Amman solo travel statistics

🚇 Getting Around

• Amman has no metro or tram. Yellow shared taxis (servees) run fixed routes for JOD 0.25–0.50. White private taxis use meters — flag fall JOD 0.25
• Uber and Careem work well and are the most convenient option. Most rides within Amman cost JOD 2–5
• Amman is extremely hilly — walking between neighbourhoods involves steep climbs. Taxis are essential for longer distances

📱 Connectivity

• Buy a Zain or Orange SIM at Queen Alia Airport — JOD 5–10 for data and calls. Bring your passport for registration
• WiFi available at most cafes, restaurants, and hostels. Speed is generally good in central Amman
• WhatsApp and social media work without restrictions. VoIP calls work normally in Jordan

💰 Money

• The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is one of the world's highest-value currencies. 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. ATMs are everywhere in Amman
• Cards accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants. Carry cash for taxis, downtown markets, and street food
• Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary. Round up taxi fares. Small tips (JOD 0.50–1) for hotel staff

🛂 Visa & Entry

• Most nationalities get visa on arrival at Queen Alia Airport — JOD 40 (free with Jordan Pass purchased in advance)
• Queen Alia Airport (AMM) is 35km south of downtown. Airport taxi to city: JOD 20–25 (fixed rate). Airport Express bus: JOD 3.30
• Jordan shares borders with Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. Border crossings to Israel/Palestine are straightforward

💉 Health & Safety

• No required vaccinations. Tap water is safe in Amman but bottled is recommended. Excellent private hospitals and pharmacies
• Amman is very safe for tourists — Jordanians are famously hospitable. Petty crime is rare. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable
• Summer (Jun–Aug) reaches 35–40°C with dry heat. Winter (Dec–Feb) can be cold and rainy — Amman sits at 800m elevation

🎒 Packing Tips

• Modest clothing recommended — cover shoulders and knees, especially in downtown and mosques. Women: pack a headscarf for mosque visits
• Comfortable walking shoes essential — Amman's hills are steep and sidewalks uneven. Sandals for the Dead Sea
• Layers for evenings — Amman can be cool at night even in summer due to elevation. A light jacket is useful year-round

🍽 Mansaf Etiquette

Mansaf is Jordan's national dish — lamb in fermented yogurt over rice. Traditionally eaten communally with your right hand, standing around a large platter. Roll the rice into balls against the side of the dish. Your host will insist you eat more — accept graciously.

🕌 Mosque Etiquette

Remove shoes before entering mosques. Women should cover their hair, arms, and legs. The King Abdullah Mosque provides free abayas. Don't walk in front of someone praying. Friday midday prayer time means many shops close for 1–2 hours.

☕ Arabic Coffee Ritual

When offered Arabic coffee (qahwa) or tea, always accept — it's a sign of hospitality. The small cups are refilled repeatedly. Tilt the cup side to side when you've had enough. Refusing the first cup is considered impolite.

🤝 Warmth & Hospitality

Jordanians are extraordinarily welcoming. Don't be surprised if strangers invite you for tea or a meal — it's genuine. "Ahlan wa sahlan" (welcome) is said constantly. Greeting people warmly and asking about their family is important.

📸 Photography

Always ask before photographing people, especially women. Jordanians are generally happy to be photographed but consent matters. No photos of military or police installations. Tourist sites and food are fair game everywhere.

🛍 Bargaining

Haggling is expected in souqs and with taxi drivers (if not using the meter). Start at 50% of the asking price and work up. Be friendly and smile — it's a social exchange. Fixed prices in restaurants, malls, and modern shops.