Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country — dress modestly outside of beach resorts, covering shoulders and knees especially at religious sites and in smaller towns
The Jordanian weekend is Friday and Saturday — government offices and many businesses are closed; Sunday is a regular working day
Hospitality (diyafa) is a cornerstone of Jordanian culture — if invited for tea or a meal, accepting is considered respectful; refusing repeatedly can cause offense
Arabic greetings open every interaction — even a simple 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) earns immediate warmth and respect from Jordanians
Bargaining is expected in traditional markets and souqs but not in fixed-price shops and malls — always negotiate politely and with a smile
Photography of local people requires permission — ask with a smile and the word 'soura?' (photo?) — most Jordanians are happy to be photographed
Time operates more flexibly in Jordan — meetings and social engagements may start later than scheduled; patience is appreciated
Public displays of affection between unmarried couples are discouraged, especially outside of Amman's cosmopolitan areas
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Accept offers of coffee (qahwa) or tea from shopkeepers and hosts — refusal is considered rude in Jordanian hospitality culture
- Remove shoes when entering a Jordanian home if you see shoes by the door — always wait to be invited in
- Greet with 'As-salamu alaykum' and accept the response 'Wa alaykum as-salam' — using Arabic greetings creates immediate warmth
- Dress modestly in non-resort areas — cover shoulders and knees, particularly in Petra, Jerash, and smaller towns
- Use your right hand for eating, passing food, and handshakes — the left hand is traditionally considered unclean
- Stand when an elder enters a room and offer them the better seat — respect for elders is deeply embedded in Jordanian culture
- Ask for permission before photographing people, especially women in traditional dress
- Try to learn a few Arabic phrases — even basic efforts are warmly appreciated and will open many doors
Don't
- Don't photograph military installations, government buildings, checkpoints, or the Royal Palace — this is illegal and can result in arrest
- Don't point the soles of your feet toward people or important objects — this is considered deeply disrespectful in Arab culture
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours — this is disrespectful to fasting Muslims and technically illegal
- Don't enter mosques during prayer time unless invited — wait outside and enter quietly during non-prayer hours with modest dress
- Don't refuse food offered by a host multiple times — accepting hospitality honors both guest and host in Jordanian culture
- Don't engage in public drunkenness — while alcohol is legal in Jordan, conspicuous intoxication is frowned upon
- Don't discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unless you are very familiar with Jordanian perspectives — it is an extremely sensitive topic
- Don't assume all Jordanians are the same — Jordan is home to Bedouin tribes, Palestinian Jordanians, Circassians, Armenians, and Iraqis, each with distinct traditions
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Diyafa (Hospitality)
Jordanian hospitality is legendary and centers on the principle that a guest must be treated as a gift from God. Being offered food, tea, and accommodation — even by strangers — is common, and hosts will often insist guests take more food than they can eat.
Mansaf Ceremony
The communal eating of mansaf (lamb in dried yogurt sauce over rice) is Jordan's most important cultural ritual, served at weddings, funerals, and celebrations. Traditionally eaten standing around a large communal platter with the right hand, it symbolizes unity and generosity.
Arabic Coffee Ritual
Qahwa (Arabic coffee) scented with cardamom is served in small handleless cups as the first gesture of hospitality. Guests shake the cup side to side when they have had enough — simply setting it down signals a desire for more.
Wasta (Social Connections)
Personal connections and family networks (wasta) are crucial to how things get done in Jordan. Being introduced through a mutual contact transforms business and social interactions — direct cold approaches are less effective than warm introductions.
Jum'a (Friday Prayer)
Friday noon prayer is the most important religious gathering of the week. Many businesses close for 1-2 hours around 12:30 PM on Fridays. The call to prayer five times daily is part of the rhythm of life across Jordan.
Ramadan Observance
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The atmosphere transforms dramatically — daytime is quiet while evenings come alive with iftar (breaking fast) feasts and late-night socializing. Non-Muslims should eat discreetly in public during daylight hours.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshakes are standard between men; women may wait to see if a man extends his hand before offering hers. Close male friends may exchange cheek kisses. 'As-salamu alaykum' is the universal greeting. Use first names only after being invited to.
- Dining
- Wait for the host to begin eating before starting. Accept second and third helpings — refusing can seem ungrateful. Complimenting the food is essential. The host typically insists on paying for the meal.
- Dress
- Smart casual in Amman and resort areas; conservative dress (covering shoulders and knees) in traditional neighborhoods, religious sites, and smaller cities. Women should carry a scarf for mosque visits.
- Gifts
- Bring sweets, fruit, or pastries when visiting a Jordanian home — never alcohol unless you know the family drinks. Gifts are often set aside to be opened later rather than in front of the giver.
- Business
- Business meetings begin with social chat and coffee before getting to the point — launching directly into business is considered brusque. Exchange business cards with both hands or the right hand.
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants is appreciated but not always mandatory; tip taxi drivers by rounding up; hotel staff $1-2 per service; tour guides $5-15 per day based on quality
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم)
Hello / Peace be upon you
as-SAL-ah-mu ah-LAY-kum
Wa alaykum as-salam (وعليكم السلام)
And upon you peace (response)
wa ah-LAY-kum as-SAL-am
Shukran (شكراً)
Thank you
SHUK-ran
Ahlan wa sahlan (أهلاً وسهلاً)
You're welcome / God's grace
AH-lan wa SAH-lan
Min fadlak (م) / Min fadliki (ف)
Please
min FAD-lak (to man) / min FAD-li-ki (to woman)
Na'am / La (نعم / لا)
Yes / No
na-AM / la
Bikam hatha? (بكم هذا؟)
How much does this cost?
bi-KAM HA-tha
Wayn...? (وين؟)
Where is...?
wayn
Mish fahim (م) / Mish fahma (ف) (مش فاهم)
I don't understand
mish FA-him / mish FA-hma
Sahteen (صحتين)
Bon appetit / Enjoy your meal
sah-TEEN
Inshallah (إن شاء الله)
God willing (used for future plans)
in-SHA-la
Mabrook (مبروك)
Congratulations / Welcome
ma-BROOK
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Jordan.
Main: Islam (Sunni majority, approximately 97% of the population); Christian minority approximately 2-3% concentrated in Madaba, Kerak, Salt, and Fuheis
Sites: Notable Islamic sites include the Shrine of Nabi Lut (near Dead Sea), Mosque of Abu Darwish (Amman), and the entire pilgrimage route to Mecca passing through Jordan; Christian sites include Mount Nebo, Madaba's St. George's Church, and the Baptism Site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Holy Days: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan, 3 days), Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice, 4 days), Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid), Islamic New Year; Christmas and Easter observed by Christian minority; Jordan National Day May 25
Conversations: Avoid criticizing Islam or expressing strong opinions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; commenting negatively on the Jordanian Royal Family is also sensitive; discussions about sexuality and LGBTQ+ topics are best avoided in traditional contexts