Amman Jordan Travel Tips

Title: Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Amman, Jordan

  1. Greetings and Formality

    • Greet Jordanians with a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact during the conversation.
    • Address people by their professional titles (Doctor, Professor, etc.) followed by their surname until invited to use their first name.

  2. Dress Code

    • Modesty is important in Jordanian culture. Avoid revealing clothing. Women should cover their shoulders and knees when in public places.
    • For men, long pants are the norm, while shorts may be worn at tourist sites or beaches.

  3. Cultural Courtesies

    • Always use your right hand for gestures, as the left hand is considered unclean in Islam.
    • Remove shoes before entering homes, mosques, and some traditional Jordanian restaurants.

  4. Hospitality

    • Jordanians are known for their hospitality. If invited to a home, accept graciously.
    • Refuse offers of food or drink only a few times as refusal is often taken as impoliteness.

  5. Religion

    • Islam is the state religion of Jordan. Respect religious customs and sites at all times.
    • Friday is the holy day for Muslims, so avoid visiting mosques on this day unless a special arrangement has been made.

  6. Tipping

    • Tipping is customary in restaurants, cafes, and taxis. A tip of 10% is appropriate in restaurants. In hotels, give porters $1 per bag and housekeeping staff $2-3 per day.

  7. Photography

    • Ask permission before taking photos of Jordanian people, especially women. Respect their wishes if they decline.
    • Avoid photographing military installations or anything related to the security forces without permission.

  8. Public Behavior

    • Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
    • Avoid criticizing religion or politics in public discussions.

  9. Business Etiquette

    • Punctuality is important. Arrive on time for meetings and appointments.
    • Dress conservatively and formally for business occasions, particularly when meeting government officials.

  10. Language

    • While English is widely spoken in Amman, especially among young people and those working in tourism, it’s still helpful to learn a few Arabic phrases, such as “Marhaba” (Hello) or “Shukran” (Thank you).