Fez Unveiled

Fez is one of Morocco's most traditional cities, and showing respect for local customs enhances your experience while fostering positive interactions:

• Dress modestly: Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or residential areas away from tourist centers
• Religious sites: Non-Muslims cannot enter mosques in Morocco (except Hassan II in Casablanca), but can visit madrasas (Islamic colleges) outside prayer times
• Photography etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elderly individuals
• Right hand usage: Eat, pass items, and shake hands with your right hand only, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean
• Ramadan considerations: If visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours

Fez offers incredible photographic opportunities, but it's important to approach photography with cultural sensitivity:

• Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and craftspeople at work
• Many artisans or performers expect a small tip (5-10 dirhams) if you photograph them or their work
• Avoid photographing military personnel, police, or government buildings
• In markets and workshops, purchasing something small often creates goodwill for taking photos
• Photography is generally prohibited inside religious buildings, even those open to non-Muslim visitors

Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the narrow streets and small courtyards. A zoom lens is useful for capturing details of architecture and candid scenes from a respectful distance. Always be aware of your surroundings when using expensive camera equipment.

Bargaining is an integral part of Moroccan market culture. In Fez, it's expected in the souks and can be an enjoyable cultural experience when approached with the right mindset:

• Begin by establishing rapport with the seller – a greeting and small talk creates goodwill
• Start at approximately 30-40% of the initial asking price
• Bargain with a smile and keep it good-natured – it's a social interaction, not a confrontation
• Take your time; rushing indicates eagerness and weakens your position
• Be prepared to walk away – this is often when the best offers emerge
• Once you agree on a price, honor it – backing out is considered poor form

Remember that bargaining is appropriate for souvenirs, crafts, and non-essential items. Don't haggle for basic necessities, food, or with small vendors who are selling inexpensive everyday items. Fixed-price shops (increasingly common in Fez) will clearly indicate that prices are non-negotiable.

Having a sense of appropriate price ranges helps you bargain more effectively. While prices change over time, these approximate guidelines can help you understand what constitutes a fair deal:

• Leather babouche slippers: 120-250 dirhams depending on quality
• Small ceramic plates: 80-150 dirhams
• Leather pouf (unfilled): 300-600 dirhams
• Fez hat (traditional red hat): 100-200 dirhams
• Small traditional lantern: 150-350 dirhams
• Hand-painted tagine pot (decorative): 150-400 dirhams
• Cotton scarves: 60-120 dirhams

Items with substantial craftsmanship (hand-knotted carpets, fine leatherwork, intricate metalwork) naturally command higher prices, especially when made by master artisans. Extremely low prices often indicate mass-produced items or poor-quality materials.

Fez is generally a safe city for travelers, but as in any destination, common-sense precautions enhance your security:

• Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
• Be alert in crowded areas like Bab Boujloud and main market streets where pickpockets may operate
• Use official guides with badges issued by the Moroccan tourist authorities
• Avoid unmarked "shortcuts" through empty alleyways, especially at night
• Women travelers may experience unwanted attention or comments; walking confidently and dressing modestly helps minimize this
• Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help, especially those who approach saying "the street ahead is closed"

Most negative experiences in Fez involve persistent touts or minor scams rather than serious crime. Trust your instincts, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and don't hesitate to enter a shop or café if you feel uncomfortable.

Taking care of your health ensures your time in Fez remains enjoyable and trouble-free:

• Water: Drink bottled water only and avoid ice in drinks unless at high-end establishments
• Food safety: Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high, and exercise caution with street food
• Heat management: The medina can be very hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings
• Walking terrain: The medina has many uneven surfaces and steps – comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential
• Accessibility: Fez's ancient medina is not wheelchair-friendly and presents challenges for those with mobility issues

For emergencies, Fez has several private clinics with English-speaking staff. Your accommodation can recommend the closest appropriate facility. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as serious medical issues may require transport to Casablanca or Europe.

While many people in tourism-related businesses speak some English, learning a few key phrases in Arabic or French greatly enhances your experience in Fez:

• As-salamu alaykum – Peace be upon you (standard greeting)
• Shukran – Thank you
• La shukran – No thank you (helpful when declining offers)
• Afak – Please
• B'shhal? – How much?
• Ghali – Expensive (useful during bargaining)
• Safi – Enough/that's it (to end a negotiation)
• Smeh-li – Excuse me
• La bess? – How are you?

Moroccans speak Darija, a dialect of Arabic that differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic. They appreciate any attempt to speak their language, even if it's just basic greetings and courtesy phrases. Many locals also speak some Spanish, particularly in northern Morocco.

Effective communication in Fez involves more than just words:

• Moroccan culture values politeness and indirect communication – direct refusals can seem rude
• Begin interactions with greetings and pleasantries before stating your purpose
• Use your right hand for giving and receiving items as a sign of respect
• Speaking loudly is often perceived as aggressive; maintain a moderate tone
• Physical personal space tends to be smaller in Morocco than in Western countries
• Written Arabic numbers look different from Western ones – familiarize yourself with them for prices

Consider downloading a translation app that works offline. Visual communication tools can be helpful when language barriers arise. In challenging situations, younger Moroccans often have better English skills and may offer assistance.