Tips for Travelling Amman

Arriving in a place like Amman can be a bit confusing for most travellers. Not only is Arabic spoken, but things are not always streamlined for ease. It can sometimes seem entirely backwards to those of us who have spent time in developing countries. Follow my tips below to make your trip to Amman as stress-free as possible!

Arriving at the airport

If you fly into Amman, you will arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, which is the only passenger airport in the city. If you are from one of the countries that require a visa to Jordan, the good news is that you can get one upon arrival.  

Have 40 JD ready for your visa           

Many countries require visas for entry to Jordan, which can be gotten on arrival. Find the visa purchase line before immigration. If you 'don't have the cash, you can use a card.  

Double-check the belt for your bags

Just because you are told your bags will be on a particular belt does not mean they will be on that belt. Double-check!  

Ask about your bags when exiting customs

When you exit through customs, you are required to put your bags through an x-ray machine. Most people pile all their bags on the belt without thinking, but if you ask the customs officer which bags you should put through, he will often either wave you through or have you put one of your travel bags on the belt.  

No need to be polite - Push your way through 

You will most likely exit a multitude of people waiting for or greeting their loved ones, very often standing in your way. 'Don't feel like you need to wait for people, just make your way past, through, around the best way you can. 'It's not rude to push and shove a little.  

Airport taxi from kiosk only 

Only take an airport taxi which can be found after you exit the airport doors at a kiosk. Tell them where you are going, and they will give you a receipt showing the flat fare you will be charged. It usually's 21.50 JD to the city.  

Take the bus 

Significantly cheaper at 2.50 JD the bus runs every 30 minutes during the day, and every 60 minutes through the night. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk in the airport.  

Getting around

Getting Around Amman - [Credit: rdores @ Pixxabay]

There are many ways to make your way around town in Amman, from buses to service taxis to taxis and ride-hailing apps. Traffic in Amman can be pretty heavy so 'you'll want to pick the right time to travel.  

Download the Careem app

Ride-hailing app that is probably the safest and most dependable way to get around at a reasonable price.  

Try to avoid rush hour

From about 8 am to 9:30 am, traffic can be quite heavy while everyone heads to work. And from about 3 pm until early evening can be busy too. Arabs go out a lot during the night, so traffic can be somewhat heavy into the night.  

Local/service taxis

If you are on a budget, then a local taxi (painted yellow) will be about a third cheaper than Careem. Or use a service taxi (painted white), these are the cars that run a predetermined circuit in the city, picking up and dropping off as needed. Seats run about 400 fils.  

Do not use the local buses

These buses are usually not in the best condition and can be overcrowded. The poor state of vehicles is the case for minibuses, as well as the city buses. I would avoid it.

Safety tips in Amman

Staying Safe Staying - [Credit: blueMix @ Pixabay]  

Amman is a relatively safe city, but 'it's still essential to follow these tips below.  

Travel in pairs when you can

Even though Amman is safe to travel in, it is always advised to visit with a friend. Foreign men are less likely to be bothered than women, like most places around the world. 'It's good to have a buddy with you. If you are harassed to the point of worry, draw attention to yourself. Others will come to your defence.  

Look in all directions when crossing the street 

Streets can be a bit chaotic in Amman. Just because traffic flows in one direction does not mean that cars 'won't be coming the other way — even one-way streets. So keep your eyes open and look in every direction to be sure.  

Take water with you, and don't forget the sunscreen

In the summer the temperature can be quite hot in Jordan, so 'it's a good idea to take bottled water with you. The sun can also be hot, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Eating in Amman

One of the best parts of travelling this part of the world is food! When it comes to hospitality, Arabs know how to do it well. 

Eating Amman - [Credit: TheUjulala]  

Tip no more than 10%

You can tip up to 10% but not more than that. Most restaurants are required to include service, as well as tax.  

Use your hands to eat

Eating with your hands is common, so 'don't be afraid to reach for things with your hands. With shared plates, eat from your side of the plate, and no double-dipping with the bread.  

Never refuse food

If visiting locals and you are offered food, tea, or coffee. Say yes, you 'don't have to eat or drink it all. 'It's just polite to accept hospitality even if you only have one bite or sip.

General and cultural tips when travelling in Amman

Rainbow Street Amman - [Credit: Miriam Mezzera @ Flickr]  

Public toilets are not everywhere 

'It's good to plan accordingly, and know that restrooms will be available at most tourist sites and restaurants, but not anywhere else.  

Weekends are Friday and Saturday           

The Muslim holy day is Friday, and therefore the weekend begins on Thursday night. 'Friday's are the best days trafficwise when there are far fewer cars on the road.  

Show respect during Ramadan

Ramadan is the Muslim Holy month of fasting when devout Muslims are required during daylight hours and must refrain from eating, drinking, and even smoking cigarettes. It is respectful not to eat, drink, or smoke on the street. If you do, you may be stopped by the police and fined.  

Understand that time is different 

Time in the Arab world can be fluid; you will find that people are not stuck up on arriving on time. 8 am could mean 9 am. Fifteen minutes can expect an hour, an hour can mean a few hours, and tomorrow can say in a couple of days. So 'don't be surprised.  

Afternoons are best to see the sights

Most tourist tours take place in the mornings and so 'it's usually easier to go and see the sights in the afternoons when most of the tour buses have come and gone.     

Only hire official guides

If you want to hire someone to show you around, only hire official guides, which can usually be found via the ticket office, or through a reputable website.  

No PDA in public 

Public displays of affection are frowned upon and just not done in this part of the world. To be respectful of Jordanian culture, it is best to refrain from any affectionate behaviour in public.  

About the author

Tariq Nasir is an Arab American food blogger and founder of ChefTariq.com. He empowers the everyday home cook to bring Middle Eastern cuisine to their table.    

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