Amman Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards present the most cost-effective way to use your phone. Consider Airalo for eSIM options before you arrive.

SIM Card Details

Providers: Zain, Orange, Umniah all display reliable service.
Availability: Buy at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or official stores.
Registration: Passport required for SIM card activation.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in Amman.

Access Points

Wi-Fi: Available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Mobile Data: Good 3G/4G coverage across Amman and most populated areas.
Portable Wi-Fi: Explore devices from Solis Wi-Fi for consistent personal internet.

Language Barriers

Arabic is the official language, but English is common in tourist areas. Prepare with Rosetta Stone for a deeper dive into Arabic.

Language Resources

Official Language: Arabic. Learn a few basic phrases to aid interaction.
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by educated Jordanians.
Translation: Google's Translation App (with offline Arabic pack) is very handy.

Important Arabic Phrases

Learning fundamental greetings and phrases creates a positive impression.

Phrases

Hello: Marhaba (مرحبا)
Thank you: Shukran (شكرا)
Please: Min fadlak (male), Min fadlik (female)

Essential Travel Vocabulary

Common Requests

Yes: Na'am (نعم)
No: La (لا)
How much?: Bikam? (بكم؟)
Water: Mai (ماء)

Dining & Shopping

The bill: Al-hisaab (الحساب)
No, thank you: La, shukran (لا شكرا)
Where is...?: Wein...? (وين...؟)
Restaurant: Mat'am (مطعم)

Heads Up

For local SIMS, purchase upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or official stores. Your passport is required for registration.

Business Hours & Schedules

General Shops

Typically open 9 AM/10 AM to 9 PM/10 PM, Sunday to Thursday. Shorter hours on Saturday.

Government Offices

Operate Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Closed Fridays and Saturdays.

Banking Hours

Banks open Sunday to Thursday, usually 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. ATMs are widely available.

Ramadan Considerations

The holy month of fasting influences hours of operation and cultural practices.

During Ramadan

Restaurants: Operate on reduced hours, opening after sunset for Iftar.
Alcohol: Sales may be restricted during the day.
Respect: Being respectful of those fasting is appreciated.

Holiday Planning

Religious and bank holidays influence how businesses run.

Closures

Friday: Official weekend day; many shops shut or have reduced hours.
Islamic Holidays: Dates vary annually; most companies close for a number of days.
Public Holidays: Foundation Day of independence (May 25) and Christmas (December 25TH) also see closures.

Shopping & Services Overview

Retail Insights

Malls: Generally opens AT 10 AM to 10 PM or later, seven days a week.
Smaller Shops: May close for afternoon breaks.
Postal Services: Jordan Post for mail; DHL, FedEx, Aramex for international shipping.

Financial Access

ATMs: Widely available, accepting international cards (Visa, MasterCard).
Currency Exchange: Banks and licensed exchange offices.
Seasonal Closures: Not common for major businesses; check for family-run shops.

Pro-Tip

Always confirm specific opening hours for attractions and restaurants, especially during holidays or the month of Ramadan.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience and demonstrates appreciation for Amman's heritage.

Greeting Customs

Respectful greetings create a positive impression.

Practices

Handshakes: Common between people of the same gender. A man waits for a woman to extend her hand.
Cheek Kisses: Common among close friends and family, typically 2-3 kisses.
Elders: Show respect to elders in all interactions.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress receives appreciation in Jordan, a conservative society.

Dress Guidelines

Women: Cover shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting clothing. Headscarf for mosques.
Men: Long pants and shirts generally appropriate.
Religious Sites: Always dress modestly when visiting sacred places.

Dining & Tipping

Follow local dining customs and what is expected for tipping.

Dining Manners

Eating: Use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Food: Avoid wasting food. Accepting offers of food or drink polite.
Tipping: Generally 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis.

Photography Ethics

Always seek permission before taking photos of individuals.

Permissions

People: Ask permission before photographing individuals, specifically women and children.
Restrictions: Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, or checkpoints.
Religious Sites: Generally permitted, but be discreet and respectful. Avoid flash during prayers.

Cultural Sensitivities

Social Conduct

Public Affection: Avoid overt public displays of affection.
Alcohol: Consumption outside licensed establishments generally not common.
Politics/Religion: Approach discussions with sensitivity and respect. Avoid strong opinions.

Specific Considerations

Gender: Jordan is a patriarchal society. Women experience respect, but mindfulness of norms advised.
LGBTQ+: Public displays of affection or accessible discussion of LGBTQ+ topics not culturally accepted. Discretion advised.
Children: Do not give money directly to begging children; donate to reliable non-profits.

Accessibility Overview

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure: Hilly terrain, uneven sidewalks, numerous steps make access challenging in older areas.
Newer Areas: Malls, luxury hotels, modern facilities provide ramps and elevators.
Public Transport: Newer Amman Bus features some features that aid access, but system not fully adapted.

Support & Planning

Planning: Call ahead to attractions, restaurants, hotels to confirm specific accessibility features.
Sensory Impairments: Specialized services remain limited. English signage helps.
Resources: Contact local disability organizations or accessible travel operators for specially made advice.

Cultural Sensitivity

A smile and a couple basic Arabic phrases greatly assist interaction and make a lasting positive impression.

Airport Services

Arrival & Departure

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) serves as Jordan's main gateway.

Airport Essentials

Immigration: Expect standard procedures. Visa on arrival for many nationalities.
Baggage: Retrieve luggage from designated carousels.
Transport: Taxis, private transfers, and airport coaches to Amman available.

Airport Lounges

Relax and refresh before your flight at airport lounges.

Lounge Access

Facilities: Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, refreshments, business amenities.
Access: Via Priority Pass, airline status, or day pass purchase.
Priority Pass: Global network of lounges where you can frequent travelers. Explore Priority Pass.

Flight Disruptions

Know your rights in case of flight delays or cancellations.

Compensation Rights

Delays/Cancellations: Eligibility for compensation under certain conditions.
Denied Boarding: Compensation available for involuntarily denied boarding.
Assistance: Services like Compensair assist with claims.

Services & Amenities

AMM provides a range of services for travelers.

Available Facilities

Car Rental: Global and domestic agencies located at the airport.
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal.
Currency Exchange: Bureaus and ATMs available landside and airside.

Airport Comfort Tips

Early Arrival

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a refillable bottle and refill after security.

Check Status

Monitor flight status for any last-minute changes.

Smooth Travel

Pre-booking airport transfers or with a ride-share app ready makes a seamless journey from AMM to your accommodation.

Amman Travel Tips