Question 1

What is the "Forced henna and street-corner henna trap" scam in Rabat?

Accepted Answer

Women offering henna near busy tourist points may grab a hand and begin a design before you have agreed, or call it 'free', then demand a steep fee (commonly 200-500 dirhams) once it is partly applied, creating a scene if you refuse. Beyond price, black 'henna' containing PPD dye can cause chemical burns and lasting scarring, whereas genuine henna is brown or green. It is less aggressive in Rabat than Marrakech but appears around the Kasbah and medina. Keep your hands to yourself and decline clearly before anyone touches you; never accept 'free' henna. If you do want it, agree the exact price first and refuse anything sold as black henna. Walk away from anyone who reaches for your hand uninvited.

Question 2

What is the "Medina shop 'free mint tea' and carpet hard-sell" scam in Rabat?

Accepted Answer

In the Medina around Rue des Consuls, the street historically known for carpets and crafts, sellers invite you in for free mint tea and a 'no obligation' look, then deploy a lengthy hard sell with sob stories and steeply inflated opening prices. Rabat's medina is calmer than Marrakech's, but the commission-driven pressure to buy rugs, leather, or 'handmade' goods still operates. Refusing after accepting the hospitality is framed as rude to wear you down. It is fine to decline the tea or to drink it and still walk out buying nothing; hospitality does not obligate a purchase. Get a sense of fair prices at a fixed-price cooperative first, and expect opening quotes to be several times what you should pay. Set a firm budget and be ready to leave the shop.

Street Scams in Rabat

Forced henna and street-corner henna trap

Medina shop 'free mint tea' and carpet hard-sell

Experienced a scam here?