Top 10 things to pack for visiting Morocco

Top 10 things to pack for visiting Morocco

So, when writing this, I am past my 4th Top Ten concerning Morocco and in 3 of these I did my best to give out useful advices for you ( 10 things to consider before travelling to Morocco, the Top Ten Things to do in Morocco and the Top Ten Places you shouldn’t miss out seeing when in Morocco).

Now, with this 5th edition I’d like to put a crown to all these efforts with giving you a really useful list on what to pack when heading to Morocco. As my experiences are based on me being a woman, I doubtlessly will give more information for women, but I do my best for you guys to find this piece useful too.

1. Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at leaat 6 months more before the date of you leaving Morocco. This is a requirement which is pretty stressed. Be prepared for long, exhausting queues for passport control upon arrival and before leaving though.

2. Plane ticket

This is of course very logical. However for your way back be prepared that DESPITE online checking is offered by several economical or low-cost airlines, you will not save ANY time with printing your boarding pass. You must stand in the queue regardless for local check-in agents to validate your passport, your tickets and if so, to check-in your baggages. And this is only the first queue ( see point 1.)

3. Anti-flux Medication

I am pressing on taking anti flux meds everywhere since a horrid experience of mine when I had to stay at Bergamo airport overnight on the way back from Morocco at night and I had some of the worst cases of flux developing shortly after arrival. And noone I asked had any medication. The other reason is for local food, especially if you buy from street stands ( see my list of advices on Jamaa El Fna)  this can be the most useful medication you can ever have.

4. Anti Cold medication

Getting cold is bad enough but getting cold while travelling is very bad and makes your whole journey a very bad experience. Take some aspiring or similar medication with you to make sure you won’t lose out on good memories because you feel bad as hell.

  

5. Seasonal clothing 

for women long summer dresses, longer skirts or baggier trousers advised. Please also leave out the sleeveless tops and overly sexy tops from your luggage unless you wear a scarf or a cardigan over them when out on the streets.  In Morocco the colder days are generally between November to March ( excluding Agadir and the other Southern areas and the desert areas)

The best seasons overall to travel to Morocco are between April and May and September to October.

6. Sun screen

This is something you may really need, especially if you visit Morocco in one of its hotter months. Trust me the sun is very strong over there and so are the UV and other rays so make sure your face, arms, back and all the body parts which stick out ( ears and soles of feet especially) are well cremed before going out somewhere.

7. Money  - preferably cash

Morocco is not really big in terms of credit card or bank card payment and even if you find a shop which has a machine make sure you are familiar with the rates to be paid. Remember you are in a totally different continent. You might be charged lots of money for using your credit or debit card directly.

8. The written down address of the places you will stay at

In Morocco, before landing you will be given a form which you must properly fill out with your name, all sorts of personal details and the address or addresses of where you will stay. Therefore it is essential for you to have this address at hand, either printed out or written down – especially if you will not stay at a touristic facility.

The beauty of Morocco in pictures

9. Cell phone

Roaming charges in Morocco can be sky high, make sure to use it when you are in Wifi area. Most cafés and restaurants in the bigger cities are now offering free wifi if you decide to drink or eat there and it’s not a problem if you stay for an hour or so.

10.  Marriage certificate - If you are travelling with your husband ( wife) or you are to meet your husband ( or wife ) in Morocco. Be aware without a certificate many hotels even hostels will straigh out refuse to put you in the same room.

These are the things that came to my mind as of now but if I find anything else I will definitely let you know. If you have a continuous or acute illness make sure your doctor gives you all papers which are necessary for you to travel.

Be aware: 

Morocco is the Nr. 1 exporter of weed. So the customs officers are particularly looking out for any traces of weed with you. Do not carry weed with you under any circumstance to the airport because Moroccan jails are said to be worse than hell.