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Morocco Gastrointestinal issues???

We are considering a trip to Morocco in autumn 2026, We listened to the Monday Night Travel show from a couple of years ago in which Rick Steves discussed his personal vacation to Moracco. RS suggested that it was common for tourists to have gastrointestinal issues while visiting Moracco even if care was taken not to drink the tap water. He suggested that it was caused by food preparation in restaurants and the like. What has people's experience been? Is this a common issue in Moracco

Posted by
3599 posts

Even though I usually don't have stomach issues, I always check the information from the CDC and the State Department on the country in question. If they say the water isn't great, I drink bottled water and use increased caution with eating. It's not something that has prevented me from visiting many countries with dodgy taps, and it's much better to know in advance than have an unpleasant surprise on holiday. It's also good to keep up with any vaccines for preventable diseases which is why I check the CDC page.

US State Department page for Morocco
(https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html)

Water Quality & Food Safety: In many areas, tap water is not potable.
Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Many restaurants and
hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

CDC health guidelines for Morocco:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/morocco

FWIW by far the worst experience I had from drinking tap water was in Krakow, Poland. Our guide had warned us ahead of time but I drank it anyway. Lesson learned.

Posted by
29906 posts

When the tap water isn't safe, as is the case in Morocco, there can be problems with things like salads as well, because the vegetables and fruits are likely washed in tap water.

I spent at least two weeks in Morocco back in the 1980s or 1990s and didn't get sick. I drank bottled water, didn't order salads or other dishes with raw fruits and vegetables, didn't buy street food and ate most lunches/dinners in the restaurants of 4-star hotels.

Some people (I think including some doctors) suggest packing a bunch of Pepto Bismol tablets and chewing at least two of them before each meal. I didn't know about that idea before I went to Morocco, and--not being a medical person--don't know how useful the technique is.

I think the CDC currently recommends Hepatitis A & B vaccination for everyone, even folks not traveling overseas.

Posted by
6871 posts

Travellers diarrhea can be caused by a variety of organisms, including Typhoid, Cholera, enterotoxogenic e. coli, and others. It is a possibility in any developing country anywhere in the world, including Morocco. We have travelled in many developing countries in central America, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and have never become ill. Possibly a degree of luck was involved. Most certainly knowing and practicing the common personal and food hygiene measures went a long way to keep us healthy. Ironically, the only time our whole family came down with a vicious GI illness was on a vacation at Walt Disney World.

Make sure your vaccinations are current. Ask your physician if you are a candidate for Dukoral oral vaccine. Practice the common personal hygiene measures. Do not drink tap water- only bottled. Don't brush your teeth with tap water. Avoid getting shower water in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Don't put ice in your drinks unless you know it was made with purified water. As for foods, remember the mantra: boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it. Only eat fruits and vegetables that have either been cooked or you have peeled.

And we always travel with an OTC anti nausea medicine, antidiarrheal (like Lomotil), and oral rehydration electrolyte powders, just in case. When we have travelled to rural areas, or other areas where medical care might not be readily at hand, we have also brought an antibiotic supply, prescribed by our family doctor to only be used in case of illness.

Posted by
11529 posts

We spent two weeks in the Atlas Mountains and visiting the three major cities 50 years ago with a fairly large group of friends. Nobody got sick. At that age, it didn’t cross our minds.

Posted by
18288 posts

Unfortunately, food poisoning or traveler's tummy can rear it's ugly head anywhere.

I hadn't had any food poisoning for years until last July. Then I got hit with one of the worst cases I remember. It lasted for a couple of days.

I was in London.

In addition to all of the information given on previous answers, I can also recommend carrying a Life Straw. It's not perfect but can help when bottled water is not handy.

Speaking of bottled water, check to make sure the cap seal has not been broken. There are reports of some unscrupulous merchants who refill empty bottles with tap water.

Posted by
406 posts

I have more recent experience to share for reassurance, I was on an Intrepid Tour a year ago for almost 3 weeks and was never ill.
I'm also a vegan and gluten free! And was quite concerned. I tried the Pepto Bismal regimen ( starting before departure) but the tablets, without TMI, at least for me made me so uncomfortable I quit taking them after a day or two.
Bottled water is ubiquitous. And I brought disposable cleansing wipes for my face and kept my mouth/eyes closed in the shower. The tour guide was amazing and actually went into the kitchens sometimes to confirm ingredients. If you travel independently, the usual sensible precautions listed already are helpful.
I was in a group of 11 and the other tour members ate salad and drank orange juice and etc and none of them, to my knowledge, became ill.
With so many dietary restrictions I carry protein bars and various nut butters whenever I travel- I don't expect (or demand!) alternatives if just not an option
Bread is HUGE in Morrocco!
I did carry Pepto Bismal and an RX for a traveler's diarrhea antibiotic from the Kaiser travel nurse, as well as hydration tablets in my hefty first aid pouch.
It's a gorgeous and fascinating country!

Posted by
989 posts

also in the CDC Yellow Book -

The primary agent studied for prevention of TD (Travelers’ Diarrhea), other than antibiotics, is bismuth subsalicylate (BSS, Pepto Bismol). Studies from Mexico have shown that this agent reduces the incidence of TD by approximately 50%. BSS commonly causes blackening of the tongue and stool and can cause constipation, nausea, and rarely tinnitus.
... as well as this surprising statement
"Furthermore, some food safety factors (e.g., restaurant hygiene) are out of the traveler's control, and studies have demonstrated that risk behavior counseling on food and water hygiene may not decrease risk of diarrhea."

https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/preparing-international-travelers/travelers-diarrhea.html

Posted by
1032 posts

This won't be really relevant to you since we are ll different, but I will say that I've been to Morocco several times and have eaten food at the outdoor stalls. I never got sick. I am always careful with water, though. Do bring along the usual gastro remedies like Immodium and Pepto Bismol.

When I was a young adult, I traveled a bit with my Dad and he always urged me to try new and strange foods....he told me it would make my gut stronger and more prepared to withstand minor gusto ailments as I got older...I guess he thought it would build up immunity for the future. It sounds crazy but I think he was right, in my case.

For me, eating street food and market food, and trying new foods, is a big part of travel. Maybe because of my early experiences, I rarely get the usual issues in places like India or Mexico...or Morocco..but that's my own experience and I do understand that you do not want to waste even a day of your holiday because of a stomach bug.

Posted by
9 posts

I completely understand the hesitation! We actually watched that same Monday Night Travel segment before our trip. While Rick is right that you have to be careful, our experience was incredibly positive and we stayed 100% healthy. I traveled to Morocco with my family (including children), and we found that the 'traveler’s tummy' risk was easily managed because we used a tour company, they provided us with bottled mineral water for the entire duration of the trip, so we never had to worry about hydration or accidental tap water consumption. Because we were on a tour, the company pre-selected our restaurants and hotels. They chose establishments known for high standards of food preparation and hygiene. If you go with a reputable company, they really do take the 'guesswork' out of food safety so you can just enjoy the culture!"