Criminals have targeted tourists for robberies, assaults, muggings, thefts, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and scams of all types. Commonly reported crimes include falsifying credit card vouchers and shipping inferior rugs as a substitute for the rugs purchased by the traveler. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate have also received reports of thefts occurring in the vicinity of ATM machines. Aggressive panhandling is common. Some travelers have been befriended by persons of various nationalities who have offered them food, drink, or cigarettes that are drugged.
Prudent travelers hire only official tour guides through hotels and travel agencies.
Unescorted women in any area of Morocco may experience verbal abuse. The best course of action is to ignore such abuse because women who have responded have come under physical attack. Thieves sometimes bump cars from behind and then rob their victims when they get out of the car to inspect the damage. Adequate medical care in Morocco is available, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet high quality standards, and specialized care or treatment may not be available. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in the urban areas, but the medical staff will probably not be able to communicate in English.