Bargaining & Haggling

Haggling is not an option in Morocco, but a must — accepting the first price is not seen as generous, but naive. Bargaining is part of the culture, a social ritual, a game that should be fun for both sides. Here are the rules:

The Basic Rules

• First price = 3-5 times too high: This is no exaggeration. A carpet offered at 5,000 MAD is often available for 1,500-2,000 MAD in the end
• Counteroffer: Start at 30-40% of the quoted price and work your way up
• Walking away: The most powerful weapon. If you turn around and leave, the vendor almost always follows with a better price
• Friendliness: Smile, joke, drink the offered tea. It's a game, not a fight
• Know the value: Inform yourself beforehand (Ensemble Artisanal, fixed prices) about fair prices
• Buy only what you want: Don't be pressured into buying by social pressure (tea, friendliness, time investment)

Where to haggle?

Yes: Souks, markets, taxis (always agree on the price beforehand!), guides, excursions, horseback rides

No: Supermarkets, restaurants (the prices on the menu apply), museums, official transport tickets (bus, train)

Taxi Trick

In Morocco, Petits Taxis (intra-city) have taximeters — insist on it being turned on (“Le compteur, s'il vous plaît”). If the driver refuses, get out and take the next one. Without a taximeter, you will certainly pay double. Grands Taxis (intercity) have fixed route prices — ask at the taxi station for the standard price.