Nomadic Tales My perception of small countries is that the chances of finding a secluded spot to pitch a tent without being seen are very low. The land tends to be expensive and fully utilized, and I imagined that landowners wouldn’t appreciate tents on property they’ve paid dearly for. I resisted the temptation to try even a single night of wild camping in Switzerland, fearing a hefty fine. However, I did camp in Luxembourg, not one, but two nights. In Kehl, Germany, just across the river from Strasbourg, I managed one night of wild camping, but it was far from comfortable. Two men walking in the distance kept watching me for about half an hour. Despite my green tent blending into the grassy ground with a forested backdrop, and being 400 meters from the road, they appeared suspicious, stepping left and right, perhaps trying to get a better view. Since wild camping is generally frowned upon in Germany, I usually avoid it, but I wanted to try anyway. I had spent a full week near ...
Nomadic Tales
One of the most profitable cons involves the so-called “faux guide.” These individuals offer to “take you to the medina”, even though you’re already deep inside it. Their real aim is to lead you to overpriced shops and restaurants that offer them a cut, while taking you as quickly as possible outside of medina, where a small gang appears suddenly to mob and intimidate you into paying for their “services”.
You’ll never forget your first hustler. I certainly remember mine, along with the absurd attempt by another scammer to take over by flashing a random business card as if it were some official badge, trying to prove he was the “real authorized guide”, unlike the first guy.. Just as we approached a T-intersection, he appeared from the right, walking indifferently. Suddenly, he turned his head toward me and said, “Don’t trust him!” before resuming his casual pace. A few steps later, he turned again and played his cards on me.
Another variation? Someone ahead of you might light a joint and offer to share. Accept it, and shortly after, a fake policeman arrives demanding a bribe to overlook your “offense.”
So, in case you are wondering how to overcome these challenges, the technique is simple, yet efficient: Don’t play along! Logic and politeness work against you here. Just do the unexpected, be a difficult target and they’ll soon get tired of you. Say “Let’s go!” but stay put while they walk off. Ask “This way?” and whichever way they’ll show you, go the opposite direction. If they ask questions, reply with questions of your own. Or give random, meaningless answers: “Do you want to see medina?” - Yes. Next time you’re asked, say No. Again - Yes!
Every question has a purpose. They’re just trying to gather intel to exploit:
- “Where are you staying?” - Learn a few hostel names in advance and mention a different one, or they might magically show up near your accommodation the next morning.
- “Are you connected (to the internet)?” - Say yes, even if you're not. Admitting otherwise signals that you’re lost and vulnerable without maps.
- “First time in Morocco?” - Saying yes marks you as an easy target.
By far, the most effective strategy I used was to ignore whatever they were saying and instead ask questions about their everyday lives. This both satisfied my curiosity and made it clear I wasn’t buying into their game.
Fez, Feb 2023
Unforgettable Sights & Hidden Gems
Fez Medina - One of the Largest Car-Free Urban Areas in the World
The souks of Fez are particularly captivating. Unlike the more tourist-polished markets of Marrakech, Fez’s souks are raw, authentic, and deeply rooted in local life. Leather tanneries, copper workshops, weavers, and spice merchants fill the air with a sensory overload of color, sound, and smell. The Chouara Tannery, in particular, is a famous, and pungent, highlight where age-old leather-dyeing techniques are still practiced by hand.
Life Hacks
Beyond this absurd situation, even if the price is calculated in dirhams, some might try to overcharge.
A strategy to overcome this is to ask for the price of a product I already know what it costs. Quite commonly the seller will avoid the answer , “Oh, you want avocado?” and start to fill in a bag. The key is to insist on getting the answer and then act like I am making an educated assessment before moving forward with the deal. This will give the impression I know the prices and they won’t try to cheat anymore. No need to know all the prices, just ask the price for one or two fruits or vegetables.
My experiences navigating Moroccan markets inspired me to create an app that simulates the challenges travelers face when bargaining in unfamiliar currencies and dealing with inflated prices.
Bargain - Travel Smart: Level up your haggling skills and score better deals https://t.co/BqKGaIVNr3 via @producthunt
— RestlessPedals (@RestlessPedals) May 22, 2025
Bargain is an interactive app where users engage in simulated haggling with an AI vendor who may try to overcharge them, just like in real-life markets. Practice negotiating for common items in popular tourist destinations around the world, sharpening your instincts, spotting red flags, and doing quick mental math to avoid getting ripped off.
Download the app from Google Play
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