Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go - Part 6

General Information - continued

The main post office is on the Place du 16 Novembre in Guéliz. It opens from 8am–4:15pm Monday– Friday and from 8:30am– noon on Saturday. There is also a post office on the south side of Jemaa El Fna with the same opening times and outside public phones. If you need to use the international express parcel post then the Amana Bureau Guéliz is open from 8am–6:15pm Monday–Saturday and there is Chronoposte on Avenue Hassan II. If you just want to send postcards then you can get stamps at the local tobacconist's. The main post office in Marrakech offers a free poste restante service. If you need to use this make sure the mail bears the first name and surname of the recipient, as well as the post office address. The person collecting will need some form of identification, normally a passport, when collecting the mail.

If you are buying something larger many shops offer a shipping service for overseas customers. However, it may be better to take care of the arrangements yourself to ensure it does arrive. The parcel office is located next door to the main post office on the Place du 16 Novembre

Etiquette and customs in a foreign country can be a big pitfall if you do not understand what is expected.

Hospitality is more than just tradition for Moroccans; it is seen as a matter of honour. This is more noticeable the further you travel out of Marrakech. People you meet may well invite you to their homes to drink tea or have a meal and a refusal could be seen as offensive. If you accept you should never offer to pay towards your meal. However bring along a small gift, like chocolates or cakes, will be taken as a sign of respect.

Although Moroccan women do wear Western clothes it is better to play it safe and dress conservatively. Headscarves for women are not necessary but the wearing of shorts by either women or men is not seen as acceptable. Women should also avoid very short skirts, baring their midriff or leaving their shoulders bare.

Islam is the state religion and the king of Morocco is the leader of the faithful. It is therefore considered to be in bad taste to criticise religion. Dress as suggested above and refrain from displays of affection in public. During the fast of Ramadan do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day.

Continued in part 7