Tips on Casablanca Warnings and Dangers

Casablanca Warnings and Dangers

Dangers on the Road

Be careful when using taxis in Casablanca, especially “Petite Taxis”. Try to hail a taxi a short distance from tourist attractions or railroad stations to get a better fare, and more honest driver. Find out what the typical fare to your destination should be online or by asking a local to avoid being scammed.

Taxis in Casablanca have a day fare, and a night fare. The night fare is 50% more than the day fare. Be sure when you enter a taxi to make sure the correct starting fare is registered on the meter before starting your trip. The legitimate day and night fares change depending on the cost of gasoline, so it is a good idea to check the current day and night by asking a local.

If you drive a car or motorcycle in Casablanca, adhere strictly to all laws. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory, and it is against the law to use a cell phone while driving. Police in Casablanca are everywhere, and they are serious about enforcing traffic laws, and issuing fines for even minor violations.

Keep an Eye on your Pockets

Casablanca has a moderate to high crime rate, so travelers need to pay attention and use common sense.

It is quite common for thieves to steal cell phones, even broad daylight. Avoid using your cell phone when you are out on the street, even if you are not in a crowded area. Thieves are known to use motorcycles to approach cell phone users, and can grab a phone and disappear within seconds.

Avoid the Old Medina at night, and never show large amounts of money or flashy jewelry or watches. Women should not walk around the city alone at night.

Before you pay for any item, make sure to ask for the price in Dirhams. Sometimes vendors will quote prices in Rials (an unofficial and much less valuable currency than Dirhams) in hopes tourists pay the price in Dirhams.

Don’t carry all of you cash, credit cards and passport when you go out.

Drinking in Casablanca

Although Morocco is a majority Islamic country, alcohol is still legal. Travelers can find many bars and restaurants which serve beer, wine and alcohol. Stores in Casablanca offer alcohol for purchase for offsite drinking. Drinking on the street is illegal.

Avoid drinking water which is not from a bottle with a sealed cap. This warning extends to refusing ice in a drink, and even washed, raw vegetables.

Don’t Be Rude

It is rude to take a photo of someone in Morocco without asking permission. Photographers who want to take photos of people are often asked for a “tip” first.

You may have to remove their shoes before entering some building in Casablanca. Try to keep an eye on your shoes, or they may disappear.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Casablanca.

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