Fes Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Providers

Morocco has three main mobile providers: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi.

Acquisition Details

Purchase upon arrival at Fès–Saïs Airport or official stores.
Passport required for registration.
Pre-paid data bundles are affordable for staying connected.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, riads, and many cafes and restaurants, especially in the Ville Nouvelle.

Connectivity Insights

Connectivity within the dense medina can sometimes be spotty.
Many riads offer good Wi-Fi; confirm when booking if important.
Consider portable Wi-Fi for consistent access: Solis Wi-Fi.

Language Barriers & Translation

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Berber are the official languages. French is widely spoken, especially in tourism.

Language Tips

English is increasingly common in tourist-facing areas.
Not universally understood, French is more common.
Download an offline Arabic pack for Google Translate.

Important Phrases

Learning a few basic phrases demonstrates respect and can enrich interactions.

Essential Greetings & Thanks

Hello: Salam Alaikum (sah-LAM ah-LAY-koom)
Goodbye: Beslama (bes-LAH-mah)
Thank you: Shokran (SHOH-krahn)

Daily Phrases

Common Responses

Please: Afak (ah-FAHK)
Yes: Naam (nah-AM)
Water: Ma (mah)
Local SIMs: Airalo eSIM

Useful Questions & Negatives

No: La (lah)
How much?: Shhal hada? (sh-HAL HAH-dah?)
No, thank you: La, shokran (lah, SHOH-krahn)
Language learning: Rosetta Stone

Business Hours & Schedules

Information on typical operating hours for businesses, banking services, and holiday impacts.

Medina Shops

Generally open from 9 AM or 10 AM to late evening (around 7-9 PM). Many smaller shops may close for a few hours in the mid-afternoon for a siesta.

Ville Nouvelle Shops

Similar hours to medina shops, but often more consistent, with fewer midday closures. Standard urban retail hours.

Banks & ATMs

Banks usually operate Monday to Friday, from approximately 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. ATMs are widely available in Ville Nouvelle and major medina gates.

Restaurants & Dining

Restaurants typically open for lunch (around 12 PM - 3 PM) and dinner (around 7 PM - 10 PM or later).

Dining Notes

Confirm specific restaurant hours, especially for smaller establishments.
Some cafes may open earlier for breakfast.
Late evening options available in popular areas.

Seasonal Closures & Holidays

Some smaller businesses or artisan workshops might close during the hottest summer months or for extended periods around major religious festivals.

Holiday Impact

Ramadan: Reduced hours, many restaurants close during the day.
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Major holidays, many businesses may close for several days.
Transportation services can be busy during major holidays.

Public & Religious Holiday Considerations

Public Holidays

Fixed national holidays (e.g., Independence Day, Throne Day) can affect hours.
Government offices and some private businesses may close.
Check local calendars for exact dates.

Religious Observances

Ramadan dates vary annually (lunar calendar).
Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan fasting hours is considered disrespectful.
Eid holidays vary annually; plan accordingly for travel.

Planning Ahead

Always check ahead for specific operating hours if you plan to visit a particular place during public or religious holidays to avoid inconvenience.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural guidelines for respectful interactions, appropriate attire, and photography.

Greeting Customs & Attire

A handshake is common when greeting people of the same gender. Modest dress is appreciated in public, especially within the medina and religious sites.

Practices

"Salam Alaikum" is an universal greeting.
Do not offer to shake hands with the opposite gender unless initiated.
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Respect a 'no' if given.

Photography Guidelines

Politely ask "Photo, s'il vous plaît?".
Do not photograph military, police, or government buildings.
Courteous to ask shop owners in souks before taking photos.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid public displays of affection. Do not discuss the King or Moroccan politics negatively.

Topics to Avoid

Avoid discussing religion in a critical or disrespectful manner.
Alcohol consumption generally discouraged in public outside licensed establishments.
Be mindful of personal space and public behavior.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Morocco is a patriarchal society. Homosexuality is illegal and culturally unaccepted.

Considerations

Women may experience unwanted attention; ignoring it often works.
Dressing modestly can minimize unwanted attention.
Discretion is paramount for LGBTQ+ travelers; avoid public displays of affection.

Religious Site Etiquette

Appropriate Dress

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
Women should have a head covering for mosques (most closed to non-Muslims).
Remove shoes before entering mosques or sacred spaces.

Respectful Conduct

Maintain quiet and respectful demeanor inside.
Do not disturb worshippers, especially during prayer times.
If visiting during Ramadan, be especially sensitive to those fasting.

Dining and Tipping Practices

General Dining

Eating with your right hand is traditional.
It's common to share dishes among groups.
Wash hands before and after meals.

Tipping Guidelines

Small tips appreciated for services (e.g., guides, drivers).
Round up taxi fares or add a few dirhams.
For restaurants, 5-10% of the bill is common if service not included.

Cultural Enrichment

Engaging respectfully with Moroccan traditions and customs deepens your travel experience and fosters positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Fes has distinct challenges for travelers with mobility needs, specifically within its oldest parts.

Infrastructure Challenges

Fes el-Bali (the medina) is extremely challenging for travelers with mobility issues due to its narrow, uneven, and often stepped alleys.

Medina Navigation

General lack of ramps within the medina.
Dense crowds can make navigation difficult.
Largely inaccessible for standard wheelchairs.

Accessible Areas & Accommodations

The modern part of Fes, Ville Nouvelle, is generally more accessible with wider sidewalks and smoother roads.

Accessibility Notes

Newer hotels in Ville Nouvelle may offer accessible rooms.
Traditional riads are unlikely to have lifts or full accessibility.
Always inquire specifically when booking if accessibility is a concern.

Transportation for Mobility Needs

Standard taxis and public buses are not wheelchair accessible. Pre-arranged private transfers are the most viable option.

Transport Options

Consider hiring private, accessible vehicles.
Discuss specific needs with transfer services beforehand.
Plan routes carefully to minimize challenging terrains.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Support Resources

Consider hiring a private guide for tailored assistance.
Guide can provide detailed descriptions and navigation help.
Communicate your needs clearly with service providers.

Accessibility Resources

Specific resources for accessibility in Fes are limited. General travel forums and disability travel blogs may offer anecdotal advice from other travelers.

Prioritize Planning

Thorough research and communication with accommodations and tour operators are for travelers with specific accessibility needs.

Fes Travel Tips