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This North American country tops the list of the safest countries for travelers

A new year means new destinations.

When looking at where to go, travelers will consider the usual factors such as weather, cost and available activities. This year, safety is also top of mind as more people want to go off the beaten path and take solo trips.

To help, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just released its ninth annual State of Travel Insurance report, which includes the safest countries in the world for travelers.

"The definition of safe destination has evolved,” Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in an email. "In our most recent survey, travelers lean in on countries they believe as safe destinations they can move about freely without discrimination or harassment."

To determine the list, the travel insurance provider surveyed 1,702 people on their own travel experiences in different countries and also pulled data from third-party resources that evaluate safety concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures and the safety of underrepresented groups. This included the  Global Peace Index  and the State Department’s own  travel safety ratings .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

While these countries are considered to be overall safe for people to visit, the company noted the report doesn't mean every part of the country is safe nor account for the possibility of natural disasters. And as always, don't let your guard down when it comes to petty theft against tourists.

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

Read below to see the 15 countries determined to be the safest for all travelers.

The Great White North tops this year's list of safest countries in the world for travelers, thanks to its low violent crime and strict gun laws. Last year, the country, known for its high standard of living and political stability, made sixth on the list.

2. Switzerland

Known for its security and low crime rates, Switzerland made second place for the safest nations to visit. The country is known for its high quality of living and beautiful nature, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich.

Besides having some of the best views of the dancing northern lights , Norway is also one of the safest places when it comes to crime rates, terrorist activity and violent demonstrations. According to the report, Oslo, the capital of Norway, was the country's safest area.

Those wanting to see Ireland's Cliffs of Moher or sip on some Guinness can rest assured in going through with those travel plans. The country had fewer homicides in 2022 than 16 U.S. cities, according to the report.

5. Netherlands

Last year, the Netherlands took the top spot for safest destinations to visit, and this year, it made fifth. Survey respondents repeatedly said they felt safe in the country and its capital Amsterdam. Just beware of the tourist tax increase as the city continues to crack down on reckless partiers.

6. United Kingdom

With a beautiful countryside and cities with low murder and theft rates, the United Kingdom is a safe bet for travelers. Unfortunately, the country is soon going to implement a fee to enter its borders .

7. Portugal

There's a reason digital nomads flock to this sunny coastal country, and it's not just the delicious seafood and wine. Portugal's cities are secure and orderly, and the rural areas are peaceful. In 2022, the country was determined to be one of the best places for solo female travelers too.

Last year, Denmark was the second safest country in the world for travelers, and its low crime rates continue to help it be a safe choice for travelers. The northern European country typically steals the spotlight for its happy residents and its politics.

Like its Nordic neighbor Denmark, Iceland is often regarded as the world's most gender-equal country and the safest country in the world when it comes to crime. To entice travelers even more, the country is home to otherworldly landscapes featuring glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and volcanic terrain.

10. Australia

Rugged wilderness and cosmopolitan cities make Australia a desirable country for travelers, especially female solo travelers since the Land Down Under also has low homicide rates. In 2022, there were 377 recorded homicides, about half of what Chicago experienced, according to the report.

11. New Zealand

Although expensive, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore its coastlines, mountains, fjords and more, or for those who are big "Lord of the Rings" fans. With low crime rates, the country is also considered to be quite peaceful and great for female solo travelers.

Along with low crime rates, Japan offers travelers a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Think robot servers in restaurants amongst ancient shrines. In Japanese culture, politeness and orderliness are also highly valued, making it a safe place for travelers, solo or not. However, the report doesn't consider natural disasters, such as the earthquakes that recently shook the western part of the island nation.

Home to the City of Light, France has stood the test of time as one of the world's most popular destinations. Thankfully, for travelers, the country has relatively safe transportation (well, minus petty theft, which is common on the metro) and safety from disease epidemics, according to the report. However, violent demonstrations mean travelers should be cautious and check local media for updates.

Another popular European destination, Spain is known for petty theft like pickpocketing. Overall, the Mediterranean country has a low crime rating for how heavily touristed it is, the report said. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection recommends people especially watch out for passport thefts, so as always, travel cautiously.

This year, Brazil made the list of safe countries to visit. The survey respondents who identified as women, people of color and LGBTQ+ especially felt safe in the South American country, known for its beautiful beaches. However, Brazil's borders are notably dangerous for crime activity.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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The 15 Safest Countries to Travel to in 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

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No one wants to go on vacation only to be too afraid to leave their hotel. So, if you’re looking for the safest countries to travel to in 2024, plan your next trip around this list. 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, a travel insurance provider, just released its annual list of the safest countries in the world . The rankings are created using an extensive methodology that includes surveying recent travelers, analyzing data from the Global Peace Index and the US State Department, and evaluating the GeoSure Global scores of the major cities in each country. These data points are used to calculate a weighted score reflecting each country’s safety. 

Berkshire Hathaway issues an important caveat alongside its safest countries list: “These ratings aren’t predictive—that is, just because we say Canada is safe that doesn’t mean it will rank in the Top 10 in the future. Also, it doesn’t account for the possibility of natural disasters, like the Canadian wildfires.” Inclusion on the list also doesn’t mean that “every part of the company is as safe as any other,” says the company. 

This is the ninth year that Berkshire Hathaway has released this study. Over the years, the company says the definition of a safe place to travel has changed over time. “A safe place was originally a place that’s largely free from terrorist activity. Then it became a place that was safe from disease outbreaks. Now it’s a place where all types of people can move about freely without discrimination or harassment.”

Canada rose from sixth place in 2023 to claim the title of the safest country to travel to in 2024. Canada was ranked highly for safety due to its low rates of violent crime. However, travelers are advised to watch out for wildfires, which have been a major issue in the country in recent years, causing diminished air quality and the potential for health problems. 

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand

Safety looks different for every traveler. The study also broke down the safest countries by a number of specific categories.

Safest Countries to Travel to (Safest From Violent Crime)

Safest countries to travel to (safety from terrorism).

5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024

Safest Countries to Travel to (Safety Transportation Safety)

Safest countries to travel to (health measures), safest countries to travel to (women’s/lgbtq/people of color safety), you might also like:.

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9 Ways To Travel More Safely

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Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here's how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet's value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you're traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you've made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It's also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you're in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, "conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time." Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don't always mean that you shouldn't travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you'll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org , a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy .

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we've shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

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Is Belize Safe? What to Know Before You Visit

Travel Advisories

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• Female Travelers
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Belize is an increasingly popular eco-tourism destination with beautiful jungles and islands drawing throngs of visitors each year. While the Caribbean islands of Belize are some of the safest places to visit, crime can be a severe problem in this Central American nation. Learn what areas in Belize to avoid and what safety precautions to implement to ensure a happy and trouble-free visit.

• The U.S. State Department suggests increased caution in Belize due to crime. Violent crime, says the State Department, is common during daylight hours and in tourist areas.
• Canada urges travelers to exercise a significant degree of caution in Belize due to a high rate of violent crime throughout the country.

Is Belize Safe?

Belize is a small country that has been continually named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Additional violent crimes like home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults regularly occur during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang violence—centered mainly in Belize City—is a big part of the problem. The south side of Belize City, in particular, should be avoided at all times. Dangers in tourist areas mainly include burglary, pickpocketing, and hotel room theft. While crimes against visitors are taken seriously, the police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, so their ability to respond is limited. 

However, many travelers enjoy trips without incidents, especially in the Caribbean islands off the coast of Belize, which have much less frequent and generally non-violent crimes of opportunity. Such misdeeds often target tourists or more affluent long-term residents. There have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates.

Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. The criminals offer to sell drugs and then set the person up for arrest and payment of a substantial fine to secure release. Purchasing illegal drugs in Belize will subject visitors to heavy penalties and jail time.

Is Belize Safe for Solo Travelers?

Belize is easy to navigate, which usually helps solo travelers enjoy safe journeys. But anyone exploring on their own should be street smart, keeping a watchful eye out when in rural and metropolitan locations. To avoid being targeted, always travel in safe areas, take main roads, and be aware of your surroundings. Don't go out alone at night and stay away from dark side streets. Those who venture out at night should take a registered taxi rather than walk. If you go hiking, join a group and make sure any guides are experienced and from a reputable company.

Is Belize Safe for Female Travelers?

While women with sufficient travel experience may feel comfortable exploring Belize independently, it is not recommended, even if accompanied by another female companion. Sexual assaults can occur, and sexual harassment such as catcalling and stares are common in the country, especially on the beaches and islands. Don't hitchhike or accept taxi rides with other passengers unknown to you, and be especially cautious in taxis as sexual harassment by the drivers has been reported.

Limit excessive alcohol and always keep an eye on your food and drinks. Don't accept snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from people you don't know. These strangers may lace your items with drugs that put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Homosexuality became legal in Belize only as recently as 2016. Because the country is conservative—even the younger generations—it serves LGBTQ+ tourists to be cautious. Verbal or physical abuse and harassment may take place. Choose accommodations carefully and be discreet in most situations, including public displays of affection. Travelers may not find many gay bars or clubs in Belize, but resorts host some LGBTQ+ friendly events. San Pedro in Ambergris Caye is the most gay-friendly spot in Belize, with ample nightlife opportunities during the high season.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Most of the population of this Central American country is multiracial, and with diversity the norm, BIPOC travelers can typically expect friendliness and warmth from the locals. Tourists can also enjoy a culturally rich experience learning about the families who grew up here. More than half the people are a mix of primarily indigenous Mayan and European roots. Belizeans also have Creole (descendants of Africans), East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American heritage.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Here are additional general tips all travelers may consider:

• Should you need emergency medical attention, Belize City has the only two major hospitals considered adequate by U.S. standards and equipped to handle serious problems: Belize Medical Associates and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Dial 911 nationwide or 90 in Belize City in case of an emergency. 
• Store valuables and cash in a secure location such as a hotel safe, and never have these items visible inside a parked car. Keep essential things out of reach of outsiders while driving.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Refrain from dressing in a manner that displays or indicates wealth.
• Beware of pickpockets. Keep wallets and cash in front pant pockets, and hold small purses closely in front of you.
• The door to your hotel or accommodation should be secured at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.
• Travelers are advised to avoid buses in Belize.
• Drive with extreme caution, even on major streets, and avoid night trips. Road conditions are generally very poor and may be hazardous. Ensure that you have a cell phone, spare tire, and other emergency equipment—even some non-perishable food. Travel with more than one vehicle, if possible.
• It is vital to look both ways when crossing the street in Belize, as vehicles do not yield to pedestrians.
• Carefully cross the borders into Guatemala or Mexico. Only use officially recognized border crossings and avoid night travel.

U.S. Department of State. " Belize Travel Advisory ." July 19, 2021.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 27, 2020.

Overseas Security Advisory Council. " Belize 2020 Crime & Safety Report ." March 27, 2020.

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Is Istanbul Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Turkey : Safety by City

Istanbul is Turkey’s most popular as well as the most populous city with an estimated population between 12 and 19 million people.

It is one of the largest cities in the entire world as well as Europe, and it’s the cultural, architectural, social and financial center of Turkey.

A geographically peculiar and unique trait of Istanbul is that it spreads along both sides of the Bosphorus, between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.

If you go to Istanbul, you won’t easily forget its skylines, filled with domes and minarets of various sizes and heights and its vibrant streets filled with vendors, Turkish markets, restaurants, and unique eastern culture.

What tourists often emphasize as their favorite part of Istanbul experience is the unique Middle Eastern cuisine, with baklavas as their number one dessert specialty.

• Warnings & Dangers in Istanbul

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Istanbul is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it that are considered somewhat dangerous. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Generally, transport in Istanbul is rather safe and reliable, if you succeed to avoid pickpockets from public transport. If you're driving you should keep in mind that local drivers in the city are reckless and tend to ignore traffic rules and signs.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As for pickpocketing, it is a huge concern on the streets of Istanbul, which is a popular tourist destination, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Places, where you should watch out for pickpockets, are Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, earthquakes have been known to hit Turkey, as well as severe droughts causing the lack of tap water in some parts of this country.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The majority of violent crime happens sometimes in Istanbul, and there have been reports of tourists being mugged, drugged and stolen from. Passports have known to be stolen from tourists, so be careful and leave them in your accommodation.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism is the greatest worry for tourists, as it's been active in Turkey in recent years. The last terrorist attack happened in January 2017. Most of these attacks are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The common scam in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey is locals befriending tourists, taking them out for a drink, or dinner and then expecting the tourist to pay for it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this city. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. These can happen even if you are accompanied by a group. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.

• So... How Safe Is Istanbul Really?

Istanbul is mostly safe when it comes to crime and its biggest risks stem from the political situation in Turkey as well as terrorist threats.

However, that isn’t to say that violent, as well as petty crimes, don’t exist in Istanbul: snatching, pickpocketing, and mugging are the most common kinds of petty crime.

However, lately, with the newly developed camera network that supervises the streets of Istanbul 24/7, the mugging and purse snatching declined.

It is useful to know that once you leave the big city of Istanbul, you’re in a mostly safe zone where tourists have had nothing but positive experiences.

Another advice that might come in handy in Istanbul is that you should take every precaution while driving, as drivers in this city are mostly reckless and completely ignoring traffic signs, commonly causing traffic accidents.

Apart from this, transport is mostly safe in Turkey and works quite well.

The real danger in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey and the reason many tourists are skeptic when it comes to safety in this city, are the continuous and frequent terrorist attacks all around Turkey that have to do with the political situation in the state and most of them are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.

However, recently the situation has settled and the last attack happened in January 2017.

• How Does Istanbul Compare?
• Useful Information

Some nationals do need a visa to enter Turkey, but they can be purchased online at http://www.evisa.gov.tr/ before traveling to Turkey. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival to Turkey. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Turkish lira is the official currency in Istanbul. ATMs are widespread throughout the city and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.

No worries when it comes to climate - Istanbul has a temperate oceanic climate, influenced by a continental climate. This means the city boasts hot and humid summers, though it does have cold, wet and occasionally snowy winters.

Istanbul Atatürk Airport is the main and busiest international airport serving Istanbul and the biggest airport in Turkey. It is located on the European side of the city, about 24 km west of the city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Istanbul, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Istanbul Weather Averages (Temperatures)

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Turkey - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

27 Reviews on Istanbul

As a native.

Speaking as someone who lived in Istanbul for 15 years, remember that there’s all types of people that you could possibly see all over the world. Housing roughly 14 million, there are many people that moved from the eastern parts of Turkey, eastern and western neighbors of Turkey, US, UK and other Turkic countries. The information about terrorism is outdated as there hasn’t been any terrorism act for years. Go with the crowd, be careful at night as people of all intentions might be out there. Also don’t speak your opinion about inner affairs of Turkey as everybody is just very tense about it.

Do not mix with locals who speak good English. Stay alert.

Istanbul is famous for tourist scam which generally targets solo travellers. Locals speaking good English befriended with solo traveeler and take them to guide turkey in evening then tskes them to taksim square . Where lot of Turkish dznce bar are available. They serve you raki and persuade you to dance with girls. At the end the bills presented to tiu which is eye popping. I was trapped very first day and payed around huge euro. They will take you to atm to withdraw money. Due to fear of physical harm you better pay and leave and come back hotel. Very bad experience.

Don’t go drinking with strangers

That’s pretty dumb, did you do any research before you went to Istanbul? In your home country do you go drinking with friendly strangers? Duh 🙄

Good advice — this happened to me when I was working as a young professional based in Istanbul all the way back in 1991 (lived in Istanbul for 18 months) then returned to NYC. I should have paid more attention — a seemingly nice English speaking guy befriended me at the Whimpy burger restaurant …. then suggested we go to a local bar …. as soon as we walked and the “b girls” came to sit with us, I knew I was in trouble so immediately ask for the check. I ended up paying the equivalent of several hundred USD (a lot back then, for me anyway). Kind of stupid I know…. Lesson learned.

You could be jailed for speaking about politics. Don’t criticise anyone to be on the safe side. Also don’t get into arguments with racists, as some see Kurdish and Armenians as the enemy.

Please don’t give wrong info

Great destination

My wife and I visited and stayed a week. The place is very busy but it is fantastic. Never felt threatened and would recommend it to anyone.

I am going there and I haven’t been able to find any travel agencies to get a ride with. Would you know of any? Please and thank you

I went in 2010 to visit and I was not told Turkish men like black women. I was approached and immediately panicked. Told the man I was married and he continued to flirt stating he liked the way my hips looked. I thought I was going to be taken, walked passed police and showed I was in distress. No assistance forgot how to get to my hotel that was on the strip, never been so scared. But other than that Izmir and Istanbul was a lovely place to visit.

So, how was he? 😂😂

My Turkey Review

I have been to Istanbul four or five times over hee past 14 years and it is just wonderful.

I never had a problem and the people are helpful and friendly, most speak fairly good English.

I have been four times for several days and we made day trips all over Turkey. The people are handsome and friendly.

There might be a bad apple here and there but in five or more trips I never saw any of that anywhere!

Torley is beautiful, friendly, and flooded with American and European tourists.

There is some wonderful food all over Istanbul, walked in the parks and took hotel taxis if we went out at night, Turkey is a truly wonderful country and the people are just handsome and friendly.

Turkey and its cities, and people are world-class and I just love Turkey and Izmir is just as wonderful.

Ephesus is a marvel. I have been many times. I don’t care what some say about Turkey. Turkey is wonderful, beautiful and the people are just the best.

Go when you can, it is glorious! In my next life, I am going to live in Istanbul. Ephesus is truly a wonder.

Turkish men are similar to Italian men and take care of their mothers way more than other cultures usually do.

Is it dangerious

Ukrian conflict? I am scared to come?

No conflict at all, you can visit peacefully 🙂

came back today 22/3/22…had a wonderful time here…..prices of good cheaper than home country zar. had lovely experience in snow,,,,came to old crown plaza which was very central.lots of things to do there.

Avoid showing interest in Retail environment

Cultural diversity and customs are very traditional still in Turkey and interpretation is very much in default of maintaining the status quo there. Business and conduct in retail is on a different wavelength. If you “stroll” through a Bazaar, the retail owners see your very presence there as an intended purchase of their wares. Browsing and window shopping are Western concepts that the Eastern business world do not comprehend the same way we do. If you find yourself in a hotel where the ” put on ” entertainment events and you do not immediately get up and leave, then that is considered you are staying for the show which has additional costs associated with it. Belly dancers do not dance for nothing in return. Salmone in the Bible expected King Harod to honour his promise. Whilst you are unlikely to pay with your head on a plate, you will however be expected to discharge money for photos taken of you at a belly dance . Your presence at these shows is a demonstration of intent to buy in East style business. As for friendly drink or dinner invites from locals to tourists, immediately decline with a smile or expect you will pay if you agree to the social interaction. Asking questions in a retail environment is an indication that you ” want” to buy. They don’t do product information demos in Turkey. Accept a free sample at your peril.

It’s Salome I think, but true about no concept of browzing. Same in Greece.

Wonderful and safe for family travel

Traveling here currently with my husband and 3 kids. Felt pickpocketing was not an issue like Paris and Barcelona. We have felt very safe despite the crowds and free to browse the shops. The metro is safe and clean and the waterfront is great for evening strolls. Just as any big city-be street smart. We will be back!

I would never recommend Istanbul to anyone because of the horrendous experience we had. With my wife and a 3 year old daughter, I wanted to find a hotel to keep our bags after we check out from a 5* hotel and before we catch our midnight flight, we went to hotel in Fatih area. They asked for $40 to keep bags for 5 hours but they insisted me to check the room size before taking it. Leaving my wife and daughter at the lobby, I followed an young guy who claimed himself as the care taker of the hotel property. We took the lift to the 3rd floor and as we reached the room, he opened the room. After opening the door, he was keeping his hands on doors to block me since he didn’t want to let me in. His attitude has completely changed then he and started to scream and rushed to the lobby using the emergency exit staircase. I had no clue what was happening. Since I didn’t want to stand there alone and I decided to use the same stairs and as I reached the lobby, I noticed the the same guy was screaming at my wife in Turkish and telling something in their language to a senior guy from the hotel front desk. My wife and I started to run away without waiting a second there out of fear and sniffing something these guys are cooking up. But they chased us and one guy did beat me up right on my face and started yelling that I can’t leave the place before the cops arrives and they said they have already called the cops. Someone there translated to us in English that this guy is claiming that I have grabbed his buttocks when he was unlocking the door and they are ok to settle it before the cop arrives. My wife and I struggled to run away from the scene with an young child on pram. As much as we tried to run, the guys chased us and finally we found a few guys at an another alleyway who helped and talked for us holding the main guys and in the meantime, we ran from there and we did hide ourself in an car garage for good 15 mins. Finally we escaped from their and rushed to catch a cab to hagia Sofia and saved ourself from the ordeal. Never again to Turkey.

Unlucky choice of area

Fatih is a terrible area in Istanbul, I avoid those areas as someone who grew up there. Sad that you had to go through this

Hi, where is a good area to stay in Istanbul and within the touristy areas? I have booked hotels near the blue mosque area. Thank u

There is no good area in istanbul

We stayed at a hotel in Taxim area, it was really great and we had a good time. I think wherever you decide to go, you should make sure to read Hotel reviews from different places like booking.com or google map and then book your hotel. Never stay at a place without researching it in prior.

Know common scams and issues and stay sharp and you should be fine.

dream of istanbul

istanbul is really my dream. i visited it 6 times only one time i was stolen in the train. but after corona covid i m afraid to go there. but my hope is to continuou my life in istanbul nd buy a little apartment in sultan ahmet nd stay there

Istanbul: several scams

I was the victim of a scam at Istanbul Airport (IST) these days.

I had booked a transfer service even before the trip. However, when I arrived in Istanbul, I did not meet my driver at the agreed departure gate. I spoke to another driver at the same location and he allegedly called the person who was supposed to pick me up. I was induced to run the race with what I found at the airport. The price was charged in Turkish Lira and in the end I paid almost 4 times the usual amount for the distance covered. I didn’t know the Turkish Lira exchange rate.

I went to the police, but they did not file a report. The manager of the hotel where I stayed said that there is a big mafia in car transport in that airport and in the city as well. Uber, for example, does not work in Istanbul.

The guide I had hired did not show up the next day. At the hotel, you receive less than the amount paid and they try to overcharge you whenever possible.

I was robbed and there is a lot of tourist opportunism and exploitation in Istanbul. The experience was terrible and I came back very disappointed. I do not recommend Istanbul and Turkey to anyone.

I’m sorry for the negative experience you had. However, it is not rational and unacceptable for you to blame the whole country. I have traveled to many European countries. Sometimes we can experience unpleasant situations, even if we don’t want to. When coming from the airport to the city center, you should only prefer commercial taxis. And soon the metro line will be opened. Please report your negative experience at the hotel to the Ministry of Tourism or TURSAB. Surely they will be interested. Turkish people are extremely hospitable.

Horrible police ,beat up tourists

Corrupt police and a lot of arbitrary detention

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I Just Visited Portland, Maine: Here’s What I’d Do Differently

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Stay at a waterfront hotel in the downtown area of old port, prepare, prepare, prepare, budget accordingly.

Last weekend, I visited Portland, Maine, and I made a few mistakes—but at least that means you don't have to! Don't get me wrong, there was certainly a lot that I loved about my visit, including fresh and delicious seafood, breezy and boozy boat rides, and shopping for lobster-themed souvenirs in the adorable downtown area of Old Port.

During my visit to Portland, I briefly traveled outside of the city to Boothbay Harbor, but there are certainly other 1-day road trips from Portland you can take as well as further unique places to visit in Maine if you'd like to make the most of your time in the state. P.S. Did you know that there's even a desert in Maine ?

There's no doubt in my mind that I will return to Portland one day with my newfound knowledge of what not to do for a great visit to the seaside town. However, I'm sharing that valuable knowledge with our readers so you don't make the same mistakes I did and can have an even more enjoyable visit.

7 Scenic Waterfront Small Towns In Maine To Retire

Retire in tranquility by the water in Maine's picturesque small towns. Explore these idyllic destinations offering scenic beauty and coastal charm.

Lesson #1: Research is a must (and splurge for that hotel)

When I first booked this trip, I noticed the hotel prices were much higher than I expected for a random weekend in Portland. That being said, I opted for a lower-budget hotel, which wasn't located in the downtown area.

The short of it is this: you get what you pay for. The hotel I booked was a few hundred dollars cheaper per night than the waterfront hotels in Portland, but I ended up paying in another way; I wound up with bugs in my hotel room. What a nightmare!

A common traveler mistake is not doing proper research before booking. Because I'd been eyeing hotel costs for a couple of weeks, I eventually became eager to simply book something, no matter the place. However, if I only did a quick read over the Google reviews of this hotel, I would find that other guests had experienced pests in the rooms too. You know what they say: for every bug you see, there are 10 you don't!

Luckily, they weren't bed bugs, which would have been the worst-case scenario. I typically check Orkin's hotel bedbug registry before booking. However, it's also possible that the hotel hasn't made its way to the list yet (which is why I always check the mattresses in my hotel room as soon as I check in; I untuck the sheets, look for blood marks, insect feces, check the box spring, and all areas around the bed).

Nonetheless, any bug present is a sign that cleanliness is lacking, and being in a dirty place isn't exactly something that helps anyone rest their head at night. For a hotel with a reputation you can feel confident about, try one of these best hotels in Portland .

Though this was secondary to the unwanted guests in my hotel room, I had to drive everywhere I wanted to go since my hotel wasn't in the downtown area of Old Port. Typically, I like staying within walking distance of the area in which I will spend the majority of my time to truly experience the place I am visiting.

Lesson #2: Allow room for error and bring the right gear

My primary reason for visiting Maine was to see the beautiful Atlantic Puffins in Boothbay Harbor. Though I allowed a 30-minute time buffer, there was excessive traffic getting on the only bridge to the island, which caused me to worry that I might not arrive on time.

When I called ahead to alert the cruise company to my dilemma, the manager said he could only hold the boat for a couple of minutes past the departure time. In addition, he held a parking space for me at the front of the lot next to the pier. Though this worked out in the end, take this as a lesson: Leave plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

Once I got comfortable with a cocktail on the boat, I realized my big mistake: I forgot to pack my binoculars, and every birdwatcher knows that binoculars are a must. There were plenty of puffin sightings as well as views of other birds, however, binoculars could have allowed me to see more details.

Binoculars aren't just for birds, though; a pair would have also been nice for the lighthouse cruise. Seeing lighthouses is a must in Portland; either plan to drive to one or take a cruise with picturesque views like I opted to, it's a great way to get a view of a few of the islands in Maine .

The following day I went to East End Beach, stopping to take photos of the historic trains chugging by along the way. I plopped down a hotel towel until the sun's heat finally pushed me to take a dip in the water.

I made the unfortunate mistake of tip-toeing my way across the sand in my bare feet, causing my feet to get cut up on some jagged rocks. Foot protection is a must on Maine's rocky beaches. Water shoes, Crocs could even work if you put them in sport mode, or any footwear that ensures you won't lose your shoes in the waves are definitely a must. I'm still rubbing Neosporin on my cuts.

Portland, Maine To Bar Harbor: 12 Things You Should Pull Over To See On The Way

There are many things to do between Portland, Maine, and Bar Harbor, from exploring beaches and trails to seeing state parks and quaint seaside towns.

Lesson #3: Have a plan for what you're willing to spend money on (and what you're not)

My last word of advice is to bring extra cash. Had I properly budgeted for emergency purchases, I could have purchased binoculars and footwear at a shop in the downtown area; these businesses know when their customers are primarily tourists and therefore price their goods accordingly to maximize profits.

So, what did I spend my money on instead? Well, the bulk of my budget went to the expensive seafood dishes I ordered at restaurants—but c'mon, you can't go to Maine and not order lobster! When lobster is the main course , you can expect your entrée to cost you more than the average meal.

Is Morocco Safe? 18 Useful Things to Know Before You Go in 2024

Are you worried about safety in Morocco? We’ll show you that Morocco is safe as long as you follow common sense. This article contains all the safety information you need to know about Morocco to enjoy your trip there in 2024.

Morocco is a country that I deeply fell in love with and that I keep going back to. From the first moment I stepped foot in Morocco five years ago, I was completely mesmerized by its culture, landscapes, and cities.

There are tons of fun activities to do like camping in the Sahara desert , visiting gorgeous waterfalls like the Akchour waterfalls near Chefchaouen or the Ouzoud waterfalls near Marrakech, and rock climbing in the Todra Gorges .

Answering the question ‘‘Is Morocco safe?” is quite easy. After going back to this country for years I can guarantee that Morocco is safe to travel to!

In 2019, just before the pandemic hit, more than 10 million people visited Morocco, making it one of the most visited countries in Africa. With such a high amount of visits, the amount of crime in Morocco is still low.

The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco

However, a low percentage of crime incidents in a country doesn’t mean that crime is not present. Crime in Morocco is mostly petty crime such as scams and pickpockets. It’s very unlikely that you’ll be assaulted or hurt as a tourist.

That being said, there are still a few things I wouldn’t recommend doing and some areas of Morocco that should be avoided. I’ll cover them all in this article and I’ll also tell you more about a few common scams you might encounter.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Morocco Travel essentials and resources

• Morocco Travel Guide: 19 things you should know before you go
• Where to go: The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco
• Plan your trip: 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco
• Is Morocco safe: 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco
• Tours and experiences: Book a customized tour
• Where to stay : Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp
• Travel Insurance: Find the best travel insurance for Morocco
• Getting around : Rent a car in Morocco or travel by bus or train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Tourism in Morocco is growing at an incredible rate. Because of this, the level of security in the country is upgraded every year.

There is rarely violent crime in Morocco and it almost never targets foreigners. The Moroccans are very welcoming and love to share their traditions and culture with foreign tourists.

Moroccans love to meet foreigners and practice their English with them…

When I was living in Tangier , I would often meet young Moroccan students who were curious about where I was from and who would invite me for a coffee or a meal to talk about my adventures and practice their English.

If you’re worried about being harassed in Morocco, you shouldn’t. More touristic cities around Morocco such as Rabat , Marrakech , and Casablanca have a very good presence of touristic police.

This special task force is dedicated to the well-being of foreign tourists.

Moroccans tend to avoid confrontation with foreigners as much as possible. They are extremely hospitable, and tourists are well-received throughout the kingdom.

Even if an altercation with a foreigner would happen, they would try to de-escalate the situation as much as possible. A great example of this is a situation that happened a few weeks ago in the city where I live, Tangier .

A British vegan activist aggressively attacked a chicken vendor in one of the city’s souk.

She threw herself onto the cages containing live chickens, attempted to break open the lid, and bit and punched the vendor.

None of the Moroccan bystanders harmed her and they tried to calm her down instead of getting offended by the situation.

The situation goes to show that Moroccans are generally not combative and would rather have a peaceful outcome in any confrontation with foreigners.

That being said, tourists in Morocco should still be vigilant about the safety of their personal belongings, especially in big cities like Marrakech or Fez .

The big squares and markets of these Moroccan cities are sometimes frequented by petty thieves and pickpockets.

They can pick your pockets, snatch your purse, give you the wrong change, or scam you.

The sad part is that most victims don’t realize what happened until someone points out the ridiculous price they ended up paying for a product or when they realize that their phone isn’t in their bag anymore.

It’s a sad experience to feel cheated and it can change the happy mood of a trip pretty quickly.

The best solution to avoid being pick-pocketed is to stay very alert and aware of your belongings at all times.

You should leave all your important and valuable items at your hotel and walk around only with what is absolutely necessary.

Keep your wallet in your front pocket or carry a money belt . Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag . I would also recommend getting good travel insurance that covers theft .

12 common scams in Morocco and how to avoid them

2. Is Morocco safe for students and expats?

Because Morocco is a very affordable destination , it attracts students and expats from all over the world.

The country also has great and affordable universities, contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

It is very normal to ask yourself the question of whether or not the country is safe for foreigners. I would say Morocco is a very safe country for students and expats.

Looking for reliable and affordable travel insurance for Morocco? Check out these 3 budget-friendly travel insurance companies!

Rabat is a beautiful and safe city for expats and students…

For expats planning to install themselves in Tangier , Casablanca , Rabat or Marrakech , I would recommend reading the following city guides:

• Marrakech: What to do in Marrakech – A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Red City
• Rabat: 10 Things to do in Rabat – A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Capital City
• Casablanca: What to see in Casablanca in two days – Top Things To Do in Casablanca
• Tangier: Top Things to Do in Tangier – The Ultimate City Guide

In each of these city guides, I cover the safety situation for expats and students in each of these particular Moroccan cities.

I would also recommend joining the following Facebook groups to talk and communicate with expats already well established in Morocco:

• EXPATS in MOROCCO
• EXPATS IN MOROCCO & MOROCCANS

There are thousands of expats and locals in these groups that can answer your questions concerning safety around the country and that can help you adapt to life in this North-African country.

Morocco Budget Guide: How much does it cost to travel in Morocco?

3. Is Morocco safe to travel for families?

If you’re wondering if Morocco is safe for children you shouldn’t worry. Moroccans love kids. For them they are sacred and they hold a very special place in their culture.

I would even say that you’ll enjoy the experience more if you travel with kids. You’ll see the generous and caring side of the Moroccan culture in their response to children.

Moroccan society is very family-oriented. Moroccans usually have big families and they are incredibly friendly to kids.

Because of this children can help break the ice and encourage contact with Moroccans who are generally very helpful and protective towards families.

Another good side of being a family in Morocco is that you’ll avoid the attention of scammers if you’re traveling with kids.

Here are a few recommendations I would have for families traveling to Morocco:

• Avoid tap water in Morocco 

While tap water in Morocco is generally considered safe (see below) I wouldn’t advise it for young kids. It takes a while for the body to adapt to the tap water of a new location.

To avoid buying plastic water bottles, I would recommend bringing a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle .

This is a bottle that filters water using a filtration device. If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria or parasites gets trapped in the filter, while the clean water passes through.

• Be up to date with your kid’s basic vaccination

Your children should be up to date with their basic vaccination before traveling to this country. As an adult, you don’t need any compulsory vaccinations to travel in Morocco.

However, vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended, especially if you are visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

• Travel with a first-aid kit to Morocco

Scratches, cuts and small bruises can happen quickly and unexpectedly.

I would suggest bringing a first-aid kit that contains antiseptic wipes, compresses, and band-aids, as well as painkillers and anti-diarrhea medicine. This is the first-aid Kit I recommend .

Morocco has great cities to travel to with your family such as Marrakech , Rabat , and Chefchaouen . It’s also a great country for a family surfing holiday .

A Guide to Surfing in Morocco with the Best Surfing Places in the Country

4. Is Morocco safe for solo women?

With the increase of tourism in the country, it’s totally normal to wonder if Morocco is safe for female tourists.

Being a solo female traveler anywhere in the world comes with its own particular dynamics and risks. Morocco is no different.

So what should solo female travelers expect in Morocco?

Well, first of all, traveling as a woman alone in Morocco can be safe and a great experience but it’s important to be a bit more cautious than in other parts of the world.

Here are a few things that solo female travelers in Morocco will have to consider:

Catcalling is unfortunately very common in Morocco. It’s a country that is notorious for its high rate of street harassment.

In 2017, a survey reported that 73% of women in Morocco experience harassment in public spaces.

That’s a figure that is extremely high.

The majority of harassment will most likely just be men complimenting how beautiful you are. Just completely ignore any men approaching you and soliciting your attention.

It’s very important for solo female travelers to dress appropriately in Morocco. Avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing and cover your legs and shoulders to avoid garnering unwanted attention.

Read What to wear as a woman in Morocco for clothing suggestions.

Walking alone at night

It’s better to avoid walking alone at night. Especially in the suburbs of big Moroccan cities. Make sure you know ahead of time where you are going.

One of the typical scams that you might encounter as a solo woman in Morocco is the “nice guy showing the way” .

This scam consists of a Moroccan offering unsolicited help such as pointing out the way to a hotel or guiding you to a restaurant.

Once you arrive at the hostel the scammer will ask you for an overinflated tip in exchange for his service.

For example, while you’re walking with your backpack in the streets of the old medina of Marrakech , someone approaches you and suggests guiding you to your hostel.

Once you arrive there, he asks for 30 or 50 MAD for the five minutes it took to help you and will not leave until you give him a tip.

To find your way without problems around the Moroccan cities, I would recommend downloading Google Maps on your phone before your trip to Morocco.

One of the cool features of Google maps is that it can be used both online and offline. Connect to the wifi at your hostel and download a map of the part of the city you wish to explore.

This map works with the GPS chip in your phone so it will continue working, even when you’re offline.

I would suggest learning a few Moroccan Arabic sentences to ask for help if it’s absolutely needed.

I give a few of these helpful Arabic sentences at the end of this guide.

What to wear in Morocco – The Complete Packing List

5. Are Moroccan cities safe?

Big Moroccan cities such as Rabat , Marrakech or Casablanca are not more dangerous than any other city in the world.

Just like everywhere else, it’s important to keep a low profile and not attract unwanted attention as a foreigner.

Follow the following tips to stay safe in Moroccan cities.

You can wear whatever you want as a tourist in Morocco, but in the crowded markets and old medinas, you shouldn’t show off your wealth.

It’s important to not flash your expensive belongings in big crowds…

Because of the poverty rates in the country, many Moroccans wrongly assume that all foreigners who come to their country are rich.

It’s important not to feed that belief and attract the unwanted attention of thieves by flashing your expensive belongings.

Leave all your important belongings in your hotel room if possible.

I would also recommend not to walk alone at night in the suburbs of Moroccan cities as foreigners could become targets of mugging.

Is M a r r a k e c h Safe? Useful Things to Know before you go

6. Common scams in Morocco

Most Moroccans are honest and very helpful to travelers. However, the country is a very popular destination and just like in every other very touristic destination, scamming unwary travelers is quite a common thing.

You will find warm and friendly people all around the country but if you’re not careful, you could easily fall for a scam or a tourist trap.

7. Is it safe to hike in Morocco?

Hiking in Morocco can be done safely as long as you follow certain ground rules.

If you hike in Morocco never hike alone and make sure a Moroccan friend knows where you’re going and at what time you’ll be back.

Bring plenty of water, snacks, a GPS or a map and a first aid safety kit .

A hike in Morocco I would particularly recommend is the hike to Toubkal . It’s the highest mountain in North-Africa but the fact that you climb up the mountain with a local guide makes this hike a very safe one.

Another hike I would suggest doing while in Morocco is a beautiful hike in the mountains surrounding the Todra gorges .

This trek will bring you through beautiful Berber settlements. If you’re lucky, you might even get invited for a tea with the Berber people.

The Complete Trekking Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal in Morocco .

There are beautiful trails to hike in Morocco… 

8. Is it safe to go camel riding in Morocco?

Riding camels in Morocco is quite safe. These animals are very gentle and calm by nature. You may occasionally get one that is a bit nervous or tired but they are rarely dangerous.

If you do fall from your camel (which is extremely rare), you’ll fall on sand and you’re not likely to get hurt.

How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga, including the best things to do in the Sahara desert .

9. Is it safe to drive in Morocco?

Driving in Morocco is very safe. People generally don’t drive extremely fast. Except for the southern part of the country near Merzouga and in the high atlas mountains near Toubkal , the roads are generally good and well maintained.

If you have your own car, driving on countryside roads in Morocco is usually quite safe, however, if you drive in big cities like Rabat , Tangier , Casablanca or Marrakech , it can be quite challenging.

Driving in Moroccan cities can often feel very chaotic. You will definitely feel a big difference between the cities, the smaller towns and rural areas when it comes to driving.

On small Moroccan roads, it can sometimes take hours before you see a car passing by…

Moroccan cops are not as corrupt as in other countries we visited like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan .

You’ll find that the road police in Morocco is very helpful towards foreign tourists. If you ever need assistance from the cops while driving around Morocco, don’t be scared to approach them.

Another thing worth noting is that in Morocco, red lights and stop signs are sometimes completely on the far right of the road, so they are super easy to be missed if you don’t pay attention.

Sometimes they can also be a bit hidden behind tree branches.

Renting a car in Morocco – Advice and useful tips

10. Is public transportation in Morocco safe?

City buses and petit Taxis in Morocco are generally safe. Grand taxis, however, are not the safest means of transport in Morocco. These are the taxis that connect towns and cities together.

They usually are old Mercedes Benz that lack rear seatbelts. For transport between cities in Morocco, I would recommend using buses from the companies CTM and Supratours .

They are the most reliable bus companies around the country and they have by far the most comfortable buses. They also have very similar prices and schedules.

You can buy your tickets online with both companies and their websites are very easy to navigate. The CTM website , for example, can be viewed in English.

As for city buses, they are usually safe but I wouldn’t recommend them for solo female travelers. I have heard a few female expats reporting being groped in public buses in Morocco.

Morocco T r a v e l G u i d e : 19 useful things to know before traveling to Morocco

Although public transportation is Marrakech is generally safe, an accident can always happen…

11. Is the food in Morocco safe?

The food in Morocco is not only safe, but it’s also extremely delicious! It’s one of the reasons why I fell in love with Morocco !

Moroccan dishes are super-rich in flavors, spices, and ingredients. They are not only tasty but also very healthy.

Most dishes contain a lot of veggies and whole grains, freshly prepared meat, spices and sweet fruit rather than refined sugar.

Moroccans also use couscous in a lot of their dishes which is much healthier than rice.

Morocco’s cuisine has been influenced by Andalusian Spain, Arabia, and France in a delicious combination of mouthwatering flavors that make it unique.

Moroccans love to eat tagines. It’s a succulent, stew-like dish full of flavor and traditional spices. It’s slow-cooked in traditional cookware that has, incidentally, the same name as the dish.

A tagine is a rich mixture of meat, poultry, or fish, and often includes vegetables or fruit. Vegetables may also be cooked alone in the tagine.

Moroccan food can also be very affordable. I generally start my day with a bowl of B’ssara.

It’s a rich bean soup traditionally served for breakfast. It’s topped with a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkling of cumin. It costs just a few pennies a bowl and I eat so many of them!

If you have a sensitive belly, however, it would be a good idea to take some precautions.

In Morocco, you’ll be exposed to completely new food, water, and bacteria.

If you want to fully enjoy your holiday and not have to run to the bathroom, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring some probiotics in tablets or powder.

Finally a small word of advice concerning eating street food in Jemaa el Fena square in Marrakech .

Jemaa el Fena square is an incredibly exotic place that will overwhelm all your senses. Stalls with Moroccan street food are a regular sight and eating there is an experience by itself.

I would ask you to reconsider it though. The hygiene of these food stalls is not the best and getting food poisoning there is not uncommon.

I would opt instead for a meal in one of the restaurants that surround the square.

Things to do in Marrakech – A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Red City

12. Is it safe to drink the water in Morocco?

It’s safe to drink tap water in Morocco but only if you know beforehand if the town or city properly filters its water.

Although a lot of major cities in Morocco have good filtering systems, some of them still don’t.

The Moroccan authorities are becoming more and more concerned about the pollution caused by plastic bottles of water. Many hotels will offer filtered water that is safe to drink to their guests.

Opt for bottled water or use a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle to filter the tap water during your first days in Morocco as you don’t know how your body might react to the bacteria composition of the local water.

With a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle, you’ll be able to drink water anywhere in Morocco…

Bottled water is available everywhere and if you want to be eco-friendly, bring a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle . This is a bottle that filters water using a filtration device.

If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria or parasites get trapped in the filter, while the clean water passes through.

These water filter bottles are very light to carry and super useful for when you go trekking in the mountains.

You can use them to drink the water in the middle of nature without worrying about becoming sick. Click here for more info and prices.

Visiting the Akchour Waterfalls in Morocco

13. How is healthcare in Morocco?

It’s important to visit Morocco with good health insurance . Hospitals in Morocco do not benefit from the same standards that would be found in Europe or North America.

Public hospitals in Morocco are not very good, and private hospital care in the country is very expensive.

If you need a modern hospital or clinic while in Marrakech , read this article to find out which clinic we recommend.

Here are other modern hospitals and private clinics we recommend in Morocco:

Private hospitals and clinics in Tangier

If you need a private clinic while in Tangier , the one we recommend is Clinique Assalam .

This is a private hospital of the highest standards in Tangier. You will find doctors speaking French and English at this private hospital.

This is the address of the clinic:

10, Avenue Abderrahman Youssoufi, 90000 Tanger

Private hospitals and clinics in Rabat

If you need a modern hospital or clinic while in Rabat , we recommend Clinique Agdal . It’s a central private hospital that’s recommended by expats living in Rabat.

This is where it’s located in Rabat:

6 place Talha, Avenue Ibn Sina Quartier de l’Agdal 10100 Rabat MAROC

Private hospitals and clinics in Casablanca

If you need a private clinic in Casablanca , we recommend Clinique Dar Salam .

This clinic offers quality services in French and English. Their emergency phone number is 0522 85 14 14.

728, Bd Modibo Keita Casablanca Maroc

14. Travel insurance for Morocco

Morocco rarely has violent crimes and these almost never target tourists. You can travel around the country with good peace of mind knowing that there is absolutely no chance you would get mugged or run into an altercation with someone.

The only crime that you might encounter in the country (although it’s very unlikely) is petty crime such as pickpocketing.

Consider getting travel insurance that covers the theft of personal belongings.

The one we recommend is  IATI .  This insurance covers medical assistance and unforeseen things that can happen while traveling.

The IATI Backpacker Plan  is one of the few policies that won’t require you to be in your home country to purchase, renew or extend your insurance.

If your trip happens to go on a little longer than planned, you can easily extend your plan online.

15. Are there areas of Morocco you should avoid?

Morocco is very safe but there is a part of the country you should avoid if you can. This is the Western Sahara near the Algerian and Mauritanian borders.

Don’t confuse the Sahara desert with the Western Sahara region of Morocco.

The Western Sahara is an area in the southernmost part of Morocco where the legal status of the territory and the issue of its sovereignty remain unresolved.

The northern border of the Western Sahara extends from the coast just north of Dakhla to the eastern border with Mauritania.

The area was for a long time the site of an armed conflict between Moroccan government forces and the POLISARIO Front, which is still seeking independence for the territory.

Another fact that makes this area a dangerous one for unwary travelers is that there are still thousands of unexploded mines buried in the Western Sahara.

Exploding mines have occasionally been reported, and they have caused death and severe injuries.

There have also been sporadic reports of violence in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla stemming from sporting events and political demonstrations.

I suggest not traveling in this part of Morocco unless you are with someone who knows the area well.

If you absolutely have to transit through Western Sahara, stick to the main highway between Dakhla and the Mauritanian border.

16. Is there terrorism in Morocco?

A lot of governmental sources and online blogs give mixed reviews about terrorism in Morocco, and this can be really confusing. Here is what you need to know.

Morocco is not a country that is untouched by terrorism. But acts of terrorism in the country are few and far in between.

In 2011, a small cafe in the central square of Marrakech was the target of a terrorist bombing. The attack killed 17 people, most of whom were tourists.

Last year two Scandinavian girls were murdered near Toubkal in the Atlas mountains by Isis members and a lot of people were alarmed and wondering if Morocco is a dangerous place.

The Moroccan government has responded to this threat of terrorism with greater security measures over the years all across the country and today Morocco is much safer than it used to be.

That being said, Morocco is a much safer destination than a lot of other places around the world.

The low incidence of terrorism is corroborated by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) .

Every year, this report ranks 163 of the world’s 195 countries according to how much they are impacted by terrorism.

Morocco scored “very low” on the 2018 report. With a ranking of 132, Morocco placed better than Norway (123), and Iceland (130).

Although terrorism has affected Morocco in the past, the country is now safer than ever and you can visit its beautiful landscapes and cities without having to worry.

Moroccans are very welcoming…

17. Helpful Moroccan Arabic phrases for emergencies in Morocco

Here are a few sentences that you could use in Morocco if you’re experiencing distress or if you need help:

waqaf! : Stop!

Sir faHalek! : Go away!

Sheffar! : Thief!

E-awennee afak : Help me please

A-ayt al boliss! : Call the cops!

A-ayt ela shee tabeeb! : Call a doctor!

Tsreqt : I’ve been robed

Sreq lee l-sak : Someone stole my bag

Sreq lee l-beztam : Someone stole my wallet

Breet na-hayt al seefara : I want to call my embassy

radee na-hayt al boliss! : I will call the police!

Fayn al Kommeesareeya? : Where is the police station?

For more useful sentences in Moroccan Arabic, read Tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic .

If memorizing sentences is not your thing, I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook .

It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

18. Emergency phone numbers for Morocco

If you ever run into a dodgy situation in Morocco and need to call the police, you can do so by typing 190 or 112 in big cities.

If you’re outside the city, the number to call is 177 . This will contact the Royal Gendarmerie .

A few other useful numbers for when you travel around Morocco are 150 to call an ambulance and 15 for the fire brigade.

I hope you have an awesome adventure in Morocco and that this guide will help you stay safe and have a great time there.

Have you been to Morocco? Do you plan to go there soon? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch .

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More morocco travel resources:.

• What you need to know before you go: 23 Travel Tips for Morocco
• Is Morocco Safe? Safety Guide to Morocco
• How to avoid the 12 most common scams in Morocco
• See the best of Morocco by following these 3 great travel itineraries
• Visit these beautiful 17 places in Morocco
• Tips for traveling to Morocco during Ramadan
• Morocco City Guides: Fez , Tangier , Essaouira , Chefchaouen , Rabat , Meknes , Marrakech , Casablanca , Agadir
• The best daytrips from Marrakech
• Fun things to do in the Sahara: how to plan a desert trip to Merzouga
• The Complete Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal
• Everything you need to know about visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Rock climbing and other fun things to do in the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen
• A guide to visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Surfing in Morocco – The best surfing spots in Morocco
• How to visit Paradise Valley in Agadir
• What to wear in Morocco: Complete packing list for Morocco
• Morocco photography tips: How to take portraits of people in Morocco
• Extend your stay in Morocco using one of these 3 ways to renew your Morocco visa
• Useful tips on how to take the ferry from Tangier to Spain
• Books about Morocco: 10 Great Novels set in Morocco

4 thoughts on “Is Morocco Safe? 18 Useful Things to Know Before You Go in 2024”

Thank you for the guide! I’m travelling to Morocco with my husband on the van, and I’m really scared about snakes. During our trip hiking will happen for sure, and… well, I don’t want to die because of the bite if some cobra or puff addler. Are there no-snakes-for-sure areas or areas to avoid?

Hi Ira, you have to be careful in the mountaineous areas.

There are sufficiently of cafes where men and women mutually go – it’s just less collective to find women. If you see a cafe that is all men, you may famine to just keep seeing to find one that has a variation of people.

Yes, that’s a good tip! There are a lot of cafes where you only see men. I went to have a coffee in a few and although I get a few funny looks, the men leave me alone. If you’re not feeling comfortable with this, it’s better to search for a cafe where you also see women 🙂

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