Casablanca might be a diverse city, but like anywhere else, there are certain things you should be aware of, especially when you're trying to develop your social circle or professional network. Regardless of the expected duration of your stay in the city, here is what you need to know about social networking etiquette.
You can choose to stick to an expat community while regularly visiting the places that are popular with foreigners, but that's not necessarily the ideal way of doing things. You can also explore your surroundings and discover the city, the country, the culture, and the people. With an open mind and the willingness to mingle with the locals and adapt, your expat experience in Casablanca is likely to be exceptional as long as you know what you are looking for.
But why?
The answer is straightforward. Casablanca is a complete turmoil. You can easily get carried away in the absence of reaction. Anything can happen there, sometimes beyond your imagination, for the better or, the worse. Some encounters can lead you to wonderful moments as well as tricky situations if you don't take the time to understand how the city works and how people behave.
Social etiquette in Casablanca
Don't allow yourself to be fooled by surprising cover-ups. Many Moroccans with a particular social status will boast about their standard of living and tell you that they prefer Western standards. But keep in mind that they were raised in a Moroccan sociological context which is culturally different from Europe. This means that, at any time, you can witness reactions that will not be in line with what you may be used to in Europe. Social codes are different, despite appearances and linguistic proximity.
Dos and don'ts in Casablanca
Try to merge with the social life corresponding to your social status. Any other insertion may be frowned upon by your environment or by the people you associate yourself with. You will be quickly classified (even if it means that the classification is "unclassified", perhaps the worst of all) and treated in relation to your label but still with a polite approach.
Avoid forcing the glass ceilings (for yourself or others), and being expansive in public. You should at all times adopt the appropriate behavior with regard to your social status, whether on outings, non-professional activities, trips, or in your neighborhood or compound.
This does not mean that you are compelled to apply social etiquette in all circumstances. However, if you choose to ignore them, you will be driving yourself away from Moroccans having the same social status. As a result, your social network will be restricted to a certain level. At the same time, avoid being misled by people who would rather see you as an additional bank account.
Undoubtedly, the best thing to do is to respect your surroundings and the behavior of the people around you. Experience it, and you will see that Moroccans are a welcoming nation endowed with unparalleled hospitality!
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