe countries of a similar size like Italy & Germany pay a lot more than we do in the UK- but the MSM in the UK will never tell you that as its the fashion to slate the UK these days.
Yes he is yelois moroccan men almost took his girl.
I never heard that the scammer topic is a big issue in Morocco 🇲🇦 Thank you Ben for share your experience with us ✌️
Cheers Liam 🙏🏼
It’s a massive issue, and I like to think I’m a savvy traveler
he should never travel if he is afraid of scammer, because morocco is the less scammers in the world. of course scammer and bad and smart ass are everywhere. maybe he need some therapy after vising Morocco or just he can go to his mom basement and cry. HHH, God bless Morocco.
@@mostwardi4389 shut up mate people like you who think are defending the honour of the country and culture are in fact the ones hurting it most, you re pushing people away by your attitude.
Coming from a proud Moroccan.
@@hi._.golgo137 No I'm not definding scammers, but to talk about Morocan this way I rather like a scammer than somebody who insult Moroccans. because I know Moroccans are very nice at degree some thing they are damb and take advantage of them. there are some scammers like everywhere in the world, but not to make a video insluting all moroccan and Morocco. Only cheap traveler are like this.
As a moroccan, living in Casablanca i m really really sorry for your experience, people here do the impossible for money, they take advantage of foreigners not knowing what's going on there, some many of this scams happens also to locals, like the taxi and photo thing, but if u dont want to pay them its okey u should have called the police and you are fine, but that would take u some time.. anyways sorry for your experience mate im really ashamed, good luck 🤞🏻
Like I said mate the majority of people are amazing so I really appreciate that 🇲🇦🙌🏼
Don't be ashamed, there are bad people in every country and the rest of us should not be judged by that. I would hope no one judges me for the worst Americans and accordingly I would never judge you my friend!
@@Tyler-vw9bh thank you mate, we be trying to make the world a better place but it wont be that easy huh ahah. appréciate your comment
@@BackpackerBen Remember that Morocco is probably the poorest country that attract tourism in Mass.
No only the salaries are extremely low and some people suffer hunger but it’s also a country with huge gap between rich and poor. I think people don’t understand how poor Morocco is.
Many people live with less than a dollar a day. The problem won’t be fixed until 10 years from now
@@Visit_Tangierexcatly i think people completely forgot that or they just haven't done their homework about the country they are about to visit.
I just came back from a 12 days trip to Morocco, I’ve been to Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fez, Mezourga, Marrakesh, Casablanca and honestly I didn’t experienced all these scams you mentioned, I found Marocco a very beautiful country with friendly people. Of course you can find some taxi try to make you pay higher and some hustling but nothing more than other countries I visited
depends where and when you go
What countrys are you talking about? Germany,Holland , Denmark, Zwitserland, Australia , Austria, Norway? What other countries
@@M0T0.M.B. No
@@M0T0.M.B. Colombia, Tanzania Africa, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica and soon I will go to India.
I think backpacker Ben is just a spoiled child who complain too much, he doesn’t have personality in my opinion, in fact finally he is just the poor imitation of bald and bankrupt
I went to Cairo. Terrible experience. First day, we were looking for a particular market. Some old guy came to us and told us: "I will bring you there" 15 min later we were in a parfume shop and the guy who brought us there was gone! Happens all the time. I won't go to such places were I come back more stressed than before going there.
i know this and the guy was asking for dirham in djibouti
As locals we don't know what to do since the government is not moving a muscle to get rid of these low lifes 😳
Such a shame :(
@@BackpackerBen it is a shame, we want people to visit the country and feel comfortable. But the government don't even listen to our local problems how are they supposed to care about anything else.
I personally think foreigner should be wary before coming here and learning to say a firm NO as we Moroccans do to these scammers. Furthermore, foreigners have the benefit of getting the police for situations like this and the scammers may get until 7years in prison.
@@sweetpotato1794 lets hope it changes as morroco was amazing despite these people
I'm glad someone else is saying this...I spent 10 days in Morocco and it was the only place I couldn't wait to leave. Got sick of being constantly harassed. Can't get to know any locals as you're constantly suspicious of them, spoiling it for the many decent folk there. Having said that, I didn't visit Chefchaouen, which seems more mellow from what you're saying
So true mate and a real shame. I was suspicious of people generally just walking with me and actually being friendly to me cuz I was thinking is this leading to a scam. Sometime it didn’t and I was so surprised
It s the same in Cairo. Couldn t wait to leave Egipt
@@nn843 I have heard that as well
Essaouira (beach town in the south) was filled with Moroccans on vacation and almost no foreign tourists. I would get approached with cameras and asked if I could take a family photo for them. After, I'd invariably joke "ten dirhim please." They laughed.
Same experience in Egypt..went back to Israel.
I'm from Morocco, and there is no need to sugar coat things. Self-awareness is not that great here, you will stumble across many people functionning mainly on their primal/animal instincts and this manifest through alot of things, one of them are the scammers who get abusive when you refuse their garbage service. Responding to them in a civilized manner will only invite them to push further, until you get aggressive in away that match their understanding, it can range from an aggressive gazing to yelling and insulting...god forbid if you show any signs weakness or shyness which they will read as submission and invitation to dominate (yeah, just like animals). But things could have gotten worse for you if you were not tourists, they are stupid but they know very well that if they get sued by a tourist, they are screwed.
The government won't do much to prevent their interactions with tourists, but its very rigid and punishing if they were put under a spotlight of a complain from a tourist.
I had the same experience 2 years ago with my GF, we both hated it and said we've never go back. I've travelled quite a lot, as Marrakech was the worst place I've ever been, near constant harassment - couldn't even get a taxi without someone trying to pull one over on us. We ended up just sitting in the hotel for most of it as we literally couldn't be bothered to walk the streets.
Same as us mate 😂
We stayed in the hotel to avoid it all
100% can relate
I did quite like Marrakech but two taxi driver's attacked each other to get my fare. Extremely high intensity tho. Marrakech I mean. Agadir much more laid back
Hi guys, thank you for the great video. I can confirm that absolutely everything you said is 100% true. My husband is Moroccan (we live in Europe) and we visit there often. We take trips to different parts of the country. The snake scam in Marrakesh was the biggest one we’ve experienced and it got really dark. Guy caught me holding a phone, even thought I wasn’t recording or taking photos. As you said, who wants to take picture of abused snakes or monkeys?? Anyway, those bustards tried to grab a phone of my hand if we didn’t pay for the ‘photos taken’. My husband ended up having huge fight with them to the point that I got really scared that a street fight will break. It was us against them and there are many of ‘them’ as they all work together and some share profits together. Anyway, my husband called for the police. The police station is just by one of the ends of the Jemaa-el-Fnaa.I was truly shitting myself, I couldn’t understand what was being said and I ended up crying. The police issued a warning to the snake ‘scammers’ and told them to be more respectful of the tourists… but based on your story I gather this is happening every single day. Nobody should fall for that. But if you don’t know the language, don’t know how to involve the police - who don’t speak English either - how can you win?
why you european girls marry moroccans
I am European, I have been many times in Morocco, I have never been scammed. I was just irritated when people don't understand word NO or LA
Consider yourself lucky
@@johnmcclean343 I am not lucky, you see a idiot just say fuck off I have meet idiots everywhere even in Europe, keep your eyes open, happen even me in Croatia I just told him fuck off he do you want me call police he was so surprised, watch out they don't work alone, nothing they can do in public place, don't trust a stranger on the street that's my advice
i'm moroccan and agree, it seems like in africa personal space (which is also saying No), is not tradition
@@emotionalvideos6897 Its easier for you, when they see white people the think that all of us is ATM machine
@@emotionalvideos6897what is la?
Tell me about it lol. Finally someone says it!
I went in 2015 and I hated the 3 days I spent in Marrakech due to the constant harassment of the scammers. Once, a guy even just threw a freaking huge snake over my shoulders and wouldn't let me leave until I paid him. Even trying to get something to eat in the main square is impossible since they bring you more food making you think it's all part of the same price but then the check comes and you end up paying a lot.
It's really a shame because there are so many great places to visit there and a lot of nice people.
I thought all Arab/Muslim countries were like that and felt a bit weary before going to Turkey but gladly, Turkey is an amazing place where you won't experience this kind of situations
Well said mate people need to be more honest
Dude that just reminded of when I was in the Djemaa el-fna and the guy with the monkey on a chain told me to come get a photo with the monkey, of course I refused so he called me a mother f**ker and my girlfriend a b*tch 🙈😂
In Turkey it's worse if you don't take cautions.
Why tf would you go to tourist crowded cities when you could just explore the country and visit places that arent filled with scammy algerians and foreigners.
You need to visit other cities not Marrakesh.. it's known for scammers
Im in Marrakech right now for the second time… I never got scammed because I’m not so naive to trust everybody who greets me.
lol fair enough
@@BackpackerBen yeah you seem like a pretty naive dude, don't come back
@@BackpackerBen I watched a few of your videos, and because I did not know the countries, I really thought you did a great job (Pakistan especially). I visited Morocco multiple times .. and I can honestly say it is one of my favourite countries in the world. You seem to have seen JUST the tourist bits .. Jamaa El Fnaa.. Yes, it is true .. they are scammers .. but this day and age, with all the resources we have access to .. didn't you know? Didn't you do any research before going there? It is basically the same as saying "I hate London and London is a scam everywhere", when maybe you only went to Leicester Square and were approached by the wrong people. This is not right. You were a total tourist in Marrakech, you should go again as a traveller, maybe put your camera away for a while, speak to the locals, don't eat in tourist places, enjoy the city and the warmth of the people. This video is so bad I can not refrain from writing this .. and I actually like you. But you are really wrong in what you are saying here. It is too superficial and you haven't seen enough, I fear ... Be less touristy and dare more.
I spent a month traveling all over Morocco and had similar experiences to Ben. Chefchaouen was probably our favorite spot but even there we were asked for money by people we’d thought were our friends. And there is often a dark vibe in more rural areas where women are rarely seen and men cannot be trusted. I’ve traveled all over the world and avoided many a scam, but even seasoned travelers get tired when literally every interaction could be a scam.
@@omarbentaleb9258 you must be a rude Moroccan scammer. Take your backward country and shove it😂
I’m sorry for your experience Ben, I was born in Marocco and every time I travel back to visit my county and family happens that when I’m in Marrakech taxi drivers and locals try to scam me! Of course not everyone is a scammer!
Hope you come back and visit more cities and collect great memories from there! ❤
Agreed!
In Italy Moroccans are called "Maranza". Sad Marocco Is good and there are good people but in Italy they are all bad
😂😂شحال كنضحك على هدشي لي كاتب ليه ، خويا مكاينش لي خارج على المغرب قدكم و قسما بالله ، معمروا غادي يرجع ، زعم بداكشي لي كتبت غادي يسمع لك راهو غي منافق ، عندوا إنفصام فالشخصية أي تعليق كيجاوبوا بنفس فكرة الشخص !!! هدا أصلا متيصلاح يزور حت بلاد حيت غي كيقلب على بوز باش يدير لباس ، حيت فقير هدا مكان !!
This has been a problem forever. I had terrible problems back 30 years ago. People getting into our hotel room, trying to sell us drugs, threatening to kill us, "fuck your mother" and other insults, stalking us. So I have been the same - cannot be bothered to go back to Morocco as there are so many more pleasant places. However it is sad as it is a very interesting country and many ordinary Moroccans are really lovely and hospitable people. At the end of the day, like all other Arab countries, it has appalling, incompetent government so the economy is weak and not enough jobs for the young people.
💯 truth
yes yes yes yes yes
Iam glad to hear it you aware about what is really going on … seems have good soul and i wish you back again but with good experience..btw Iam Moroccan and had alot in Morocco also so it’s not something about Europe or strangers
Loved your honest experience mate! it'll help Moroccan authorities combat scammers.
You know: there always will be good & bad folks, don't let this stop you from exploring.
Respect & Morocco is your second home & welcome back anytime♥
Just returned from Morocco travelling with another female friend. Yes, the scams and harassment do exist but generally they won't bother you if you quickly refuse/ignore them and walk away. Re taxis, check with your hotel/riad/restaurant what the rate should be and agree a fixed price with them. Scams exist everywhere.
I am planning to visit Morocco. As a female will I have to worry about my safety constantly? I have traveled to a lot of countries. This will be my first trip to Morocco. I aprreciate any information about the safety of a female traveling alone in Morocco. I am planning to stay there for about a week.
@Claire Chloe Generally I thought it was fine. We got people trying to get our attention or telling us we were going the wrong way as we walked in the medinas (ignore and trust Googlemaps). Was more dodgy walking in the evening through the tiny alleyways at night though, around the medinas of Fes and Marrakech. If you can, make arrangements with the restaurant for someone to help pick you up and walk with you back to your accommodation. Be aware of your surroundings and if you need help, ask someone in a shop and not random locals or the local policemen (seemed to be a few here and there walking around the medinas). Enjoy as it is a beautiful country
@@clairechloe5294 Morocco is a touristy and safe destination. I've backpackerd throughout South America and North Africa. Met many female solo travelers in hostels and Morocco is indeed very safe if you practice common sense. It's not a noobie traveler's destination but it's not India either. This videos does not portray Morocco in a good light but again, you can find travelers reporting that they've been kidnapped in Colombia by some drug lords when 99.9% of tourists do not experience this. For your safety and this applies to everywhere in the word, hide precious items and use a spare phone if possible, stick to other foreigners in touristy places, don't be by yourself in sketchy streets, do not roam outside alone after dark, dress adequately, it is a mhsulim country and as a tourist, you don't want to standout with mini shorts or explicit clothing, if someone approaches you a swift and clear NON MERCI with no smile will suffice. For taxis there's a few apps like careem. You can use the red taxi but make sure they have their meter on. There's a big difference between street hustlers and red taxis scsmmers. Although whoever posted this video will not appreciate the following but if you look and behave like a victim, they'll prey on you. This is everywhere in the world. I went to favelas in Brazil and sketchy streets in Medellin and although I did not feel safe, nobody tried to mess with me. Basic common sense "No da papaya" like they say over there, strong Body language and attitude is key.
You'll be fine if you apply the advices thay Amy posted above. Use trip advisor, airbnb and reputable hotels/hostels do offer transportation as well as guided tours if you're not comfortable.
@@amytey1917 - Thanks a lot for your reply. I will be extra careful in the evenings. Anyway as I am traveling alone, I won't be out in the cities till late evenings.
@@clairechloe5294 hello, I came across your comment and I live in Morocco. Ignoring is the key. Or saying I will call the police and grab your phone and start doing it if someone or something is pressing you. Otherwise I had girls from the UK in my town and we walked at night and we did many activities and they felt safe. I think the best thing to have is a local guide. Remember, there's scammers everywhere in the world, and the experiences just varies from person to person. 👋💕
Sorry you had bad experiences Ben, I spent nearly 2 weeks there travelling around and luckily all was good and loved everything about the country, can happen anywhere I guess . Take care
Thanks Peter
well people get killed or kidnapped in other countrys morocco is realy safe country they love evrbody no racisme
I have been to Morocco five time and had the greatest time there.. Everyones experience is different...
Yes mate very true
Sounds like Rabat is the most honest place to be in Morocco.I lived there for two years; never encountered any scammers.
Back 10 years ago I was exposed to different scams in Marrakech and Casa. Countered it by showing my knuckle and offering a taste of it. Problems were instantly solved. They even offered me my money back, giving me a free ride/entrance. Unfortunately, I think this is part of the local culture which is sad.. The bigger guy usually closes the deal. Now I'm planning go back in July to have a ball in Casa, once again. I'm 30 pounds heavier than last time, so no need for security this time either ;) ;)
You alive still?
@@thetruepatriot7733 Been to Casa 3 x since my post.
@@silversky900oooooooooo tough guy 🤡🤔🙃
As soon as I saw the title of your video I knew exactly which country you were talking about! I was 18 when I backpacked alone there to greetings of "What hotel? No, that hotel burned down. But my cousin owns a hotel, and for you, not tourist price, family price--because you are my brother." I didn't realize that the convictions for locals harassing tourists was a 7 year imprisonment, so until I learned that, I'd just flag down the tourist police whenever I was being scammed. On the train to the departure point in Spain, I coincidentally shared a birth with a fellow who invited me to dinner at his house when I was in Marrakesh (It's an honor from God to have a guest, he explained). It turned out he was the police chief! It made for a pleasant evening of guided pre-meal Moroccan rug shopping! ;)
Some story that 😂 only in Morocco
Once I have been on a backpacking tour in Southern Spain. We met some other travellers who just came back from Marocco by ferry. We asked them, is it worth a go. They said: as soon as you leave the boat, the scammers are everywhere. Pickpocketers, fake tourist guides, greasy drug dealers, beggars, etc.
Hearing this, we decided to stay on the European side of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Another scam they try is when I was walking through the square in Marrakech and someone came and put a snake around my neck and demanded money to take it off. Unfortunately for him I like snakes and I started to walk away with his snake and he was like ok ok ok. And he took it off.
Hahahha class mate. You’re lucky he didn’t demand money
I love snakes and I am not scared of them, so I will probably do the same :-)
I never will forget how horrible i felt in Marakkesch and i will never understand how anyone can like this.
I remember watching this video a while back, and I thought to myself it can´t possibly be that bad. Well... I just came back from my Morocco trip to Marrakech and Fez, and needless to say I am totally disappointed with the way me and my girlfriend were treated by the local scammers. Especially in Fez, we were constantly harassed, shouted at, chased and followed and nearly got robbed. We minded our own business, respecting everyone, we were dressed very modestly and we have done nothing provocative, however still we were insulted all the time. In our case the police were involved, and they had to escort us to our riad as some locals didn´t stop following us and harassing us. Morocco is a beautiful country and it has some very lovely people, but unfortunately due to these people I feel like I never want to return ever again. Morocco is the country where you cannot even enjoy 10 seconds of peace without someone approaching you to sell you something or to scam you!
Sounds like taking a bath in a bucket of kaka. Thanks for the wrtning.
I feel sad to hear this because i'm moroccan but i think you should have learned how to negotiate before traveling, because if you visit Egypt, I assure you, you will say that Morocco was better, and I respect your opinion, and I feel sorry because I know that my country is beautiful and many of our people are welcoming 🤍
@@oumaimaminaStop making excuses for the scamming and racism in your country!
@@oumaimamina”learning to negotiate” as you say doesn’t help anything. I have been to both Morocco and Egypt, and they are both bad for scammers.. but I will say truthfully that I think Morocco is worse. I planned to stay 10 days there and I had to leave after 4 because I could not take it anymore. My hotel room safe was broken into and money stolen, my phone was stolen another day from my pocket, I was surrounded and yelled and pushed by 5 men into an alleyway while they kept trying to get my money… I had to scream over and over again until finally a police came and helped me, and then he escorted me back to my hotel.. well guess what? Those men must have fallowed us to my hotel to see where I was staying because later that night they climbed onto my balcony and were banging on my window. I locked myself into the bathroom and called the police and security. So much more happened.. so many little things everyday constantly people trying to scam me or get money from me. It was the worst time in my life and I will never ever return or recommend anyone to go there, especially a woman. I am not a naive tourist either, I have been to over 55 countries I know how to travel. I was so respectful to everyone. I did meet some very, very nice people as well, they were amazing. But sadly, these horrible scamming people ruin your country for the rest of you.
Been to Morocco twice. First time in Fez and Meknes - absolutely loved it. Second time - in Marrakesh - not so great but enjoyed Essaouira and desert tour. I did get hassled but nothing I couldn't handle. The most disappointing was dishonesty. But I was also firm with them. No taxi driver managed to overcharge me. Two tried but I only gave them what they deserved - couldn't care if they were happy or not. I actually forgot my expensive jacket in one of the driver's cab. He still brought it back to my hotel. I'm fluent in French though - it seem to have helped.
Fake guides were pestering me in Fez but I would piss them off faster than they would me. They would swear at me but I couldn't care - just walk on.
I think things are worse past Covid. Two years there were no tourists and as in other countries that made poverty much worse. A lot of desperation. Police used to be very strict with fake guides, especially in Fez, but things may have changed with covid.
Morocco is a stunning country, beautiful landscapes and interesting culture. I think you should come back but do yourself a favour - stay away from Marrakesh. Go to desert, mountains, coastal towns, desert fortresses. And be firm. They use aggression to intimidate you but won't actually harm you. Punishment for physical assault on tourists are very harsh.
Appreciate your comment bro 🙏🏼
@@BackpackerBen having been to India and Morocco several times the violence point is spot on 👍 a taxi driver who looked like Saddam Hussein locked me in his car and I almost got into a fight with a toilet attendent called Fatima. Wild Arab genes 😬
The thing is though, is that there are so many other amazing countries out there to visit where you don’t have to worry about shit like this or be stressed out. So a lot of people don’t want to waste money coming back to a place line that when there are many many other options.
@@lj0727 Exactly.
Great video guys. I'm Moroccan and I just took the IELTS test yesterday in Rabat. I should've prepared with you guys for the listening test :))).
I totally agree with you on "Marrakstress". I got pickpocketed twice in one week. The first time it was my phone and the funny thing is that I was pickpocketed while my wife was buying something from a side road seller, it was crowded and I was carrying our baby daughter; also I was wearing a Moroccan "gandoora " which has very large pockets. Anyway, the best part (which I realized after I got home and found my phone was stolen) is that the seller apparently was witnessing the pickpocket (and probably other persons) because he was saying and repeting something like " God damns fingers playing or sports), he meant pickpocketing :))), and I was like wtf is he saying that! As a Rabati, I'm never keen to visit Marrakstress. The second time, a week later, it was my wallet, it happened inside a shop. However, this time the guy/lady brought it back to the shop hours later, he/she threw it on the ground. Money was gone but at least he/she didn't take my id's, driving license and national ID. :)))
Thanks so much for sharing brother. These scams are an absolute outrage. The state should really not allow this to happen it's in their own benefit like!! Also she is so beautiful, that bubbly smile
agreed mate! and yes she has ;)
Hi Ben, me and my girlfriend went to Morocco this year and the Henna scam happened to us too. I absolutely loved Morocco but we felt like Marrakech had more scammers than anywhere. I agree in the Blue city the people were so lovely and the same for Fez and Tangier, I've made a couple of vlogs on my channel about our experience
Absolute nightmare mate
Never understand why people go to Marakech - for me it’s one of the worst cities in morrocco. Many much nicer traditional cities than that pile of rubbish
Fes, essouria much nicer places and more Moroccan. Marakech is just for westerners
Just came back from 6 days in Morocco (3 Marrakesh and 3 Fes). All the scams and the stress you mentioned may happen, some more often (the helpful strangers) some less (the fake menu).
However, everyone who travel to Morocco is perfectly aware of these tricks as there are thousands of article online so It’s not that difficult to prevent them.
well said
As locals we face this too as well.. "Please YT tourists share more videos about this". We want the government to make a move and stop this shit as soon as possible!!
Inshallah
The scammers would be beyond annoying, so glad I haven't been caught up in that sort of thing yet. Kat is an absolute delight! Best wishes to you both on your future plans.
Thanks for watching bro 😎
That’s exactly it!! They get mad if you don’t fall for their scam. Is so sad because at first I thought people were so friendly and then you realised that they are harassing people into giving them loads of money. I could not wait to leave and will never come back!
Sorry, man. It looked pretty bad in the last video with the hand trick and the directions guy. The authorities need to get ahold of this because it will definitely hurt their tourism industry. Such a shame because I’d love to visit Morocco. 🇲🇦
A real shame mate to the true locals and the beauty of the place
You are most welcome to visit Morocco, you will experience completely different Morocco
@Moroccan-Trips let me guess, you're one of the scammers... ?
Glad you've put this together as it's helpful for tourist who plan to visit Morocco. I had the same experiences and it can be scary sometimes as they can be forceful and intimidating. It's such a shame that it's not managed better by the authorities, because as beautiful Morocco is, I'm also reluctant to return. Glad to hear that Chefchaouen is nicer, I didn't get to visit this city. Happy and safe travels!
A real shame mate if only it was controlled
The locals need to step in and defend the tourists being harassed, this includes the airport before they leave and the hotels when the taxi drops them off. The reason why it exists is because it is a cultural behavior.
As a Moroccan I'm desperately sad to hear such things that happened to you 😢 Scammers are everywhere but I will try my best to teach the children in my neighborhood to behave in good manners
Big tourist cities are and have always been a nuisance with scammers. If you can avoid the hire car scam then hire a car and travel out and around the country. Your experience will be much more positive. The people are friendly, kind and courteous. I have been visiting the country since 1973 and it is much improved re scammers. As you mentioned, if you have the cash to spare then hire an official guide, all the stress in the tourist centres will melt away and you will learn much.
I watched a few travel vlogs now about Morocco. It's definitely an interesting country with lots to see. Sadly, the scammers and touts are in all the videos. It looks very annoying, being there having to deal with them would be a lot worse. So, this will put off a lot of people from visiting.
The only solution is to have a moroccan man to have you here to guide you and protect you from this scams, because we know all the possible scams here, but then u ill have to pay the guide ..
Sadly a guide or tour is essential
I have visited Maroc several times over the last 40 years. I have noticed more scammers in recent years but personally have never had a problem. Maybe it would be different if I was walking around openly with a video camera.
Perhaps mate
From my horrible 2 week experience in Egypt with the similarities with you describing how Morocco is, I’ll definitely NOT be visiting Morocco
It's sad that you could enjoy one of the most friendly and generous country ever
A traveler should know how to transform energies, harassment into friendship, make joke and people laugh is medicine..... open your heart to everyone and you'll be surprise of how it is a different experience....
But probably you are not a traveler but just a tourist , you never learn the basic of moving energies into a funny experience !!
Well said
Normally Im very skeptical when I see people saying that videos arent going into peoples subscriptions tab because whenever ive also checked its never been true. I was looking at the new videos from my subscriptions then clicked on the home page and there was your video uploaded "14 minutes ago", and thought to myself "im pretty sure that wasnt in my subscriptions". I've gone back and refreshed it a few times and its not appeared, the latest video is from 38 minutes ago. Anyway it seems the subscriptions tab is probably a bit of an old school way for most people, at least youre on the homepage! I doubt theres any conspiracy against you, just annoying bugs
I know mate!? Very strange. I guess a bug
The same here
Same here
Morocco is one of those countries where you will need good connections to truly enjoy it. I never understand why tourists pick those crowded areas to visit where there is really nothing interesting to see. Research, research, research and plan before traveling to a city and you won't be as disappointed.
We visited Morocco as a group for a full day visiting several so called attractions, having an organised extorsion from the cruise ship we had no hassle whatsoever.
Quite enjoyed the experience.
Yesss a group tour is perfect 🙌🏼😎
An organised EXTORSION LoL perhaps you meant an excursion, or maybe not 😏
Yes I meant extorsion.@@JimAtHome
Yes an extorsion especially with Princess.😀@@JimAtHome
great job for exposing/informing 👏🏼❤️
انا من المغرب و اشجع كشف المحتالين بالفعل و ضد التحرش . يجب ان يكون هذا الصوة مسموعا للحكومة هم ينامون طوال الوقت و يتناسون هذه الامور المهمة . لكن لا يجب ابدا التحريض على عدم السفر او زيارة اي دولة ما .
I spent a month traveling all over Morocco and had similar experiences to Ben. Chefchaouen was probably our favorite spot but even there we were asked for money by people we’d thought were our friends. And there is often a dark vibe in more rural areas where women are rarely seen and men cannot be trusted. My wife’s behind was grabbed more than once and in Taghazout two men were plotting to rape her. I’ve traveled all over the world and avoided many a scam, but even seasoned travelers get tired when literally every interaction could be a scam. To be honest we did have some lovely experiences in Morocco but we will never return.
unless you hope for your wife to be raped
WTF that is horrifying. How did you find out what those two scumbags were planning on doing?
Women are rarely seen? I dont know but my village back in north morocco is not like that at all. You have to realize that these ppl asking money from you are just poor ppl in the area like almost homeless.
There is great middle class neighborhoods that you have to ask locals for with even bars to drink a beer. Like in fes.
Those bars you just gotta ask for and are not shady at all if youre in a nice middle classed neighborhood/area.
Sorry to know that you had bad experience but I visited Morocco few months back and enjoyed it thoroughly with 0 scams what so ever. You just need to be a bit careful, I guess and btw I am not a Moroccan but loved the place!!
@Glasgow Rossco I am not Arab. But I guess my point was if you are a bit careful you can avoid scams. There are scammers in many touristy places all around the world and Morocco is no different. I was there with my wife and many times people used to reach me for services which we politely refuse or just move on ignoring them and you can avoid these. I was never in the situation when I was forced to accept their services. Maybe I was lucky? I don’t know but I did not have any unpleasant incident.
The "Restaurant Scam" I experienced in LONDON, in an Italian restaurant. The Italian restaurants in England always seemed to have an angle--couldn't sit where you wanted in an empty restaurant, or the food was presented as artwork, was not nearly enough for an adult, and had a huge price.
Morocco sounds far worse than Egypt--and those folks are good.
It’s insane mate
Italians mafia
fes and marrakech has the worst scammers , everyone is a hustler , even the kids !
rest of the moroccan cities are okay , loved the chefchouan as well.
Catherina is such an ideal travelling companion. She is always so positive and patient. I need to find me a Portuguese girl like Catherina to travel with.
We had 2 of the issues that you had! We had one of the 'locals' say that if you go any further in, you aren't welcome as foreigners and you will probably be attacked... Then a taxi one, he didn't drop us anywhere near where we asked, didn't have any change so dropped us at his friend's shop to get change who then was forcibley selling spices. Wouldn't rush back.
Nightmare mate
Ah, the old 'taxi no change friends shop spices" trick lol 😂
Really upset sorry if you had bad experience here in Morocco , this mentality began a few years ago, those who had a chance to discover our country between 2000 until 2010 saw the Beuaty and Magic of this land , but I think if you tried an new trip with Morrocan friends that will change totally this image , we also as local tourist now days here we suffer from scammers especially restaurant 😅, hope you enjoys your next trips
Bro.. it's obvious that you're not fully adapted or familiar with the local culture and mentality-especially after just one visit. You and your lady seem like genuinely nice people, which is exactly what those scammers are looking for-friendly, open, and maybe a bit too trusting. Depending on where you're from, this kind of aggressive sales pitch might feel like you’re being attacked. If you're used to the cooler, more reserved vibes of a Western European country where people barely talk to strangers, I get how this might have felt like an ambush. But here in Morocco, especially in places like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna, it’s just another Tuesday.
Now, since you’ve made it clear that this experience has you swearing off Morocco for life, it’s important to know a few things. Tourist hotspots like Jemaa el-Fna are full of insistent merchants, and believe me, even the locals get harassed there! As a tourist, you've just got to ignore them, keep walking, and maybe throw in a mean look if they don’t back off. Walk fast and act busy-think of it as your ‘leave me alone’ face.
And a little tip: maybe skip the ultra-tourist outfit that screams ‘I just parachuted in from Norway 3 hours ago!’ Go for something a bit more low-key. You don’t need to wear a djellaba, but maybe avoid the super short shorts and skinny tops that make you stand out like a neon sign.
Another simple trick: when visiting popular spots, avoid the typical tourist groups-like the ones with guides who have them lined up two by two like a school trip. Instead, go with your lady or friend during the busiest time of day. That way, you’ll blend into the crowd, and the scammers will be too busy hassling someone else to notice you.
And if you really want to dodge all that hassle, why not skip the tourist traps altogether? Morocco is incredibly safe, with a focus on making sure tourists are protected. You’re honestly safer here than on a Saturday night in a highly alcoholised London nightclubs avenue... Sure, the pushy merchants can be annoying, but serious crime is rare, and the culture is all about peace and tolerance. So next time, try exploring the more authentic side of Morocco. Who knows, you might end up loving it-just like those TH-camrs who moved here and never looked back. 🤙
I highly doubt he read all that OR would move there in a million years😂😂😂
I completely agree with everything you're saying . I love Marocco and have been there a few times and that's exactly how you need to move your self around .
Be smart and get to know the country/ place your going.
I will be back soon and will definitely recommend this beautiful country and amazing friendly people
I love Morocco, it’s my second time as a Turkish guy.
I will come again and again.
You guys, traveling world and you should know that the rest of the World is different than 20 big industrial economies of the world!
Whit this knowledge, you should be open your eyes!
Just ask before you do anything about prices, just check the menu or prices, ask them, talk them.
Just be awake..
Most of the Moroccans people are trying to help you and they are so kind !
You should take same scammers with humour and it’s funny if you know how they act.
As a Turkish guy, some of them also try to scam me, but I know the rules.
It’s just funny sometime.
Just ask before, check the menu, ask, speak.
Sorry but the world is different than 20 industrial rich country’s.
I will visit Morocco again.
I hate scammers but I love Moroccans.
Scammers has nothing to do with a country or nationality!
Living in Morocco compared to England or other countries shows a stark difference. In Morocco, there are luxurious palaces and beautiful residences, and most Moroccans, about 85%, own their homes. Conversely, in England and much of Europe, living spaces can feel cramped and it's common to share accommodation with multiple roommates, often having to label your food to ensure it isn’t taken. Moroccan homes often resemble palaces in their beauty. The food is great and not very expensive, whereas in Europe or other places, you have to buy everything individually, which can be very costly. Many houses in these areas are small and sometimes have a moldy smell. In these European countries, people often work tirelessly, akin to a horse
I've also had the guide scam in Marrakech. Suddenly I was in a hidden alleyway with the girl I was dating back then, facing 5 locals. There are no brave hearts on that moment, you don't know if there are knives involved or whatever.
What got us to accept the "guide" were the closed gates, but the guy (started alone) told us the market had closed. I should have went back to the restaurant and called a cab or something.
There is only one way of coming back to Morroco, in an 4*4 expedition with a full time guide, in a big group.
A tip I would give from my own experience (admittedly from over 30 years ago) is in the touristy areas it often pays to just accept it and hire a guide. For me it was ridiculously cheap and then all the scammers and touts leave you alone. It is basically a protection racket. The guy I hired was a pathetic individual. He ended up crying on my shoulder telling me that Morocco was screwed. No jobs, so no money, so no social status so no girl and no marriage, family etc. Everyone wanted to leave Morocco and emigrate because it was so hopeless. The one place I would be wary of is Tetouan in the Rif mountains. The hustlers there are hardcore and scary. Lots of screaming and death threats. Avoid.
Traveling cheaper that’s what you expected to find everywhere you around the world
Went to Tetouan in 1994 ,first time outside of Europe ,scary place ! Had a group trip in 2006 and loved it......
Good on you for sticking to your guns, keeping true to your own code of conduct and saying no to these scamming wankers.
Cheers mate
Im really sorry to hear that , morocco is an amazing country but you didn't have a great experience in there . Hope the responsible people take action ASAP
I spent 8 days in Marrakech. I speak French and a few words of Arabic. I got scammed day 1......follow me, I'll show you where it is. He wanted 40 US dollars. I said thanks for the education, I'll never say a word to another Moroccan. The scammers were mostly in the old town but they are there, on aggressive duty 24-7-365. I asked a cop where my hotel was (slightly lost I was...) and instead of saying take your next left, it's right there, the pig bastard called his taxi pig friend and he took me for a ride, literally and figuratively. I have many Moroccan friends here in NE China and they are true friends. But I'll never go to Morocco. Why would I? The next year, I visited Tunis, Tunisia and it was the same there....The whole of Africa is a 'no-go' zone for me. No place for a blue-eyed white boy.
I have traveled to Mor 8 times and have had no real problems with scammers. Anyone who comes up to me I just ignore them or I say no English, or Russian.
8 ?!!!
Honestly with your experience mate I’m surprised you fell for any of those 😂 These scams usually work on beginners…
😆 they are clever people but yeah I do tend to always know a scam
True, the taxi and photo scam are famous all around the world
Not all scams are equal lol people are smart and elaborate. You’ve probably been scammed and don’t even know cus it was a good one 🤷♀️
I couldn't agree more!
I was there last spring and it was horrible. Literally relentless scammers any time I was walking out in public. Never going back. Too bad because it's a beautiful country
Damn mate which scams happened to you
Hi there, I went to Marrakesh with 3 other ladies…I will never go back …we had a trip in a horse drawn carriage around the city and they took us to their friends and family’s shops and demanded we buy things there…we took a trip to the Atlas Mountains with a taxi driver…he was very nice but then found us a guide to take us up the mountain…however the guide refused to take us down unless we bought a huge amount of stuff from his uncle’s shop on the hill! As 4 women (I went with my friend and her two early 20s daughters) it was extremely scary!
Sorry for what happened to you and I hope you reconsider your decision about not returning. Don't let very few morons ruin the beautiful encounters, discoveries, and enjoyment you can still have in one of most mystical countries in Africa. My advise to you whether you are in Morocco or any other countries is to go with your guts. When you feel like you are going to be in a tense situation, just ignore the person(s) and keep walking until you see a cop. Safe travels!
Here currently. Met plenty of really decent Marrakeshians, given suggestions for genuinely reasonably priced places to eat inside and outside the old city. Really kind, sweet people. However totally agree Ben there are some super aggressive manipulative guys here too. Don't get led anywhere for any reason and if asked for money for anything do not pay. If you are easily intimidated I would not visit.
Glad you agree mate! Hope you have a good and safe time
@@BackpackerBen update for ya: appears some doors/areas are locked post 930ish in parts of the old city of Marrakesh. And Google maps isn't detailed enough to show the way. There are guys who genuinely do show cut throughs in the labyrinth and don't ask for money either so thumbs up to them.
Scammers everywhere around the world mate!! Don’t act like they only in morocco
Absolutely agreeing on what you said! Since my first visit in Morocco I discouraged anybody from going to that country. From the Southern to the Northern parts and from the Western to the Eastern parts it gets worse. The worst region is around Tetouan-due to drug trafficking. Tourists get intimidated even with physical attacks, harrassed, scammed etc. Police won´t really help you, as they are corrupt. Prices given for a thing you are about to buy and considering to bargain on, are set up at 50X !! times the normal price. One thing to discern is, that in Morocco there are also very lovely, helpful and hospitable people, but those you regularly won´t meet since the scammers stick to you like flies and molest you during your whole stay, especially if you are travelling on your own. And I absolutely discourage any woman from travelling there.
Thanks for the information, sad smh cause that’s one of the countries I wanted to visit one day.
I’m a tour guide in Morocco and hustlers are everywhere around the touristy part, especially in Fez Medina, Marrakech Medina. The only place where I let my group tour by themselves it’s in Tetouan where it’s very harassment free. So I’m surprised that you say that Tetouan is the worst place. Maybe you got confused with another city
@@Visit_Tangier Visited Tetouan in '94 had the worst hustler reputation in all of Morocco and it lived up to it ! Maybe they cleaned it up ?
@@skuda9 very different today. Tétouan has become one of the richest city in Morrocco and according to numbeo website , tetouan has a criminality close to Zurich .
@@Visit_Tangier Wow ...thats 100% different from my experience.....
I can only talk about own experience there and it began back in 2013... Met this really nice person and we became really good friends. I mean i was to this persons sisters weddings and dined with the family etc. But it would never go further than that. It was always the feeling of no matter how friendly they were or i was, i was always "The outsider", "The foreigner". Years went by and we kept our friendship but it just seemed to become more strained as time went by with just nonsense. I just had enough one day and said how i felt. And that is the last time i talked with my so called "friend" from Morocco.
Their friendliness if just a facade of how they really are.
Lets just say for one thing i experienced very hard talking about black people there with that family that was worse than American southern kkk ramblings.
I kept on there for almost 8 years. I will never go back. Never.
All of what you say in this video is true.
You should have visited Tunisia 🇹🇳 It’s the safest country in North Africa and people are highly educated and very friendly.
Réglez d'abord vos avions les touristes vont pas venir à pieds quand même !!
EMBARRASSEMENT NATIONAL : TUNISAIR A320 - LE VOL LE PLUS CHOQUANT
th-cam.com/video/en3PHwfw3bU/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JoshCahill
@@ruamsite7739 nice try 😂😂😂 and that’s about it. Tunisair - a COMPANY.
@@besafricain9281 🤣🤣
I am from Brussels, Belgium and I grew up with moroccans and have been to Morocco on my own and with my daughter many times. Knowing some darija and being streetwize helps.
enjoy the problems moroccan fans caused after Belgium vs Morocco match... as a spaniard im tired of most of them (not everyone is bad but damn... it seems like most of them don't have a father figure in their life or something... they are unpolite)
@@PaulTC97 these are the algerians and filthy people like you who caused the fire! Don’t even try to blame it in Moroccans. We were so happy & celebrating and haters like ur dumb ass started being violent! 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽
@@PaulTC97 we ruled spain for thousand of years all your history is Moroccan all your past is Moroccan I can def understand why that much hate! Insecurity and racism but fact is your dna has Moroccan origins fucking idiot
@@ahmedalhoceimi3055 learn to behave like first world citizens
@@PaulTC97 and now Morocco knocks you out of the World Cup so you are even more mad lollllllll
When I came back from Morocco just a week ago, I thought to myself the exact opposite, which is that I knew I’d visit again eventually. I had a lot of people trying to sell me things (that’s obviously part of the game), and a few very insisting people in Marrakesh because of how touristy it is (and that I really didn’t like and felt uncomfortable about, with dozens of people around you each trying to get you to eat at their restaurant, at Jemaa El Fna), but otherwise, all over the country, the people were lovely, the culture was wonderful to se and the trip was unforgettable for me. It’s crazy how people can have totally different experiences in a same country, and here I genuinly wonder whose experience reflects the odds.
You are one out of 100 here who liked it. The other 99 folks commenting were all scammed. You are the 1 percent, mate.
As a moroccan I am so sorry. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for all the great information, I was thinking about a trip to morroco. But now no thanks. And thank you for having Kat ( or Catherine) participate in the video , yall are a great pair.
There’s many places to see mate
I'm glad you shared this video it really helped us prepare for our trip we encountered most of the scams mentioned and we were prepared to deal with them thanks to the warning. What we weren't prepared for was a drive by phone theft by a low life on a scooter in the Gueliz area on the last night of our vacation. You really have to have your wits about you at all times in "Mara-stress" as you call it
As a Moroccan I support your decision.. never come back to this corrupt country
Every country has scammers.
I experienced the same harassment (cheating and scamming) in Sri Lanka. Almost everyone that I encountered cheated or tried to cheat (con) me. It was a horrific experience.
Try india 😆
Gotta say the worse thing you have to avoid is getting robbed /stolen from, and getting scammed specially marrakech. Bro I literally get flabbergasted by the amount of persuasion and words they speak per second and I'm from here. I get why wouldn't come here again, but too bad there are far better more beautiful cities here than the mainstreamed known cities where the scams thrive.
I was there 10 years ago and had a great time. Went all over. Secret...dress modestly and do not act like a jerk. The only problem I had was the camels are not comfortable to ride.
Glad you enjoyed mate 👏🏼
Yeah camels is agony 😆
@@BackpackerBen the family jewels will never be the same...I really enjoyed Casablanca Marrakesh Fes and Chefchaouen. Thanks for your vids
My father in law just returned from Morocco. He went with a Moroccan friend of his who just retired from a US Gov't job. He stayed with this man's family. My wife and I just happened upon this video of your experiences from your visit. Very informative and well done. Thanks Backpacker Ben.
I was scammed by a guy who was so " friendly" to me. It was a horrible experience. It left me with bitter feelings towards Morocco unfort. I was travelling on a budget and i was scammed in one of those hidden alleys in the medina in Marrakesh. I didn't ask for anything and all of sudden this super friendly guy demanded violently for money. I wish I could forget about those scary moments....sigh, I tell everyone NOT to go to Morocco.....Sad ..it was a dream of mine to visit that country,,,,
Tnx for this honest vid. Morocco wont see me💜