Many travelers will be arriving by private transfer from another location within Morocco, but if you are starting your Moroccan journey here, you will arrive at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (IATA code TNG), which is about a 20-minute drive from Tangier city center.

Petits taxis (light blue in color) are available outside arrivals and are very affordable, costing a base of 200 Moroccan dirhams, or about $20 USD. Tip: Consider booking a private transfer when finalizing your Tripmasters vacation and instead, your driver can take you to your hotel, leaving all the guesswork behind.

Tanger-Ville train station is the northern terminus of the high-speed Al-Boraq line that connects Tangier to Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca. White petits taxis can be found outside the station (remember, there are ranks for grands taxis and petits taxis, you want petits taxis). The train station is across the street from Tanger City Center mall, at the intersection of Avenue de France and Avenue d'Espagne, just a few minutes east of the medina, port, and Corniche.

ALSA operates a bus service in Tangier, but since buses can't go to the old medina, which is right next to the Port of Tanger-Ville, your use of these buses might be limited. For areas further east, such as the Quartier Mozart, Tanger City Center, Parc de Jeux, and the Villa Harris, you will need to take the I5 bus. Downloading the ALSA app can save you time; program your card in the app, scan your phone when you get on the bus, and you can board with no hassle. For more information, visit www.alsa.ma/en/tanger.

Like in most Moroccan cities, petits taxis are used as mass transit quite frequently, with thousands of the light blue cabs buzzing about the city. Fares within the old medina and port area should rarely rise above 50 dirhams, but expect to pay a little more if going to City Center for shopping or out to Parc de Jeux.

Tangier's medina and key central areas like the marketplace and Corniche are well-suited for walking, allowing visitors to engage directly with the city's vibrant street life and historical architecture. These areas are densely packed with shops, cafés, and cultural sites that are best experienced on foot. For distances that stretch beyond the city center or for excursions to locations like Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves to the west, or Villa Harris and Playa Blanca to the east, taxis and public buses are recommended. The closest bus that drops riders within the vicinity of Cap Spartel does so around Rmilat Park, about a mile to the east (bus route 5, not to be confused with I5).

Tangier, like many cities popular with tourists, is generally safe but does require visitors to remain aware and take standard precautions, particularly in busy areas. The city is bustling, attracting not only tourists but also those looking to profit from them. Common sense measures such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being cautious of overly friendly strangers should be sufficient to ensure a safe visit.

The medina and main tourist areas are closely monitored and relatively secure, but petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places. It’s advisable to keep valuables secure and be discreet with items like cameras and smartphones. Areas to be more cautious in during late hours might include less tourist-frequented neighborhoods or overly quiet streets. The waterfront and main squares remain lively and are generally safe due to the high presence of people and occasional police patrols.

Regardless of the destination, travelers should prioritize personal safety measures. This includes staying alert in public spaces, securing belongings, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth. Additionally, maintaining a respectful attitude towards local customs and traditions fosters positive interactions with residents and enhances overall safety.

In the Kingdom of Morocco, the official currency is the Moroccan dirham (written as MAD or dh). U.S. dollars are not accepted, and tips should be given where applicable in Moroccan dirhams. Credit card purchases are widely accepted in major urban centers across the country, as are debit card purchases with chip-tap technology. Cash is a better option in traditional markets, although even this is changing in many areas.

Arabic serves as the primary language of communication for Moroccans, with Modern Standard Arabic used in official contexts and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) spoken colloquially. Additionally, French holds significant importance due to historical ties, colonial legacy, and its status as a language of education and administration. English proficiency levels among the local population can vary. While English is increasingly taught in schools and universities, fluency levels may be higher among younger generations, especially those in urban areas (such as Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, etc.) and tourist-centric establishments.

Given the widespread use of French in Morocco's education system, government institutions, and business settings, travelers often find French to be a valuable lingua franca. Attempting French can facilitate smoother interactions with locals, particularly in formal settings such as hotels, restaurants, and administrative offices. While English may suffice in tourist hubs and upscale establishments catering to international visitors, travelers venturing into local markets, neighborhoods, and non-touristy areas may encounter a preference for Arabic or French. Embracing basic French phrases or using translation apps can bridge communication gaps and foster meaningful exchanges with Moroccans.

We recommend brushing up on such phrases as hello/goodbye (bonjour and au revoir), excuse me, please, and thank you (excusez-moi, s'il vous plaît, merci, respectively), "where is..." (où est...), "where are the toilets" (où sont les toilettes?), "how much is this?" (combien ça coute?), numbers from 1-10 (un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix) and similar phrases you can look up on your own time. These will help grease the wheels with locals, as they will appreciate your attempt at French.

Morocco has a similar approach to diet as in other Mediterranean nations, with a large meal (or "djej") eaten between 1 and 3 p.m., with many businesses even closing momentarily for it. Dinner occurs at 8 p.m. or later, and is a much lighter meal (albeit with still substantial portions) and more social in scope. Restaurants in most urban areas accept walk-ins but for certain places you have your heart set on, it's advisable to not only call ahead for reservations for dinner but for lunch as well. Considering the Moroccan custom of lingering, it's best to reserve your table for 1 p.m. during lunch or "djej" and at 8 p.m. for dinner, as many people will want to eat, talk, and have fun just like you.

Morocco is a popular tourist destination and locals know that not every tourist will necessarily respect their local customs, but if you want to put your best foot forward, there are some basic customs you should learn before departing.

Morocco, with its predominantly Muslim population, observes Islamic customs and traditions. Travelers should be mindful of Islamic practices, such as modest dress when visiting religious sites like mosques and mausoleums. It's respectful for both men and women to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and women may consider wearing a headscarf when entering mosques. Dress outside religious sites can be more relaxed, but showing off too much cleavage or skin can make you the center of attention in ways you might not like (for men and for women), so look around and note what is the spectrum of dress for locals and choose from your outfits accordingly. For example, a bathing suit at the beach would be fine, but maybe not in a medina.

Moroccan culture places great importance on greetings as a gesture of respect and warmth. When meeting someone, a handshake accompanied by a sincere greeting, such as "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or "Sbah khir" (good morning), is customary. Maintaining eye contact during greetings conveys sincerity and goodwill. Keep in mind that a handshake might not be immediately extended to a female traveler from a man, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule the same way it might have been 20 years ago.

Sharing a meal in Morocco is a communal experience steeped in tradition. When invited into a Moroccan home for a meal, it's customary to wash hands before and after eating, often with a bowl of water brought by the host. During the meal, using the right hand for eating and refraining from touching food with the left hand is considered polite. Tea holds a special place in Moroccan hospitality, and the tea ceremony is a cherished tradition. When offered tea, graciously accept and savor the aromatic brew served in small glasses. It's customary to take at least three sips to demonstrate appreciation, and engaging in leisurely conversation while enjoying tea fosters camaraderie.

Moroccans value personal space and tend to stand closer during conversations compared to some Western cultures. While this proximity may initially feel unfamiliar to travelers and even anathema to the idea of personal space, respecting personal boundaries and adapting to local norms fosters smoother interactions and mutual respect. Likewise, explaining your own personal space needs (politely) will result in your Moroccan acquaintance accommodating those needs once they are made aware. When capturing moments in Morocco, particularly in more intimate settings or with locals, seeking permission before taking photographs is essential. Respect individuals' privacy and refrain from taking pictures in sensitive areas such as mosques during prayer times or markets without consent.

Bargaining, or "haggling," is a common practice in Moroccan souks and markets. While negotiating prices is part of the cultural experience, doing so with grace and respect is key. Maintain a friendly demeanor, engage in lighthearted banter, and be mindful of fair prices while appreciating the craftsmanship of goods. If you feel you are being hustled or get the feeling you are being price-gouged, disengage and leave. Do note that haggling outside the souks and markets of Morocco's medinas does not occur; prices are fixed everywhere else. You won't be able to talk down a price in a department store or boutique, for example.

Tangier offers the best of both worlds: on one hand, you have a cosmopolitan shopping experience, represented by Western-style shopping centers and brands, and on the other, there's a number of high-quality traditional Moroccan markets. The old medina is a bustling hub where tourists can buy traditional Moroccan crafts, including rugs and leather goods. For those who want a more modern shopping experience, the city also boasts new shopping malls like the City Mall and Tanger City Center which feature a mix of local and international brands.

Casablanca tends to be the yardstick as to how other Moroccan cities are measured, and Tangier offers a fairly similar vibe, but perhaps just a tad more intimate. Tangier boasts several bars, nightclubs, and lounges, particularly around the beachfront and in the city center. Since the energy of the nightlife scene is fairly similar to Casablanca, parties can go on until the early hours of the morning, as late as 3 a.m. in the summer months. Don't expect last call to be quite so late in winter, however.