According to a2zcamerablog, Jordan is the most stable and secure Arab country in the Middle East. There is almost no crime, police patrols are often found on the streets of cities, but due to the great influence of tribal traditions, the Jordanians themselves maintain order in their village, so there are usually no difficulties in this matter. There are also no interfaith conflicts. There are no restrictions on movement within the country. If you have a visa, no additional permits are required to move around the country. Muslim holidays are celebrated according to the lunar calendar, which is 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian. The official days off are Friday and Saturday, some institutions are closed on Sunday (museums also on Tuesday). Religious holidays such as Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice, 3 days), Eid al-Fitr (the holiday of breaking the fast – 3 days), Mawlid al-Nabawi (the birthday of the prophet), Ras al-Sana (Muslim New Year), etc. are also non-working. In addition, one should pay attention to the fact that on holidays a large number of the local population rushes to Aqaba and the Dead Sea, which is why hotels often do not have enough free places, and the roads are clogged with vehicles. In addition, during the holidays, a large number of schoolchildren also visit the main attractions, which only adds to the difficulties in moving around. Jordan is a Muslim country, so many traditions and customs have a religious connotation, although less prominent than in most other Islamic countries. Jordanians are naturally very friendly and hospitable, but somewhat slow and forgetful. Even in case if a guest unknowingly shows frank faux pas, then the locals will always explain everything with pleasure and without unnecessary emotions.
During the Muslim fast in the month of Ramadan, the renunciation of all worldly things continues from dawn to dusk. Foreigners are also advised to exercise restraint during fasting, especially in public places. Greetings and farewells are usually accompanied by a handshake and traditional questions about business (questions about personal life, and especially about your spouse, are considered indecent). Clothing should be modest (especially for women) and non-provocative (light and comfortable casual clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended for excursions). Short skirts and open arms can cause a lot of negative emotions, even shorts on a man in a public place are considered indecent. Some mosques are not allowed for non-Muslims. Women should remember that sitting in the front seat of a car is considered the height of indecency. It is not recommended for a woman to touch a “strange” man in any case, even for a greeting (handshakes and kisses between friends of the same sex are a common thing). There are special rooms “for women” in restaurants and cafes. Before photographing someone, be sure to ask permission from the subject. To avoid problems, do not remove military installations and transport infrastructure. When traveling around the country, it is recommended that you always have your passport with you in case of a possible verification of documents. This is especially true of the areas bordering Israel with the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley and the Arava. Local gesture etiquette is quite complicated, so you should not actively gesture “in public” – many of our gestures may seem offensive to a local resident. Most gestures are performed with the right hand, as the left is considered “impure”.
Food is also offered and accepted only with the right hand (at least three fingers). The owner of the house takes food first, he must also finish the meal. If something fell on the table, it is not shameful to pick up the fallen and eat it. The portion size of most dishes is simply huge, so it is more profitable to take one dish for a company of 2-3 people, adding other snacks if necessary, since most of them are automatically added to a particular dish. Meat dishes with a side dish are often served on a huge tray, from which everyone can independently set aside the required amount of food for themselves, although it is not considered shameful for everyone to eat from the tray. It is considered proper to take food from the nearest tray or dish. The guest will definitely be offered coffee – it is not recommended to refuse it, even under the guise of health problems, as it is more a sign of respect and tradition, and not just a drink. And the size of local coffee cups is small. Drink tea or coffee should be slow and it is better to take at least three sips. Blowing on hot food and drinks is indecent. Almost all foods are considered safe for health, but still you should not drink unbottled or unboiled water, unpasteurized milk, eat uncooked meat or fish, vegetables and fruits from the tray or have not been pre-treated. The heat and the usual dehydration of the body in these places can be dangerous for patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases, although these unfavorable factors are mitigated by the country’s special microclimate. Evenings are quite cool even in summer. While swimming in the Dead Sea, it is necessary to protect your eyes, as the high salt content in the water can irritate the mucous membranes. It is best to wear goggles. Thick flip-flops are also recommended – the shores are quite rocky. Photographic services and film are quite expensive, so it is better to bring the necessary stock of film with you. Mains voltage 220 V., 50 Hz. Sockets are standard, with two pins. Tipping is given to hotel staff (0.5-1 dinars), a guide (1-2 dinars per person), a driver (up to 1.5 dinars per person), drivers and voluntary guides (2 dinars), etc. Tipping is usually make up a large (often the main) part of the earnings of Jordanians, so not giving a tip means depriving a person of the main source of income.