Is Chefchaouen Safe in April 2026?

A local dealer befriends tourists and offers hashish. Shortly after you accept, a "police officer" (working with the dealer) appears threatening arrest unless you pay a large bribe immediately.

How to avoid: Never accept drugs from anyone in Morocco. This scam is well-organized and specifically targets tourists in Chefchaouen. If confronted, insist on going to the official police station.

Children or adults attach themselves to tourists navigating the blue medina, offering directions or acting as unofficial guides even when not invited, then demanding payment on arrival.

How to avoid: Book official licensed guides through your riad or the tourist office. If someone follows you uninvited, say clearly you don't need a guide and stop engaging.

Vendors place scarves, argan oil, or spices in tourists' hands and insist they are gifts. Once you hold the item, they pressure you to buy it or demand payment for the "gift."

How to avoid: Do not accept anything handed to you without an agreed price. Return items immediately and firmly if placed in your hands without request.

Street money changers offer slightly better rates than banks, then shortchange through sleight of hand or include counterfeit dirhams in the counted stack.

How to avoid: Exchange money only at official bank branches or your riad. Count every note individually at the counter before leaving.

Shop owners and taxi drivers give back less change than owed, relying on tourists' unfamiliarity with Moroccan dirham denominations to go unnoticed.

How to avoid: Familiarize yourself with dirham notes and coins. Count all change before leaving any transaction. State the denomination you're handing over out loud.