Shopping

Tangier's shop owners -- and their commission-only touts -- were notorious for persistent, aggressive sales tactics in the very recent past. On my last visit, however, things seemed to have settled down a bit, especially for independent travelers. With the steady stream of Spanish day-trippers currently visiting the city, everyone seems to be getting their fill. Shopping in Tangier is really only for those that aren't traveling any farther into Morocco or need some last-minute souvenirs to take back home. Nothing is made in Tangier, so all the various arts and crafts for sale are transported from elsewhere in the country. Obviously the cost of this necessity is added on to the final product. With that in mind, the few shops mentioned have something special about them and will hopefully satisfy those who need to shop here.

For a Western-style supermarket, there is an Acima in the ville nouvelle, on avenue Hariri, southwest of place El Oumame (formerly place des Nations). Here you'll find alcohol, a bakery, general foodstuffs, cookware, and toiletries. It's open daily from 9am to 10pm. Farther out on the road to Asilah and Rabat is the Marjane Hypermarket. This mini-mall also offers alcohol; all foodstuffs including fresh bread, fruit, and vegetables; as well as clothing, electrical appliances, and homewares. It's open daily from 9am to 9pm.

Caution: When shopping in Tangier, don't rely on being able to use your credit card. For most of your purchases, cash -- usually dirham but sometimes euros or dollars -- will be the only form of payment accepted.