There are many questions regarding women traveling in Morocco, either traveling alone, with family or friends.
As you know, Morocco is a Muslim country, but, a moderated Muslim country.
What is a moderated Muslim country?
Well, a moderated Muslim country means that the majority of people don’t really mind with other people dress, do or think.
People are pretty much free in Morocco in terms of religious dogmas.
So, women traveling in Marrakech or all around Morocco should take in consideration that although things do run quite smoothly in terms of religion, they do not run smoothly in terms of traditions and costumes.
Moroccan women in general don’t shake unknown men’s hands, they don’t kiss hello other men.
In terms of clothes, you should not show body parts.
So, you can show your hair, you can dress casual or jeans even, but, show no legs, no belly, no open front blouses and also your back part showing is very attractive to men that are not really used to exposed women flesh.
Yes, it seems the problem with clothing in Muslim countries is to protect women, from men’s eyes.
Sometimes in Marrakech I see some foreign western women dressed like they are on the beach in South Algarve…
I have to say that the surrounding mentality of people is definitely not the same, and you should at all means avoid being looked like a prostitute, easy woman, or, less respectful women.
Yes, most Moroccan men think of western women as a “free” and “easy” shag… unfortunately.
This does not apply to most religious men since they will not even look at women.
Moroccan men and women in general are very friendly people.
Indeed this country is full of nice, smiley, friendly and helpful people.
This is great.
Although, most men and women have a problem: when Western people smile, it means we are happy, and an exchange of smiles or eye contact doesn’t really mean the same in Europe and Morocco.
In Moroccan society, if a woman smiles to a man, it means she “wants” something from him.
Smiles and looks have a very strong sexual / attraction meaning in Muslim countries.
Looks are powerful and definitely smiling to a man in Morocco might make him think you’re actually hitting on him.
I have stated this few times with friends as they say: “she smiled at me, it means she wants me…”.
This is nothing bad, just different way of people interacting with people.
If you turn out to have the chance of visiting local people’s house in Morocco, and if all women do wear a head scarf, it is polite of you to cover your hair, just a small touch of respect.
You don’t really need to do the head scarf – just lightly cover your head with a scarf.
Easy task that will make you and the Moroccan host family more comfortable.
In bigger cities like Casablanca and Rabat, most women do dress casual and Western style.
Other cities have the “old medina” so it means that is where people do follow a more religious and traditional way of living.
So in Marrakech, Fez and Meknes old Medina’s women to dress more traditional clothes.
So, if you wish to visit Marrakech new district called Gueliz, you definitely can go different that going to the old medina.
In Gueliz you can actually go out at night to a pub wearing your best night dress!
A very important subject in Morocco concerning Western women is smoking.
Do not smoke in public as you will be regarder as a very cheap and low type of person, both by men and Moroccan women.
Many young women in Marrakech do dress normal western clothes and no head scarf.
It is getting normal nowadays in most bigger cities.
I hope this small post is somehow helpful for you to make your travel in Morocco more interesting and fulfilling.
