Visitors’ Guide (See also our “Jordan Now” Link)

After a decade of guiding and several years organizing tours, we have answered a million questions about Jordan(or close to that!).  One thing we notice, of course, is that people are concerned because they are coming to a new culture and they are unsure of manners and customs – of course!  That’s why you come to a new country!

Here is our attempt to address some of the most common questions and concerns that come up in our correspondence with guests. 

Greetings

Greetings and all public interactions in Jordan are quite formal compared to many parts of the world.  People are very friendly and warm - - but it is important to treat everyone, especially members of the opposite sex, with respect and care.  Good Morning, Good Evening and Goodnight are generally understood, especially if accompanied with a smile and a nod of respect.

Handshakes between men are acceptable.  Between members of the opposite sex and between women we suggest that you err on the side of politeness: nod courteously, extend a warm greeting in your own language and a smile - - hard to misunderstand!

Clothing

You can wear anything you want in Jordan , and in West Amman many Jordanians dress like fashion-forward westerners.  Outside west Amman , however, customs become abruptly more conservative.  What you wear advertises things about you – and maybe not what you intend to advertise.  It’s your choice, but if you care to know…

Jordanians generally take care to dress carefully: even if they have only one nice outfit, it will be clean and carefully pressed, and worn to any occasion that requires public interaction.  “Slumming” and “grunge” are simply understood as disrespectful.  It is important to remember that outside affluent West Amman , Jordanians are not particularly interested in edgy western clothing trends.

Showing a lot of skin – whether you are male or female – is really embarrassing to most Jordanians.  Women who wear skimpy clothing are advertising that they are available for advances from men.  Men who show a lot of leg and arm are considered crass and insensitive.  While westerners may not share this aesthetic, that’s all it is – an aesthetic.  “Skimpy” for women means showing leg above mid-calf, arms above the middle of the upper arm, chest more than an inch or so below the throat, see-through fabrics or extremely form-fitting looks.  For men it is inappropriate to wear shorts and tank-tops. 

You can of course wear anything you choose.  JIT suggests adapting your personal style to norms of the country you are visiting, as an adventure in crossing cultural boundaries:  discover what makes you you, and keep it - - and adapt in ways that allows you interact with Jordanians comfortably, to experience as much as you can of the country you're visiting. 

We also urge you to consider your own physical comfort - - blisters and sunburn are not pleasurable additions to your vacation!  Wear comfortable shoes, cover up, bring sunscreen and hat!  In the winter Jordan is cold at night - - and often during the day.  Bring layers - - a jacket, a windbreaker, a sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, a short-sleeved shirt: then you can peel down to your comfort level.

Tipping

Although a service tax is included on most restaurant and hotel bills, your waiter or service person will probably never see any of it.  Giving people tips in cash, personally, is very appreciated.  You may have to insist - - it is Arabic good manners to refuse at first.  Be discreet, but insist.  Remember that the average Jordanian per capita income is about US$1,800 a year, and that unemployment is running at around 40%.  The person you tip is probably working twelve-hour days to help support a whole family.

For independent employees – such as drivers, guides, horse handlers, couriers, etc., tipping is expected.  10% in rural areas is generous - - in Amman 15-20%

Jordanians are incredibly generous and ready to help.  If you have a flat tire or confusion in a shop or a lost bag or hat, everyone in the vicinity will probably take the occasion to help and get to know you.  In these cases traditional hospitality and care are being extended, and no tip is expected - - indeed it might be quite misinterpreted, because there is no “business” being conducted.  Likewise, if you are invited to a meal or tea, it is genuine and you are a guest.  Don’t offer money! If you have been invited and have time to buy a small gift beforehand, however (sweets, for example) it will be appreciated.  If it is an impromptu invitation in the middle of the desert or a streetside shop, your graciousness and profuse thanks are all that’s required.

Religion

Due to current events many people are worried about religious issues in Muslim countries.  We once again stress politeness and respect.  It is highly unlikely that any Jordanian will try to impose Islam - - or even Islamic values - - on you: foreigners are foreigners, to the Jordanian view.  Jordanians are often very proud of their Muslim heritage and want to share that with you, and the culture doesn’t see religion as a private or off-limits issue.  You will often see people praying - - in a shop, at home, at a picnic.  Unlike the west, this is a natural thing, not a source of tension or embarrassment.  Go on doing whatever you’re doing, don’t interrupt the person, and if this is a shopkeeper or server or tour guide, he will be back with you in just a few minutes.