NO! After many years taking Americans to Morocco, I am happy to report that Moroccans generally separate the citizens of a country from the policies of their government. While Moroccans might not agree with US foreign policy, they have always been warm and welcoming.
Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize the new US government, in 1777. Thus Morocco is the US's oldest ally.
NO! Morocco has a long history of peaceful co-habitation with Jews. Morocco is the only country in the Arab/Muslim world with a Jewish history museum. There are still about 5000 Jews in Morocco, down from a high of 225,000 or 10% of Morocco's population at the time of the formation of the State of Israel. Many Israeli Jews are of Moroccan descent and return to visit family, friends or special sites. There are synagogues and Jewish cemeteries being cared for in Morocco.
If you've been to Israel and have Israeli stamps in your passport, there is no problem in Morocco.
NO! Morocco was recently listed as the third most welcoming country in the world after Iceland and New Zealand. Marrakech was Trip Advisor's #1 destination for 2015. I regularly check the US Dept of State's Travel Warning section, and Morocco is never listed. It's possible to get sick in Morocco, or pay a bit too much for something, or rarely, have your pocket picked, but overall Morocco is very safe and welcoming to foreign tourists.
Very few of them, but you can! It's very common for visitors to ride camels. Depending on the trip, it's also possible to get camel burgers.
No. Moroccan women decide for themselves if they want to wear the hijab and visiting women are not expected to wear it. Modest dress is appreciated and we send you a suggested packing list, along with cultural suggestions and some words and phrases in Arabic, before the trip.
Everybody, male and female alike, should cover themselves from shoulders to knees, regardless of the weather. Tight-fitting clothes on women may cuase uncomfortable interest and remarks.
BTW, it can be quite cold in Morocco in the winter!
WiFi is becoming more common in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. It is not everywhere but is not too hard to find.
This varies, depending on your plan. US phones seem to not work so well, but European ones do better. There are pay phones and teleboutiques where international calls can be made at reasonable prices.
They are the same as in Spain, so 220V (US is 110V) and 2 prongs, but bigger than US plugs.
It probably is, but you will be provided with bottled water for the duration of the trip.
Yes, it is possible to get alcohol, but as Morocco is a Muslim country, it is best to be very moderate and discreet when consuming alcohol or simply abstain for the duration of the trip.
Many places in Morocco use 'Turkish toilets,' which are level with the floor, where you squat on them. They are common worldwide. Many places that have a Turkish toilet also have water handy for cleaning yourself after toilet functions, so toilet paper is not always used. Moroccans use their left hand, with water, to clean themselves. You can use toilet paper with a Turkish toilet and we generally let you know whether to flush toilet paper or not. We provide toilet paper.
The squatting posture when using the toilet is more natural than a sitting posture. It takes a bit of practice to get used to, that's all.
While most Moroccans eat meat, there are certainly many vegetarian meals available in Morocco, such as couscous with vegetables, vegetarian tajine, vegetarian pastilla. Gluten-free is a bit harder, as bread is part of most Moroccan meals, but it is possible. Morocco wants tourists and tries to make people comfortable.
Morocco is a conservative country and public displays of affection, whether Straight or otherwise, are not well accepted. So if you're LGBTQ and discreet, there is no problem. Touching between males and females in public is very limited, so look around and see what others are doing and follow suit. Moroccans are generally tolerant and there is no danger if you are not blatant about your affections in public.
Moroccans are masters at languages! Many Moroccans speak 3 or more. Most Morccans speak Darija, a variation of Arabic. The Amizigh languages are next. French is widely-spoken, as well as Spanish in the North. Many young Moroccans speak English quite well. We provide translators when we will be going into areas with few English speakers.
Morocco is a moderate Islamic country. It is illegal to insult Islam or to try to convert a Muslim away from their faith, but it is fine to ask Muslims about what they believe.
Until recently, it was illegal to insult the Monarchy. It is still not a good idea, though people speak more freely about politics now than before. Mohammed VI is not only the political leader of Morocco, he is also the Commander of the faithful and as such, should be spoken of respectfully.
Most things are quite inexpensive, but for many tourist items, you need to haggle for the price, so the final price depends on your skills and tenacity.
Moroccan Dirhams. You get about 10 Dhs to the US$ or the Euro. ATMS are available, but it's good if you inform your bank that you'll be traveling to Morocco.
Some upscale places accept credit cards, but most places are cash only.