Oriental Morocco Travel Guide
Morocco features three main mobile network operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi. All provide good coverage in Oujda and its city surroundings. Local SIM cards and data packages present a cost-effective alternative to international roaming.
The majority of hotels and guesthouses in Oujda provide no-cost Wireless internet-Fi. Many cafes in the The New town also offer free Wi-Fi for customers. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are less widespread, making a local SIM card a more dependable option.
Morocco's the official languages are Arabic (Moroccan Darija) and Amazigh. French is widely spoken, especially in urban contexts and among educated individuals. English is less common. Basic phrases in Darija enhance interactions.
Learning a few basic phrases demonstrates respect and can significantly enrich your travel experience. Simple greetings and expressions of gratitude encourage good interactions with locals.
Download offline maps and language packs for Google Translate prior to your trip. This maintains navigation and translation functions even without an internet connection.
A smooth journey arises from respect for local customs and awareness of infrastructure.
Handshakes are common between same-gender individuals. For opposite genders, wait for the woman to initiate. A warm "Salam Alaikum" is always welcomed.
Dress modestly, especially women, covering shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting clothing is preferred. Carry a headscarf for religious sites.
Eat with your right hand. Bread serves as an utensil. Tipping is customary; round up taxi costs and leave around 10% in restaurants.
Always seek permission to photograph people, particularly women and kids. A polite "Mumkin nsawwer?" (May I take a photo?) is appreciated. Respect any refusal.
Certain behaviors are considered inappropriate. Avoid public displays of affection, open consumption of alcohol, or criticism of the King or Islam. Refrain from with your left hand for transactions or pointing your feet at people.
For those with mobility challenges, focusing exploration on the The Modern part of the city is practical. It has wider pavements and a more organized layout. For Medina visits, a well-built walking stick or a companion offers assistance.
Conscious travel decisions support local communities and the environment.
The Beni Snassen Mountains and Oued Moulouya Estuary are valuable ecological areas. Adhere to "leave no trace" principles during visits. Support local organizations focused on nature conservation if encountered.
Oujda's waste management and recycling infrastructure are still restricted. Minimize your waste. Morocco faces shortage of water, necessitating mindful water usage during your stay. Support water-saving initiatives in accommodation.
Your travel choices influence the local economy. Support community-based tourism by staying in local guesthouses and hiring licensed local guides. Purchase crafts directly from artisans. This fosters fair compensation and cultural preservation.
Watch out for possible exploitation. Don't give money directly to begging children; contribute to reputable local charities instead. Politely decline unsolicited "guide" services from touts. Prioritize ethical tour operators like G Adventures.
Prior to your trip, research local charities in Oujda concentrated focused on learning or community development. Contributing to a reputable organization like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood) indirectly supports broader conservation efforts, that is more effective than direct giving to individuals.
Deepen your connection with Oujda through cultural respect and economic support.
Demonstrate respect by learning basic Moroccan Darija or French phrases. Dress modestly, specifically women, to honor local customs. Always seek permission before photographing people, particularly women and kids. Engage in polite bargaining in souks.
Non-Muslims generally cannot walk into the interiors of mosques in Morocco, including Oujda's Grand Mosque; admire exteriors respectfully. When visiting saint's tombs or other spiritual sites, dress modestly, remove shoes if required, and behave quietly.
Support the continuity of local traditions by purchasing traditional crafts directly from artisans in the Medina or the Pottery Village. This provides economic backing and helps maintain valuable skills. Visit and support local museums like Museum Lalla Meriem.
Choose local businesses over international chains to circulate money within the community. Prioritize local shops, cafes, and service providers. Buy souvenirs and crafts from local markets and artisan workshops. Utilize local taxi cab drivers and smaller tour operators.
Seek out artisans who produce their goods straight in the Medina or Pottery Village right to support their work.
Explore Sustainable GearWhenever feasible, buy directly from the maker rather than through multiple intermediaries for more equitable trade.
Find Eco-Friendly StaysAsk about the origin of products, especially for items like argan oil, to confirm their authenticity and ethical sourcing.
Book Ethical ToursEngage with the community by selecting to stay in family-run guesthouses. This direct interaction enhances your experience and supports local families. Eating at small, local restaurants directly benefits the community.
