Rabat Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Rabat.
Healthcare System
Morocco has a dual healthcare system with public hospitals and private clinics. Public healthcare is available but often crowded with long wait times. Private healthcare facilities offer better service and English-speaking staff but require payment upfront or insurance.
Hospitals
Recommended private facilities include Clinique Al Madina, Clinique Badr, and Cheikh Zaid International Hospital. These cater to international patients with English-speaking staff. For emergencies, Centre Hospitalier Ibn Sina is the main public hospital.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies/صيدلية) are widely available throughout Rabat and identifiable by green crosses. Many medications available over-the-counter in Morocco require prescriptions elsewhere. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak French. Night pharmacies (pharmacie de garde) operate on rotation schedules posted at all pharmacies.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Private healthcare facilities require payment upfront and costs can be significant. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ
- Private clinics require payment upfront; keep all receipts for insurance claims
- Tap water is generally treated but bottled water is recommended to avoid stomach issues
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may be unavailable
- French-speaking ability is helpful when dealing with healthcare providers
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, particularly targeting tourists who appear distracted or wealthy. Thieves often work in pairs or groups using distraction techniques.
Persistent unofficial guides approach tourists offering services, sometimes becoming aggressive when refused. While many are harmless, some lead tourists to shops for commissions or charge excessive fees.
Rabat's traffic can be chaotic with aggressive driving, poorly marked lanes, frequent lane changes, and limited respect for pedestrian crossings. Motorbikes often use sidewalks.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach upset can occur from unfamiliar bacteria, food handling practices, or contaminated water. Most cases are mild but can disrupt travel plans.
Verbal harassment, catcalling, and persistent attention from vendors or individuals can occur, particularly toward women and visibly foreign tourists. Usually not physically threatening but can be uncomfortable.
Occasional political demonstrations occur in Rabat as the capital city. Most are peaceful but can disrupt traffic and occasionally escalate.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone approaches claiming to be an official guide or helpful local, offers to show you around the medina, then demands excessive payment or becomes aggressive when you try to leave. May lead you to shops where they receive commission.
A 'helpful' person near a tourist site tells you it's closed for prayer/holiday/renovation and offers to take you to another location or shop instead. The attraction is actually open.
After accepting mint tea and hospitality in a carpet or craft shop, owners apply intense pressure to purchase expensive items, sometimes blocking exits or becoming hostile.
Taxi drivers claim the meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares, or claim they have no change.
Individuals approach with official-looking documents claiming to collect for orphanages or mosques, keeping donations for themselves.
Devices attached to ATMs capture card information and PIN numbers for fraudulent use later.
Restaurants add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for bread or appetizers you didn't request, or present menus without prices then overcharge.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep photocopies of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Use hotel safes for valuables and extra cash
- Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Keep emergency contacts and embassy information readily accessible
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extras in hotel safe
- Divide money between different locations on your person
- Use credit cards at established businesses only
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep small denominations for taxis and small purchases
- Be discreet when handling money in public
Transportation
- Use official taxis (petit taxis for within city) and insist on meters
- Download Careem app for reliable ride-sharing with set prices
- Avoid unmarked taxis and shared grand taxis if unfamiliar with system
- Keep taxi receipts in case of disputes or lost items
- Be cautious when crossing streets; drivers rarely yield to pedestrians
- Avoid driving yourself unless experienced with local traffic patterns
- Use train services for intercity travel - safe and reliable
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in medina areas
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women
- Remove shoes when entering mosques (if permitted) or homes
- Use right hand for eating and greeting; left hand considered unclean
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Learn basic French or Arabic phrases - locals appreciate the effort
- Respect prayer times and Ramadan customs if visiting during this period
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data
- Download offline maps before exploring unfamiliar areas
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic French phrases - more useful than English in many situations
- Keep your accommodation address written in Arabic for taxi drivers
- Register with your embassy's traveler program for safety alerts
Health Precautions
- Bring hand sanitizer and use frequently, especially before eating
- Pack basic medications including anti-diarrheal and rehydration salts
- Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits from street vendors initially
- Use insect repellent during evening hours, particularly near water
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations for extended stays
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations with good reviews in safe neighborhoods
- Verify hotel/riad legitimacy before booking through official channels
- Check room security including locks and window security upon arrival
- Keep room number private and don't announce it publicly
- Use door chains and ensure door is locked when inside
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Store valuables in room safe or hotel's main safe
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Rabat safely, though they may experience more attention and harassment than in Western countries. Morocco is relatively progressive compared to some regional neighbors, and Rabat as the capital is more cosmopolitan than rural areas. Solo women travelers are not uncommon, but extra precautions are advisable. Unwanted verbal attention (catcalling, comments) is the most common issue, rarely escalating to physical harassment. Dressing modestly and projecting confidence helps minimize unwanted attention.
- Dress conservatively: cover shoulders, chest, and knees; loose-fitting clothing reduces attention
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention your 'husband' if asked about marital status
- Walk confidently with purpose; avoid appearing lost or uncertain
- Ignore catcalls and comments completely; engagement encourages continuation
- Sit in family sections on trains and in women-only compartments when available
- Consider staying in female-friendly accommodations or riads run by women
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis for evening transportation
- In cafes, choose family-friendly establishments; traditional male-dominated cafes may be uncomfortable
- Join group tours for medina exploration rather than wandering alone
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted offers or attention
- Carry a local SIM card and keep phone charged for emergency contact
- Connect with other female travelers through hostel networks or online groups
- Beach attire should be modest; one-piece swimsuits better than bikinis; avoid isolated beaches
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco under Article 489 of the Penal Code, with penalties including fines and imprisonment of 6 months to 3 years. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections. Enforcement is inconsistent but prosecution does occur, particularly in cases that become public.
- Do not display affection with same-sex partners in public under any circumstances
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with locals unless absolutely certain of their views
- Be extremely discreet about relationships and personal life
- Do not engage in LGBTQ+ activism or wear pride symbols publicly
- Use extreme caution with dating apps; police have used these for entrapment
- Book hotel rooms separately or as 'friends' rather than couples if concerned
- Be aware that photography or social media posts could be used against you
- Understand that legal protections available in your home country do not exist here
- Register with your embassy and understand their ability (or inability) to assist if issues arise
- Consider whether travel to Morocco aligns with your comfort level given legal and social risks
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travelers who have visited for current insights
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations through international networks, though even these must be discreet
- Avoid areas known for cruising or LGBTQ+ meetups as police may monitor these
- Be prepared to navigate questions about marital status and family
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Rabat and Morocco. While not legally required for entry, the potential costs of medical treatment, evacuation, or trip disruption far exceed insurance premiums. Private medical facilities require upfront payment and can be expensive. Medical evacuation to Europe can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, trip interruptions due to flight delays, political situations, or personal emergencies are better managed with insurance coverage.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries