Of course, when visiting a foreign country it is always wise to consider the cultural norms and ideologies of the place in order to be respectful to the locals, and perhaps, more importantly, to keep yourself safe! So to get you prepared for your trip to the Hashemite Kingdom, here are seven things you really need to know when visiting Jordan.
Don’t drink the tap water
The tap water in Jordan is not considered safe to drink and it’s recommended you buy bottled water at all times, whatever your chosen accommodation/dining out option.
Simply put, there would be nothing worse than getting ill whilst in Jordan from something which can be so easily prevented! Alternatively, as an avid traveler you may already have a lifestraw, so stay safe and take it with you.
Stay respectful
When in Jordan it is generally frowned upon for anyone to show affection in public, even if you are a couple. If you are planning on taking this trip with your significant other be wary of this as it might be seen as disrespectful to do something as small as hold hands with your partner in a public place.
It is also advised that women wear clothing that covers their skin and is also loose fitting; although it seems to be without question that it is more important to cover up your skin. Men should keep their shirts on at all times, no matter how tempting it may be to take it off in the heat of a Jordanian summer!
The falafel & Mansaf are top class!
Jordan is renowned for having the most delicious homemade falafel in the Middle East (despite the claims in neighboring Israel that Israel is home to the ultimate falafel) which is made from chickpeas and a variety of spices, and which is then deep-fried.
This also means that with veganism on the rise, Jordan is able to cater for those of you vegans; however, there are still many enjoyable dishes that contain meat. Also don’t be alarmed if you are eating and everyone is using just their hands… just be prepared to use bread or pitta instead of a knife and fork!
The national dish is called Mansaf and is worth trying whilst you are there (it’s a lamb dish, cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur). As is the very tasty dessert dish known as Um Ali (a sweet, bread pudding dish). See our guide to the must-try foods of Jordan.
The Dead Sea and its mud are great for your skin!
The Dead Sea is a highlight for many people when visiting Jordan. It’s a must do, and one of those bucket-list items, to cover yourself in mud and then wash it off by floating in the Dead Sea!
Just in case you were wondering, you are able to float in the Dead Sea due to it containing 33% salt as well as many other minerals, which also works wonders for the human skin! It is famously believed that if you follow this process you will reap many natural benefits, due to the high level of minerals (including magnesium, bromides, calcium chlorides and potassium) which the mud and sea contain.
Fascinatingly, people believe that the sea can help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and even pain sourcing from arthritis. It really isn’t surprising that people come here to get a full-on natural spa treatment.
The nightlife is varied and surprisingly chic
The nightlife in Jordan is relatively varied and you may be spoilt for choice on what to do.
One thing that many people find a truly stunning experience is the enchanted Petra by night walk where you get to enjoy the whole site of Petra (including the amazing Treasury) lit up by only candles and the natural light from the moon and stars. And if that doesn’t do it for you, try having a drink at the crazily cool The Cave Bar in the main city of Petra – this place is a 2000-year-old Nabataean rock tomb, and also home to the oldest bar in the world!
Alternatively, if you are more the going out type, head to Jordan’s capital, Amman, where you will find clubs all in a similar location. Check out The Flip Club (also known as the H20 Pool Lounge) where there is a variety of drinks and cocktails and DJ’s all night; you can also relax in the pool there by day.
Taxis are your best choice for getting around
Whilst renting a car can be the most effective way of getting around in Jordan, it can also end up being expensive. We’d recommend getting a yellow or grey taxi from the city as these are known legal taxis – getting into an illegal taxi you may be putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Make sure that you’re wary and check the driver is starting the meter at the start of the journey; if not they could try and charge you extra money!
Taxis in Jordan are quite cheap but it’s best to escape the rush hour, as with anywhere else in the world it can get very busy with journeys taking up to three times longer.
Join the masses and smoke a Hookah
If you love to puff, be aware that you are free to smoke indoors in most places, however, some places have designated areas for you to do so… the only places you are not permitted to smoke in is public enclosed areas such as in hospitals.
An iconic image that you might already have in your mind is that of people smoking flavored tobacco known as Hookah or Shisha. Many people go to restaurants and cafes all over the country to relax to smoke the Hookah and to socialize with friends – if you really want to get local with the locals, you can purchase one for a low price and have a great few hours shooting the breeze.