Question 1

What is the "Fake Argan Oil" scam in Agadir?

Accepted Answer

Souvenir shops and market stalls sell diluted or entirely synthetic "argan oil" products branded as authentic Moroccan argan, charging premium prices for an inferior product. Buy argan oil only from women's cooperatives in the Agadir region where the oil is locally produced and certified. Look for the Moroccan Quality Mark on packaging.

Question 2

What is the "Souk El Had Unofficial Guide Scam" scam in Agadir?

Accepted Answer

At the entrance gates of Souk El Had — Morocco's largest covered market — men posing as friendly locals or official market assistants offer to guide tourists to "the best" spice, textile, and craft stalls. The guide leads visitors through the labyrinthine interior to shops that pay them commission, where prices are inflated 200–400% above market rate. Tourists who try to leave or decline purchases are told the exit is locked or that they must buy something out of respect for the shopkeeper's hospitality. Enter Souk El Had independently using a downloaded offline map or the printed guide available at the Agadir tourist office on Avenue du Prince Moulay Abdallah. Decline any unsolicited offers of guidance at the gate. If a guide attaches themselves to you, state clearly that you do not want assistance and walk toward the nearest security booth.

Question 3

What is the "Beach Photographer Forced Print Sale" scam in Agadir?

Accepted Answer

Photographers working the main Agadir beach (Plage d'Agadir) along the corniche approach sunbathers and take unsolicited photographs, then immediately return to demand payment for the photo. Prices quoted range from 50 to 200 dirhams per print. Some use a digital display to show you the photo before demanding money, creating social pressure. Refusing after the photo has been taken leads to arguments and sometimes group confrontation. If you do not want to be photographed, say "la shuran" (no thank you) firmly and wave them away before they raise the camera. If a photo is taken without your consent you have no legal obligation to pay. Walk away calmly — public confrontation is the photographer's main leverage.

Street Scams in Agadir

Fake Argan Oil

Souk El Had Unofficial Guide Scam

Beach Photographer Forced Print Sale

Experienced a scam here?