What should I do if a shopkeeper follows me in the Marrakech souks?

If a shopkeeper follows you in the Marrakech souks, keep walking calmly, avoid eye contact, and say "La, shukran" (no, thank you) once without stopping. Persistent following is a sales tactic rather than a threat, and the moment you slow down or argue, it is read as interest and the pitch intensifies. Staying relaxed and continuing on your way almost always ends it within a few metres.

Don’t feel you have to be rude or explain yourself — a short, polite refusal and steady pace is all that’s needed, and locals do exactly the same. If you genuinely aren’t buying, don’t accept items "as a gift" or agree to "just look," as both are openings to a hard sell.

If someone becomes aggressive or blocks your way, step into a busier lane or a shop with women working in it and it will stop. Serious harassment is uncommon, but you can call out to other stallholders, who generally don’t appreciate colleagues hassling visitors.