Snake charmer photo → dirham demand
Very common — every tourist should know this
Moderate financial riskCost MAD 100-500 (USD 10-50)
Trigger
Man with snake at Jemaa el-Fna waves the snake toward you or asks for photo.
How it works
Photo taken → demands MAD 100-500. Aggressive if refused. Snake often has fangs removed but still bites (bacterial infection risk).
How to avoid
- ✓Don't take photos of snake charmers.
- ✓Keep distance.
If it happens to you
- →Pay MAD 20-50 + leave.
Henna artist grabs your hand
Very common — every tourist should know this
Moderate financial riskCost MAD 100-500 (USD 10-50)
Trigger
Woman with henna cone grabs your hand and starts drawing.
How it works
Fait accompli — you now owe. Some cheap "henna" is actually "black henna" containing PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which causes serious skin reactions.
How to avoid
- ✓Keep hands to yourself in medina.
- ✓Firm "NO" + walk away.
If it happens to you
- →If black henna used: wash IMMEDIATELY + see doctor if reaction develops.
Unofficial "guide" leads you deep into medina
Very common — every tourist should know this
Moderate financial riskCost MAD 200-1000
Trigger
Man offers "help finding your hotel" in medina.
How it works
Leads you through confusing alleys — impossible to find way back. Demands large tip. Sometimes leads to shops for commission.
How to avoid
- ✓Use Google Maps + downloaded offline map.
- ✓Ignore all "help" offers.
- ✓Real licensed guides carry ID + wear brass badge.
If it happens to you
- →Pay minimum + leave.
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