Moving to Morocco is a journey that takes much planning and forward thinking, but as thousands of people discover every year, it’s worth it. There will be times when you might feel like you don’t fit in or belong there - after all it is a country with a completely different culture and moral code to the UK, so you can’t expect to adapt straight away. The whole process may take a couple of years until you feel a true part of your new community. To help you get started though, here are a few tips:

1. Join in
Although the thought of going out and meeting new people may be a scary one, try to join in as much as you can, especially if you get invited out by somebody - see it as an opportunity to meet other people and learn more about the locals and the area. Simple things such as joining a local club or a gym can be the doorway to meeting and making new friends, so don’t feel as though you have to consciously go out of your way to do so. Just smile and be polite and you will soon be chatting away to people.

2. Volunteer
Perhaps you have moved to Morocco and are not yet employed, or have decided to retire there and need something to keep you occupied for a bit of time. Have you considered volunteering for a local charity or organisation? Volunteers are always appreciated, no matter how much time you can commit to giving, even if you can only give one hour of your day per week. Check the local paper for inspiration or simply pop down and ask to get involved. The organisers will be more than happy to see you and it’s a good way to get to know your new community.

3. Love thy neighbour
Moroccans are a welcoming, family orientated nation, so would love to meet you, their new neighbour. Just pop round and introduce yourself and you could find yourself going round for dinner the next day! They will be able to help you get to know the area and also advise on customs and traditions if you are not aware of them. You never know, they may become your new best friends so make sure you make a respectful first impression.

4. Internet forums
Expat forums can be a great source of free information about your new home and since most new arrivals in a country have the same questions, you can be pretty sure that any question you have will have already been answered.

5. Staying in touch
Make getting a mobile, phone line and internet connection a priority, so you can contact loved ones back in the UK - and they you - as and when you want to. A good idea is to arrange a regular time to contact them so you get into a routine of exchanging news. This really does help during those first few weeks.

There are many ways you can meet new people, whether you mean to or not, so just try to make every opportunity a learning one, and accept invitations as often as you can. Be respectful and aware of the culture you are living in and you will have no problems.

Start your hunt for a home in Morocco here…
If you’re searching for a Moroccan property, a good place to start is the Morocco Buying Guide’s new property search facility. To start your search now visit
http://www.moroccobuyingguide.com/content/morocco-properties