Avoiding scams in Tangier
Tangier is a welcoming city and the vast majority of stays go smoothly. A few situations do come up often, though: knowing about them is almost always enough to avoid them.
- A polite, firm "no thank you" settles most situations.
- Always agree the price beforehand: taxi, guide, meal, service.
- If in doubt, go into a shop or a hotel and ask for help.
Fake guides
Near the port, the Grand Socco and in the medina, people offer to guide you or claim that "the street is closed" to make you change route. Decline politely and keep walking. If you want a guide, go through your accommodation or an official guide, who wears a badge.
Taxis
In a petit taxi, ask for the meter from the start; if it is refused, take the next taxi. In a grand taxi, agree the price, the route and the waiting time before getting in.
"My cousin's" shops
A stranger who takes you to a shop often earns a commission, which is added to the price. Go into shops on your own and compare before buying.
Restaurants and cafés
Ask for the menu with prices before ordering. Check the bill: things placed on the table without being ordered may be charged.
Money and exchange
Change money at a bank or an exchange office, never in the street. Count your notes again at the counter.
Offers to refuse
Refuse any offer of drugs: it is illegal and a classic trap. Also refuse when someone wants to apply henna or put an object in your hand "as a gift".
If something goes wrong
Stay calm, move to a busy place and ask a shopkeeper or your accommodation for help. In town, the police can be reached on 19.
Limits of this guide
This guide is based on situations commonly reported by travellers, not on field research by our team. It targets no neighbourhood and no profession.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tangier dangerous?
No. These situations are annoyances, not dangers; they mainly concern the areas around the port and the medina.
Do you need a guide?
It is not necessary for the medina and the Kasbah. If you want one, choose an official guide and agree the price beforehand.
Sources
General knowledge of the editorial team, with no dated source for now.