Safety and tips for Jordan

[John*&*his*GG 2]

I'm coming up close to my trip to Jordan. I was hoping someone or everyone who knows Jordan well could tell me safety tips, do's and don't's, who to trust, who not to trust, if there is a certain cab company I should use or avoid, where to go, where not to go, what to be aware of, how to get my visa, etc....

Anything I need to know. It's the first time I've ever been outside of the usa. Hopefully I'll be leaving in April. However I have a wild imagination so any tips might ease my mind a bit.

Thanks in advance.

[John*&*his*GG 2]

I'm coming up close to my trip to Jordan. I was hoping someone or everyone who knows Jordan well could tell me safety tips, do's and don't's, who to trust, who not to trust, if there is a certain cab company I should use or avoid, where to go, where not to go, what to be aware of, how to get my visa, etc....

Anything I need to know. It's the first time I've ever been outside of the usa. Hopefully I'll be leaving in April. However I have a wild imagination so any tips might ease my mind a bit.

Thanks in advance.

What are the roads like is it safe for me to rent a car and drive from Amman to Petra or would it be better to take a cab?

[Lisamarie 79]

Is your husband or fiance there? Can he pick you up at the airport? For me, in Morocco (also my first time out of the country), it would've been difficult to get from the airport to his city without help as most people there didn't speak English. I'm guessing it's probably the same in Jordan.

The Department of State website has travel information, warnings, etc. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html

Hope that helps:)

[John*&*his*GG 2]

Is your husband or fiance there? Can he pick you up at the airport? For me, in Morocco (also my first time out of the country), it would've been difficult to get from the airport to his city without help as most people there didn't speak English. I'm guessing it's probably the same in Jordan.

The Department of State website has travel information, warnings, etc. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html

Hope that helps:)

I'm the male. Yes my soon to be fiance is there. I think once I get with her things will be easier. However she's Filipina and only been there a year and half herself. She also doesn't really go anywhere but the mall and her jobs. It's still up in the air about whether or not she can pick me up from the airport. Not sure how far the airport is from her (Arab Medical Center) and she is a little uncomfortable riding in taxis for a long trip unless she has someone with her.

I'm also aware of the site but I'm looking for answers beyond that. Thanks.

[Lisamarie 79]

Ok. sorry, I just assumed you were the female I don't blame her, I would be uncomfortable too. I hope you get the answers you need here.

I'm the male. Yes my soon to be fiance is there. I think once I get with her things will be easier. However she's Filipina and only been there a year and half herself. She also doesn't really go anywhere but the mall and her jobs. It's still up in the air about whether or not she can pick me up from the airport. Not sure how far the airport is from her (Arab Medical Center) and she is a little uncomfortable riding in taxis for a long trip unless she has someone with her.

I'm also aware of the site but I'm looking for answers beyond that. Thanks.

Edited February 13, 2011 by Lisamarie

[John*&*his*GG 2]

Ok. sorry, I just assumed you were the female I don't blame her, I would be uncomfortable too. I hope you get the answers you need here.

The J= John in my profile name and np thanks.

[Anna and Ali 13]

I must say that I was taken aback by the driving and would not venture onto Amman roundabouts unless you are from a congested city or have driven abroad before. They make up lanes and weave between vehicles too much! However, Amman and Jordan as a whole is breathtaking. Be sure to observe customs in taxis if you are with your fiance. For example, she should not sit up front with the driver.

My fiance kept advising me to not let on that I didn't know arabic when entering shops because you can get duped into paying high prices. I would say if you are going to Petra from Amman it's expensive to either rent a car or a taxi but I would say if you don't know where you are going, take a cab. It is nestled into the hillside

Going to petra, this is important YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ID!!! You pay (unfortunately) about 50JD for admission for not being a citizen of Jordan, while Jordanians pay under 3.00. I got in cheap because my father in law told them I was his son's wife.

Just be travel smart, do not (as much as it breaks your heart) give money carelessly to children on the street. When you turn your back they will be on their iphones calling whoever has them dangerously alone on the streets.

Other than that, it is an extremely safe and friendly environment and you should have no trouble finding help from people on the street. Be respectful.

The only person I did not trust was a fluke, we were treated very badly by a guard who didn't believe me that i wasn't a prostitute from Syria or something. I don't really understand what it was about but my Jordanian fiance and I were held at gunpoint until the guard's boss told him to let us go. Even my social security card and passport didn't convince him i was american. I can almost guarantee you will never face that though. it was not his right to do that and he was reprimanded for it.

be confident, calm, and smart and Jordan will do the rest! have fun.

[Dream'nJordan 9]

Anna is right. Unless you have driven there...dont attempt to rent a car. The people there drive crazy. I think I had my eyes covered for most of my 1st and 2nd trip there. By the 3rd time I got used to it. Another thing she is right about is the kids. The kids look innocent and like they need the money. Although they might, the person they are working for doesnt.

Try not to show too much public affection. Its not looked upon highly at all.

Jordan is beautiful and one of the greatest places I have ever been. I was very welcomed and had the time of my life. Best place to stay is in West Amman. Taxis...just remember that the yellow ones are always cheaper than the white ones.

I have been to Jordan 3 times to see my husband, but we only stayed in 2 places. Razan Hotel by the Royal Hotel in the 3rd circle, we stayed at 2 times. It was 30 JD a night. They have a breakfast buffet, but if you are not arabic you probably wont eat it. lol. Its not all that bad but could be a lot cleaner...but the people that work there are very sweet. The lady that works during the day speaks English. Her name is Maria. The number there is 011-(962) 6 4649-3912.

the 3rd time I went, we stayed at Gondola Hotel and Suites. It was a little more expensive at 37 JD a night. Its in the 5th circle by the Four Seasons Hotel. The number there is 011-(962) 6-551-56-56. They also have a website: www.gondol.com

Both places had there advantages in being close to different places to eat or walk around.

It is nothing to see people walking around safely at 3 am. While you are there, you have to eat shawrma from Shawrma El Reem in the 2nd circle and go to the Dead Sea. You will have a blast I am sure. If you have any more questions feel free to ask, my husband is now here with me and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[John*&*his*GG 2]

Anna mentioned prostitute....... my fiance mentioned that is one of her concerns when/if she picked me up for the airport especially since she is a Filipina you don't think we have any issues like that?

About driving I wasn't concerned about safe drivers I'm used to crazy drivers here that part I'm sure I can handle however we may still take a taxi. One of my main concerns is I read about a bombing around dead sea. I'm just wondering if I should be concerned about those type of things.

Anyone know about New Park Hotel? My fiance says it's near her, they have a shuttle, and it seems to be decently priced. Is it ok?

Are the people there friendly towards Americans? Should I avoid making it clear that I am American? Or will it be quite obvious so won't matter?

[Anna and Ali 13]

The people there are sooooo friendly towards AMericans, do not worry about that. As far as the allegations of prostitution, I wouldn't worry, it was a fluke and it turns out that we were only being harassed because we had driven into an unmarked restricted zone nearby a diplomat's residence.

I can't give any hotel advice because I stayed at his family's home. If you are polite and friendly, 99.9% of people won't give you an issue. It will probably be evident that you are american but it's not like you will be the only one in Jordan. Downtown Amman has many cultures and tourists. I would say if your fiance has not had any significant issues living there as a Filipina, you probably won't. It is difficult, as far as I have seen, for Filipino people and some Asians to gain respect in the Middle East.

I would say just have fun because you cannot plan your trip around whether there might be a security issue, just be willing to submit to any random highway stops by police and just keep your eyes open.

I'm so jealous btw, i am dying to go back. would go right now if i could!

[John*&*his*GG 2]

The people there are sooooo friendly towards AMericans, do not worry about that. As far as the allegations of prostitution, I wouldn't worry, it was a fluke and it turns out that we were only being harassed because we had driven into an unmarked restricted zone nearby a diplomat's residence.

I can't give any hotel advice because I stayed at his family's home. If you are polite and friendly, 99.9% of people won't give you an issue. It will probably be evident that you are american but it's not like you will be the only one in Jordan. Downtown Amman has many cultures and tourists. I would say if your fiance has not had any significant issues living there as a Filipina, you probably won't. It is difficult, as far as I have seen, for Filipino people and some Asians to gain respect in the Middle East.

I would say just have fun because you cannot plan your trip around whether there might be a security issue, just be willing to submit to any random highway stops by police and just keep your eyes open.

I'm so jealous btw, i am dying to go back. would go right now if i could!

Only issues I know of with my fiance is she just says in the work place Jordanians and the Filipinas don't always get along and the males are a bit pushy with her. Then again that's nearly any work place.

Honestly I have been watch a few videos today of Jordan and other people's trips there and I can't say I'm scared anymore. I'm even more excited about going now. The people look decently friendly.

Hehe I think I'm gonna stand out like a whale on a beach when I go though. From the way the videos I watched I don't dress anything close to that. The men look like they all dress in dress clothes. I'm all about wearing jeans and t-shirts.

Driving doesn't look too bad but I'm starting to consider just letting the cab drivers do it.

I was planning on only staying about a week but after seeing videos I might extend my trip to 2 weeks. We plan on going to Petra and Wadi Rum.

[FormerlyKnownAs 17]

Anyone here that's been to both Jordan and Egypt (Cairo specifically)? I'm wondering if the driving and traffic are similar... Because if they are, I can tell you I certainly would never attempt to rent and drive a car in Cairo and I live in a city in the US with notoriously bad/crazy/fast drivers!

[MGoBlue 0]

Allow me to offer you some friendly advice:

- Since it's your first time, I would strongly advise against renting a car. The streets are not well marked, routes are not clearly marked and the traffic cirlces will pose issues if you don't know where you are going. If you miss a street in which you sould have taken, it could be 30 minutes before you get back to that same spot. The main thoroughfares are divided by a raised median and that median can go on for miles and miles before you are able to cross back to the other side to make a "u-turn"...also Amman is notorious for it's bridges and tunnels. There are so many of them. You want to spend time with your fiance, not driving in circles trying to find you way around. Taxi's are cheap and I would suggest agreeing on a fare before he pulls away from the curb or asking him to turn the meter on if he does not). If you find a cabbie your particularly like, ask for his phone number and call him for all your transportation needs. Also gas stations are not like here on every corner...so filling up would be an issue (also many of the guys who fillup the tanks (it's all full service) smoke and I have seen the filling cars with petrol while smoking. There are also police patrols all over the place and especially on the highways that stop cars randomly to check out the paperwork (but if you are in a rental, the license plat is green and they usually won't pull you over). They do not need probably cause to stop you. Sounds scary, but trust me you probably won't come in any contact with police officers.

- Does your fiance speak Arabic? Read? You may be able to find tour groups that charter buses and visit various tourist attractions. Most inter-city buses are huge and comparable to Greyhouse, but some modes of transportation are the mini-buses and these are dangerous. Very cheap but dangerous. Stick with a cabbie you like or the huge Jett buses.

- If you plan to visit the dead sea, I would highly suggest staying overnight/paying for a day pass at the Marriott or Movenpick. They are moderate in price, but check online for any deals they may have. But the beaches there are clean and have showers. There are also swimming pools at the hotels that are second to none!

-if you are going to Aqaba, definetly take bus from Amman. the trip is a long one, not in time, but in nerves and the roads are not very safe with tanker trucks, taxis, and slow moving vehicles trying to share the road. many people speed on these as do the bus drivers and truck drivers (petrol tankers, refridgerated trailers and dry goods) and there are many accidents. At least one major one every week. That added to fact that it is your first trip there, you are better off taking a bus.

- I cannot stress that the country is extremely safe. The government/monarchy do a fantastic job when comes to ensuring state security. Everyone coming in and out is tracked. Anything out of the ordinary is investigated. There are plainclothes security forces all over the place. The tourist ares you will find english speakers.

- Everyone is very helpful. Complete strangers will offer to help you and expect nothing in return. I've had someone come out of their house since I was stopped on the side of the road ( I had to make a phone call. I also was driving a rental car...and don't foreget they know since it's got a green license plate) to see if I was ok or needed help. he didn't notice I had a phone and offered my use of his house phone.

- I am not sure how long you intend to stay...you may obtain an entry visa in the airport as you depart the plane prior to immigration. there are signs for Jordanians and other lines for "foreigners". (I would try to get Dinars while you are here in the US...the exchange rate is roughly 71.9 Dinars per 100 US Dollars...since you pay for the visa 10 Dinars).

-check out http://kinziblogs.wordpress.com/ I am not sure if your fiance attends church, but she may know the author of this blog, who attend a large church in Amman. this lady, whose whole family is American/blonde hair/blue eyes has been living in Jordan for I would say 30 years and tells it like it is. She would certainly be able to give you more advice or field your questions.

**Someone above mentioned that the white cabs are more expensive then the yellow. That is incorrect. The white cabs form a line (they have specific stops...sort of like a bus, but only have room for a few passengers). As passengers you "board" the first white cab in line. Once that cab is full, then it departs...and the second one is line moves to the head and becomes the active boarding cab. I would not suggest that mode since you don't know where you are going.

[John*&*his*GG 2]

Does anyone know what vaccinations I should get for Jordan if any?

[John*&*his*GG 2]

- I am not sure how long you intend to stay...you may obtain an entry visa in the airport as you depart the plane prior to immigration.

Do you mean before I leave USA or when I arrive in Jordan? When do I get the visa?