First impressions after moving to Morocco

Diksha wrote:

Hello everyone,

You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Morocco. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someones life.

Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your first steps in this country.

Excitement, joy, worry: What was your main feeling when you arrived in Morocco?

How has your state of mind changed over time?

Have you called upon expatriate support associations? If so, what was their role in your local integration?

What was the impact of your new environment (climate, setting, professional environment) on your mental health?

Is it easy to socialize in Morocco? What advice would you give to newcomers to meet people, make new friends and build a strong professional network there?

Thank you for your contribution!

Have a nice day,

Diksha,
Expat.com team

First Impressions:

Climate:
How mild and short the winter is (January to March); But it’s also wet and damp.

Setting:
How convenient it is if one needs to go to Europe often. If you reside in Tangier, it’s practically has one foot in Europe.

Professional Environment:
Moroccans artisans are very good at what they are doing. But they have zero concept of time. Zero....... But to be fair, I don’t work in Morocco, or keeping any desk job. On the other hand, educated Moroccans switch between prominent International Languages with an such an ease that is not present in any other countries, except maybe in Singapore.

The Cuisine:
For a former French Colony, it is surprisingly and disappointingly very limited. It is almost like it’s culinary is stuck in the 12th century, during the Almohad period .......... Between Tajine, Pastilla, Couscous - and a selection of Diabetic-inducing pastries, one is not served with much choice. But I am bias, because I have lived in South-East Asia in the past, and South-East Asian cuisine (Malay, Singapore, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese) is simply superb and very eclectic.

The people:
In the North: Always relax except when they want your money.
In the South: Always want your money, hence never relax.

Safety:
The safest city 24/7: Tangier. By far compared to others.
The most dangerous and crime-ridden city: Fez

In General:
Morocco is a totally predatory society for an expat if one present himself as “I am European thus better than you the native”; But if one present oneself as “one of the people”, the Moroccans are most likely will accept you as one of them, very quickly.

These first impressions remain true even after four years living in Morocco, albeit not all the time.

Bullseye 🎯

Perfect explanation.
I Have learned to say no money no passport  and Morocco is my home. Plus I am muslim so lets not think I am a walking bank.  I worked for my money so you work for yours. I give to the disabled but have learned discretion.  I am extremely careful now regarding money.