The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a beacon of stability in the fractious Middle East, with a stable political situation, safe borders and allied closely to the West. The country is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the Nabatean city of Petra. Other highlights include the Dead Sea and the red desert of Wadi Rum. If you’re planning a trip to this lesser-visited country, head to Jordan armed with our essential do’s and dont’s, to ensure a safe, rewarding and cultural adventure.
Do’s
Do spend more than one day at Petra: Although you can see the main highlights of Petra in a day, such as the Treasury which starred in ‘Indiana Jones’, and the even larger Monastery, you need two days or more to thoroughly explore the site.
Do greet people in Arabic: You will hear the traditional Arabic greeting of “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) everywhere in Jordan, and it is polite to respond in kind.
Do accept Arabic coffee: Strong tasting Arabic coffee is common across Jordan, and you will likely be offered a cup by your host if visiting a local home or shop. Coffee is an important symbol of hospitality, so it is polite to accept!
Do float in the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and renowned for its high salt content. This prevents you from being able to swim but means you can float on the surface. The water is good for the skin and there are many hotels around the shoreline, so it is easy to book a stay and experience it for yourself.
Do savour Jordanian cuisine: Traditional dishes to try include mansaf, which is a rice, lamb and yogurt dish, falafel and mezze. Dine in restaurants that are busy with locals and don’t be afraid to try a camel burger either!
Do be polite and firm with sellers: At tourist sights such as Petra, Jerash and Wadi Rum, you may be ambushed by merchants looking to sell you souvenirs. If you are not interested in their merchandise, then a firm but polite “no thank you” or “la shukran” in Arabic should do the trick.
Do haggle: If you are interested in purchasing from traders then feel free to haggle, as sellers expect this. Remember that Jordan is a poor country compared to the West, so be fair and ensure you pay a fair price to the seller. You may seal the transaction with a handshake and a thank you, “shukran”.
Do feel free to drink alcohol: You may be surprised to hear that alcohol is available in predominantly Muslim Jordan. Although not many Jordanians drink, enough do for the country to brew its own beer, “Petra”. This is available in shops, and you can drink local and imported beer in bars and hotels. Ensure you only drink in licensed venues or in your own hotel or accommodation, and not in public.
Don’ts
Don’t put your head in the Dead Sea: Floating in the Dead Sea is one of the best activities to do in Jordan, as the high salt content means you will bob like a cork! But the saltiness of the water means it is extremely painful and dangerous if it gets in your eyes, so keep your head above water. If you do get Dead Sea water in your eyes, rinse it out thoroughly with bottled water and seek medical advice.
Don’t feel like you need to cover your head: Although it’s a Muslim country, you will notice that many women in Jordan do not cover their hair, and there is no obligation for you to do so unless you would like to. If visiting mosques, then you may be required to wear a head covering.
Don’t show affection in public: Public displays of affection are not culturally acceptable in Jordan. Although it is a less conservative country than others in the Middle East, it is still culturally more conservative than western countries.
Don’t discuss politics: Middle Eastern politics are complicated and volatile. Jordan is a peaceful and stable country but there are serious tensions in the region, especially with Israel. Many Jordanians feel very strongly about the political situation, and it is best not to bring this up in conversation unless you are an expert on the topic.
Don’t interrupt someone who is praying: You will hear the call to prayer five times throughout the day in Jordan, from dawn to dusk. Whilst many Jordanians will go to mosque, some will pray in their businesses or homes. It is important not to interrupt anyone who is praying, wait until they have finished before you speak to them.
Don’t ignore government advice: As mentioned, the Middle East is a volatile region. Whilst Jordan is a beacon of safety in the area, it is important to check government advice before you travel and to heed all official warnings and advice. Ignoring advice may invalidate your travel insurance or result in you getting stranded.
Don’t eat in public during Ramadan: You can still visit Jordan during the holy month of Ramadan, but be aware that many businesses will be operating reduced hours and many Jordanians will be fasting throughout the day. Avoid eating in public during this time, as it is considered insensitive and rude.
Don’t photograph military personnel or buildings: Expect to see a military presence in a country which has Iraq, Syria and Israel on its borders. Jordan’s location and relative safety is what makes it such an unusual and captivating destination. But you will get in trouble if you photograph military personnel, equipment or buildings, so don’t!
Despite its location, Jordan is an incredible and safe travel destination, home to one of the Wonders of the World, a warm climate, delicious food and welcoming and hospitable people. Follow these tips to ensure a successful and memorable adventure in Jordan.
Author:
Ben works as a content marketer for a global travel business, specializing in travel guides and articles. He is well traveled, having visited 25 countries so far including Peru, Turkey, Estonia, Jordan, Egypt, USA, Hungary, Spain and Italy. He’s interested in politics, history, Formula One and environmentalism.