In this episode we will explore the imperial city of Marrakech. Extremely well-known as a tourist destination, it still retains its ancient charm, catapulting the visitor into a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors and smells. Neighborhoods and streets with a vibrant atmosphere alternate with historical buildings of singular beauty. If you are organizing a trip to Morocco, Marrakech certainly cannot be missing from your itinerary. Below, you will find, as always, a series of very useful information to give added value to your stay in Morocco. LOCAL CURRENCY The local currency is the Moroccan dirham. Its value is, currently, about 1:10 with the euro. 1€ is therefore equivalent to 10 dirhams. Always keep an eye on the fluctuations of its value. The current one clearly allows you to easily convert any amount from the local currency to the euro. As in every country in the world, it is convenient to change money in the city and NOT at the airport. Change/withdraw at the airport only what is strictly necessary to get to the city center (which is not far away). There are several places where you can change money. Here you will find one near the central square Jemaa el Fnaa that usually offers a favorable exchange rate: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iVRLuMvWfuQpd.... PHONE SIM You can buy the SIM directly at the airport. You will find stands that sell phone SIM cards just before you exit the terminal, right next to the door, on the left. Here they will probably cost you a little more (with Maroc Telecom they started from €20 for the basic package). If you have an emergency or immediate need you can buy them here (be careful that the stands close at midnight, so you might not arrive in time if your flight lands late). If you are not in a hurry, you can go to the center where I indicate below, also for any top-ups: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oAnBnagVPDrn8.... PURCHASES, BARGAINING and HOW TO AVOID SCAMS As is known, in Morocco almost every type of purchase is negotiated: from taxi rides to purchases in markets and sometimes even in shops. The first price they will propose will almost always be disproportionately high. You must ALWAYS bargain, because basically the prices are set based on your geographical origin and not infrequently you will even be able to halve the initial amount. BEWARE OF UNWANTED SITUATIONS: Marrakech is a wonderful city but unfortunately you have to be a little "smart" in certain situations. The locals will often have the tendency to put you in situations for which at a certain point you will feel obliged (or "kindly" make you feel like it) to pay something. Remember that NOTHING IS FREE here, so before picking up exotic animals or letting random people you meet act as your “guide”, ALWAYS ASK IF THERE IS A COST (there will be) AND HOW MUCH IT IS. If they say things like “don't worry”, insist and make it clear that if they don't tell you first you won't do anything or you won't pay at the end of the experience they want you to have. An example is in the tannery area: they will start a conversation with any excuse and then offer to accompany you to visit the tanneries, the laboratories and the shop (where the shopkeepers will be insistent on making you make purchases, be aware of this). It's an experience I recommend you do, but be sure to negotiate the price first. Another example: henna in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. They will often try to start drawing on your hand without you even asking. If you don't agree on the price beforehand, you will find yourself arguing heatedly when you hear someone asking for €30-40 for a €5 job. Also be careful with street artists: as mentioned in the video, you cannot photograph or film them without leaving an offer. It's bad to say but 95% of the time someone will talk to you it will be to get money from you. I want to say that this is the case in Marrakech but absolutely not in other places in Morocco! Essaouira, for example, is another story and you will not feel this sometimes unpleasant "climate". BOARDING PASS AND EXIT FROM THE COUNTRY To exit Morocco through the Marrakech airport (it could be the same from other airports in the country) you need to print the boarding pass. I have had experience of people who managed to leave even without arriving at the terminal with the card already printed but to avoid problems print it first. It is required (and should also be specified on the airline websites) and must be shown at the desk. ... useful information continues in the featured commentary. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:52 Koutoubia Mosque 2:37 Souk - The Market 4:04 The Tanneries 6:52 Jemaa El-Fnaa Square 8:14 Historic Center 9:38 Ben Youssef Madrasa 10:38 Jewish Quarter 11:56 El Bahia Palace 13:08 El Badi Palace 15:01 Outro