Whichever city you decide to visit on your Morocco holidays, your experience will be less than complete if you have not ventured into a souq, or North African marketplace. Some travellers report that they have had to buy an extra suitcase to accommodate for the gorgeous, inexpensive loot they have acquired in some of Morocco’s winding souqs!
Moroccan Hospitality
Don’t be afraid of accepting Moroccan hospitality as you shop. Friendly banter and hot glasses of delicious mint tea are simply part of the shopping experience in the souq. You can expect to be treated warmly as you browse.
Some locals may offer their services to you as a guide. Please do not accept these offers. It’s true that souqs are full of twists and turns, but most of these & guides are being paid commission by a shopkeeper. If you feel that your experience would be enhanced by having a guide, there are several tour guides available through local services. It’s always better to go the official route in order to avoid being swindled.
Souq Bartering Practices
If low prices are your goal, you’d do best to put away your expensive jewellery and technology. Sellers use your appearance and initial conversation as a guide to which price they will give you. After they give a price, it is generally safe to counter-offer half of that price. If they are not willing to give you a good price, do not be afraid to leave the item and get it at a different stall, no matter how long you have talked to the shopkeeper or how many glasses of mint tea he has offered you. In many cases, this can be part of bartering and he will accept your price rather than lose your business. If you are indeed offering too low, shop around before coming back and renegotiating the price.
Popular Souvenirs
Everyone has their own taste in souvenirs, but here are a few Moroccan specialties to consider getting from the souq.
Argan Oil: All the rage in America and Europe, this oil can be bought for a fraction of the price in the local souq. It is used on both skin and hair for its rejuvenating properties.
Cookware: From a tangine to a couscous bowl, Moroccan cookware comes in a variety of handcrafted designs.
Spices: Spices such as saffron and local herbs can be found at incredibly low prices in a Moroccan souq. Learn how to make some Moroccan dishes and top them with fresh spices.
Special Considerations
In Morocco, holidays can affect shopping. Be sure to check the calendar for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. These are the main holidays that can affect your souq experience. During Ramadan, shops close and reduce their hours frequently. Prices tend to soar during these times as well.
Whether searching for low priced souvenirs or wanting to delve deeper into authentic Moroccan culture, a visit to the souq is in order on your Moroccan adventure.
