Meknes Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Connectivity

Morocco features three main mobile network providers: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi. All present good coverage in Meknes and major cities.

SIM Cards

Purchase easily upon arrival at airports or telecom shops.
Present your passport for registration to buy a SIM.
SIM cards and data bundles are inexpensive.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widespread and generally reliable in hotels, riads, cafes, and restaurants.

Staying Connected

Connectivity may be inconsistent in some old medina areas.
Mobile data is generally fast and dependable with a local SIM.
A local SIM aids navigation and communication.

Bridging Languages

Morocco's official languages are Arabic (Darija) and Amazigh. French is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourism.

Language Usage

French knowledge is common due to schooling.
English is present in tourist-oriented businesses.
Basic Speaking french or Darija words are beneficial for daily interactions.

Translation Resources

Translation tools can bridge language gaps during your trip.

Tools for Communication

Use translation apps like Google Translate.
Download offline language packs (Moroccan Arabic and The french language).
Offline packages enable translation without internet connection.

Darija Phrases

Greetings & Politeness

Salam Alaikum: Hello (Peace be upon you)
Shukran: Thank you
Afak: Please (when addressing one person)
Labas?: How are you? (A common, friendly greeting)

Common Interactions

La shukran: No thank you
Bhalash?: How much?
Ayn...?: Where is...?
Bseff: A lot / Very much

Communication Tips

For seamless internet access, consider an eSIM from Airalo or a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi. To practice local phrases, explore Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Schedules

Awareness of normal opening times and holiday schedules aids in trip planning.

Shops Medina/Souks

Generally open from 9-10 AM to 7-8 PM, with many closing for an early afternoon break (1 PM - 3 PM). Most operate on weekends.

Shops Ville Nouvelle

Standard hours, often 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM. Some larger modern stores may have continuous hours.

Restaurants

Lunch service is typically 12 PM to 3 PM. Dinner service begins around 7 PM and continues until 10 PM or later. Cafes open earlier for breakfast.

Money Access

Banks generally open Monday to Friday, from around 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

Banking Hours

Some banks may close for a lunch break.
Exchange services are available at banks.
Keep your transaction receipts for reference.

Holiday Impact

Morocco observes both Islamic holidays (lunar calendar, dates vary yearly) and national public holidays.

Dates

Major Holidays in islam close many businesses for days.
Ramadan slows daytime activity; evenings become lively.
National holidays also result in closures for banks and offices.

Additional Notes on Access

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available in the Ville Nouvelle.
They accept international debit and credit cards.
Look for major Moroccan banks like Attijariwafa Bank.

Seasonal Closures

Smaller riads or family shops may close during summer or winter off-seasons.
Always check in advance for specific accommodation or attraction hours.
Public transit timetables can differ during peak holidays.

Schedule Ahead Tip

For comfortable airport experiences, consider Priority Pass for lounge access. If facing flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Adhering to local etiquette creates respectful and constructive interactions during your visit.

Greetings

Shake hands with people of the same gender. A light touch or cheek kiss may occur among friends of the same gender.

Greeting Customs

Avoid initiating physical greetings with the opposite gender unless invited.
A nod and verbal greeting remain appropriate always.
"Salam Alaikum" or "Bonjour" are widely appreciated greetings.

Dining & Tipping

Always use your right hand for eating, especially when sharing communal dishes. Accepting mint tea expresses gratitude.

Mealtime Traditions

Dining with the right hand holds cultural significance.
Graciously accept mint tea as a sign of hospitality.
Tipping is customary and anticipated for most services.

Photography & Taboos

Always ask permission before photographing people, specifically women and children. A polite request finds appreciation.

Photo & Social Guidelines

Be prepared for street performers to seek payment for photos.
Avoid photographing military or government buildings.
Minimize public displays of affection.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Public displays of affection are not common or appreciated. Avoid drinking alcohol in public outside licensed establishments.

Cultural Respect

Avoid using your left hand for eating, handling food, or money.
Do not point the soles of your feet at others; it is disrespectful.
Show respect for Islam and its practices; avoid criticism.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

Interactions between men and women are generally conservative.
Solo female travelers are generally safe, dressing modestly can reduce unwanted attention.
Public displays of affection are not part of local norms.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco.
Public displays of affection between same-sex couples face strong discouragement.
LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to exercise discretion.

Religious Site Etiquette

Entering Sacred Spaces

Dress modestly: covered shoulders, arms, and legs.
Take off your shoes before going in prayer areas or carpeted sections.
Maintain quiet and respectful behavior inside.

General Conduct

Be mindful of prayer times, which occur throughout the day.
Respect any "no photography" signs withat places of worship.
When in doubt, observe what locals are doing and follow their example.

Cultural Courtesy Tip

Embracing local customs and demonstrating courtesy during your visit will lead to more enriching and authentic experiences.

Accessibility Information

Meknes, especially its historic medina, has difficulties for travelers with mobility issues.

Infrastructure & Transport

Meknes generally lacks wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. The medina features narrow, uneven, cobblestone streets, and numerous stairs, steps, or steep inclines.

Navigating the City

Navigation proves very challenging for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
The Ville Nouvelle has smoother sidewalks, but curbs present obstacles.
Public transportation (buses) is not accessible for wheelchairs.

Accessible Transportation

Private taxis or hired vehicles present the most viable options for ground transport outside the medina.

Solutions for Mobility

Private taxis offer door-to-door convenience for those with mobility issues.
When booking accommodation, seek accommodations that advertise accessibility features.
Traditional riads typically lack accessibility design elements.

Support for Impairments

Limited specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are available.

Assistance Options

Travelers with visual impairments will find very little dedicated infrastructure.
Similarly, resources for hearing impairments are rare.
Personal planning and local guides become more important.

Local Guides

Hiring a local guide can bring invaluable assistance for directions and communication, especially with specific needs.

Guide Benefits

Guides clarify surroundings and facilitate interactions.
They possess knowledge of accessible paths if available.
A an escort can translate and mediate cultural refinements.

Finding Resources

Research specialized travel blogs or organizations:These provide firsthand accounts from travelers with similar needs.

Directly contact accommodations:Inquire about their specific accessibility features before booking.

Consider modern hotels in Ville Nouvelle:They may offer better accessibility than traditional riads.

Plan for supplementary time:Mobility challenges often mean slower travel.

Communicate needs clearly:Inform guides and service providers of your requirements.

Pack light:Easier maneuverability if you carry less.

Accessibility Planning Note

Careful planning and communication are for travelers with mobility challenges visiting Meknes.

Meknes Travel Tips