5 Frustrating Aspects of Living in Morocco: An Expat's Perspective

Introduction

Morocco is a beautiful country with many positive aspects that attract expatriates and visitors. However, like any place, it also has its share of frustrations and challenges for foreigners adjusting to life there. As someone who has spent significant time in Morocco over the past 5 years, including recently relocating there, I wanted to share an honest perspective on some of the more difficult aspects I've encountered.

While these issues don't outweigh the many benefits of living in Morocco, they are worth being aware of for anyone considering a move or extended stay. My goal is simply to provide a balanced view based on my personal experiences.

1. Difficulty Getting Reliable Information

One of the most challenging aspects of navigating life in Morocco as a foreigner is obtaining clear, consistent information on important topics. Whether you're trying to figure out how to buy a car, rent an apartment, or deal with residency paperwork, getting straightforward answers can be surprisingly difficult.

In my experience, if you ask three different Moroccans the same question about a significant issue, you're likely to get three completely different and often contradictory responses. Rather than clarifying things, this tends to leave you even more confused than when you started.

There are a few potential reasons for this:

• Many Moroccans seem reluctant to simply say "I don't know" when asked about something they're not certain of. Instead, they may offer a guess or opinion as if it's factual.

• Rules and processes can be somewhat fluid in Morocco, so there may not always be one clear "right" answer.

• Information may not be as readily available or standardized as in some other countries.

Whatever the cause, it can make tasks that should be straightforward into frustrating ordeals as you try to piece together accurate information. Learning to navigate this and find reliable sources takes time and patience.

2. Chaotic Driving and Walking Habits

Coming from the United States, I thought I was prepared for bad traffic and aggressive driving. However, the situation in Morocco took things to a whole new level that I wasn't expecting.

Some of the driving behaviors I've witnessed include:

• Ignoring basic traffic laws and right-of-way rules
• Entire families (including infants) piled onto a single motorcycle with no helmets
• Driving the wrong way down one-way streets
• Cutting across multiple lanes of traffic with no warning
• Parking or stopping randomly in the middle of busy roads

What's most surprising is how normal and accepted these behaviors seem to be. There's very little enforcement of traffic laws, so people drive however they want with few consequences.

The chaotic approach to movement extends to pedestrians as well. In crowded areas like markets or shopping centers, people tend to walk unpredictably without much spatial awareness. Bumping into others or cutting people off is common and doesn't seem to bother most Moroccans.

For those used to more orderly traffic and pedestrian flows, it takes significant adjustment to navigate these situations safely. Defensive driving and constant vigilance become essential.

3. Assumptions About Language

As a white foreigner in Morocco, I've encountered a frustrating tendency for locals to automatically assume I speak French and try to communicate with me in that language.

While it's understandable given Morocco's history with France, it can lead to awkward and sometimes tense interactions. When I respond in English or try to use my limited Arabic, some Moroccans actually seem annoyed that I don't speak French.

This language assumption isn't limited to just me - I've heard similar experiences from other non-French speaking expats, including those of Moroccan descent who grew up elsewhere.

It highlights how deeply ingrained the French influence remains in parts of Moroccan society. For those who don't speak French, it can create an added barrier to communication and integration.

4. The "Trickle Down Information Effect"

Related to the general difficulty in getting clear information, I've noticed a strange phenomenon when trying to get details from officials or service providers. I call it the "trickle down information effect."

Essentially, when you ask a question, you'll often get only a partial answer initially. Then if you rephrase or repeat the question, you might get a bit more information. This continues with each repetition revealing new details that should have been provided upfront.

For example, when inquiring about bank account options, I found myself having to ask the same basic questions multiple times over the course of 30+ minutes to piece together the full picture. It was as if the information was being slowly leaked out rather than presented comprehensively.

This can make even simple inquiries into drawn-out, frustrating experiences as you try to extract all the relevant details. It requires patience and persistence to ensure you're getting complete information.

5. Poor Customer Service Standards

Coming from a culture that emphasizes customer service, the general lack of it in Morocco has been a significant adjustment. This is particularly noticeable in restaurants and retail settings.

Some common issues I've encountered include:

• Long waits to receive menus or place orders in restaurants
• Inattentive or absent waitstaff
• Drinks arriving at the same time as food rather than before
• Difficulty getting assistance in stores
• Little effort to resolve customer complaints or issues

Part of this likely stems from different cultural expectations around service. Tipping is also less common in Morocco, which may impact service motivation in some settings.

Additionally, many service workers may not receive much formal training in customer service practices. Whatever the reasons, it requires adjusting expectations and often being more proactive as a customer to get what you need.

Bonus: Unofficial "Jobs" and Services

An interesting quirk I've noticed in Morocco is the prevalence of unofficial "jobs" that don't seem to serve much purpose. The most common example is unofficial parking attendants.

In many areas, particularly near tourist sites or busy commercial zones, you'll encounter men who act as if they're official parking attendants. They'll wave you into spots and act as if they're providing a service, even if you don't need or want their help.

The catch is that when you return to your car, they'll expect a small tip of a few dirhams. If you don't pay, they may become aggressive or confrontational.

Most locals seem to view these unofficial attendants as a nuisance but will pay the small fee to avoid hassle. For foreigners unaware of the system, it can be a confusing and sometimes intimidating experience.

It's just one example of how informal economies and unofficial "jobs" pop up in unexpected ways in Morocco.

Conclusion

While these frustrations can be challenging, it's important to keep them in perspective. Every country and culture has its quirks and difficulties for foreigners to navigate. The issues discussed here are relatively minor compared to the many positive aspects of life in Morocco.

The rich culture, warm hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and strong sense of community in Morocco far outweigh these day-to-day annoyances for most expats. With time and patience, you learn to adapt and find ways to work around the challenges.

My intent in sharing these observations is not to discourage anyone from visiting or moving to Morocco. Rather, it's to provide a realistic preview of some of the adjustments you might face. Being prepared for these aspects of daily life can help set appropriate expectations and ease the transition.

Ultimately, embracing both the positives and negatives of a new culture is part of the expat experience. The frustrations often become funny stories to share, while the joys and discoveries make it all worthwhile. Morocco remains a fascinating, welcoming country with much to offer those willing to immerse themselves in its unique way of life.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZryOpIGLBnY