Banks: 08.30 to 12.30, Sunday to Thursday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 16.00, Tuesday to Saturday
Government Offices: 08.00 to 14.00, Sunday to Thursday
Business Centres: 08.30 to 13.00 and 15.30 to 18.30, Sunday to Thursday
Shops: 08.00 to 21.00, Sunday to Thursday (except the souks, which open daily)
* During Ramadan, every business in Amman has greatly reduced hours, typically only in the morning from 09.00 to 12.00.

Despite its location in the heart of one of the planet’s most dangerous and unstable regions, Jordan is fairly safe for travellers. The country certainly remains a top choice for terrorism, and Westerners and their hangouts are often the targets. But these attacks are impossible to predict, and can happen at any time and any place. Jordanians themselves carry little animosity towards Westerners, so how you handle the potential for danger is up to your own attitude about the randomness of life.

All travellers should stay abreast of the sectarian and political situation on a daily basis for both Jordan and its neighbours. Make sure you have a serious escape route planned just in case, because when things break down in this region they deteriorate fast. Besides the terror threats, Amman has very little domestic crime. Petty theft has been known to happen in the Amman Hashimiyah Square and around the Roman Amphitheatre, but otherwise you should be safe by taking simple precautions with your valuables. Women who dress immodestly can expect a fair degree of harassment.

Police: 196

220V, 50Hz; with round two-pin plugs

There are few health risks in Amman, and Jordan in general. It is suggested travellers get inoculated against hepatitis and tetanus, as these communicable diseases are endemic in the capital. Only four- and five-star hotels that have their own filtration systems can guarantee safe drinking water from the tap. In all other instances, stick to bottled water. The food in restaurants and street stalls should be fine as long as the meat has been thoroughly cooked. Avoid dairy products that look as if they’ve been sitting out too long.

The sun in Jordan is extremely strong, and the dry desert air can quickly dehydrate you. Be sure and use plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and drink lots of bottled water to avoid this common problem. Amman has excellent hospitals and clinics, and most doctors and staff can speak English. The cost of medical care is very expensive in Amman, so it’s highly advised that you buy travel insurance to cover the costs of an unexpected trip to the hospital.

Emergency: 191
Hospital: Hussein Medical Centre: +962 585 6856

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood in the capital Amman.

Jordan’s official currency is the dinar (JD). There are 1,000 fils in one dinar, and there are 10 fils in one piaster. Banknotes come in denominations of JD1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars, as well as 500 fils. Silver coins come in denominations of 25, 50, 100, and 250 fils, as well as copper coins for the 5 and 10 fils.

All visitors over the age of 18 may bring 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, and one litre of alcohol. Edible products from fruit, vegetables, flowers or animals are only permitted if accompanied by a certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture from the country of their origin.

Like most Arab nations, Jordanians are very proud of their heritage, and hospitality is an essential part of their culture. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the welcoming attitude of the residents of Amman. Handshakes are the way Jordanians greet each other, and Arabic coffee is an obligatory part of every social encounter. Your cup will be filled repeatedly until you slightly tilt the cup when you return it to your host. A small gift for the host is standard procedure in return for their endless hospitality.

The importance of Islam in Jordanian society cannot be ignored, so it behoves visitors to learn the main dos and don’ts. Men, and women especially, must always dress conservatively, covering the majority of their skin. Beachwear or revealing clothes can only be worn at the beach or the pool. Alcohol consumption by foreigners is tolerated in Amman, but it should be consumed in moderation, especially during Ramadan. Always ask permission before taking a photograph of someone, as in many cases it is forbidden by Islamic law.

Visitors from every country must obtain a visa to enter Jordan. Citizens of most countries can receive a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport, or you can arrange one beforehand at a Jordanian consulate. Tourist visas are valid for stays of two weeks, but are easily extended at any police station for up to three months. Travel agents can also arrange the visa extensions. Always carry your passport with you while travelling in Jordan.

The official tourism information office can be found near the Roman Amphitheatre. It provides free brochures, maps and is very useful for specific questions about border regulations and other safety issues. The office is open daily from 09.00 to 19.00.

Ministry of Tourism Downtown Visitor Centre
Phone: +962 6 464 6264
www.tourism.jo