Rabat Warnings Or Dangers

I was weary of the printed pamphlets, better off easying your mind by going to the train station and checking the departure times (go to the window, sometimes the times posted on the board change at last minute's notice).

We went to a restaurant in the medina. Nice place, with a balcony that overlooks the main road of the Medina.
When we were finished dining, most shops were closed and there was a complete other atmosphere than on our way in. It looked beautiful but not all the people looked that nice.
After dinner the innkeeper guided us back to the gate. Just to be safe he sad.
Don't wander through the medina at night after closing time.

BEWARE of pickpockets and scam artists!

Here are some preventive measures that I've drawn up (see list below). I hope it'd be of some use to you too.

This is especially for the lady traveler: Please avoid becoming a prime target for thieves. Try and choose your travel wardrobe wisely, eliminating too obvious designer dresses (like having a Versace 'Medusa' logo stamped all over your blouse. It's a sure way of telling the thieves to 'COME ROB ME!') and too fancy jewelry. A savvy female world traveler would want to remain as inconspicuous as possible.... without looking dowdy!


If you can, do try and carry a bright scarf in your bag. It's perfect for tying your camera case to your luggage cart. Hey, just imagine a thief's surprise when he tries to 'snatch and run'!


If you can, strap your handbag across your body with the purse in front. And rest your hand on your bag at ALL times. But don't do it too conspicuously though.... Just act as nonchalently as possible and the thieves/ pickpockets won't suspect a thing.


However, IF someone tries to mug you, avoid harm by giving your purse up immediately... BECAUSE...
you'll be carrying your real valuables i.e. your extra cash, credit cards and ATM cards under your clothes, next to your body in a cotton money belt or you would have already stashed them deep inside your jeans pocket! Right? :-))


And back at the hotel, bring your purse/ money and your watch into the bathroom when you're
showering. This way you'll know they'd be safe. Better be safe than sorry.


Remember this important rule of thumb when you're out partying or dining or looking for a holiday
romance: 99% of the people who offer a female traveler food or drink are simply being kind and want to get to know you better. BUT, be very wary of the remaing 1%. Drugging is always a possibility and you could wake up to find all your money and credit cards gone. I'm serious, ladies.


Never, NEVER count your money in public!!. This is an open invitation to be robbed!


Are you really interested to fool these scam artists and pickpockets completely? Once you reach Rabat, try and buy something at the local grocers/ shops. Then use one of their plastic bags to carry your purse and your camera. No one will ever guess that you're toting money and an expensive Nikon camera.... They'd think you are just buying some fruit juice and/ or mineral water!

Be extra careful when you're walking inside the souk/ Medina where crowds of people will push against you.


It never hurts to be pickpocket savvy, does it? Enjoy your vacation.

Photo Below: The Mausoleum of King Mohamed V found here in Rabat.

Modern Rabat is clean and open,
perhaps a bit too hot during
the summer .
But around it, there are both
old Muslim quarters as well
as beautiful remains from
all periods of Moroccan history.