Zarqa Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Zain, Orange, and Umniah are major mobile carriers.

SIM Cards & Data

Purchase SIM cards at Queen Alia International Airport or city shops (passport needed for registration). Consider Airalo eSIMs for easy activation.
Wi-Fi is available in the majority of hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Solis Wi-Fi offers portable devices.
Mobile data coverage is typically fine across Zarqa.

Language & Translation

Arabic is the official language. English is less universally spoken in Zarqa.

Translation Resources

The Google Translate application (with offline Arabic download) is recommended.
Basic English aids in most transactions. Rosetta Stone helps with learning phrases.
Locals appreciate efforts to speak a few basic Arabic greetings.

Important Arabic Phrases

A few phrases will help you navigate daily interactions.

Essential Greetings & Questions

Hello: Marhaba (mar-ha-ba)
Thank you: Shukran (shook-ran)
Please: Min fadlak (male), Min fadlik (female)

Basic Responses

Quick and clear responses for common situations.

Common Answers

Yes: Na'am (na-am)
No: La' (lah)
How much?: Kam? (kam)

Travel Essentials for Communication

Staying Connected

Keep your phone charged for navigation and communication.
Download offline maps for areas that could havely weaker signal.
Postal services are obtainable in the city for sending mail.
A respectful and patient approach often smooths communication.

Pronunciation Guide

Goodbye: Ma'a Salama (ma-a sa-la-ma)
Practice pronunciation using a translation app.
A small phrasebook can be useful for quick references.
Utilize voice translation features when needed.

Helpful Tip

Learning a few basic Arabic greetings can create access to warmer interactions and show respect for local customs.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigating standard operating hours and holiday closures in Zarqa.

Typical Operating Hours

Shops generally open 9 AM to 9 PM, some close for lunch (1-4 PM). Government workplaces and banking hours are Sunday-Thursday until 3 PM. Restaurants open morning to late evening.

Banking & ATMs

Banks are open Sunday-Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3 PM. ATMs are widespread in commercial areas for cash access outside banking hours.

Holidays & Closures

Friday is the main day of rest. Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) cause widespread, multi-day closures. Federal holidays also result in closures.

Ramadan & Special Schedules

In Ramadan, business hours may differ significantly.

Ramadan Adjustments

Many restaurants close during the day and open only at dusk for Iftar.
General business hours may be reduced during this Islamic fasting month.
The dates for Islamic religious observances follow the lunar calendar and vary annually.

Planning Around Closures

Anticipate reduced services during public and religious holidays.

Pre-Trip Checks

Find out operating hours for specific attractions or services before your visit.
Consult a local schedule for national and Islamic holiday dates.
Some smaller shops might close on Fridays; plan accordingly.

Services and Access

Accessing Cash

ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
Many more substantial establishments accept credit cards, but cash is often preferred.
Carry smaller denominations for local markets and taxis.

General Accessibility

Government offices have standard weekday operating hours.
Expect closures during main national celebrations.
Confirm specific visiting hours for attractions directly before visiting.

Seasonal Reminders

During Ramadan, respect those who are fasting by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Customs and social factors for a visit to Zarqa.

Greeting & Attire

Show respect through appropriate greetings and modest dress.

Social Interactions

Handshakes are common. Men shake hands with men; wait for women to initiate.
Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Women must cover hair in mosques; both men and women need long sleeves and trousers/skirts.
"Salam alaikum" (Peace be upon you) is a polite and common greeting.

Dining & Photography

Observe local dining customs and photography protocols.

Cultural Practices

Eat with your right hand. Avoid gesturing with a finger the soles of your feet at people.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially women.
Avoid photographing military installations or government buildings.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Awareness of sensitive subjects helps avoid cultural misunderstandings.

Points of Caution

Avoid public displays of affection.
Do not openly criticize the regal family or the government.
Discussions of politics and religion can be considerate; proceed with caution.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Jordan is a conservative society. Respect local social norms.

Social Norms

Public displays of affection are not acceptable.
Same-sex public displays of affection are not acceptable.
LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized; societal attitudes are generally conservative.

Safety Considerations

Public Behavior

Avoid drawing undue attention to yourself.
Be aware of non-verbal cues in engagements.
Always be polite and patient.

Sensitive Discussions

Refrain from initiating political or religious debates.
Observe rather than question deeply personal beliefs.
When in doubt, it is best to stay quiet on sensitive topics.

Cultural Awareness

Be respectful of Islamic customs and traditions.
During Ramadan, be mindful of fasting practices.
If unsure about a custom, observe or politely ask.

Interacting with Locals

Maintain polite eye contact, but avoid staring.
A polite and patient approach generally fosters goodwill.
Small talk often involves family and well-being.

Local Interactions

When interacting with locals, a polite and patient approach generally works best. A smile plus some Arabic phrases smooth over communication issues.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure in Zarqa has limitations for travelers with mobility challenges.

Mobility Infrastructure

Zarqa's infrastructure is generally limited for travelers with mobility challenges.

Challenges

Many older buildings lack ramps or elevators.
Sidewalks can be uneven, narrow, or non-existent in certain areas.
Public transport, including buses and servees, is not wheelchair accessible.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Zarqa is not known for widespread accessible infrastructure.

Limited Options

Major sites in Amman or Petra may possess some provisions.
Zarqa generally has challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.
Planning private transport is often recommended for specific needs.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specific services are available limited for travelers with disabilities.

Service Availability

Specific accommodations or guides for those with vision problems are not widespread.
Sign language interpretation or specific hearing assistance is generally unavailable.
Travelers with these needs should plan accordingly and carry personal aids.

Resources & Planning

No specific resources cater exclusively to accessibility information for Zarqa.

Planning for Needs

Research general accessibility for Jordan, that happens to be still developing.
Contact hotels directly to verify their facilities and accessibility features.
Think about bringing a travel companion who can provide assistance.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass grants frequent travelers access to independent airport lounges. Explore Priority Pass.

Learn More

Flight Compensation

Compensair assists with compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Check eligibility.

Get Compensation

Special Assistance

Contact your airline in advance for any special assistance needed at the airport.

Airport Experience

While Zarqa itself has limited accessibility, Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) has some provisions for travelers with reduced mobility. Plan your arrival and departure with airport services in mind.

Zarqa Travel Tips