Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country — dress modestly, particularly in religious sites, older neighborhoods, and outside West Amman
Friday is the Islamic holy day — the working week runs Sunday to Thursday in Jordan, and many government offices and traditional businesses close on Fridays
Jordanians are known for extraordinary hospitality — accepting an offer of tea or coffee is a social courtesy
Bargaining is normal in traditional markets (souks) but not in modern shops, restaurants, or hotels
Photography of people should always be done with permission — ask 'mumkin asawwirak?' (may I photograph you?)
Remove shoes when entering someone's home and many traditional spaces
Public displays of affection (even between married couples) are inappropriate — reserve physical affection for private spaces
Alcohol is available in licensed establishments but Jordan is a Muslim country — drink respectfully and don't walk in public with open containers
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly — 'Ahlan wa sahlan' (welcome) and 'Marhaba' (hello) go a long way
- Accept tea, coffee, or food when offered by locals — refusal can be seen as impolite
- Dress modestly, especially at the Citadel, mosques, and in East Amman and downtown
- Use your right hand for eating, passing items, and greetings — the left hand is considered unclean
- Remove shoes before entering mosques or private homes when asked
- Stand up when an elder enters the room — respect for elders is deeply important in Jordanian culture
- Learn a few Arabic phrases — locals deeply appreciate any effort to use their language
- Haggle in traditional markets (souks) — it is expected and part of the social exchange
Don't
- Don't photograph military installations, checkpoints, or government buildings — it is illegal
- Don't disrespect Islam or the Jordanian royal family — both are deeply held sources of national pride
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke openly in public during Ramadan daylight hours — it is inconsiderate and illegal in some contexts
- Don't walk into a mosque in clothing that exposes arms or legs — be prepared to cover up
- Don't assume all Jordanians are conservative — Amman is cosmopolitan, but don't impose Western social norms
- Don't discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a polarizing way — it is a deeply emotional topic for many Jordanians
- Don't point the sole of your shoe/foot at someone — it is considered deeply offensive in Arab culture
- Don't decline multiple offers of hospitality rudely — a gentle, grateful decline after two offers is usually accepted
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Coffee and Tea Hospitality
Offering coffee (qahwa) or tea (shay) to guests is one of the most important expressions of Jordanian hospitality. Arabic coffee (bitter, cardamom-spiced) is served in small cups and refilled until you shake the cup slightly to signal you've had enough.
Mansaf Communal Eating
Jordan's national dish, mansaf, is traditionally eaten standing around a large communal tray — everyone eating with their right hand from the shared platter. This communal dining tradition symbolizes brotherhood and generosity.
Ramadan Observance
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Non-Muslims are expected to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. The atmosphere after sunset (iftar) is festive and welcoming.
Greeting Customs
Jordanian greetings can be elaborate — expect 'Marhaba' (hello), 'Ahlan wa Sahlan' (welcome), 'Kayfa halak?' (how are you?), followed by enquiries about health and family. Between men, handshakes are common; between men and women, wait for the woman to extend her hand first.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake between men; a nod or verbal greeting with women unless they offer a hand. 'Marhaba' (hello) and 'Ahlan' (welcome) work in all contexts. 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) is the standard Islamic greeting, responded to with 'wa alaykum as-salam'.
- Dining
- Wait for the host or eldest person to begin eating. Use your right hand. Accept second helpings graciously — repeated refusals can be seen as impolite. Compliment the food generously.
- Dress
- Smart casual is appropriate for most restaurants and social settings. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites, markets, and East Amman. West Amman (Rainbow Street, Abdali) is notably more relaxed.
- Gifts
- If visiting a Jordanian home, bring sweets (chocolates or baklava), fruit, or flowers. Gifts are often set aside to be opened later — don't be offended if not opened immediately in front of you.
- Business
- Exchange business cards with both hands and a slight bow. Business meetings begin with extended pleasantries before getting to the point — don't rush to the agenda. Relationship-building matters more than efficiency.
- Tipping
- 10–15% at restaurants; round up taxi fares; JOD 1–2 for hotel porters and housekeeping; small tip for tour guides appreciated
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Marhaba / Ahlan
Hello / Hi
mar-HA-ba / AH-lan
Ahlan wa Sahlan
Welcome
AH-lan wa SAH-lan
Shukran
Thank you
SHUK-ran
Afwan
You're welcome
AF-wan
Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f)
Please
min FAD-lak
Na'am / La
Yes / No
nah-AM / lah
Addaysh?
How much?
add-AY-sh
Mai
Water
MY
Zaki
Delicious
ZA-kee
Wayn...?
Where is...?
WAYNE
As-salamu alaykum
Peace be upon you
as-SAL-amu ah-LAY-kum
Inshallah
God willing
in-SHA-la
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Amman.
Main: Islam (Sunni Muslim majority; small Christian minority, particularly in East Amman and older neighborhoods)
Sites: King Abdullah Mosque (open to non-Muslims), Al-Husseini Mosque (exterior viewing), Abu Darwish Mosque (exterior), various Christian churches throughout the city
Holy Days: Friday (Jumu'ah — Islamic holy day; government and many businesses closed). Ramadan (month of fasting — hours change dramatically). Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha (major Islamic celebrations — the city shuts down for 2–4 days).
Conversations: Islam and the royal family are deeply respected and sensitive topics. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also deeply personal for many Jordanians, many of whom are of Palestinian origin. Approach all these subjects with sensitivity and genuine curiosity rather than debate.