Jordan is a unique country in the Middle East, located at the crossroads of ancient world civilizations, with own ideas about the norms of etiquette, what is permissible and what can cause condemnation and censure. There is a significant influence of Arab and Muslim culture.
To avoid embarrassing situations during your trip to Jordan, learn in advance about Jordanian culture and local customs. Read our travel guide to get more information about what tourists can and cannot do being in Jordan.
Follow the Dress Code
Be sure to dress modestly. Despite the high average air temperatures, the shoulders and knees must be covered.
The rules apply not only to women, but also to men. Before packing things in a suitcase, remember that the population in Jordan is very religious, most of the it professes Islam.
Don’t appear in religious places in short shorts or a top. For example, going to Petra it’s better to wear something light and loose.
Also, make sure to take light cotton scarf with you. It will help to protect you from the sun and you can cover your head with it, while visiting some of religous places.
Outfits must be appropriate. For example, in Amman on the streets you can meet many stylishly dressed people on the street.
Particular attention should be paid to clothing for the beach. Too revealing swimwear is best reserved for private beaches adjacent to the hotel. Bikini is not the best option for a public beach.
Male Dress Code
Mutual respect is one of the main principles of Jordanian society. Disrespect to others can be demonstrated via your cloths. For example, men should wear trousers, not shorts. You’ll be surprised but respectable light cotton or linen loose cloth will let you feel comfortable even at high temperatures.
Upper arms counts as a shoulder and also should be covered, with no exceptions for men.
Female Dress Code
For women dressing rules are more strict. Even though these rules are not obligatory to western women visiting Jordan – try to follow as many of them as possible. For example, forget about tops and short shirts and dresses.
Everything that doesn’t cover the arms is considered as underwear in Jordan. The same goes for any tight-fitting clothing.
Be Respectful to Religious customs
Safety for tourists is largely related to the understanding of religious beliefs in Jordan. This is a Muslim country, and therefore, the religious customs here are different from those familiar to many western people.
More than 90% of Jordan’s population is Muslim. Even if you are a person far from religion, this will not serve as an excuse for showing disrespect.
If your trip falls during the month of Ramadan, try not to drink or eat outside during the daytime. Since many locals are fasting.
It is also quite difficult to buy alcohol in stores during fasting – they simply do not sell it anywhere.
Do not stand in amazement if you see a person who started praying right on the street – in Jordan this is a normal thing. It would be extremely inappropriate to interrupt a person, to pass right in front of him also ignorantly.
Jordanian greeting customs
You will be surprised at how often people shake hands. And also representatives of the same sex exchange kisses on the cheek. These are the traditions of greeting in Jordan. There are chances you’ll meet very conservative people.
In order not to get into a stupid situation, just watch and repeat back. For example, if a hand is extended to you, shake it, but if instead your opponent put hand on the heart, do the same.
At the same time, for couples who have come to Jordan, showing affection in public places is considered indecent and inappropriate. It is worth giving up even just walking by the hand.
Be Ready to Bargain
It’s a part of Jordanian culture to negotiate on something and get better prices. But there are places like public transport, cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops where the prices are fixed and you should pay as much as was asked.
The situation is different when it comes to markets, souvenir kiosks where the bargaining procedure is a part of cultural interaction. Always follow the rule, start discussion only in case when you really have an intent to purchase the goods. It will be considered rude, if you just come and buy something without asking for a better price. Even if the price is okay for you.
How to accept or refuse an invite politely
You’ll face up with Jordanian hospitality everywhere, so you should be prepared to the fact that you will be invited to nearly every house, shop and other places.
This does not mean that every invitation must be accepted, but a silent refusal will be considered bad form.
If you accepted the invitation, be sure to express your gratitude to the owner, tell him how good his house or store is.
Here you should be very careful and not overdo it. The reason is that if you pay attention to some object in Jordan, you thereby encourage the owner to give it to you as a gift.
To make a polite refusal, it is enough to learn a few phrases in Arabic, such as shukran, which means “thank you”. Don’t forget to say no with a smile and a right hand over your heart.
How to go to visit
Going to visit, be sure to take with you sweets, dates, and small gifts for children. When the hosts offer you coffee, don’t refuse.
Offering someone coffee means that this family is able to receive guests. It is forbidden to enter the house with shoes on. If you have to sit at a low table with your legs folded, make sure that your toes do not look at the person sitting next to you.
Eat with your right hand only. No matter how hungry you are, try to eat slowly. An empty plate may indicate that you are a greedy person, or create an awkward situation for the host, as it will be necessary to constantly fill the plate.
Usually women and men eat separately. This rule does not apply to tourists and women are seated at the table with men.
Drink Bottled Water
Holiday safety in Jordan, like in any other country, begins with ensuring good health. And so that your vacation does not turn into a nightmare, you should follow a few simple rules. For drinking, use exclusively bottled water sold in the store; or boil tap water in a kettle.
As it’s super hot in Jordan, always stay hydrated and don’t forget to drink essential amount of water. Dehydration can be especially dangerous for those suffering from cardiovascular system diseases.
When visiting Jordan, be sure to have a medical insurance that meets international standards.
First aid in Jordan is always available free of charge. However, you will have to pay for subsequent services.
What Women Should Know About Jordan
If you are traveling unaccompanied, it’s better to avoid public beaches. There is well developed infrastructure for ideal beach holidays in Jordan, so it’s more safe and comfortable to stay at the hotel.
Don’t get it wrong, there are minimal risks that you’ll get intro trouble. But keeping in mind that Jordanian culture is based on dominant role of men in society, walking alone in the street you’ll be in a center of attention and curious views.
In any case, even when accompanied by a man, a woman is not recommended to go out into the city in defiant clothes. Shorts, mini-skirts, bare shoulders – it is better to forget about all this.
Is Jordan Safe Country to Visit
The level of security in Jordan is quite high. In large cities and in small towns there are practically no dangerous areas. However, you need to be careful before taking a picture of something or someone without any permission.
As in any other country there are more and less favorable areas, with certain crime levels.
What is forbidden to take out of Jordan?
The list of items that cannot be exported includes:
- Corals and shells (any, even the smallest);
- Things made of ivory;
- stuffed animals;
- Any samples of flora and fauna living in the waters of the Red Sea;
- Items of the antique category (over 100 years old).
To avoid problems, it is better to refrain from the temptation to take a shell or a piece of coral with you – you will not end up with problems later.
What can not be imported into Jordan? This includes narcotic and psychotropic drugs, weapons, pornographic materials. Plants and food are seized for customs inspection. You can take with you up to 2 liters of alcohol and up to 300 cigarettes.
