Tight Ass Tips for Travelling Cheap in Marrakech
I lived and worked in Morocco for eight months during 2015 and for four of them I was based in Marrakech. Morocco is a country that can feel very foreign, overwhelming, chaotic and past its used by date. If you are someone who has just started travelling, its not really the place for you. Become a traveller first then go to Morocco. I don’t mean that in a negative way but it will be easier for you if you have some knowledge of the world under your belt. They are slowly getting on board the whole tourist thing and Marrakech particularly has become a hub for tourists. Travelling through Morocco can be done on the cheap or you can also loose a lot of money. Below are my tips for the travelling tight asses like me..
1. Drink orange juice from a vendor in Jmenna el Fna. You may not get a seat or sip it leisurely but you only pay 4DH instead of 20DH.
2. A cheap breakfast includes a choice of hard-boiled eggs for 1DH, banana 1DH, yoghurt from any mini mart is 3DH, bread is 1DH, buy individual spreadable cream cheese for 1DH, and delicious hsarra Soup is 4DH. Some vendors will even spread the cheese on the bread for you or if your tight you already have your plastic knife packed in your bag and can do it yourself.
3. Afternoon tea suggestion – stop off at a rug shop pretending to view rugs and they will almost always offer you mint tea. Stop and chat for awhile. Then find a takeaway selling msemem, either eat plain or with honey for 3DH. Scrumptious!
4. Take a taxi ten minutes for 14DH or take the same route walking 30 minutes. Everything in Marrakech is walkable. Go early in the morning or late afternoon/night to avoid the extreme temperature. You are on holidays, there is no need to rush, take your time.
5. If your mobile phone is unlocked, buy a SIM card and data for 50DH, this will give you 4GB of wifi. Most but not all cafes offer free wifi.
6. Buy a 5L bottle of water in bulk for 10DH. If you are a tight arse you will always have a drink bottle on you, just transfer it into your own 600ml bottle.
7. Hang out in the parks. They are gorgeous and cost nothing for entry.
8. Nothing is labelled with a price in the medinas. Bargain with the seller, offer 50% of what they ask for. Walk away and they will always call after and agree to your price.
9. Cheap gyms are everywhere. If your staying awhile sign up and pay only 10DH a day.
10. Cinemas are only 20DH but be warned, movies will be shown in French.
11. Avoid taking photos in Jmenna el Fna unless you are prepared to pay for the privilege. There are guys watching and will pounce on you once you take the photo. Only offer 10DH if you are pestered.