Shopping in Morocco

Souks and markets are the major shopping locations in Morocco and you can find everything you want in these traditional shopping centres. Country’s famous handwoven carpets are exquisite, but somewhat pricy. However, Morocco’s big variety of food products and spices are reasonable in price, and many of them make an easy and inexpensive gift, or souvenir. Locally produced olive oil is distinctive with a very strong flavour and is delicious. Bargaining is entirely natural in Morocco. Therefore you should never pay attention to the initial prices, be patient, and continue until you get a good price.

Moroccan Carpets
Buying a Moroccan hand made carpet can be one of the most pleasurable shopping experiences. We suggest you to visit one of the larger shops first where you can see a range of quality and styles of carpets. Carpet designs are widely varied so look for something that you like. The variety is almost endless. The Berber carpets of Morocco are the most famous carpets in the country. These are usually handmade, with naturally dyed wool.

Food and Spices
The best thing to buy as a food in Morocco is Moroccan spices. Every medina has a few spice shops in Morocco and you should visit one just to see and smell the variety. There are many mixtures of spices you can buy. Moroccon food is definitely spicier than Western food but doesn't match Mexican or Thai food for heat. Moroccans admire their olives and export a huge amount of olives every year. The olives come in many flavors with the sour, lemony kind being the most popular ones. Olives are generally served with most meals.

Metalwork
Morocco is famous for it's copperwork, especially the round platters. You can find a huge variety of goods made from metal. Silver, copper, bronze are all worked into intricate Islamic patterns on just about every kind of metal. High quality jewelry is a little harder to find but good craftmanship is usually a bargain.

Woodwork
Woodwork items are usually good souvenirs and Morocco has a wide range of these products. The best among the different types of woodwork are items made from Thuya wood of Essaouira. This special wood has a very distinctive fragrance and beautiful burls on it. You can buy small boxes, carvings, chess sets, bowls and even furniture produced out of thuya.

Tips for Morocco Shoppers

1. Be sure to have some Moroccan change with you as people expect tips for various services. The expected rate is something between 10 and 50 cents (1 DH to 5 DH).

2. Exchange your currency only at banks and larger hotels and exchange only as much as you think you will spend. Do not exchange money on the streets. DH or dirham is the official currency with an exchange rate of approximately 10 DH = US $ 1.

3. Carry cash for small shopping expenses because credit cards are accepted only for bigger purchases or in bigger shops.

4. Negotiate before you purchase! You can start by quoting 30% of the mentioned price. Keep tight but be friendly. If the seller does not respond accordingly then you probably have underestimated the worth of the product, adjust your new offer.

5. It is mostly advised to hire a licensed guide or take a Moroccon tour through the serpentine alleys of Marrakech and Fez.

6. Friday is the holy day of the Muslims and most shops close at 12.30 p.m. Don't be surprised to see many shops closed especially at noon on Fridays.

7. Take good care of your belongings as there are pickpockets in the souks (as in most countries in the world).