Faux Guides (False Guides)

The phenomenon of Faux Guides is one of the biggest nuisances of Moroccan tourism — and at the same time an understandable symptom of high youth unemployment. Faux Guides are self-proclaimed "city guides" who approach tourists in the medinas and offer to show the way, lead to a specific riad, or show the best shops. The problem: They subsequently demand money, lead to shops where they receive commissions, and become pushy to aggressive if refused.

Strategies

• Firmly decline: "Non, merci" or "La, shukran" — friendly, but without discussion
• Look straight ahead: Eye contact is interpreted as an invitation to talk
• Walk confidently: Those who appear uncertain are approached. Act as if you know exactly where you're going (even if you don't)
• Don't ask for directions: Use Google Maps or maps.me (offline) instead — once you ask, you have a "guide"
• Official guide: If you want a guide, book a licensed guide through your riad or the tourist office — recognizable by the official ID (approx. 400-600 MAD per half day)

The situation has significantly improved in recent years: In Fès and Marrakesh, the tourist police patrol, and penalties for Faux Guides have been increased. In smaller cities (Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Rabat), the problem is much less.