Tangier
From Imakoopedia
Tangier (طنجة) is a city in Morocco.
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Understand
Get in
For most visitors arriving by ferry from Spain, Tangier is their first taste of Morocco. Unfortunately, the experience is often embittered by the hordes of touts and faux guides that prey on disoriented new arrivals, determined to part them and their precious money.
By plane
The closest airport to Tangier is Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport.
By train
You'll find Tangier's only train station, Tangier Morora, about 5 kms south east of the city centre. It should only cost you around 15 dirham for a petit taxi ride to the city.
By car
When coming into Tangier by car, be careful of hustlers on motorbikes who will ride alongside you and attempt all manner of dodginess.
By bus
Tangier has two long distance bus stations. The first, at the CTM offices near the port, is the arrival point of most CTM buses. Some other CTM buses, and those from other companies, arrive at the station on Place Jamia el-Arabia.
By boat
The port is located beside the medina, and a few hundred metres from the ville nouvelle. Although the government has been partially successful in reducing the number of touts, money changers, taxi drivers and faux guides hassling people arriving by boat, expect to be mobbed. Look like you know where you're going, politely refuse any offers of help, or if you really feel like you need to escape jump in a taxi to escape the throng.
Get around
Walking is perhaps the best way to see the relatively compact Tangier. Petit taxis are common, but if it is unmetered make sure you agree on a price first.
See
Do
Learn
Work
Buy
Eat
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
Stay safe
Tangier is a relatively poor city, and has a distinctly seedy feel to it. Although you shouldn't face any major trouble, women may want to avoid walking alone at night, and consider giving the medina a wide berth during the early hours of the morning.
Cope
Assume that anyone that speaks English and approaches you to practise their English, translate a document, etc, is a faux guide who will ultimately latch on to you for the day. Do not engage in lengthy conversation, but smile and politely refuse offers of help. If a persistent local won't take no for an answer, make a beeline for the nearest police station, or tell him you're going to. If it all gets too much, find a tea shop and relax for a while.
On the other hand, the best way to avoid getting approached by strangers at every street corner is to find a local who can show you around and keep other guides at bay. Many will try to drag you into overpriced shops or restaurants but there are also honest people making a living on showing tourists around. They will expect a modest payment for their services. Be careful and trust your instincts as for whom to trust.
Get out
You can buy train, bus and ferry tickets at the stations and ports listed above, although you may find it easier to purchase ferry tickets from travel agents rather than face the gauntlet of touts at the port. You can also flag grand taxis at the major bus stations and ferry port.
External links
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