Nightmare situation. I remember all the hustlers in Nairobi saying, "What's wrong, don't you like talking to black people?" when we ignored them. Very unpleasant indeed.
When I was in Egypt the hustling was ridiculous. I get why it exists - just wish the governments of these countries could do better by their people and prevent it from happening
The problem is you don't understand the Arab culture. Regular people are very conservative and shy they would never come up and talk to you. If someone is doing it they want money from you. They do it to locals as well. Locals just ignore them and keep walking.
This happened to me in Marrakech, he wanted 200 dirhams for just walking down the sidewalk chatting it up. Talking about how he can get me this or that, anything I wanted such as hash, girls, rides whatever. I never gave him anything. Boy was he pissed saying that he’ll track me down and get his friends to beat me up! Like what!? Nothing ever happened though and I continued to walk the streets. Still a pretty freaky situation. I respect what you do because it takes a lot to show how things really are in different countries.
You should've given him that little money, maybe he's poor and have nothing to eat.. Consider it as a charity .. You have to record good deeds in your balance before you die.. You don't believe in Allah and the day of resurrection? 🤔
When I managed to avoid the taxi thieves in Ceuta and found the bus to Tangier,someone behind me said, "I am going to kill you"but that was all,suffice to say I didn't get a good nap.
You are absolutely right, tell it like it is and don't cut out anything. One of the best things about your channel is the authenticity. Been to Morocco a few years ago and it was always like this. 55 countries traveled and Morocco is still the worst in that regard. Although I've been to much poorer countries and more 'notorious' rip off places.
Absolutely. Even we, locals, are struggling with this whenever we visit the old towns or any touristic place. This exists before Corona times. Thanks for pointing this out Gabriel! There is nothing wrong about exposing this behaviour. Political correctness never solved any problem! I'm very sorry about your experience there.
Politics or even laws will not eradicate the problem. May be they can focus on education and trying to alleviate social problems ! those issues are encountered in all third world countries! Even in some rich countries, but are often related to foreigners!
I was in Agadir the week before last and the hawker/'guides' hustler problem is massive. You cannot get a moments peace along the beach promenade with them.
Agadir is infested with hustler, the prostitution scene has attracted more and more girls that are bullied into the trade by Morocco pimps, the roam the streets at night and on the look out of westerners in the many nightclubs in Agadir.
@@terrybogars8933 We have all of that! It's a huge country. Lots of local and international cuisine, plenty of great attractions, and fantastic nature/landscapes. It can also get repetitive/boring, but if you plan, there's plenty to see and do. Out West in particular has really remarkable landscapes. There's native food and Americanized/American food that's unique/has outside influences. New Orleans is a good example.
I completely agree with the hustling there, I was in Tangier with my 18 yr olddaughter in 2018, we both are blonde hair, blue eyed and though that probably didn't make any difference in the hustling part of things, we sure stood out and more men that I care to say wouldn't leave us alone. So, we cut our stay short there and got ourselves back to Spain. I would also like to add that the over population of the cats there is sad, so wish their government would allow out of country vets to come assist in spaying/neutering, the group I worked with said, the government won't allow them (outside veterinarians) to do this work....very sad. Thanks for the great videos Gabriel!
I've been to 87 countries, and to Morocco twice. After the first time (in 1995) I swore that I'd never be back due to all the hustlers/scammers. After 20 years, I decided to give them another chance, so gave it another try. And I regretted that trip too, for the same reason. Maybe I'll try again in another 20 years. In the meantime I'll continue taking my tourist dollars to South America, Asia, and Europe.
I am so glad you brought this topic up because this is exactly how I felt after visiting Morocco: mentally exhausted, exposed, targeted and eventually conned. And this has nothing to do with Covid. I was in Morocco in 1992, and the hustling was relentless. And I only really stayed in Asilah, the calmest and smallest of towns. Morocco is a fantastic country, beautiful, and I met a lot of really nice people there, and seeing your vids have made me want to go back, but your videos, especially this one, bring back that (awful) memory of constantly being approached by people, be some friendly, be some mean, be some wanting to sell you things, be some wanted to skin you, almost to the point you are feeling bullied by the people of the country. In 1992 I was planning to visit Meknes and Marrakesh as well but after a week of the "bullying" there were sadly no energy left for such a trip and we returned to Tangier and the ferry to Algeciras. I've been to Turkey, all over the Asian side, and even though you are being approached by people there too, it was never never as bad as in Morocco, and not only has it stopped me from returning to Morocco, it has kept me from visiting Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria as well. In the end. and I am 100% sure I'm not the only one, I will probably not return. Sad for me, sad for Morocco too. I have no issue with people being interested in foreigners. The whole point with travelling is to meet locals and exchange experiences, learn something you wouldn't have otherwise. But when so many people are approaching solely with the purpose of luring you into a shop or shops where they get commission from what you buy there, and you know this already from the start, is just so tedious. I met perfectly alright Moroccans too, and they would advise me to get a guide when I went to Meknes and Marrakesh, for my own sake. Not because they necessarily would show me something that I wouldn't have seen otherwise but as a protection from all the other hustlers - because once you are "taken" the others will leave you alone. And you'd think they would give it up after seeing you fight off one or two guys already, but no. The next is replacing the previous, all trying the same trick to get you hooked. I always try to be friendly and respectful of locals but after you fight yourself through 10-15 of these guys you start being nasty and unnecessarily rude, and I don't want that. But it certainly vanes your energy. And I don't mind the actual wheeling and dealing of getting the price right, I love that practice actually, but only when it's something I actually want to buy. Me and my two friends were principally abducted into a house where we had to buy something to get out, on our first day in Morocco. So the whole stay started with being forced and conned, leaving a bad taste in my mouth that never left me. The fact that I after met a lot of really interesting and nice people never could change that feeling. I mean, everywhere you travel you will meet nice and interesting people, but being in a country where I was bullied and threatened into buying a rug and a djellaba will not wash off, even if I could afford it. Your walk up the mountain in Chefchetouan was the highlight. Wish I could have joined you on that walk. Thanks for great vlogs.
It’s like an awakening. I feel proud that you have made this video. I sometimes feel you’re too laid back and that’s great in general because that’s your character. However, sometimes you need to make a stand and just call out bad behaviour instead of justifying it.
The problem has to do the mentality, manners and attitudes of people. The only minister on the planet who can fix that problem, is the minister of the whip and handcuffs!
I’m enjoying your series in Morocco. I appreciate the honesty and authenticity of your videos. Morocco has been on my bucket list for years, but I think the best option for us may to go with a tour group. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us.
Hello, Morocco is beautiful and has good people. Do not believe everyone who says there is one percent coincidence. This is a con man, but if he calls the police, strict punishment will be imposed on this occupier who befriended him, but rest assured, everyone who came to Morocco is in peace and safety.
I love it , Walking around Morocco dressed like a Black Rock Contractor !! I know what you mean , I was at a resort island one time and it had gotten so annoying with the hustlers in the town after 4 days that I didn't want to leave the premises of my hotel . Safe trip back Brother ! Dave at 55.
Been to Morocco. One big hassle after another until we organised our own bonafide walking guides and private tours. And the best food we had was in the Riads we stayed in- just amazing, extraordinary food without all the hassles.
This why I'm arranging for walking tours etc. and planning to eat at riads (in part to be able to visit more)/restaurants I'm trying to plan out in advance for my upcoming trip. It seems as though already having/being with a guide helps based on numerous experiences I've come across, though I still expect to encounter various issues.
I've seen a few comments here from different people who visited Morocco ranging from the late 60s to mid 90s saying the hustling was just as aggressive back then and I wonder: did I visit a Morocco in some parallel realm? I spent a few months travelling through Morocco in the late 80s when I was 19 and I had one of the best experiences of my life.I'm not dismissing other peoples' feedback and of course realise that,sadly,things might have changed since I was there.No doubt also that the covid pandemic has made life harder in Morocco,as it has done in so many countries. But,wow-did I visit the same Morocco as you guys? I can't even remember a single incident when I was hustled for money.Granted,the only big city we spent any length of time in was Casablanca; the rest of the time was spent travelling by bus to smaller towns in the south west of the country mainly.My travelling companion,an American male my age of Asian descent,got really,really tired of people constantly assuming he was Japanese (Asian guy with camera= Japanese lol!) but nobody was trying to hustle him,just curious about "Japan". We experienced so many acts of random kindness on our travels through Morocco,it would take a very long post to list them all.We met so many very good people and were treated to such gracious hospitality,I still feel moved and humbled by the memories.I am talking here about Moroccans who REFUSED our offers of money for either their assistance or hospitality.We were guests in their country and it was their pride and their pleasure to make us welcome. Our first night there,we went to the cafe across from the youth hostel in Casablanca,where we met a local guy.We got to chatting with him,a bit suspicious at first,then found that all three of us had similiar tastes in literature,philosophy,music, world view.We ended up,at his invitation,staying with his family in a working class area.In a warm family atmosphere full of care and love.Way better than the hostel.They never extorted us for money.They took care of us: feeding us,washing our clothes until they sparkled,taking us to the hammam at the local mosque where we were scrubbed clean.One of my favourite memories of that trip is the evening we all took turns doing pantomimes and we all laughed until we cried.Wholesome fun in a family atmosphere.I went with one of the daughters to the local market to buy food,the two of us planning the meals,which were absolutely delicious and so much less money than we would have spent in restaurants.And better,because the whole family got to eat,not just us.They took such good care of us,it was miles better than a hotel.Never once did they try to cheat us.Just lovely,gracious people.The Mama encouraging my efforts at learning Darija,telling me,"Every day when you wake up you speak it better" and "Listen to her today,she's talking almost like us!" as she plied me with mint tea and khobz with butter and apricot jam at breakfast.Such a sweet lady and such a pure heart. We travelled around the country and returned to Casablanca to this home base the last week of the month when this lovely family's money was running out,to rest up in their warm embrace and to honour that warmth and tender care by providing the meals until the first of the month.A win/win for all of us.Yes,I bought shoes for the little chlidren at the market,in exchange for how the ladies of the family scrubbed the grime out of our clothes when we returned from some wanders in the Sahara.We bought them pastries from the bakery they couldn't otherwise afford just to celebrate our friendship.We topped up their supplies of tea and flour to thank them for the breakfasts they had fed us.We bought them soaps and lotions to thank them for taking us to the hammam.If someone in the family craved fish for supper,we went with them to the market to get it.They never asked for any of these things.We were happy to give them,happy to have a home base that was truly a home,happy to give back.We came from a country where we could earn more at a minimum wage job than they could earn in a month.But mostly,what we gave was from gratitude for having been taken in and well cared for by a family who showed us genuine concern and love. We met kind people in practically every small Moroccan town we visited.The guy our age in Taroudant who showed us around and didn't want money,just companionship and conversation.His mother sending him out with a picnic of sandwiches and soft drinks to share with us.So sweet. We stayed at a tiny country side school house outside of Oued Zem at the invitation of the lone school teacher.A real old fashioned one room schoolhouse.The locals had seen us arriving and the mother of some of the students sent them off across the fields in the dark of the evening with covered plates of food and bread because she just knew the 'bachelor school teacher' wouldn't know how to feed us properly! Did she want payment? No! She just wanted us to feel welcome. That schoolhouse outside of Oued Zem is where I saw a true night sky for the first time in my life.Stars all the way down to the horizon and so bright,our eyes ached,like gazing directly at the sun.Miles of quiet across the fields,the pure darkness of no artificial light,and stardust sprinkled everywhere you could see.Bellies full of food from the good will of strangers and beauty right their at our fingertips and our feet.Morocco.
للأسف الشديد أكثر الناس لاتحكي إلا عن تجاربهم التي قد يعتبرونها سيئة نتيجة لإختلاف الثقافة ،تعليقك يحكي تجربة إيجابية ،بصفتي مغربي غيور على سمعة بلده ،أقول لك شكرا.
Yes. My wife and I been coming here since the 90's and my wife in the 80's travelled the country wirh her 3 young children. Recalls many similar stories to yours. We have encounted 'hustlers' a few times over the years and may do again but it never became a drama or uncomfortable. It is sad that this problem of scamming and hustling exists and can see it can be offputting for some visitors. Glad to read your story. We have a drought problem as well as job loses, higher prices etc etc. Not easy here for many but still we find the 'man in the street' would share his food and give you their (sometimes) basic shelter as they will be rewarded in their happiness to do so.
@@keithbrandon8540 Yes! Thank you for sharing your similar experience.The hospitality I found in Morocco was so incredible.I learnt so much about being gracious and generous from the Moroccans I met there.Oftentimes,I felt like a barbarian in comparison.The one time a street sandwich seller tried to rip us off,at a bus stop near Tan Tan,trying to charge us ten times the price for two potato/khobz sandwiches and two bottled waters,a Moroccan man on the bus who had witnessed my companion return to our seats empty handed came back with the sandwiches and two orange juices (an upgrade from the water lol!) for us and absolutely refused to allow us to reimburse him. "This sandwich seller has shamed Morocco by trying to price gouge you and it is my honour and my pleasure to welcome you to our country,even if my offering here isn't really enough..." he said. We were profoundly touched by his kindness to us.Pure class,a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
@@kristawinegrdner3816 Thank you for sharing your lovely experiences in Morocco. I know women get harrassed the world over by men with unwanted sexual advances and catcalls etc., but I wonder when it comes to being harrassed for money if male travelers don't get it worse than women travelers. Also, I presume that women in Morocco are much more open to meeting women travelers than men. I highly doubt a male traveler would have been able to accompany the women of the house to markets etc. So your experience of local hospitality might have benefitted by you being a female. And finally, yes, the world has changed drastically the last 35 years since you last visited Morocco. The emphasis on material gain and wealth has made those who have less more desperate to exploit those who have more. And generally, people just are more assertive and rude than in times past. None of this is to say that travelers can't still experience amazing hospitality and generosity visitng Morocco and other countries. Just that a certain level of harrassment, unfortunately, is the reality this day and age for most travelers...
You are so right. Morocco with all of its beauty has been one of my future travel plans after pandemic, but these hustlers really are annoying, and makes me still considering travelling there...
I agree with the title of the vlog!! especially after visiting Morocco over 30 times over a 20 year period. It's not getting any better! if anything it's getting worse. This will essentially affect their tourism industry, it will be too late for the Moroccan government to step in and resolve the issue. If I'm frank the authorities don't really care. Right now we are seeing a shift in tourism over to Turkey instead of Morocco. Morocco had a great opportunity to attract tourism after the rippling revolution across the Arab world and the terrorism that plighted some of the Arab countries, which didn't affect Morocco so much. Unfortunately, Morocco has lost a great opportunity to develop their economy due to a hustlers demanding a 100 dirhams.
@@yodesuyo Do you know what it takes to generate 8 Billion Dollars ? Do know the value of $ 8 bn?? You talk as if you would be Elon Musk... You sound like a hustler too. Logic of Bouzebal.
I don't totally agree with your arguments. Turkey was never in competition with Morocco as a destination, the real competition was Tunisia, egypt, and Spain. So when the Arab springs happened, tourism worldwide was already declining because of the financial crisis of 2008, and Morocco missed its goal of 10 million tourists by 2010 because of it. In 2011,as the world was beginning to recover Morocco was already tainted by the news coming from its neighbors. So it didn't miss an opportunity it struggled to maintain the growth because of all the bad publicity. For hustlers, it's a big problem caused by both the hustlers and tourists. In the past, tourists were a gold mine for people working in the touristic places because Morocco wasn't as developed, so people could make a good living working normally. Fast forward to today, especially after covid, you have people that used to work in the service industry with no other skills than the one they picked up working with tourists,which is the language, and rather than looking for a normal job in a factory they know that if they hustle a tourist for 10 bucks twice a day, they can get the equivalent of a good salary in two weeks. There's almost nothing a government can do to stop that. But if tourists stopped paying $10 to every hustler they meet, I guarantee you that they'll disappear in less than a month.
Your right bro, I thought Egypt was bad when it came to hustlers but these guys in Morocco are truly relentless. In Egypt I was mostly just bothered while at specific tourist sites but was left alone while walking the streets of Cairo but in Morocco it seems as if your being hustled at every turn.
I'm from the UK and historically many British tourists went on holiday to Morocco. This has changed. Many people I know have said they'd never go back there because of the hassle they got.
In Egypt, it sometimes felt like I was the ping pong ball in a ping pong game machine as I walked through the bazar. As a response to the hustling, you do not even want to go into a store. If you are left alone, you are happy to stop and browse and might just find something you want to buy.
Im in Marrakech for 2 months now, and the only way I can stay reasonably calm is to have music playing whenever I'm outside. I get approached at least 30 times daily, so I can no longer acknowledge people. It's relentless. Sunglasses are useful, too, because if they catch your eye, they will persist. A couple blocks outside tourist areas, things are fine, however.
Was waiting for this video… I went to Morocco 2 year ago and it was hell with the hustlers.. they won’t leave you alone for a minute. The kids are the same.. they beg non stop. The taxi drivers always overcharge… hard to find someone who is not trying to wipe your wallet clean there.
Kinda destroy the whole experience. I have reservations on going back to Morocco. I was actually happy going back to Spain. Was exhausted from all the bs.
@@Andrij_Kozakno its not it's the tourists that have encouraged this If you go to real people and places they welcome you into their home Sad to say Gabrielle is generally negative anyway
@@afalhussain838 there is no respect for tourists in the medinas .. they won’t leave your alone even when you ask them repeatedly. Everyone there is out to get you. The shopkeepers are the same. No means no… there was the only place I have ever been where I was happy to leave.
We were planning to visit Morocco in the near future, but after watching this video plans have changed. We remember the nightmare our family suffered by hustlers in Marrakech.
Thanks for your honesty on the subject. I think you hit it on the head. If you’re thinking of traveling to Morocco, just be aware that this is an unfortunate part of the experience. A little research on the types of scams and ways to handle certain situations beforehand might prepare you more for it. After 3 weeks in the country, I have to admit, it really started rubbing me the wrong way and I was ready to leave. It was a breathe of fresh air arriving in the Canaries afterwards. BUT, if you can get past the hustling aspect of Morocco, it’s such an amazing country for many reasons. I certainly have no regrets going, the positive things you will experience and see far outweigh the negatives in my opinion. I look forward to returning one day, and giving it another go, this time with experience under my belt… Gabe, I’m a fan of your videos. Getting to watch you bounce around the globe helps get me through till the next time I can get out there. Keep it up 👍
My sentiments EXACTLY about Morocco, especially Marrakesh!!! We were hustled, scammed, followed, harassed relentlessly day after day. I have NO desire to ever return there! One women in the Medina grabbed my arm and began putting henna on it before I even knew what was happening! I hated it there even though it was mysterious, exotic, fabulous markets, fascinating, the gamut! The rest of Morocco was as bad for us as was Marrakesh! Loved Chefchaouen and even Fez was not as bad as Marrakesh. We also got stopped twice by police out in the desert for “speeding” when we hadn’t and had to pay fines both times on the spot. Somewhat like Mexico! Thanks for ALL you are doing Gabriel. Love your videos. Have a very happy Thanksgiving and will look forward to many more of your travels…
@@mrnour852 They said they weren't speeding. NOT that they were speeding and didn't want to pay. Paying on the spot can mean cash, so it can be an easy scam by police. I wasn't there to know one way or another, but this is a known scam in various countries. Even in the US, the police will set up at the bottom of a hill because the speed can go up when going down if you don't press on the breaks.
Nice to see, you had 3 weeks holiday Gabriel !!! Your videos are awesome and highly entertaining !!! I love them !!! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving !!!
People are people, there is good and bad, why give the hustlers a chance to win over your dream travels. Do what I do, when I visit Morocco, I just ignore them when they approach me, They get the message and move on….
Gabe. I love your videos. Morocco is off my bucket list. This is the first of your videos that you seemed uneasy. My wife and I don’t need that shit when we go on vacation. Keep them coming Gabe.
You are only spending time in touristy places, go to a regular town and there will be not a single hustler. Go to El Jadida, Safi, Rabat, Casablanca and and and... people are lovely. I have been around a few weeks now (also vlogging) and people are so lovely, and things cost only a fraction of what you pay. Good luck dude.
This video was filmed in Rabat. :) I agree with you, but I wanted to see these towns that I'd heard about. Still worth the hassle to see cities like Fez and Chefchaouen, which were both amazing. Next time however I'll head for places more off the tourist trail, especially out in the desert.
Thanks Gabe. I’ve seen other you-tubers as well, and I’ve no desire to visit Morocco or Egypt because of this. There are many poor areas in the world who do not hustle, so that’s not an excuse.
@@chefar he is actually being too nice about the situation. I have travelled all over Asia, to places much poorer than Morocco and not been bothered by rude, pushy locals. Morocco was the worst. Everybody warned me not to go there, I didn't listen but they were right. These people are ruining the tourism in what is a beautiful country.
@@michaelahass2695 What's wrong with you people ? I live in Morocco, i tend pass through many touristic areas on a daily basis, the hustling is actually very rare.
I had a weekend booked in Marrakech this weekend which has now been moved to January due to corona restrictions. However, I’m very much considering cancelling the whole trip due to your experiences with hustlers in your videos. I get anxiety just thinking about it.
I've just left Marrakesh , i was supposed to stay for a few day but was so disappointed . I've been there before a few times, admittedly last time was 20 years . I've been in morocco this time for 8 weeks and loved almost every minute of it but have to say Marrakesh has changed and i didnt like it this time. There has been huge development and the sense of disparity between the haves and have nots was more stark than anywhere else I have been here . range rovers speeding around spotless high wealth areas with police on every corner keeping the rich feeling safe while huge piles of trash sit outside houses in the poorer areas and people go hungry .Mcdonalds and fast food joints everywhere and the main square just feels trashy and inauthentic now with extremely high prices in all the cafes compared to the rest of the cities i have visited , the hassling is just constant and relentless and leaves you guarded even to those who are trying to genuinely help which is very very sad. having said all that i can highly recommend almost anywhere else . if your coming in january i would recommend somewhere beautiful on the coast south of Agadir like Mirleft or one of the small surf villages . you will find it far more relaxing. otherwise come with friends to Marrakesh , take it for what it is and learn to say 'no thanks' in Arabic well...... La Shokran La Shokran...... you will end up with jaw ache....
I'm local guy living in Marrakech. And I gotta tell you that the majority of locals don't like the scene of hustlers chasing down tourists. I personally find it disgusting. It can be hard to ignore them especially if you're by yourself. But still, I hope it doesn't encourage you not to come, you'll definitely miss out some of the good stuff about the city that hopefully we'll make you forget the bad side of it. Anyway, you're welcome anytime.
Actually, a cording to the law in Morocco you are not allowed to work as a tourist guide unless you have a licence. But they still do it. Unfortunately I’m Moroccan and I feel uncomfortable dealing with hustlers.
"The Hustlers Are Ruining Morocco" It would put me off visiting the country. It looked annoying just watching these travel videos. The hustlers keep asking the same questions after a while it would become very tiresome. I`m sure its even worse if you are there in person.
@@moses2652 this stuff happens to Moroccans too, when Im in Lahdim square I always get harassed by them they try to sell me stuff even if Im moroccan, this stuff hurts toursim in Morocco, if tourist complained to the moroccan embassies this wont be the case... I hope the government those something about this
@@MedProjects The government cannot force the parents to up-bring their children the right way. Thug-ism is home grown. The only thing the gov. can do is to put "tourists police" at every corner.
Morocco has always been famous for hustlers. My partner worked in Morocco for a year. I spent most the year there on extended visas. You really would not believe some of the stories. Men could get really nasty to a foreign woman out shopping. My sister came over and we stayed in an expensive hotel. We were harassed. To point out most hustlers in Morocco are not being friendly they just want your money. The police have tried to tackle this problem but Morocco is full of corruption. Of course some of the stories are funny while some are awful. Kids used come after us a lot because the police cannot touch them. I would love to have seen the entrance to the Railway Station because I remember it had lovely gates! Quite French looking! Safe trip home and have a lovely Peaceful Thanksgiving!
@@chefar You are joking! We are just back from Spain. We paid the proper price for everything. No hustlers. We did watch our money in crowded places but so relaxing.
now in my 8th week in Morocco and couldnt agree more with the video, its way worse than past visits here , most locals realise its a problem and is upsetting tourists but can do nothing to stop it. the aggressive following down the streets thing is a particular nuisance . i like walking and exploring alone and at my leisure and in certain places like fes and marrakesh especially you feel so hassled you end up rushing through places and not enjoying or spending any money even when you intended to . good for you for making the video , its a tricky subject here and needs some airtime
I was in Morocco twice and I was also hassled badly in Fez but I can imagine it's much worse after covid. Police does actually arrest them and throw them into jail but it doesn't solve the problem. I also think that it has got something to do with Moroccan culture - it's just how they are. I had a very unpleasant experience when we were threatened when we refused to pay at a restaurant for things we never ordered. Believe it or not but these hustlers also offer sex for money.
@@yodesuyo we are talking "hecklers" stopping you while walking down the street, not haggling for food. Lol You might want to read the title of Gabriel's vlog again. 😎
My daughter and her boyfriend went to Morocco in Feb 2020. They could not stand the hustlers, and did not feel safe. It was not a good experience for them, so much so, she won't eat any food reminding her of the trip. Too bad, it looks beautiful
I agree 100%. I have wanted to go to Morocco with my girlfriend for a number of years. After seeing your videos, we have decided to cross Morocco off our travel list. I'm all for supporting locals, but the hassling in the touristy areas would spoil my trip.
that's the worse thing in morocco. Even when chilling at the beach in essaouira we had hustlers every 10 minutes. That's the thing that would not make me go back. Especially if you don't know any darija. It's better in the countryside or mountains in more remote areas, it was much more enjoyable there
I agree. I have visited Morocco in the past with my sister and our two children. While I love the country I just couldn't go back because of all the hassle from the traders. I would probably have purchased more if we were just left to brouse. It's very intimidating especially for women. I just wish they would realise that they are ruining their lovely country.
It came as an unexpected shock to me, just how persistent the hustlers are...to the point they make you angry...."No" seems to be a none recognised word....i find ""no money" stops the hustling....
From my experience from visiting many countries like this, the best thing you can do is just make a rejecting move with your hand, and walk away, not saying anything at all. By this, they cannot guess which language you speak, and cannot involve you in the usual "hello my friend!" small talk which always ends with paying some money in the end.
I was just in Egypt and was honestly looking to go to Morocco for 3 weeks next month but I’m so exhausted by the hustling in North Africa I don’t even want to bother with Morocco. It’s sad because this destination has been in my bucket list for awhile.
If someone offers something to you and you accept it (without a threat) it's not a scam. Overpriced perhaps, but if you agree to the price in advance and they don't increase it after (unless agreed upon) then it's not a scam. But they are clearly hustlers.
Being in Morocco right now, and having been in Fes and Marrakech, I can attest to the hustlers being extremely relentless. Will release a video on the hustlers of Morocco as well next week 🎥
@@lanamortenson8694 You re right ! But why not be informed from 2 vlogs on this subject !? It s true Gabriel said all which needs to be said..and in such a diplomatic, well balanced way !
Yes it gets annoying because everything but hotel rooms and food seem to be haggled over. For instance anything on the side of the road. Anything and everything in the medinas short of the mint tea. I wanted transport from fez to ifran. First cost was a joke. 5 minutes later I get a call and it was half but still not realistic. 20 minutes later they called and it was 1/3 and worth it. That times 100x a day plus the trash and the rug peddlers make Morocco somewhere I wouldnt return
Was in Morocco 22 years ago on a motorcycle tour. Everywhere we went we were hassled by the locals. At night we had to hire guards or lock up our motocycles in secure buildings away from the hotel. We would stop at tourists sites & men would come up to us asking for money to "guard" our bikes while we were checking out the place. Would never go back.
I have been to Morocco a couple of times. I never experienced anything remotely dangerously but I do remember being put of by the relentless approaches to the extent that it effected my mood significantly. I you want to visit Morocco you should have some strategy for dealing with it lest it ruin your trip. Wearing sunglasses is always good. I have been learning Russian for a couple of years now and when I was in Egypt recently I simply only answered in (broken) Russian! That worked!
haha that's a funny way. it is like saying i may be white but i am also from a third world country from eastern europe, i am cold and not cool and there is no money here to take.
It has been the same forever. I went there in the early 90s and the hassle was relentless from the moment I set foot in Morocco. It was epic. My first experience within minutes of entering the place was a hustler trying to sell me hash and jumping into the shared taxi at the border and following me to my hotel. He then managed to persuade the hotel owner to let him in and he came into my room. I eventually got him out of my room only for him to hang outside in the street screaming abuse. The next morning he was waiting at the bus station for me screaming that he was going to f&^% my mother and slit my throat. I had to walk out of the bus station and find a traffic cop on a roundabout to explain what was going on. The cop walked back with me to the bus station and I was able to buy a bus ticket and get on the bus. I had similar situations over and over again in Morocco. Eventually a much more experienced traveller told me to simply pick one of the hustlers and pay him a small daily fee - in effect protection money. In those days it was a couple of dollars for the whole day and magically no more hassle. The other hustlers saw you were "protected" and left you alone. Then I saw the other side of the story. The hustlers were pitiful creatures. The guy I employed eventually opened up to me and was weeping telling me about how shit his life was in Morocco - no job, so no money, so no girls, so no sex, no love, no family, no social standing. He desperately wanted to escape to Europe because that was the promised land but paradoxically hated Europeans because he thought he was superior to them and couldn't deal with the cognitive dissonance of that contradiction. And because of the appalling behaviour of people like him Europeans had total contempt for Moroccans. I have travelled all over the world starting in the 1980s and the only part of the world I have not really enjoyed traveling in or respected the people was North Africa. There were some truly lovely people there but OMG that part of the world is an absolute mess. Those societies are dysfunctional beyond belief.
Your story reads like my own memories of that place. Indeed, the covert, almost vengeful contempt mixed with envy, greed and desire for European life style, I noticed constantly, rendered many guys dysfunctional and highly unpleasant to be with. No respect. Sticky, smiling, plotting menaces. No sincere connection possible. Unfortunately.
We were excited to see that you're in Morocco, because we just this week decided to start 2022 with a stay in Essaouira! But I watched your Moroccan videos with a sinking heart, even though I haven't seen you mention that town specifically, because I won't go there to be hustled, harassed and frightened. I guess it's back to the drawing board for January. How disappointing, but thank you so much for saving us money and hassle and a bad experience!
KUDOS ON 500K!! Just noticed that...not sure how late I am. I'm so anti-pressure shopping, I get annoyed in the USA with all over hyped salespeople. I wonder, no matter where you are, if these salespeople realize they are losing $$$ being so overzealous? Doubt it.
Interesting video. I've been in Casablanca now for a few days and the hassling wasn't that bad... One of the guys even apologized in English when I spoke some Arab words to him. For now, my experience is that Casablanca at least is more chill than Cairo and tourist sites in Egypt. But who knows and it will change in the upcoming days. So far I've been strolling through local as well as tourist areas with my camera without a problem. La Shukran and Ma Salamah go a long way... But you are right though. It is a problem. And a problem you see in multiple places... And I wish they would get that if there is less hussle there is more income. Love your videos btw and definitely don't edit things out. The way you present them are raw and give a way better picture of how things are going on than those "influencer" stuff. All the best.
Casablanca isn't very touristy, I didn't experience any of the hustling there either. Hopefully things stay mellow for the rest of your Trip. Enjoy Morocco, it's still an amazing country and worth the hassle.
Thank you for your honest truth. I watch videos for this very reason, for the closest to real life experience/review of one’s content. I will at some point visit Morocco…it has been a bucket list item my whole life but I can feel how vexing it would be to be constantly annoyed by the overstepping into, as you say, one’s personal space. Especially when for some you have payed quite a lot to travel somewhere and may want your experience to be personal, intimate and maybe even spiritual, well, that would be ruined by the continual nagging. Thanks for another great vid. FYI, husband and I found your channel last spring as we prepared for spending out 25th anniversary in Greece during the month of June. This was a wonderful experience! 😀
It's true gabe, we mentioned in another video of yours that we were planning to go there in february or march but after watching more of your videos we felt less and less interested because of the hustlers. Been to countries with much less hustling than what you have showed and it was still a huge pain and obviously it is way more than what you have showed in your videos. We really wanted to go to a nothern african country so now we are thinking Egypt instead which will also be intense but hopefully less.
What are you talking about guys, morocco is better than egypt, the brother here went to famous touristic sites, it's normal to get hustle like that, we experience the same thing as you guys when we're visiting famous touristic places, and i can say this because most of people there (in touristic sites) relies only their business and due to pandemic situation, they just jump on the first opportunity to sell something to someone, i admit that's a bad habbit. But the best way to come to morocco is to be invited by a local to show you guys our history, culture, and evolution during more than 10 centuries. I shall invite you guys to come, i'll invite you home to spend a great experience, without any material intention or something like that, just a word thank you is more precious than anything else, and it will be a chance to show to Mr. Gabriel that he had the wrong idea about our country, i don't deny the fact that there's hustlers in the famous touristic sites, but there's more to see and experience ten times better and in the cheapest way possible. You're more than welcome, and this is my real first and last name if you want to contact me guys. And if you want lets settle a bet here, if you don't love our kingdom, i give you my word to pay your ticket back to your country anytime you want guys .Ps : we have more than 14 000 km² of beach sites.
@@solalcohen163 سمح لي يا صاحبي هاد الطريقة ديالك زدتي كحلتيها و زدتي اكدتي ليها هادشي للي شافتو فالفيديو. انا عايش فامريكا اكثر من 13 عام و تقدر نقوليك هوما ما تايحملوش شي واحد يلصق فيهم . هوما و الله لا عقلوا عليك و جيتي لبلادهم من غير الضحكة الصفرا . ماتبقاش تعرض على بنادم في التعاليق راك تاتكبر ليهم الشان و تاتدخل ليهم الشك انك باغي تنصب عليهم . استسمح على التعليق وًلكن بغيت غي نشارك معاك الراي ديالي فهادشي للي كتبتي.
I've just been to Morocco and even though it was bad I still think it was manageable, and just point blank ignoring, even though it is not nice does tend to work, I'm going to Egypt in a week so I'll be able to make a comparison of the two.
You are absolutely right Gabriel, nothing wrong in telling how it really is, it could help someone especially if they are not a seasoned traveler like you! 😎🙌💯❤
good points there. also worth changing the typical destinations in Morocco and going to underrated, beautiful destinations such as Tetouan and Al Hoceima.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos We had one guy who bugged us a bit in Tetouan - I wonder if it was the same guy - although he helped us find the tannery. It wouldn't surprise me if there is just one guy who waits in the square by the royal palace to trap every new arrival.
Funny story when I was in Marrakesh Morocco couple of years back: Was walking down the street, an older man with a tray full of macaroons walked towards me, started making small talk, offered me a macaroon, said no thank you, he said no it's a gift my friend. So i just shrugged and said sure so I took one as we continued to make small talk. As I finished the macaroon I started to rap up the conversation with saying nice to meet you and started backing away, then he held out his hand but not for a handshake, I said what? He responded, "money for the macaroon" I said no you said it was free, don't play me like that. I started to walk away and followed me probably about a quarter mile saying I stole from him and was going to the police followed by telling other tourists walking past me that I stole from him. Other than that time, never had a problem with scammers although I understand that it is a poor country with loads of tourists so it's a hot-spot for that activity
I visited marrakech late 2023. The guy who worked at the riad said the authorities have now clamped down heavily on hustlers, and even if he accompanied us into the old city - even if he was working for us at our request - he could be arrested. We found we didn't get too much hassle. I walked around with a stern face all the time and was left alone. Not something i like to do but it worked. That said i gave money to the musicuans at night at the jeema el fna and they welcomed us and gave us stools to sit on. The restaurants and cafes are great. Its a friendly place, i enjoyed it. So don't be put off going there.
I think you should keep your videos the way you do, presenting things the way they are, you are not damaging the image of the country, it is a good call for the ones who have power to change the situation, and ultimately, people can pick and decide what they can tolerate and what not. I definitely have Morocco in my list, despite the difficulty to find a cold pint 😆 or the hustling.
Asia's different, trust me. Moroccans will take you to an ATM. And if you tell them you haven't got your card with you, they'll take you back to your hotel to get it 🤣
@@no_soy_rubio Exactly ! Northafrica is a nightmare from this point of view..they have no limits..no respect..no dignity..of course, talking about those who behave like this...👎
If you want hardcore hustlers then Dakar in Senegal is your place. They won't leave you alone and follow you everywhere. It makes it impossible to go anywhere on foot. If you drive the police want bribes, if you go by taxi then they cheat and scam you.
@@sok1720 weak excuse. There are also poor people in other continents even in Europe. But they don't behave like that. Maybe it has something to do with the religion ?
I've been three times. So much depends on how you carry yourself, and how you respond to their first contact. You can't blame them for trying to get money out of 'rich' tourists. I've never had a problem.
@@evelinholmes6401 Steven Jones is not saying they are. Rich is used as a concept often thought towards tourists just because you are there. Freedom to travel is a richness in itself.
Some excellent valid points you expressed in your video ! It seems like it even worn you down ! Must be a bad situation over there to do that ! Keep up the great work !
Those hustlers are a nightmare anywhere, at least in central/northern Europe we dont have them too much. Sometimes I think it is more conveniant to just stay at home in front of the screen and watch YT travel vids like yours! Safe trip to the US!
@@Andrij_Kozak You are absolutley right. I have been to half of eastern europe as a tourist and never had those issues but could enjoy my time there :-)
@@Andrij_Kozak Turkey isn't too bad actually. They might tell you a load of shit, but then you just tell them a load of shit back. They don't get aggressive.
In France, Paris we have plenty of them, northafricans.. and not many are trying to adapt to our culture, language, clothes, behaviours... etc etc...CIVILIZATION . But they all know the best ways to get all sort of social helps..not working of course...but doing drug traffic... La vie est belle... Of course there are many exceptions...luckily ! ( depending on their education, social background ) but the most of them in France, are living like in their villages !
Nightmare situation. I remember all the hustlers in Nairobi saying, "What's wrong, don't you like talking to black people?" when we ignored them. Very unpleasant indeed.
Not a nightmare situation ,just a lack of understanding people from a different culture and a different environment .
@@mustaphaaoujil8467 A complete fucking nightmare.
Dick White lol doesnt like talking to Blacks
Exactly lol
I mean, Vegas on the strip too.
When I was in Egypt the hustling was ridiculous. I get why it exists - just wish the governments of these countries could do better by their people and prevent it from happening
Interestingly only Muslim countries. You never experience this in Christian countries.
@@Andrij_Kozak I've been to wealthier muslim countries and not experienced hustling.
@@Andrij_Kozak in poor Muslim countries it is common not in rich one
Egypt is the worst place for scamming
The problem is you don't understand the Arab culture. Regular people are very conservative and shy they would never come up and talk to you. If someone is doing it they want money from you. They do it to locals as well. Locals just ignore them and keep walking.
This happened to me in Marrakech, he wanted 200 dirhams for just walking down the sidewalk chatting it up. Talking about how he can get me this or that, anything I wanted such as hash, girls, rides whatever. I never gave him anything. Boy was he pissed saying that he’ll track me down and get his friends to beat me up! Like what!? Nothing ever happened though and I continued to walk the streets. Still a pretty freaky situation. I respect what you do because it takes a lot to show how things really are in different countries.
You should've given him that little money, maybe he's poor and have nothing to eat.. Consider it as a charity .. You have to record good deeds in your balance before you die.. You don't believe in Allah and the day of resurrection? 🤔
@@aboivanka6104 He was clearly a thief and a bully so doesn't deserve charity
When I managed to avoid the taxi thieves in Ceuta
and found the bus to Tangier,someone behind me said,
"I am going to kill you"but that was all,suffice to say
I didn't get a good nap.
Refuse to talk to him if he is leaving you. Call the police. The law is very strict on fraudsters and scammers
Reading comments like yours make me never visit these places
You are absolutely right, tell it like it is and don't cut out anything. One of the best things about your channel is the authenticity.
Been to Morocco a few years ago and it was always like this. 55 countries traveled and Morocco is still the worst in that regard. Although I've been to much poorer countries and more 'notorious' rip off places.
Absolutely. Even we, locals, are struggling with this whenever we visit the old towns or any touristic place. This exists before Corona times.
Thanks for pointing this out Gabriel! There is nothing wrong about exposing this behaviour. Political correctness never solved any problem!
I'm very sorry about your experience there.
Agreed
Politics or even laws will not eradicate the problem. May be they can focus on education and trying to alleviate social problems ! those issues are encountered in all third world countries! Even in some rich countries, but are often related to foreigners!
Moroccans in London are dangerous and harrassed me one man never again
Thanks Gabriel for showing a truthful experience. I really enjoy your videos and all the information you share. Keep up the good work.
I was in Agadir the week before last and the hawker/'guides' hustler problem is massive. You cannot get a moments peace along the beach promenade with them.
Agadir is infested with hustler, the prostitution scene has attracted more and more girls that are bullied into the trade by Morocco pimps, the roam the streets at night and on the look out of westerners in the many nightclubs in Agadir.
Not to come back? Thanks to your series of videos of Morocco, I am not even considering going there anymore!
Same here would never go there
Go to Mozambique 🇲🇿 its much suitable for you.
I wouldnt go to the usa for example doesnt have history culture cuisine etc
@@terrybogars8933 We have all of that! It's a huge country. Lots of local and international cuisine, plenty of great attractions, and fantastic nature/landscapes. It can also get repetitive/boring, but if you plan, there's plenty to see and do. Out West in particular has really remarkable landscapes. There's native food and Americanized/American food that's unique/has outside influences. New Orleans is a good example.
@@xymzk history like morocco please or the cuisine or culture not even close
I completely agree with the hustling there, I was in Tangier with my 18 yr olddaughter in 2018, we both are blonde hair, blue eyed and though that probably didn't make any difference in the hustling part of things, we sure stood out and more men that I care to say wouldn't leave us alone. So, we cut our stay short there and got ourselves back to Spain. I would also like to add that the over population of the cats there is sad, so wish their government would allow out of country vets to come assist in spaying/neutering, the group I worked with said, the government won't allow them (outside veterinarians) to do this work....very sad. Thanks for the great videos Gabriel!
I was anticipating this. Gabriel keeping it real. 🌴
As a Moroccan, I am extremely embarrassed by this. And I really wish the government would do something about it
Share the video with your teachers, if you are a student. Make it viral ! That would be the 1st step~
I spent a few days in Morocco back in 2019 and didn’t notice any hustles, looking forward to go back again 👍🇲🇦
@@marktrvls1218 the more you look like a local the less likely you attract attention
Imagine if your people came to the Western world and us Westerner started hassling your people to buy our shit! You would hate it.
keep sending them to France!! There is plenty of room at Barbes Rochechoart!
Love your adventures in Morocco, Gabriel. Sorry about the hustling; it isn't nice. Thanks for taking us along with you to a great country ☀️😊✨
I've been to 87 countries, and to Morocco twice. After the first time (in 1995) I swore that I'd never be back due to all the hustlers/scammers. After 20 years, I decided to give them another chance, so gave it another try. And I regretted that trip too, for the same reason. Maybe I'll try again in another 20 years. In the meantime I'll continue taking my tourist dollars to South America, Asia, and Europe.
I am so glad you brought this topic up because this is exactly how I felt after visiting Morocco: mentally exhausted, exposed, targeted and eventually conned. And this has nothing to do with Covid. I was in Morocco in 1992, and the hustling was relentless. And I only really stayed in Asilah, the calmest and smallest of towns. Morocco is a fantastic country, beautiful, and I met a lot of really nice people there, and seeing your vids have made me want to go back, but your videos, especially this one, bring back that (awful) memory of constantly being approached by people, be some friendly, be some mean, be some wanting to sell you things, be some wanted to skin you, almost to the point you are feeling bullied by the people of the country. In 1992 I was planning to visit Meknes and Marrakesh as well but after a week of the "bullying" there were sadly no energy left for such a trip and we returned to Tangier and the ferry to Algeciras. I've been to Turkey, all over the Asian side, and even though you are being approached by people there too, it was never never as bad as in Morocco, and not only has it stopped me from returning to Morocco, it has kept me from visiting Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria as well. In the end. and I am 100% sure I'm not the only one, I will probably not return. Sad for me, sad for Morocco too.
I have no issue with people being interested in foreigners. The whole point with travelling is to meet locals and exchange experiences, learn something you wouldn't have otherwise. But when so many people are approaching solely with the purpose of luring you into a shop or shops where they get commission from what you buy there, and you know this already from the start, is just so tedious. I met perfectly alright Moroccans too, and they would advise me to get a guide when I went to Meknes and Marrakesh, for my own sake. Not because they necessarily would show me something that I wouldn't have seen otherwise but as a protection from all the other hustlers - because once you are "taken" the others will leave you alone. And you'd think they would give it up after seeing you fight off one or two guys already, but no. The next is replacing the previous, all trying the same trick to get you hooked. I always try to be friendly and respectful of locals but after you fight yourself through 10-15 of these guys you start being nasty and unnecessarily rude, and I don't want that. But it certainly vanes your energy. And I don't mind the actual wheeling and dealing of getting the price right, I love that practice actually, but only when it's something I actually want to buy. Me and my two friends were principally abducted into a house where we had to buy something to get out, on our first day in Morocco. So the whole stay started with being forced and conned, leaving a bad taste in my mouth that never left me. The fact that I after met a lot of really interesting and nice people never could change that feeling. I mean, everywhere you travel you will meet nice and interesting people, but being in a country where I was bullied and threatened into buying a rug and a djellaba will not wash off, even if I could afford it. Your walk up the mountain in Chefchetouan was the highlight. Wish I could have joined you on that walk. Thanks for great vlogs.
It’s like an awakening. I feel proud that you have made this video. I sometimes feel you’re too laid back and that’s great in general because that’s your character. However, sometimes you need to make a stand and just call out bad behaviour instead of justifying it.
It’s good you spoke abt hustlers I hope the ministry of tourism will react and do their job
The problem has to do the mentality, manners and attitudes of people. The only minister on the planet who can fix that problem, is the minister of the whip and handcuffs!
Thanks for your honesty - Morocco now off my list. Too many other places to visit to bother with that hassle.
True that
I’m enjoying your series in Morocco. I appreciate the honesty and authenticity of your videos. Morocco has been on my bucket list for years, but I think the best option for us may to go with a tour group.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us.
Hello, Morocco is beautiful and has good people. Do not believe everyone who says there is one percent coincidence. This is a con man, but if he calls the police, strict punishment will be imposed on this occupier who befriended him, but rest assured, everyone who came to Morocco is in peace and safety.
I love it , Walking around Morocco dressed like a Black Rock Contractor !! I know what you mean , I was at a resort island one time and it had gotten so annoying with the hustlers in the town after 4 days that I didn't want to leave the premises of my hotel . Safe trip back Brother ! Dave at 55.
Been to Morocco. One big hassle after another until we organised our own bonafide walking guides and private tours. And the best food we had was in the Riads we stayed in- just amazing, extraordinary food without all the hassles.
This why I'm arranging for walking tours etc. and planning to eat at riads (in part to be able to visit more)/restaurants I'm trying to plan out in advance for my upcoming trip. It seems as though already having/being with a guide helps based on numerous experiences I've come across, though I still expect to encounter various issues.
i appreciate that you inform us with how tourists are really treated in morocco, as well as your suggestion to the government.
I've seen a few comments here from different people who visited Morocco ranging from the late 60s to mid 90s saying the hustling was just as aggressive back then and I wonder: did I visit a Morocco in some parallel realm? I spent a few months travelling through Morocco in the late 80s when I was 19 and I had one of the best experiences of my life.I'm not dismissing other peoples' feedback and of course realise that,sadly,things might have changed since I was there.No doubt also that the covid pandemic has made life harder in Morocco,as it has done in so many countries.
But,wow-did I visit the same Morocco as you guys? I can't even remember a single incident when I was hustled for money.Granted,the only big city we spent any length of time in was Casablanca; the rest of the time was spent travelling by bus to smaller towns in the south west of the country mainly.My travelling companion,an American male my age of Asian descent,got really,really tired of people constantly assuming he was Japanese (Asian guy with camera= Japanese lol!) but nobody was trying to hustle him,just curious about "Japan".
We experienced so many acts of random kindness on our travels through Morocco,it would take a very long post to list them all.We met so many very good people and were treated to such gracious hospitality,I still feel moved and humbled by the memories.I am talking here about Moroccans who REFUSED our offers of money for either their assistance or hospitality.We were guests in their country and it was their pride and their pleasure to make us welcome.
Our first night there,we went to the cafe across from the youth hostel in Casablanca,where we met a local guy.We got to chatting with him,a bit suspicious at first,then found that all three of us had similiar tastes in literature,philosophy,music,
world view.We ended up,at his invitation,staying with his family in a working class area.In a warm family atmosphere full of care and love.Way better than the hostel.They never extorted us for money.They took care of us: feeding us,washing our clothes until they sparkled,taking us to the hammam at the local mosque where we were scrubbed clean.One of my favourite memories of that trip is the
evening we all took turns doing pantomimes and we all laughed until we cried.Wholesome fun in a family atmosphere.I went with one of the daughters to the local market to buy food,the two of us planning the meals,which were absolutely delicious and so much less money than we would have spent in restaurants.And better,because the whole family got to eat,not just us.They took such good care of us,it was miles better than a hotel.Never once did they try to cheat us.Just lovely,gracious people.The Mama encouraging my efforts at learning Darija,telling me,"Every day when you wake up you speak it better" and "Listen to her today,she's talking almost like us!" as she plied me with mint tea and khobz with butter and apricot jam at breakfast.Such a sweet lady and such a pure heart.
We travelled around the country and returned to Casablanca to this home base the last week of the month when this lovely family's money was running out,to rest up in their warm embrace and to honour that warmth and tender care by providing the meals until the first of the month.A win/win for all of us.Yes,I bought shoes for the little chlidren at the market,in exchange for how the ladies of the family scrubbed the grime out of our clothes when we returned from some wanders in the Sahara.We bought them pastries from the bakery they couldn't otherwise afford just to celebrate our friendship.We topped up their supplies of tea and flour to thank them for the breakfasts they had fed us.We bought them soaps and lotions to thank them for taking us to the hammam.If someone in the family craved fish for supper,we went with them to the market to get it.They never asked for any of these things.We were happy to give them,happy to have a home base that was truly a home,happy to give back.We came from a country where we could earn more at a minimum wage job than they could earn in a month.But mostly,what we gave was from gratitude for having been taken in and well cared for by a family who showed us genuine concern and love.
We met kind people in practically every small Moroccan town we visited.The guy our age in Taroudant who showed us around and didn't want money,just companionship and conversation.His mother sending him out with a picnic of sandwiches and soft drinks to share with us.So sweet.
We stayed at a tiny country side school house outside of Oued Zem at the invitation of the lone school teacher.A real old fashioned one room schoolhouse.The locals had seen us arriving and the mother of some of the students sent them off across the fields in the dark of the evening with covered plates of food and bread because she just knew the 'bachelor school teacher' wouldn't know how to feed us properly! Did she want payment? No! She just wanted us to feel welcome.
That schoolhouse outside of Oued Zem is where I saw a true night sky for the first time in my life.Stars all the way down to the horizon and so bright,our eyes ached,like gazing directly at the sun.Miles of quiet across the fields,the pure darkness of no artificial light,and stardust sprinkled everywhere you could see.Bellies full of food from the good will of strangers and beauty right their at our fingertips and our feet.Morocco.
للأسف الشديد أكثر الناس لاتحكي إلا عن تجاربهم التي قد يعتبرونها سيئة نتيجة لإختلاف الثقافة ،تعليقك يحكي تجربة إيجابية ،بصفتي مغربي غيور على سمعة بلده ،أقول لك شكرا.
Yes. My wife and I been coming here since the 90's and my wife in the 80's travelled the country wirh her 3 young children. Recalls many similar stories to yours. We have encounted 'hustlers' a few times over the years and may do again but it never became a drama or uncomfortable. It is sad that this problem of scamming and hustling exists and can see it can be offputting for some visitors. Glad to read your story. We have a drought problem as well as job loses, higher prices etc etc. Not easy here for many but still we find the 'man in the street' would share his food and give you their (sometimes) basic shelter as they will be rewarded in their happiness to do so.
@@keithbrandon8540 Yes! Thank you for sharing your similar experience.The hospitality I found in Morocco was so incredible.I learnt so much about being gracious and generous from the Moroccans I met there.Oftentimes,I felt like a barbarian in comparison.The one time a street sandwich seller tried to rip us off,at a bus stop near Tan Tan,trying to charge us ten times the price for two potato/khobz sandwiches and two bottled waters,a Moroccan man on the bus who had witnessed my companion return to our seats empty handed came back with the sandwiches and two orange juices (an upgrade from the water lol!) for us and absolutely refused to allow us to reimburse him.
"This sandwich seller has shamed Morocco by trying to price gouge you and it is my honour and my pleasure to welcome you to our country,even if my offering here isn't really enough..." he said.
We were profoundly touched by his kindness to us.Pure class,a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
@@kristawinegrdner3816 Wow that's a nice dude at the end!
@@kristawinegrdner3816 Thank you for sharing your lovely experiences in Morocco. I know women get harrassed the world over by men with unwanted sexual advances and catcalls etc., but I wonder when it comes to being harrassed for money if male travelers don't get it worse than women travelers. Also, I presume that women in Morocco are much more open to meeting women travelers than men. I highly doubt a male traveler would have been able to accompany the women of the house to markets etc. So your experience of local hospitality might have benefitted by you being a female. And finally, yes, the world has changed drastically the last 35 years since you last visited Morocco. The emphasis on material gain and wealth has made those who have less more desperate to exploit those who have more. And generally, people just are more assertive and rude than in times past. None of this is to say that travelers can't still experience amazing hospitality and generosity visitng Morocco and other countries. Just that a certain level of harrassment, unfortunately, is the reality this day and age for most travelers...
You are so right. Morocco with all of its beauty has been one of my future travel plans after pandemic, but these hustlers really are annoying, and makes me still considering travelling there...
I agree with the title of the vlog!! especially after visiting Morocco over 30 times over a 20 year period. It's not getting any better! if anything it's getting worse. This will essentially affect their tourism industry, it will be too late for the Moroccan government to step in and resolve the issue.
If I'm frank the authorities don't really care. Right now we are seeing a shift in tourism over to Turkey instead of Morocco.
Morocco had a great opportunity to attract tourism after the rippling revolution across the Arab world and the terrorism that plighted some of the Arab countries, which didn't affect Morocco so much.
Unfortunately, Morocco has lost a great opportunity to develop their economy due to a hustlers demanding a 100 dirhams.
@Andrij 👆
Morocco only gets $8bn a year from tourism, it's not much imo
Turkey is a much more interesting country with an amazingly rich and diverse history,beautiful landscapes and great food. ps. people are fine too.
@@yodesuyo Do you know what it takes to generate 8 Billion Dollars ? Do know the value of $ 8 bn?? You talk as if you would be Elon Musk... You sound like a hustler too. Logic of Bouzebal.
I don't totally agree with your arguments. Turkey was never in competition with Morocco as a destination, the real competition was Tunisia, egypt, and Spain. So when the Arab springs happened, tourism worldwide was already declining because of the financial crisis of 2008, and Morocco missed its goal of 10 million tourists by 2010 because of it. In 2011,as the world was beginning to recover Morocco was already tainted by the news coming from its neighbors. So it didn't miss an opportunity it struggled to maintain the growth because of all the bad publicity.
For hustlers, it's a big problem caused by both the hustlers and tourists. In the past, tourists were a gold mine for people working in the touristic places because Morocco wasn't as developed, so people could make a good living working normally. Fast forward to today, especially after covid, you have people that used to work in the service industry with no other skills than the one they picked up working with tourists,which is the language, and rather than looking for a normal job in a factory they know that if they hustle a tourist for 10 bucks twice a day, they can get the equivalent of a good salary in two weeks. There's almost nothing a government can do to stop that. But if tourists stopped paying $10 to every hustler they meet, I guarantee you that they'll disappear in less than a month.
Your right bro, I thought Egypt was bad when it came to hustlers but these guys in Morocco are truly relentless. In Egypt I was mostly just bothered while at specific tourist sites but was left alone while walking the streets of Cairo but in Morocco it seems as if your being hustled at every turn.
I'm from the UK and historically many British tourists went on holiday to Morocco. This has changed. Many people I know have said they'd never go back there because of the hassle they got.
I agree, we Brits value our personal space and take exception to that kind of irritating behaviour.
In Egypt, it sometimes felt like I was the ping pong ball in a ping pong game machine as I walked through the bazar. As a response to the hustling, you do not even want to go into a store. If you are left alone, you are happy to stop and browse and might just find something you want to buy.
Im in Marrakech for 2 months now, and the only way I can stay reasonably calm is to have music playing whenever I'm outside. I get approached at least 30 times daily, so I can no longer acknowledge people. It's relentless. Sunglasses are useful, too, because if they catch your eye, they will persist. A couple blocks outside tourist areas, things are fine, however.
Even we the locals are suffering from it !
It is a big drawback to our tourism industry 🇧🇪🇲🇦
Go back
Nice to see all your videos three weeks in morocco
Was waiting for this video… I went to Morocco 2 year ago and it was hell with the hustlers.. they won’t leave you alone for a minute. The kids are the same.. they beg non stop. The taxi drivers always overcharge… hard to find someone who is not trying to wipe your wallet clean there.
That’s apparently normal in muslim countries.
Kinda destroy the whole experience. I have reservations on going back to Morocco. I was actually happy going back to Spain. Was exhausted from all the bs.
@@Andrij_Kozakno its not it's the tourists that have encouraged this
If you go to real people and places they welcome you into their home
Sad to say Gabrielle is generally negative anyway
@@afalhussain838 there is no respect for tourists in the medinas .. they won’t leave your alone even when you ask them repeatedly. Everyone there is out to get you. The shopkeepers are the same. No means no… there was the only place I have ever been where I was happy to leave.
@@afalhussain838 I have never been to Muslim countries but many vlogs from Morocco,Egypt & Turkey prove my prejudices.
Yes definitely
Because of this annoying behaviour we will never go back .. it takes the enjoyment out of one’s holidays
We were planning to visit Morocco in the near future, but after watching this video plans have changed. We remember the nightmare our family suffered by hustlers in Marrakech.
Thanks for your honesty on the subject. I think you hit it on the head. If you’re thinking of traveling to Morocco, just be aware that this is an unfortunate part of the experience. A little research on the types of scams and ways to handle certain situations beforehand might prepare you more for it. After 3 weeks in the country, I have to admit, it really started rubbing me the wrong way and I was ready to leave. It was a breathe of fresh air arriving in the Canaries afterwards. BUT, if you can get past the hustling aspect of Morocco, it’s such an amazing country for many reasons. I certainly have no regrets going, the positive things you will experience and see far outweigh the negatives in my opinion. I look forward to returning one day, and giving it another go, this time with experience under my belt… Gabe, I’m a fan of your videos. Getting to watch you bounce around the globe helps get me through till the next time I can get out there. Keep it up 👍
In Egipt they throw stones at you if you don’t give them a penny.
Then I would throw bricks at them if they tried to do it to me.
@@Andrij_Kozak They usually teach children to do it, so they avoid responsibility
@@Andrij_Kozak I am starting to chase the stone throwers . They run like fcuk. They love it.
I'm thinking it's
My sentiments EXACTLY about Morocco, especially Marrakesh!!! We were hustled, scammed, followed, harassed relentlessly day after day. I have NO desire to ever return there! One women in the Medina grabbed my arm and began putting henna on it before I even knew what was happening! I hated it there even though it was mysterious, exotic, fabulous markets, fascinating, the gamut! The rest of Morocco was as bad for us as was Marrakesh! Loved Chefchaouen and even Fez was not as bad as Marrakesh. We also got stopped twice by police out in the desert for “speeding” when we hadn’t and had to pay fines both times on the spot. Somewhat like Mexico! Thanks for ALL you are doing Gabriel. Love your videos. Have a very happy Thanksgiving and will look forward to many more of your travels…
You were caught speeding and don't want to pay a fine,well that's bizarre🤔..yet you have the courage to complain and write posts like this,wow
@@mrnour852 They said they weren't speeding. NOT that they were speeding and didn't want to pay. Paying on the spot can mean cash, so it can be an easy scam by police. I wasn't there to know one way or another, but this is a known scam in various countries. Even in the US, the police will set up at the bottom of a hill because the speed can go up when going down if you don't press on the breaks.
Nice to see, you had 3 weeks holiday Gabriel !!! Your videos are awesome and highly entertaining !!!
I love them !!!
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving !!!
Loving the Moroccan videos. This one should be called "Hello my friend"
i have never been to morroco but after watching this i am never going
why? Morocco is a beautiful country and its people are very kind and loving to all the peoples of the world
People are people, there is good and bad, why give the hustlers a chance to win over your dream travels.
Do what I do, when I visit Morocco, I just ignore them when they approach me, They get the message and move on….
It's a pit.
@adildriouech1293 why should you have to?
Marrakech very rare to meet hustler in the kasbah. The jmaa lfnaa yes. The Gueliz more likey the areas by the train station.
Gabe. I love your videos. Morocco is off my bucket list. This is the first of your videos that you seemed uneasy. My wife and I don’t need that shit when we go on vacation. Keep them coming Gabe.
You are only spending time in touristy places, go to a regular town and there will be not a single hustler. Go to El Jadida, Safi, Rabat, Casablanca and and and... people are lovely. I have been around a few weeks now (also vlogging) and people are so lovely, and things cost only a fraction of what you pay. Good luck dude.
That is very true.
@@marinagiger7647 thanks
I couldn't agree more.
Your videos are great by the way🤩
@@Yourworstdream.. Thank you 😀👍🙏
This video was filmed in Rabat. :) I agree with you, but I wanted to see these towns that I'd heard about. Still worth the hassle to see cities like Fez and Chefchaouen, which were both amazing. Next time however I'll head for places more off the tourist trail, especially out in the desert.
Thanks Gabe. I’ve seen other you-tubers as well, and I’ve no desire to visit Morocco or Egypt because of this. There are many poor areas in the world who do not hustle, so that’s not an excuse.
He is ridiculously exaggerating tho.
@@chefar he is actually being too nice about the situation. I have travelled all over Asia, to places much poorer than Morocco and not been bothered by rude, pushy locals. Morocco was the worst. Everybody warned me not to go there, I didn't listen but they were right. These people are ruining the tourism in what is a beautiful country.
@@chefar
He is too nice and patient, tolérant and full of diplomacy...what Gabriel says here is just a small % of the very truth !
@@michaelahass2695 What's wrong with you people ? I live in Morocco, i tend pass through many touristic areas on a daily basis, the hustling is actually very rare.
@@denismccarthy9229 True. Travelling in Nothern Africa is almost unbearable over the last decade. Every pursuit is pushy and disingenious.
I had a weekend booked in Marrakech this weekend which has now been moved to January due to corona restrictions. However, I’m very much considering cancelling the whole trip due to your experiences with hustlers in your videos. I get anxiety just thinking about it.
I've just left Marrakesh , i was supposed to stay for a few day but was so disappointed . I've been there before a few times, admittedly last time was 20 years . I've been in morocco this time for 8 weeks and loved almost every minute of it but have to say Marrakesh has changed and i didnt like it this time. There has been huge development and the sense of disparity between the haves and have nots was more stark than anywhere else I have been here . range rovers speeding around spotless high wealth areas with police on every corner keeping the rich feeling safe while huge piles of trash sit outside houses in the poorer areas and people go hungry .Mcdonalds and fast food joints everywhere and the main square just feels trashy and inauthentic now with extremely high prices in all the cafes compared to the rest of the cities i have visited , the hassling is just constant and relentless and leaves you guarded even to those who are trying to genuinely help which is very very sad. having said all that i can highly recommend almost anywhere else . if your coming in january i would recommend somewhere beautiful on the coast south of Agadir like Mirleft or one of the small surf villages . you will find it far more relaxing. otherwise come with friends to Marrakesh , take it for what it is and learn to say 'no thanks' in Arabic well...... La Shokran La Shokran...... you will end up with jaw ache....
Ems dont be silly u can go anytime u just need to ignore them
I'm local guy living in Marrakech. And I gotta tell you that the majority of locals don't like the scene of hustlers chasing down tourists. I personally find it disgusting. It can be hard to ignore them especially if you're by yourself. But still, I hope it doesn't encourage you not to come, you'll definitely miss out some of the good stuff about the city that hopefully we'll make you forget the bad side of it. Anyway, you're welcome anytime.
Don’t cancel your trip, the way to deal with the hustler is simply to ignore them.
That’s what I do, it works every time I visit Morocco.
Actually, a cording to the law in Morocco you are not allowed to work as a tourist guide unless you have a licence. But they still do it. Unfortunately I’m Moroccan and I feel uncomfortable dealing with hustlers.
"The Hustlers Are Ruining Morocco"
It would put me off visiting the country. It looked annoying just watching these travel videos. The hustlers keep asking the same questions after a while it would become very tiresome.
I`m sure its even worse if you are there in person.
I cried.
Those bloody husters,scammers and con artists are flipping mugs!
Yes I said it before and that’s why I won’t go back! They guilt trip you and leave a bad vibe feeling
I would love to send an email to the minister of tourism and including your video if thats okay?
They wouldn't care.
@@moses2652 we will try, nothing to lose
@@MedProjects no harm! I hope they don't see Gabriel a thorn in their way.
@@moses2652 this stuff happens to Moroccans too, when Im in Lahdim square I always get harassed by them they try to sell me stuff even if Im moroccan, this stuff hurts toursim in Morocco, if tourist complained to the moroccan embassies this wont be the case... I hope the government those something about this
@@MedProjects The government cannot force the parents to up-bring their children the right way. Thug-ism is home grown. The only thing the gov. can do is to put "tourists police" at every corner.
Morocco has always been famous for hustlers. My partner worked in Morocco for a year. I spent most the year there on extended visas. You really would not believe some of the stories. Men could get really nasty to a foreign woman out shopping. My sister came over and we stayed in an expensive hotel. We were harassed. To point out most hustlers in Morocco are not being friendly they just want your money. The police have tried to tackle this problem but Morocco is full of corruption. Of course some of the stories are funny while some are awful. Kids used come after us a lot because the police cannot touch them.
I would love to have seen the entrance to the Railway Station because I remember it had lovely gates! Quite French looking!
Safe trip home and have a lovely Peaceful Thanksgiving!
Straight up lying, Morocco is no different than any other countrie.
@@chefar You are joking! We are just back from Spain. We paid the proper price for everything. No hustlers. We did watch our money in crowded places but so relaxing.
@@chefar
It's a reality you cannot deny by just saying the contrary
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion of Morocco for better and for worse! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family/friends in the USA!
now in my 8th week in Morocco and couldnt agree more with the video, its way worse than past visits here , most locals realise its a problem and is upsetting tourists but can do nothing to stop it. the aggressive following down the streets thing is a particular nuisance . i like walking and exploring alone and at my leisure and in certain places like fes and marrakesh especially you feel so hassled you end up rushing through places and not enjoying or spending any money even when you intended to . good for you for making the video , its a tricky subject here and needs some airtime
thanks, I will cross the country off my travel list!
I was in Morocco twice and I was also hassled badly in Fez but I can imagine it's much worse after covid. Police does actually arrest them and throw them into jail but it doesn't solve the problem. I also think that it has got something to do with Moroccan culture - it's just how they are. I had a very unpleasant experience when we were threatened when we refused to pay at a restaurant for things we never ordered.
Believe it or not but these hustlers also offer sex for money.
That's normal. 20 years of travelling to Morocco I've seen it get worse, it's a disease that's spreading like wildfire, it wasn't as bad 20 years ago.
@@moses2652 i disagree, 20 years ago, you wouldn't even find prices on food menus. tourists used to haggle even for food in Marrakech
@@yodesuyo we are talking "hecklers" stopping you while walking down the street, not haggling for food. Lol
You might want to read the title of Gabriel's vlog again. 😎
My daughter and her boyfriend went to Morocco in Feb 2020. They could not stand the hustlers, and did not feel safe. It was not a good experience for them, so much so, she won't eat any food reminding her of the trip. Too bad, it looks beautiful
Thanks to you 😉. Morocco is out of my travel list. And oh, Egypt too. 😁
Better for us we dont want you either😒
I agree 100%. I have wanted to go to Morocco with my girlfriend for a number of years. After seeing your videos, we have decided to cross Morocco off our travel list. I'm all for supporting locals, but the hassling in the touristy areas would spoil my trip.
that's the worse thing in morocco. Even when chilling at the beach in essaouira we had hustlers every 10 minutes. That's the thing that would not make me go back. Especially if you don't know any darija. It's better in the countryside or mountains in more remote areas, it was much more enjoyable there
I agree. I have visited Morocco in the past with my sister and our two children. While I love the country I just couldn't go back because of all the hassle from the traders. I would probably have purchased more if we were just left to brouse. It's very intimidating especially for women. I just wish they would realise that they are ruining their lovely country.
It came as an unexpected shock to me, just how persistent the hustlers are...to the point they make you angry...."No" seems to be a none recognised word....i find ""no money" stops the hustling....
Thanks for the videos about Morocco, now on my never to do list, like Chicago here in the States
From my experience from visiting many countries like this, the best thing you can do is just make a rejecting move with your hand, and walk away, not saying anything at all. By this, they cannot guess which language you speak, and cannot involve you in the usual "hello my friend!" small talk which always ends with paying some money in the end.
I was just in Egypt and was honestly looking to go to Morocco for 3 weeks next month but I’m so exhausted by the hustling in North Africa I don’t even want to bother with Morocco. It’s sad because this destination has been in my bucket list for awhile.
Try Tunisia 😊 it’s totally different
you're too nice...hustlers are also scammers. if they're lying to you about being a student, or overpricing products, isn't that scamming as well?
Indeed. I would tell them directly to leave instead of negotiating kindly a way out.
Then it wouldn't be a hustle. It'd be a scam
If someone offers something to you and you accept it (without a threat) it's not a scam. Overpriced perhaps, but if you agree to the price in advance and they don't increase it after (unless agreed upon) then it's not a scam. But they are clearly hustlers.
@@xymzk if someone lies, that’s scamming. Being honest even with overpricing can be considered a hustler.
Thanks for this video! I think everyone wants to see what the place really is like, not just the good things.
Being in Morocco right now, and having been in Fes and Marrakech, I can attest to the hustlers being extremely relentless. Will release a video on the hustlers of Morocco as well next week 🎥
Why watch your video, Gabriel made the video on the topic here already. Strange logic behind your desperate self-promotion.
@@lanamortenson8694
You re right ! But why not be informed from 2 vlogs on this subject !?
It s true Gabriel said all which needs to be said..and in such a diplomatic, well balanced way !
@@lanamortenson8694 Haha, I've already recorded this and will be editing it when I get back. This was a topic I've researched prior to my trip here.
Always appreciate the truth....I always hate getting hassled...Cheers from Canada
Yes it gets annoying because everything but hotel rooms and food seem to be haggled over.
For instance anything on the side of the road. Anything and everything in the medinas short of the mint tea.
I wanted transport from fez to ifran. First cost was a joke. 5 minutes later I get a call and it was half but still not realistic. 20 minutes later they called and it was 1/3 and worth it. That times 100x a day plus the trash and the rug peddlers make Morocco somewhere I wouldnt return
I love this dudes content . I've been a long time sub around 15k and impresses how the content gets better . stay safe brother ✌
Was in Morocco 22 years ago on a motorcycle tour. Everywhere we went we were hassled by the locals. At night we had to hire guards or lock up our motocycles in secure buildings away from the hotel. We would stop at tourists sites & men would come up to us asking for money to "guard" our bikes while we were checking out the place. Would never go back.
It's like the mafia asking 'protection' money. Downright criminal.
Another reason to go with a small group! Our local guide made it so utterly fabulous ... he let us free but kept this stuff from getting out of line.
I have been to Morocco a couple of times. I never experienced anything remotely dangerously but I do remember being put of by the relentless approaches to the extent that it effected my mood significantly. I you want to visit Morocco you should have some strategy for dealing with it lest it ruin your trip. Wearing sunglasses is always good. I have been learning Russian for a couple of years now and when I was in Egypt recently I simply only answered in (broken) Russian! That worked!
haha that's a funny way. it is like saying i may be white but i am also from a third world country from eastern europe, i am cold and not cool and there is no money here to take.
The Hustlers are a problem in so many other places as well, very annoying.
I'm loving the Moroccan series. However all the hustling would stop me in my tracks from ever visiting.
It has been the same forever. I went there in the early 90s and the hassle was relentless from the moment I set foot in Morocco. It was epic. My first experience within minutes of entering the place was a hustler trying to sell me hash and jumping into the shared taxi at the border and following me to my hotel. He then managed to persuade the hotel owner to let him in and he came into my room. I eventually got him out of my room only for him to hang outside in the street screaming abuse. The next morning he was waiting at the bus station for me screaming that he was going to f&^% my mother and slit my throat. I had to walk out of the bus station and find a traffic cop on a roundabout to explain what was going on. The cop walked back with me to the bus station and I was able to buy a bus ticket and get on the bus. I had similar situations over and over again in Morocco.
Eventually a much more experienced traveller told me to simply pick one of the hustlers and pay him a small daily fee - in effect protection money. In those days it was a couple of dollars for the whole day and magically no more hassle. The other hustlers saw you were "protected" and left you alone. Then I saw the other side of the story. The hustlers were pitiful creatures. The guy I employed eventually opened up to me and was weeping telling me about how shit his life was in Morocco - no job, so no money, so no girls, so no sex, no love, no family, no social standing. He desperately wanted to escape to Europe because that was the promised land but paradoxically hated Europeans because he thought he was superior to them and couldn't deal with the cognitive dissonance of that contradiction. And because of the appalling behaviour of people like him Europeans had total contempt for Moroccans.
I have travelled all over the world starting in the 1980s and the only part of the world I have not really enjoyed traveling in or respected the people was North Africa. There were some truly lovely people there but OMG that part of the world is an absolute mess. Those societies are dysfunctional beyond belief.
Crazy story.
Your story reads like my own memories of that place. Indeed, the covert, almost vengeful contempt mixed with envy, greed and desire for European life style, I noticed constantly, rendered many guys dysfunctional and highly unpleasant to be with. No respect. Sticky, smiling, plotting menaces. No sincere connection possible. Unfortunately.
The scammers had me in tears. I was just there to see my family.
We were excited to see that you're in Morocco, because we just this week decided to start 2022 with a stay in Essaouira! But I watched your Moroccan videos with a sinking heart, even though I haven't seen you mention that town specifically, because I won't go there to be hustled, harassed and frightened. I guess it's back to the drawing board for January. How disappointing, but thank you so much for saving us money and hassle and a bad experience!
Essaouira is a nice town and from what I remember was less hassle:
ruclips.net/user/gabejedmosearch?query=Essaouira
KUDOS ON 500K!! Just noticed that...not sure how late I am. I'm so anti-pressure shopping, I get annoyed in the USA with all over hyped salespeople. I wonder, no matter where you are, if these salespeople realize they are losing $$$ being so overzealous? Doubt it.
I agree 👍
Interesting video. I've been in Casablanca now for a few days and the hassling wasn't that bad... One of the guys even apologized in English when I spoke some Arab words to him. For now, my experience is that Casablanca at least is more chill than Cairo and tourist sites in Egypt. But who knows and it will change in the upcoming days. So far I've been strolling through local as well as tourist areas with my camera without a problem. La Shukran and Ma Salamah go a long way...
But you are right though. It is a problem. And a problem you see in multiple places... And I wish they would get that if there is less hussle there is more income.
Love your videos btw and definitely don't edit things out. The way you present them are raw and give a way better picture of how things are going on than those "influencer" stuff.
All the best.
Casablanca isn't very touristy, I didn't experience any of the hustling there either. Hopefully things stay mellow for the rest of your Trip. Enjoy Morocco, it's still an amazing country and worth the hassle.
I would never go back I was there 25 years ago and hated it because of the relentless hustlers
Thank you for your honest truth. I watch videos for this very reason, for the closest to real life experience/review of one’s content. I will at some point visit Morocco…it has been a bucket list item my whole life but I can feel how vexing it would be to be constantly annoyed by the overstepping into, as you say, one’s personal space. Especially when for some you have payed quite a lot to travel somewhere and may want your experience to be personal, intimate and maybe even spiritual, well, that would be ruined by the continual nagging. Thanks for another great vid. FYI, husband and I found your channel last spring as we prepared for spending out 25th anniversary in Greece during the month of June. This was a wonderful experience! 😀
It's true gabe, we mentioned in another video of yours that we were planning to go there in february or march but after watching more of your videos we felt less and less interested because of the hustlers. Been to countries with much less hustling than what you have showed and it was still a huge pain and obviously it is way more than what you have showed in your videos. We really wanted to go to a nothern african country so now we are thinking Egypt instead which will also be intense but hopefully less.
What are you talking about guys, morocco is better than egypt, the brother here went to famous touristic sites, it's normal to get hustle like that, we experience the same thing as you guys when we're visiting famous touristic places, and i can say this because most of people there (in touristic sites) relies only their business and due to pandemic situation, they just jump on the first opportunity to sell something to someone, i admit that's a bad habbit. But the best way to come to morocco is to be invited by a local to show you guys our history, culture, and evolution during more than 10 centuries. I shall invite you guys to come, i'll invite you home to spend a great experience, without any material intention or something like that, just a word thank you is more precious than anything else, and it will be a chance to show to Mr. Gabriel that he had the wrong idea about our country, i don't deny the fact that there's hustlers in the famous touristic sites, but there's more to see and experience ten times better and in the cheapest way possible. You're more than welcome, and this is my real first and last name if you want to contact me guys. And if you want lets settle a bet here, if you don't love our kingdom, i give you my word to pay your ticket back to your country anytime you want guys .Ps : we have more than 14 000 km² of beach sites.
@@solalcohen163 سمح لي يا صاحبي هاد الطريقة ديالك زدتي كحلتيها و زدتي اكدتي ليها هادشي للي شافتو فالفيديو. انا عايش فامريكا اكثر من 13 عام و تقدر نقوليك هوما ما تايحملوش شي واحد يلصق فيهم . هوما و الله لا عقلوا عليك و جيتي لبلادهم من غير الضحكة الصفرا . ماتبقاش تعرض على بنادم في التعاليق راك تاتكبر ليهم الشان و تاتدخل ليهم الشك انك باغي تنصب عليهم . استسمح على التعليق وًلكن بغيت غي نشارك معاك الراي ديالي فهادشي للي كتبتي.
@@adilnc iwa khoya yeb9aw f bladhom 3lach jayen 3adna blad dyalna hayda 3amla its always been like dis
I've just been to Morocco and even though it was bad I still think it was manageable, and just point blank ignoring, even though it is not nice does tend to work, I'm going to Egypt in a week so I'll be able to make a comparison of the two.
@@solalcohen163 Matbkach tl7ass akhoya mky7mloch hakak . Rah kaychofo b3inihom. T3ya matchre7 lihom rah howa li khaso y3ich experience. Mli katb9a t9olihom hakak kyshabhom nta ghir katzwe9 lihom soora.. fhmtiii ?!
You are absolutely right Gabriel, nothing wrong in telling how it really is, it could help someone especially if they are not a seasoned traveler like you! 😎🙌💯❤
good points there. also worth changing the typical destinations in Morocco and going to underrated, beautiful destinations such as Tetouan and Al Hoceima.
Intense hustling experience in Tetouan, but the guy really helped me out because the medina there is an absolute maze, even more confusing than Fez.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos We had one guy who bugged us a bit in Tetouan - I wonder if it was the same guy - although he helped us find the tannery. It wouldn't surprise me if there is just one guy who waits in the square by the royal palace to trap every new arrival.
This was deep in the medina when I was thoroughly lost. Came across a whole group of guys who converged on me all of a sudden. It will be in a video.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Scary shit !
When I went to Morocco in 1981, the hustlers then were exactly as you describe now, world-leading!
Funny story when I was in Marrakesh Morocco couple of years back:
Was walking down the street, an older man with a tray full of macaroons walked towards me, started making small talk, offered me a macaroon, said no thank you, he said no it's a gift my friend. So i just shrugged and said sure so I took one as we continued to make small talk. As I finished the macaroon I started to rap up the conversation with saying nice to meet you and started backing away, then he held out his hand but not for a handshake, I said what? He responded, "money for the macaroon" I said no you said it was free, don't play me like that. I started to walk away and followed me probably about a quarter mile saying I stole from him and was going to the police followed by telling other tourists walking past me that I stole from him.
Other than that time, never had a problem with scammers although I understand that it is a poor country with loads of tourists so it's a hot-spot for that activity
The macaroon scam, that's a new one.
Not new,it's basically the 'for free' scam as it turns out not to be free ! 😇
I visited marrakech late 2023. The guy who worked at the riad said the authorities have now clamped down heavily on hustlers, and even if he accompanied us into the old city - even if he was working for us at our request - he could be arrested. We found we didn't get too much hassle. I walked around with a stern face all the time and was left alone. Not something i like to do but it worked. That said i gave money to the musicuans at night at the jeema el fna and they welcomed us and gave us stools to sit on. The restaurants and cafes are great. Its a friendly place, i enjoyed it. So don't be put off going there.
I think you should keep your videos the way you do, presenting things the way they are, you are not damaging the image of the country, it is a good call for the ones who have power to change the situation, and ultimately, people can pick and decide what they can tolerate and what not. I definitely have Morocco in my list, despite the difficulty to find a cold pint 😆 or the hustling.
Gabriel 😇
Keep on presenting your travels as you see fit! I’m amazed that some of the comments suggest otherwise. Mazal!
Exactly this is what’s stopping me from going to Morocco
This is typical Morocco tourism text book for Morocco. Very sad, mad but so true!!!
Did you by any chance get hustled while you were recording this video, but being the nice guy you are, you decided to edit it out?
No, but I did while filming my other video in Rabat.
Very easy to get rid of them. Just show them an empty wallet and say "no money!" Works for me 100% of the time when in Asia.
😂
Asia's different, trust me. Moroccans will take you to an ATM. And if you tell them you haven't got your card with you, they'll take you back to your hotel to get it 🤣
@@no_soy_rubio
Exactly ! Northafrica is a nightmare from this point of view..they have no limits..no respect..no dignity..of course, talking about those who behave like this...👎
@@no_soy_rubio 😅😅😅
@@michaelahass2695 hold on…hold on… no dignity ?
Hi.. Gabriel.. Excellent video.. Thanks 🍀
Like I said in another video, as an introvert hustlers are my arch nemesis. I even actively avoid mall booths.
Wow... Insane! I'm glad you're out of there!
If you want hardcore hustlers then Dakar in Senegal is your place. They won't leave you alone and follow you everywhere. It makes it impossible to go anywhere on foot. If you drive the police want bribes, if you go by taxi then they cheat and scam you.
And again a Muslim country. Like I said you don’t experience this in Christian countries.
@@Andrij_Kozak perhaps they are just poor people
@@sok1720 weak excuse. There are also poor people in other continents even in Europe. But they don't behave like that. Maybe it has something to do with the religion ?
@Anek
You re absolutely right. !
Thank you for the transparency of this issue. Not too mention that could also be kind of scary!!!😧
I've been three times. So much depends on how you carry yourself, and how you respond to their first contact. You can't blame them for trying to get money out of 'rich' tourists.
I've never had a problem.
Who says all tourists are rich?
not agree with you, all over the world are poor people... but in non of them, they acted like in marooco... and not all the tourists are really rich..
@@evelinholmes6401 Steven Jones is not saying they are. Rich is used as a concept often thought towards tourists just because you are there. Freedom to travel is a richness in itself.
Some excellent valid points you expressed in your video ! It seems like it even worn you down ! Must be a bad situation over there to do that ! Keep up the great work !
Those hustlers are a nightmare anywhere, at least in central/northern Europe we dont have them too much. Sometimes I think it is more conveniant to just stay at home in front of the screen and watch YT travel vids like yours! Safe trip to the US!
Also no hustlers in Eastern Europe. As you see only in Muslim countries like Morocco,Egypt,Turkey etc.
@@Andrij_Kozak You are absolutley right. I have been to half of eastern europe as a tourist and never had those issues but could enjoy my time there :-)
@@Andrij_Kozak Turkey isn't too bad actually. They might tell you a load of shit, but then you just tell them a load of shit back. They don't get aggressive.
In France, Paris we have plenty of them, northafricans..
and not many are trying to adapt to our culture, language, clothes, behaviours... etc etc...CIVILIZATION .
But they all know the best ways to get all sort of social helps..not working of course...but doing drug traffic...
La vie est belle...
Of course there are many exceptions...luckily ! ( depending on their education, social background )
but the most of them in France, are living like in their villages !
@Anek
It surely does..they hate us ! That s the truth, nobody would tell it but we can feel it every day..