Jordan Warnings Or Dangers

  Taxi - Amman
by PierreZA
 
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  • The hills of Amman
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  •   Warnings Or Dangers
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      Spice Shop - Amman
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Health

by antistar

The water is apparently safe to drink, but probably not worth risking it. I've heard that while safe most of the time, it occasionally gets some nasty bug in the system and there's usually no prior warning. Sensitive stomachs might want to be careful of eating street food. I caught a brief case of the runs after a felafel in Kerak. Generally the food is so well cooked as to not be a problem, but the salad can always be a risk.There's no malaria in Jordan, and you are only advised to get the same immunisation boosters you'd expect to have for living at home.

Crime and Safety

by antistar

According to all reports Jordan is an extremely low crime country. I certainly can't argue with that. I didn't feel threatened my entire time there, not even feeling the need to shove my hands in my pocket when jostled by crowds. People just didn't jostle me, they were usually too busy staring at me or bidding me welcome.

Terrorism

by antistar

Jordan joined an exclusive, if unfortunate, club when it was attacked by Al Qaeda in 2005. These were the first significant terrorist bombings in Jordan's history, with the deaths of 57 people in three bombings at hotels across Amman. The most recent event before I visited, saw a man shoot at tourists in Amman, killing on Briton and injuring several others. He wasn't linked to any terrorist organisation.While obviously Jordan has its risk of terrorism, based on statistics it is extremely safe. You are less likely to be attacked by terrorists here than in the UK. At many of the major sites you will see armed guards, but don't let that put you off. They are there for your protection, and spend most of the time looking extremely bored, knowing that nothing is likely to happen.Jordanians responded to the bombing with extreme anger. There were massive demonstrations against Al Qaeda in the...

Papers!

by antistar

I'm not 100% certain that you need to carry your passport around with you at all times, but it will certainly ease your passage if you have some kind of identity papers on you. Several times we were stopped while driving about the country and questioned, the only time they didn't ask for my passport was when I actually bothered to take it with me. It was never a problem, and the officials were always friendly and helpful, but I get the feeling that having my passport would have sped matters up by a couple of minutes, and would have lessened the risk of a grumpier official making us wait longer.To be honest, I think the checks were the result of them being paranoid about my safety as a Westerner. They seemed more interested in what my driver was planning on doing, and his identification than mine. Once they saw that I was happy and relaxed, they seemed to relax too, and stop worrying...

Where are you from?

by antistar

From north and south, and east to west, this seemed to be the gambit of choice for the salesmen and salewomen of Jordan. It works because the Jordanians are so friendly and welcoming that many genuinely ask you where you are from to be polite. It works for the salesmen because then they know that they can speak your language, and its worth pestering you to buy their goods or services. Mostly you won't get too much hassle in Jordan, but at the big tourist sites you will get a fair amount, especially at Petra. The best way of dealing with this question is to ignore it, but that can be hard if you think the person may be genuinely being friendly. You just have to make a judgement call. Up until Petra I responded to everyone. At Petra I stopped responding. The next day I was walking around Castle Kerak and someone shouted "Hello! Where are you from!" I paused for a moment, weighing up the...

CAMEL CROSSING

by DAO

A few VT’ers have seen my Camel Crossing sign and thought it was a bit of a spoof. I can assure you it is not. There are quite a few desert/dry areas across the Middle East and Bedouins do cross empty roads from time to time. The main picture was taken on the Desert Highway, but the camel itself was taken on the King’s Highway. There was also a problem with dead camels. These things do drop dead from time to time and the Bedouins seem to leave them where they fall. I saw 2 in the road, one of which was right in the centre. If you are on a long boring road do be vigilant. Hitting a camel would definitely damage your vehicle. Driving is challenging enough with lunatic drivers, but don’t forget about the animals.

Tip Photo
Horrible traffic

by ChristinaC

Well the traffic in Amman can get hectic at times. Specially when everyone is off from work. So if you are planning to cross the road, keep your eyes and ears open! The drivers dont stop for anyone, and some of them are driving pretty fast!People seem to park anywhere there is the smallest change! Sometimes in the middle of the road...

Watch out for the Taxi drivers

by ChristinaC

If you are a girl travelling alone then watch out for the taxi drivers at night. I usually didnt use the taxis at all, as I once had a creepy experience! and always sit on the back seat!and btw even when you are walking you should take care! As they are pretty wild drivers too :P and use the horn ALOT!

Change Enough Money...

by coceng

Jordan currency caleld Jordanian Dinar is the expensive compared to the neighbouring countries & the locals know about this.Make sure that you have enough Jordanian Dinar with you when entering Jordan & make sure that you also have small change for some taxi or bus or service taxi rides...

Sand storm = No fun

by 1W1V

Between April and May, some strong sand storm can ruin your day.Usually it keeps going for the whole day and sand get to every part of your house even if all the windown are closed. Same with your car !Sand storm gives a very special atmosphere to the town but can be quickly oppressive.Fortunately, no more than 24 hours !

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Top 3 Hotels in Jordan

Petra Movenpick  Petra

 10 Reviews and 581 Opinions  Called one of the most notable hotels in the Middle East. Lovely hotel, lobby and lounge areas, and... 

 Hotels in Petra

Four Seasons Hotel Amman  Amman

 4 Reviews and 172 Opinions  We stayed overnight at the Four Seasons, on our return trip home to Australia. We were warmly... 

 See all 86 Hotels in Amman

Wadi Rum Zeltcamps  Wadi Rum

 2 Opinions

 Hotels in Wadi Rum

The Place

Reviews and photos of Jordan attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jordan sightseeing.

Experience Jordan
 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  I am considering booking a Thomas Cook trip to Aqaba jan 7th. The main purpose of the trip is sunbathing, but we also would like... 

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A: Personally, I would miss out the Dead Sea and do both Wadi Rum and Petra. However, if you are set on the Dead Sea, then Petra is the other choice. I cannot see that... 

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