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Amman Travel Resources

Amman Travel Resources

Amman Jordan Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Trip

  • Uber / Careem:

    These ride-sharing apps prove indispensable for convenient and see-through transportation within Amman. Download them before arrival.

  • Google Maps:

    Use for navigation, locating attractions, and locating public transport routes. Download offline maps for Amman.

  • Google Translate:

    Overcomes language barriers. Download the Arabic language pack for offline capabilities.

  • Amman Bus (Mowasalati):

    The official app for Amman's municipal bus service. Use for route planning and tracking.

  • NordVPN:

    A VPN service like NordVPN safeguards your online privacy on public Wi-Fi networks.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Jordan Tourism Board:

    Visit Visitjordan.com for comprehensive information on attractions and travel planning.

  • Royal Society for Conservation of Nature:

    Access Rscn.org.jo for eco-tourism initiatives and nature reserves.

  • Jordan Pass:

    The official website, Jordanpass.jo, for purchasing and comprehensive information.

  • TripAdvisor / Google Reviews:

    Use these platforms for reading accommodation, dining, plus recreation reviews from other travelers.

  • Online Forums:

    Various online travel forums offer spaces for asking questions, sharing experiences, and gathering advice.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

Lp Jordan or Rough Guide to Jordan provide detailed information. Obtain city maps from your hotel or visitor information centers.

Books on Jordan

Read 'Married to a Bedouin' for a personal account or 'Leap of Faith' by Queen Noor for modern Jordan insights. Historical and cultural books deepen regional understanding.

Local Publications

Pick up English-language newspapers like The Jordan Times for current events. Look for free local event guides in cafes.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police, Ambulance, Fire: Dial 911 for all emergency amenities in Jordan.
  • Tourist Police: Reachable via 911 for travel-related issues.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Keep contact details for your country's embassy readily available.
  • Lost Documents: Report lost documents to local police immediately, then contact your embassy.

Medical Facilities

  • Al Khalidi Medical Center: A well-regarded private hospital in Amman.
  • Arab Infirmary: Another private hospital with a powerful reputation.
  • Jordan Hospital: Gives complete medical services.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available throughout the city for minor ailments and prescription refills.

Further Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Seek out documentaries on the Nabataeans, Romans, or Dead Sea Scrolls.
  • Films exploring Bedouin traditions and desert-like life offer valuable context.
  • Travelogue films showcase Jordan's landscapes and cultural vibrancy.
  • Documentaries covering the nation's contemporary society.

Music & Art

  • Immerse yourself in the region's auditory culture with traditional Arabic music.
  • Explore the work of contemporary Jordanian musicians and artists.
  • Attend live music or art shows in Amman's cultural institutions or cafes.
  • Discover local galleries and art spaces for visual arts.

Online Communities

  • Reddit (r/Jordan, r/Travel) delivers valuable tips and answers specific questions.
  • Various online travel forums offer spaces for asking questions and sharing experiences.
  • Follow social media groups dedicated to Jordan travel for peer advice.
  • Read travel blogs for personal tales and advice from other explorers.

Emergency & Health Information

Emergency Reminder

Contacts

  • Always have your embassy contact details readily accessible.
  • Share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home.
  • In any emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
  • Understand the location of nearby reputable hospitals.

Document Safety

  • Keep digital and physical copies of all documents separately.
  • Report lost or stolen passports to the police and your embassy promptly.
  • Note down important numbers like credit card fraud hotlines.
  • Avoid carrying all valuables in one place.

Health Precautions

  • Stay hydrated, particularly in the warmer months.
  • Only drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
  • Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations before your trip.
  • Carry any necessary prescription medications in their original packaging.

Language Learning

Apps & Online

  • Duolingo: Use to learn basic Arabic phrases.
  • Memrise: Another app for language acquisition.
  • YouTube Tutorials: Explore free courses for pronunciation.

Immersive Options

  • Local Schools: Consider short courses for fully absorbing learning.
  • Conversation Partners: Seek out opportunities to practice with locals.
  • Cultural Exchange: Participate in activities to practice language.

Pre-Trip Reading

Historical Context

  • The History of rome: Texts on the Decapolis cities.
  • Islamic Golden Age: Books on the region's development.
  • Modern Jordan: Accounts of the Hashemite Kingdom.

Cultural Insights

  • Local Etiquette: Guides on social behavior.
  • Culinary Traditions: Cookbooks or food histories.
  • Bedouin Lifestyle: Narratives of desert communities.

Top 10 Amman Must-Reads

Cultural Immersion

  1. Married to a Bedouin
  2. Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life
  3. History and Culture Books on Middle East
  4. Local English-Language Newspapers (The Jordan Times)
  5. Event Guides for Amman

Practical Guides

  1. Lonely Planet Jordan
  2. Rough Guide to Jordan
  3. City Maps of Amman
  4. Jordan Tourism Board website
  5. TripAdvisor/Google Reviews for Amman

Dive into Jordan

Documentaries

Discover movies on old civilizations and Bedouin life.

Music & Art

Engage including customary Arabic music and contemporary Jordanian art.

Online Forums

Connect with traveler communities for tips and shared experiences.

Health & Safety Alert

Familiarize yourself with local emergency lines (911). Keep your embassy contacts readily available for urgent situations.

Language & Cultural Immersion

Arabic Phrases for Travelers

Greetings & Basics

  • Marhaba (Hello):

    A common and friendly greeting in all situations.

  • Shukran (Thank you):

    A polite expression of gratitude in any interaction.

  • Min fadlak/fadlik (Please):

    Used when making a request (to a male/female).

Dining & Shopping

  • Akkel Tayyeb (Delicious food):

    A compliment for your meal at restaurants.

  • Kam al-sier? (How much is this?):

    Useful for shopping in souks and markets.

  • Ghali (Expensive):

    A term sometimes used during friendly bargaining.

Cultural Etiquette

Hospitality

Accept offers of tea or coffee; it is a gesture of warmth. You can politely turn down, but accepting is a kind response.

Dress Modestly

Especially for women, clothing with modest attire is advisable to show respect, notably at religious sites.

Right Hand Rule

Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and exchanging money, as the left hand is culturally considered unclean.

Local Insights

Common Tourist Mistakes

  • Neglecting the Jordan Pass: Many travelers miss out on significant savings for major sites.
  • Not agreeing on taxi fare: Always confirm the meter is on or agree on a price beforehand to avoid overcharging.
  • Underestimating Amman's hills: The city is very hilly; wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • Ignoring traffic: Pedestrian crossings are often not respected; exercise extreme caution when crossing streets.

Social Norms & Unofficial Rules

  • Personal Space: Expect less personal space in crowded areas compared to Western norms.
  • Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is generally acceptable and conveys sincerity.
  • Patience: Things might operate at a slower pace; practicing patience is helpful.
  • Ramadan Sensitivity: In Ramadan, be mindful of eating and drinking in public during fasting hours.

Bedouin Culture & Desert Etiquette

Desert Engagement

  • Hospitality: Bedouin hospitality is legendary; accept invitations for tea with gratitude.
  • Generosity: It is customary for Bedouins to provide what they possess; reciprocating with a small gift or appreciation is appropriate.
  • Conversation: Engage in conversation if invited; Bedouins often enjoy sharing narratives and learning about other cultures.
  • Photography: Always seek permission before taking photos of individuals, especially women and children.

Desert Preservation

  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash and lessen your ecological impact.
  • Water Conservation: Water is precious in the desert; use it sparingly.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe desert wildlife from a distance and do not disturb their natural habitats.
  • Natural Structures: Avoid damaging rock formations or historical carvings.
Amman Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts