FAQ · Culture & Etiquette 55

Petra is the most-visited tourist attraction and a symbol of Jordan. This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It is famously known as the Rose City due to the color of its sandstone. The site is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and historical water conduit systems. Visitors flock to this archaeological site, which sees close to a million tourists every year.

Jordan currently has eight World Heritage Sites listed. The first two sites to be inscribed were Petra and Qusayr 'Amra in 1985. Six of these sites are recognized for their cultural significance. The Aqaba Marine Reserve is listed for natural significance, while Wadi Rum is listed for both cultural and natural significance. Additionally, there are 13 properties currently on Jordan's tentative list.

The Jordan Museum is the largest museum in the country and is located in the Ras al-Ein district of Amman. It hosts important archaeological findings, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the 9000-year-old Ain Ghazal statues. The collections are arranged chronologically, covering history from the stone age through the Ottoman Empire, life at the turn of the century, and modern history. Visitors can also explore lecture halls, a library, and an area for children's activities. The museum uses modern artifact-preserving technologies to care for its extensive collections.

Taking a photo of a landmark or vista is generally okay. This remains true even if there are people in the background at a relatively far distance. However, you must not photograph people without asking for their permission first. You should be aware that photographing women in particular can result in harassment by police. Additionally, do not photograph police under any circumstances.

Amman features an extensive road network that reflects the city's unique geography and growth. The system includes many bridges and tunnels to navigate the hilly terrain. You will find a variety of roads ranging from old streets in downtown districts to modern highways. A notable feature is the series of eight roundabout circles that serve as major landmarks in west Amman. These roads connect different parts of the city and link Amman to other regions of Jordan.

Amman features several significant religious and historical landmarks for visitors to explore. The city contains the King Abdullah Mosque and the Abu Darwish Mosque. Visitors can also find Byzantine churches located within the Amman Citadel. This hilltop site combines ruins from various ancient civilizations, including the Roman Temple of Hercules. These sites offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural and religious history of the area.

The desert castles, or qasrs, are a series of fortified palaces scattered over the semi-arid regions of north-eastern Jordan and surrounding areas. Most of these structures were built by the Umayyad dynasty between 660 and 750. While often called desert castles in English, the Arabic term qaṣr can refer to any palace, castle, or fortress-like structure. These buildings served various purposes, including acting as caravanserais, fortified estates, or nuclei for new towns. Many of these projects were left uncompleted or abandoned after the Umayyads fell from power in 750.

Qasr al-Abd is a rare example of Hellenistic architecture consisting of a heavily decorated two-storey stone structure. The building features perfectly preserved carvings of tigers or lions and was constructed using some of the largest single blocks in the Middle East. While it was once thought to be a fortress, evidence suggests it may have been a country pleasure palace or a mausoleum. The site was originally part of a larger estate that included a park and an olive press. Today, the ruins have been partially restored and include pathways and signs to make the area tourist friendly.

Jordan features a Mediterranean-style climate with hot, dry summers and cool, variable winters. The country contains a dry desert or steppe region on the East Bank that receives very little rainfall. Moving toward the Jordanian Highlands, the landscape consists of high limestone plateaus with an average elevation of about 900 meters. These highlands see increased precipitation, especially in the northern areas. The Jordan Valley also forms a narrow climatic zone with varying levels of rain. Finally, the terrain rises into various summits, including the highest peak located in a remote part of southern Jordan.

The site of the former Naharayim power plant was known as the Island of Peace. It featured Israeli private land ownership and property rights under Jordanian sovereignty. In March 1997, a tragic incident occurred when a Jordanian Army Corporal attacked a visiting group of schoolgirls. King Hussein of Jordan personally traveled to Israel to apologize to the grieving families during a shiva ceremony. He expressed that the crime was a shame for everyone and shared the families' grief. The perpetrator was later sentenced to 20 years in prison after being diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.

Wadi Rum is a desert located south of Jordan that is full of mountains and hills. It is a popular destination for its various sights and activities like rock-climbing. This location is also known for its connection to T. E. Lawrence and was used to film scenes in Lawrence of Arabia. In the late 2000s, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the unique landscape of this desert region during their trip.

Jordanian agriculture has seen growth driven by domestic demand, with the sector's share of GDP doubling over the last five years. While production of vegetables, cereals, and beans has increased, the country still imports the vast majority of its basic food crops. This includes nearly 100% of cereals and various staples like grains and meat. Certain cash crops such as olives, tobacco, and fruit are also produced for export. Despite these local agricultural efforts, the domestic food supply often remains insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population.

One notable event is the Al-Balad Music Festival, which is a biannual multi-day concert series. This festival takes place in downtown Amman at the historic Roman amphitheater and the Odeon amphitheater. It was launched in 2009 by the Al Balad Theater and receives support from several organizations. The festival hosts various bands from Jordan and abroad during each event. There is a special emphasis on featuring artists from the Arab region.

The Constitution of Jordan provides for the freedom to practice religious rites in accordance with local customs, provided they do not violate public order or morality. Islam is the state religion, and the King must be a Muslim. Matters concerning the personal status of Muslims, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of Shari'a courts. For recognized non-Muslim communities, personal status matters are handled by their own religious community tribunals. There is no provision for civil marriage or divorce within the legal system.

Music in Jordan is developing with many new bands and artists who are popular in the Middle East. The Jerash Festival is an annual music event that features popular Arab singers. You can also find popularity in artists such as Omar Al-Abdallat, Toni Qattan, Diana Karazon, and Hani Mitwasi. Additionally, there is an increasing growth of alternative Arabic rock bands dominating the scene in the Arab world. These bands include El Morabba3, Autostrad, JadaL, Akher Zapheer, and Aziz Maraka.

Jordanian music features a diverse variety of elements, ranging from cheerful cultural songs to strong-meaning patriotic tracks. The scene includes major stars like Omar Al-Abdallat, Toni Qattan, and Hani Mitwasi. In recent decades, an alternative music movement in Amman has seen the rise of rock bands that mix Western and Eastern influences. There is also a flourishing scene for Arabic hip hop, rap, and electronic dance music. Many Jordanian artists and bands are successfully blending Arab-Western electronic pop for the world stage.

Jordan's film industry features cinemas located throughout the country. You can find local films such as Captain Abu Raed and the international co-production Theeb. The country is also a popular location for Hollywood productions like Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones the Last Crusade, and The Martian. Additionally, Jordan produces musalsalat, which are Arabic soap operas often focused on Bedouin life. These series frequently explore themes like the tension between ancient and modern ways of life. Other popular genres include historical dramas that cover topics ranging from pre-Islamic poets to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Women in Jordan have made significant contributions to the art world by showcasing strength and empowerment through their artistic expressions. Recent exhibitions, such as Delicate Lines of Strength at the Zara Gallery, have featured the work of local female artists. These paintings capture the beauty, sensitivity, and mystery of women while reflecting their confidence, passion, and curiosity. Through various artistic styles and techniques, these artists convey deep emotions and challenge social norms. Their work serves to inspire viewers through these unique expressions.

It is best to avoid buying souvenirs in major tourism centers like Amman, Petra, or Jerash because prices are often inflated two or three times. Instead, you might find better opportunities in Madaba or Irbid. You should be careful not to attempt to buy or export archaeological artifacts such as ancient coins, as this may be prohibited. Additionally, be cautious of fake goods that are made to look old. Even if a merchant is very charming, it does not guarantee that the items are genuine if you are not an expert.

Traditional female clothing is very diverse and highly decorated, depending on the region, tribe, and occasion. It is composed of a dress, coat, shirt, pants, vest, and various accessories like hats and belts. Holiday dresses are made from expensive fabrics such as silk and velvet, often featuring intricate handmade embroidery with gold and silver threads. Traditional male costumes include a coat with wide sleeves, a shirt, pants, hats, and shoes. A compulsory part of the male attire is a dagger and a sword, specifically a type of sabre called a shashka.

Arab cuisine reflects centuries of trade and varies considerably across different regions. Levantine cuisine is characterized by olive oil, za'atar, and mezze dishes like hummus and falafel. In contrast, Egyptian cuisine focuses on vegetarian staples such as ful medames and Koshari. The Gulf and Arabian Peninsula feature dishes like kabsa and mandi, while Maghrebi cuisine is built around couscous. Additionally, Bedouin cuisine relies heavily on dates, dried fruits, and preserves suited to a nomadic lifestyle.

The area around Queen Rania Street is known for its large number of cafés, restaurants, and small food outlets. You can find affordable options near the university gates, ranging from falafel and shawarma stands to various cafés. Many of these places serve students from the University of Jordan and people living in the surrounding neighborhoods. Queen Rania Street and nearby Medina Street are also recognized for their many restaurants and fast-food branches. These locations often serve as popular meeting places for young people in north Amman.

Coffee plays a significant role in confirming marriage agreements between families. When an agreement is reached, the deal is often sealed over rounds of coffee between the fathers. This tradition occurs in both non-Bedouin and Bedouin wedding processes. The father of the bride meets with the prospective groom and his father to finalize the arrangement. This ritual serves as a formal way to confirm the union between the two families.

One traditional dessert you may encounter is knafeh, which is popular throughout the Levant. This dish is made with spun pastry dough layered with cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup called attar. In Jordan, a common variant is Knafeh Nabulseyeh. It is often served during special occasions, holidays, and Ramadan. Historically, market inspectors have even been known to check the quality of such foods at night.

The local currency is the Jordanian dinar, which is divided into 100 piastres. You will find banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 JD. It is important to carry 1 JD and 5 JD notes because many places have limited change. While most upscale restaurants and shops in malls accept US dollars, card acceptance is limited and can seem random. Most hotels and hostels do accept cards for various services.

The United States and Jordan have a free trade agreement that grants duty-free status to nearly all Jordanian exports sent to the United States. This agreement went into force on 17 December 2001 and was fully implemented by 1 January 2010. To be eligible for duty-free entry, goods must meet rules of origin requiring a minimum of 35 percent Jordanian content. This arrangement has made Jordan a magnet for apparel manufacturing as companies establish factories to eliminate tariffs. The agreement has enjoyed widespread and bipartisan support from various sectors.

Bargaining is accepted in Jordan, especially when you are at markets. However, some prices might already be final, such as in museums, on the bus, or in restaurants. It is best to ask at several different locations to get a feeling for what a fair price should be. Since locals receive fair and inexpensive prices, tourists should not have to pay more. Always remember to thank the merchant for stating their price even if you do not buy anything.

A subsistence budget in Jordan is around 15 JD per day, though this typically means eating falafel every day. If you budget 25 JD, you can afford slightly better accommodations, basic restaurant meals, and even the occasional beer. It is best to check accommodation prices online since most Jordanian hostels and hotels list their rooms on common hotel websites. Most hotels and hostels also accept card payments for your convenience.

Qalayet bandora is an easy one-pot meal that is often eaten while camping or backpacking. This simple Levantine dish consists of tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, olive oil, and salt. To prepare it, onions and peppers are diced and cooked in heated olive oil until the onions are translucent. The tomatoes are then added to the pan and sautéed until the mixture is thick but not dry. It is usually eaten by scooping the dish up with warm pita bread.

The official currency used in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar. This currency is pegged to the International Monetary Fund's special drawing rights. The exchange rate is equivalent to 1 US dollar being 0.709 dinar. This means that 1 dinar is approximately 1.41044 dollars. Understanding this conversion is helpful for managing your travel budget.

If you prefer to eat what the locals eat, a falafel or shawarma sandwich with a soda can cost only 1-2 JD. A chicken sandwich is even cheaper, costing between 0.50 and 0.80 JD. A subsistence budget is around 15 JD per day, though this means eating falafel every day. Having 25 JD per day allows for basic restaurant meals and the occasional beer. To save money, you should eat in local markets or restaurants rather than starred hotels, which are expensive for the average Jordanian.

Currently, all historic tourist sites are closed for one week to allow for disinfection campaigns. You should be aware that various precautionary measures are in place to manage the situation. These measures include the halting of prayer in all mosques and churches across the Kingdom. Additionally, visits to hospitals and prisons are also halted. It is important to check the latest updates regarding these closures before planning your travels.

Jerash is a notable city located in northern Jordan. It is situated approximately 30.0 miles north of the capital city, Amman. The city is famous for being one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities, which has earned it the nickname Pompeii of the Middle East. Visitors can explore its rich history which includes the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The area also features early churches that show the evolution of church architecture.

You can consider day trips to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, or Aqaba. For example, a round trip to Petra including waiting time costs 88 JD, while a round trip to Wadi Rum is 55 JD. It may be a better idea to take a taxi into Aqaba and then take a different taxi from there after renegotiating the price. You can negotiate day rates for taxis, which are usually provided by specific drivers who have offered the service to friends or colleagues before. If you are staying at a hotel, the reception desk should be able to find you a reliable option.

Jordan has emerged as a regional hotspot for nightlife, specifically in Amman and Aqaba. Amman is considered a premier clubbing destination in the Middle East with options ranging from high end bars to nightclubs. Aqaba features a vibrant scene with many nightclubs and beach clubs that host concerts and raves by international artists. You can also find world-class raves at the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. Notably, the annual Distant Heat event in Wadi Rum is recognized as one of the world's top raves.

Jordan features a Mediterranean-style climate with cool and variable winters. During this season, which lasts from November to April, practically all of the country's precipitation occurs. The winter months often bring a succession of marked low pressure areas and accompanying cold fronts. January is usually the coolest month of the year. You may experience sporadic precipitation as cyclonic disturbances move eastward from the Mediterranean Sea.

During religious holidays, the national dish known as mansaf is often served. This distinctive dish consists of a plate of rice with meat that has been boiled in thick yogurt. It is frequently sprinkled with pine nuts and sometimes herbs. Another special food mentioned is qatayef, which is a dish made specifically for Ramadan. These meals serve as important cultural staples during various celebrations.

The Bank of Jordan is a major financial institution located in Amman. It was founded in 1960 and currently serves as the second largest bank in the country. This bank offers various services including credit cards and Internet banking. They operate over 100 bank branches throughout Jordan. Additionally, they have 12 branches in Palestine and more than 150 automated teller machines.

The Central Bank of Jordan plays a significant role in managing the country's economic and monetary conditions. It participates in formulating economic policies and provides recommendations related to financial development plans. The bank also adopts measures to address economic problems and avoid adverse effects on the national economy. Additionally, it regulates the quantity, quality, and cost of credit to ensure monetary stability. These efforts are supported by various monetary policy tools used by the institution.

You can enter Jordan at the port of Aqaba via the Egyptian port of Nuweiba using two different services. There is a ferry service that costs around US$60 and may take up to 8 hours to complete the trip. Alternatively, a speedboat is available for approximately US$70 and consistently makes the crossing in about an hour. Please note that both options require an additional US$10 or LE50 departure tax from Egypt for non-Egyptian nationals. The slow ferry can sometimes be difficult to travel on during bad weather.

As of January 2026, there are no international trains that travel directly into Jordan. However, Saudi Arabia Railways operates a weekly night train from Riyadh to the border town of Al Qurayyat. This train runs every Thursday and arrives on Friday morning. Once you reach Al Qurayyat, you can continue your journey to Jordan using a bus or a taxi. You can find taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber or Careem at the station, but please note that there are no buses available there.

You cannot use Israeli rental cars to cross the borders into Jordan due to insurance reasons. If you choose to cross by car, you should be aware that border formalities are expensive and time-consuming. You will be required to obtain Jordanian insurance and change your number plates. It is not advisable to travel in Arab countries while displaying an Israeli number plate. Once in Jordan, you can easily reach major cities as the highways are generally in very good shape.

If you arrive at the Al Qurayyat train station via the weekly night train from Riyadh, you have several options to continue your journey. You can travel to Jordan by using a taxi or by taking a bus. Additionally, ride-hailing services such as Uber or Careem are available at the station. Please note that while you can find taxis and ride-hailing services, there are no buses available directly at the Al Qurayyat train station itself.

Cyclists should be cautious of alcoholic beverage containers left in public spaces. Broken glass bottles are a common source of litter that can be difficult to clean up. These discarded items may puncture bicycle tires during your ride. Such litter also poses a risk of hurting wildlife animals in the area. Improperly discarded bottles have a negative impact on the environment.

Jordan is considered one of the top 10 countries worldwide in terms of security. This is due to decades of political stability and strict law enforcement. The country is also among the top ten countries where citizens feel safest walking the streets at night. You can feel secure while exploring the local areas. This high level of safety contributes to the overall quality of life in the country.

Amman features an extensive road network that includes everything from old downtown streets to modern highways and ring roads. Because the city is built on hilly terrain, the infrastructure includes many bridges and tunnels to navigate the landscape. A notable feature of the system is a series of eight roundabouts that serve as major junctions and landmarks. To help manage congestion, recent infrastructure projects like the Amman Development Corridor ring road have been introduced. Many major roads in the city also have both a local common name and an official name.

Radar speed traps are plentiful and well positioned to catch drivers who do not heed the frequently changing speed limits. Traffic Police are also stationed regularly at turns and curves, well hidden, with speed guns. If you are even 10% over the speed limit, you will be stopped and made to pay a steep fine. You should be aware that many trucks and buses drive with worn or defective tires and brakes. It is also recommended to avoid driving outside the capital, Amman, after dark.

Fuel prices in Jordan are all fixed by the government, so there is no need to search for cheaper gas stations. These prices are reviewed on a monthly basis to reflect international gas prices on the local market. As of October 2018, you can expect to pay around 0.825 JD per litre for unleaded 90 octane. Unleaded 95 octane is approximately 1 JD per litre, while diesel is 0.625 JD. This system ensures consistent pricing across the country.

Hisham Al-Maaytah was killed in a car accident on March 3, 2018. Following this event, King Abdullah II of Jordan attended the wake held in Karak. The King went there to pay his respects to the Al-Maaytah family. This family is known for managing branches of al-Jahith's Treasury in downtown Amman. Hisham's kiosk was the most central and best-recognized of the three branches.

Queen Rania Street is an important road in Amman that has historically carried heavy traffic. Congestion on this route became quite severe as the city grew over time. To address this, the municipality introduced infrastructure projects like Jordan Street to ease the flow toward northern governorates. One notable improvement is the Al-Sahafa Tunnel, which helps through-traffic avoid a major intersection. Additionally, the street serves as a public transport corridor and is part of the Bus Rapid Transit system.

The Dead Sea area is a location for health research due to its unique environmental qualities. The atmosphere in this region contains a low content of pollens and other allergens. These specific conditions may offer certain health effects for individuals. The mineral content of the water and the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation also play a role. Additionally, the higher atmospheric pressure at this depth can benefit those with reduced respiratory function.

Germany has supported the Jordanian water sector for several decades through three different agencies. GIZ handles technical cooperation and supports the Management of Water Resources Programme to increase sustainable water use. The development bank KfW manages financial cooperation through various water and sanitation projects. These projects include extending sewer networks and constructing wastewater treatment plants in areas like Irbid. Additionally, efforts are being made to reduce water loss in several governorates including Amman, Jerash, and Karak.

Jordan has a developed public and private transportation system with road transport remaining dominant. While there are three international airports, rail transport plays a minor role and is limited in scale. The Hejaz Jordan Railway currently runs only one passenger train a day each way. Most domestic mobility relies on the extensive network of paved highways. These major routes include the Desert Highway, the King's Highway, and the Dead Sea Highway.

Landmines played a role in historical tensions between Jordan and Israel, specifically involving the Palestinian nationalist organization Fatah. In November 1966, three Israeli soldiers were killed by a Fatah landmine. This event led to the Samu Incident, where Israel launched an attack on the Jordanian-controlled West Bank town of As-Samu. The resulting assault caused heavy Arab casualties and triggered significant political unrest. These events led to local criticism of King Hussein and large-scale protests in the West Bank.

The Palestine sunbird is a small bird that inhabits arid regions up to an altitude of 3200 meters. This species is renowned for its glossy plumage and mellifluous song. These birds consume insects and flower nectar. They are considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing members of the Fringilla genus. Some officials have even proposed designating them as a national bird.