Tangier, Morocco: The Do's and Don'ts

    For anybody out there who is about to embark on an adventure to Tangier, Morocco, here are my two cents from spending last weekend there. I can't speak for the whole country of course, but these might be helpful.

DO'S

• Do wear a money belt. Super cheesey and touristy, but pickpocketing is bad enough to warrant one.
• Do pack a crapload of sunscreen. The sun, she is very hot there, though the breeze off the Straight of Gilbraltar is wonderfully refreshing.
• Do stay at the Hotel Dar Jameel. Great value, delicious breakfast, and wonderful staff.
• Do try some of the traditional Moroccan cuisine: couscous, tagine, honey cakes, and especially the mint tea!
• Do bring hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms will not have soap.
• Do bring a small packet of tissues, as many bathrooms will not have TP.
• Do go to the souk (market) prepared to barter. We got a gorgeous silk bedspread for €35 instead of €280. Smile a lot and unleash your charm!
• Do ignore the beggars, crap vendors, spontaneous tour guides. It feels very rude, but the best thing to do is avoid eye contact and do not respond to anything they say.
• One guy kept trying to get us to go to his restaurant, and his tactics ended with him screaming at us down the street, "You are shit people!!!"
• Do prepare yourself for a totally different and unique experience. That's what travel is all about, right?
  

DON'TS

• Whatever you do, DON'T drink the water!!!!! Brush your teeth with bottled water, keep your mouth closed when you shower, and do not eat anything that hasn't been introduced to flame (raw meats, salad, raw fruits and vegetables, etc.) 
• Don't point at anything in the souk unless you're ready to get pounced on by the vendor, or interested in making a purchase.
• Don't arrange for your own "tour guide". A lot of men on the street will try to show you around, but in the end will most likely only take you to their friends' shops then charge you an exorbitant price. Stick to arranging something at your hotel, who should be able to recommend someone legit.
• Don't be out much after the sun goes down. While there are many more dangerous countries out there, it is still third world and in times of economic difficulty. Be safe.
• Don't bring your shorts or tank tops. That goes for menfolk and womenfolk (so boys, make sure you leave your tank tops at home...) Obviously you are not going to blend it, but you can be less obvious.
• TIP: My uniform the whole time I was there was a long skirt, an oversized men's dress shirt, sunglasses, and a sun hat (hid my short and partially pink hair and protected my face from the sun.)
• Don't get henna done from the women on the beach. They are old prostitues who moonlight as pickpockets and will probably rip you off.
• TIP: One whole hand (back of hand, fingers, and the palm) should cost about €2. A friend of mine was relieved of €40 for one hand, so be careful!
• TIP: The hotel I stayed at arranged for a professional come in to do henna for me. Better option.  

    Tangier is a fascinating city full of contrasts. It was described to me like a gaudy and fabulous old woman sitting at the end of the bar who you can't help but watch. She has seen a lot of life and is a bit jaded, but still likes to have a good time. It's the perfect description.

Happy adventuring!
*Olivia