Casablanca, Morocco

• Casablanca is Morocco's economic hub on the Atlantic coast - more business city than tourist destination. You'll see modern high-rises next to traditional medinas, and the Hassan II Mosque (one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims) on the waterfront. Because it's not as touristy as Marrakech or Fez, you'll deal with fewer aggressive vendors, but you also won't find much English spoken outside upscale areas.
• The Corniche along Ain Diab beach gets busy in the evenings with Moroccan families and professionals at seafood restaurants. In neighborhoods like Maarif and Gauthier, you'll find cafes where sitting alone with a laptop is normal. Modern areas like Anfa have decent street lighting and security, so walking after dark feels safer than in other parts of the city.
• Catcalling happens, especially in busy areas and the Old Medina. It's mostly verbal rather than physical, and dressing modestly does help reduce it. The city is more cosmopolitan than other Moroccan cities - in upscale neighborhoods you'll see people in business suits and traditional dress mixed together.
• Pickpocketing is common in crowded markets and on public transport. The tram works well during the day, though many women use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Heetch at night instead. The tourist police (177) can help if you have problems, and some speak English.

French and Arabic are the main languages in Casablanca. English is spoken in some hotels, upscale restaurants on the Corniche, and tourist areas, but very limited elsewhere. The Tourist Police (177) have some English-speaking operators. Emergency services (112) may have limited English - French is more reliable.

• Cover shoulders, cleavage, and knees. Casablanca is more relaxed than rural Morocco, but modest dress reduces harassment. Maxi skirts, loose pants, and tops that cover your shoulders work. You don't need to cover your hair except at the Hassan II Mosque.
• French and Arabic are what people speak here. Very little English outside upscale hotels, some tourist restaurants, and the Corniche. Learn 'La, shukran' (No, thank you) - it's useful for persistent vendors and unwanted attention.
• Catcalling is common but usually not physical. Ignore it and keep walking. Sunglasses help you avoid eye contact. Don't smile at men - it can be read as flirting. Keep your expression neutral in public.
• Medina and souk vendors use aggressive sales tactics. Know what you want to pay before you start shopping, and be ready to walk away. In modern areas like Anfa and Maarif, prices are fixed and there's less pressure.
• Tipping is expected - 10-15% at restaurants, round up taxi fares, 50-100 MAD for guides. Café culture is big here, so you can sit alone for hours with coffee or tea and nobody will rush you.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 19. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The Casa Tramway has two tram lines connecting major areas. You need a prepaid card or rechargeable ticket. It's efficient and safe during the day but gets packed at rush hour. Around 7 MAD per trip.
• Petit taxis (small red ones) take up to three passengers within the city for 10-30 MAD depending on distance. Make sure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price before you get in. Grand taxis (white) go to suburbs and squeeze in up to six passengers.
• Careem and Heetch work well in Casablanca and are safer than random taxis, especially at night. Uber doesn't operate here anymore. The apps are helpful if you don't speak French or Arabic.
• You can walk in upscale neighborhoods like Anfa, Maarif, and Gauthier during the day. The medina and downtown are walkable but watch out for pickpockets. At night, stick to well-lit areas like Anfa, the Corniche, and parts of Maarif - avoid walking alone elsewhere.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Casablanca with local guides and curated experiences.