We've put together 10 extremely important tips for those going on vacation to Jordan:
1.Jordan is a Muslim country, and although it is considered much more secular than neighboring countries like Syria, this fact should be taken into account. Do not try to get to know the local people, unless it is a tourist service or a need for help. And do not try to take pictures of local women, it is not customary. In Amman you will meet a lot of modern women with a European mindset and approach to life. But in smaller towns you will find a traditional Muslim approach, veiled women and a very "reverent" attitude to attention from strangers. Before you take a picture of someone, you should always ask permission from the subject. Military facilities and transportation infrastructure should not be photographed to avoid problems. It is important for women to remember that getting in the front seat of a car is considered the height of indecency. It is not recommended for a woman to touch another man in any way, even to greet him. At the same time, handshakes and kisses between friends of the same sex are common. There are special "women's lounges" in many restaurants and cafes.
2.Many of the traditions and customs here have a religious connotation, although less noticeable than in most other Islamic countries. The Jordanians are naturally friendly and hospitable, but they are very slow and forgetful. Even in case a guest shows a blatant tactlessness due to ignorance, the locals will always explain everything with pleasure and without unnecessary emotions, feeling their superiority, but not imposing it.
3.Tips are given in gratitude for good service to hotel staff (0.5 JOD), tour guide (2 JOD), chauffeur (1.5 JOD per person), horse driver in Petra (2 JOD) and so on. Tips usually make up the bulk of the earnings of Jordanians working in the tourist sector. Therefore, the contract of employment usually contains a small amount and a note "+ tips", so not giving a tip means depriving a person of the main source of income.
4.Only bottled or boiled water should be used for drinking. The heat and dehydration common in these areas can be dangerous for patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases.
5.Tourists coming to Jordan are recommended to be vaccinated against typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, tetanus. Children should be vaccinated against diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, mumps and rubella Medical insurance of international standard is mandatory. The level of health care is very high. First aid and emergency rescue assistance are free of charge, for all subsequent visits to a doctor you will have to pay separately.
6.When bathing in the Dead Sea, you should take care of your eyes, as the high salt content of the water can be irritating to the mucous membranes. Thick flip-flops are recommended as the shores are quite rocky.
7.At any time of the year it gets cold at night in the desert region, and sharply. It warms up just as sharply in the morning, with temperature swings sometimes reaching +30°C. This means you should take warm clothes with you if you're traveling to Petra or the Wadi Rum desert, for example. Even if it's +40°C during the day, it can be +10°C at night.
8.During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the renunciation of all worldly things continues from dawn to dusk. Foreigners are also advised to exercise restraint during the fasting period, especially in public places. In general, you don't have to go everywhere sober, but it is best to hold off on any fun activities until your hotel.
9.Greetings and farewells are usually accompanied by a handshake and traditional questions about business. However, questions about personal life, and especially about one's spouse, are considered indecent. Clothing should be as modest as possible (especially for women) and not too flashy. For excursions, comfortable casual clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended. And closed shoulders and head will be required from you not so much by the tradition of this country as by the baking Jordanian sun.
10.When traveling in the country, it is recommended to always carry your passport in case of possible document checks. This is especially true in the Dead Sea, Jordan Valley and Arava areas bordering Israel.
