Local Customs and Etiquette in Jordan: A Practical Guide
When visiting Jordan, it’s important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette to make sure you show respect and get a warm welcome. Jordanians are known for their hospitality, and making an effort to understand the culture will help you have a better experience.
Greetings: How to Say Hello in Jordan
Handshakes are common when greeting someone in Jordan, especially between men. Men greet each other with a firm handshake, accompanied by a smile. If you are a man meeting a woman, you should wait to see if she extends her hand first. Always let women decide if they want to shake hands. Sometimes women may greet each other with a kiss on each cheek, starting with the right cheek.
For formal or business settings, it’s polite to greet with “As-salamu alaykum” which means “Peace be upon you.” You can also use “Ahlan” if the context is more casual. When leaving, “Ma’a as-salama” is often used, meaning “Go in peace.”
Politeness and Titles
When addressing someone older or in a higher position, it’s common to use titles. You may hear “Abu” or “Umm” followed by the name of their eldest child. For instance, a man with a son named Mohammad might be called “Abu Mohammad.” For formal settings, you say “Mr.” or “Mrs.” before the name. Politeness is key in Jordanian culture, and people appreciate when visitors use these small cultural cues.
Dressing Modestly in Jordan
Jordan is a conservative country, so you should dress modestly to respect local customs. Men typically wear long pants, as shorts can be considered inappropriate unless you are at the beach or hiking. For women, covering shoulders and knees is advisable. A loose-fitting blouse with long sleeves and a long skirt or pants is a good choice for women. Wearing tight or revealing clothes may draw unwanted attention.
At religious sites like mosques, men and women both need to cover their legs and arms fully. Women are often required to cover their hair with a scarf when entering mosques. Respect local dress codes, especially in rural areas where customs are more traditional.
Social Norms: What Jordanian Hospitality Looks Like
Jordanians are known for their warm hospitality. If you are invited to a Jordanian house, it’s polite to bring a small gift. Sweets, chocolates, or fruit are great choices. Don’t bring alcohol unless you are sure your hosts drink it, because many Jordanians don’t due to Islamic customs.
When you enter a home, take off your shoes. The host will likely offer you tea or coffee right away; it’s polite to accept, and you don’t need to finish the drink. Otherwise, you risk offending them. While Jordanian hospitality is very generous, never ask for something directly. If they want to offer more, they will.
Tea and Coffee Rituals
Tea and coffee are central to Jordanian hospitality. Arabic coffee, often served in small cups without milk or sugar, is a strong tradition in Jordan. You’ll likely see your hosts pour only a small portion, which is a mark of respect. If you don’t want any more, gently shake your cup after finishing. Doing this signifies that you’re done. If you don’t shake the cup, your host may keep refilling it.
When drinking tea, people often sweeten it, and it’s commonly served with fresh mint. It’s considered rude to rush through tea or coffee; Jordanians like to take time and enjoy these rituals.
Religion and the Influence of Islam
Islam is the dominant religion in Jordan, and it affects many aspects of daily life. As a visitor, it’s important to be respectful of Islamic customs.
Five times a day, the call to prayer is heard throughout the country. Many businesses may close temporarily during prayer times. Visitors are not expected to pray, but be mindful of these moments. At mosques, it’s respectful to remain quiet during prayer and not take photos unless you are sure it’s allowed. Fridays are the holy day, so expect some schedule changes, as many places may close in the afternoon for Friday prayers.
Ramadan: What to Expect
If you are traveling during Ramadan, Muslims will be fasting from dawn until sunset. As a visitor, you are not required to fast, but it’s polite to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants will be closed during the day, but some may cater to non-Muslims. However, it’s best to be discreet when eating or drinking in public.
In the evening, after sunset, Jordanians break their fast with a meal called “Iftar.” Restaurants may be very crowded during this time, and you may even get invited to join in the celebrations.
Public Behavior and Personal Space
In public, it’s best to avoid any displays of affection, especially between men and women. Holding hands, hugging, or kissing are things you should reserve for private spaces. In contrast, it’s common to see men and women of the same gender holding hands or walking closely together. This is seen as a normal sign of friendship, not romantic involvement.
Jordanians also value their personal space; when speaking to someone, maintain about an arm’s length distance, especially if it’s your first time meeting them.
Dining Etiquette: Sharing Meals in Jordan
If you are invited to a meal, there are a few dining customs to be aware of. Meals are often served family-style, meaning that large dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to share. When taking food, try to use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean in many parts of the Middle East.
If you’re offered more food, it’s polite to accept at least a small portion, even if you are full. Refusing food altogether can be seen as impolite. That being said, Jordanians also understand if you explain that you’re truly full after making a genuine effort.
Before and After Meals
Before eating, it’s common to say “Bismillah,” which means “In the name of God.” After the meal, “Alhamdulillah,” meaning “Praise be to God,” is commonly said as a gesture of gratitude. It’s customary to wait for the host to start eating before you begin, and don’t leave the table until everyone is done unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Bargaining in Markets
If you visit local markets or souks, bargaining is expected, but it’s done in good spirits. Start at about half of the price the seller offers and then work your way up to what you both feel is fair. However, don’t push too hard. If a price seems reasonable, it’s better to seal the deal politely than to push for more. Jordanians appreciate fairness and friendliness.
When in rural areas or buying handmade items, bargaining may not be appropriate. Often, the prices set by craft workers reflect the time and effort they put into their work, so it’s better to respect the asking price.
Photography: Do’s and Don’ts
It’s always a good idea to ask permission before taking photographs of locals, especially women. Jordanians are friendly but sensitive about privacy. When taking pictures at religious or sensitive sites, check first if photography is allowed. In some places, photos are strictly forbidden or discouraged.
If someone declines to have their photo taken, respect their decision and move on with a smile. Being considerate about this can go a long way in earning people’s respect.
Conclusion: Respect is Key
Traveling in Jordan is incredibly rewarding, especially when you go with an understanding of the local customs and respect for the culture. Jordanians are warm, kind, and welcoming, but they appreciate it when visitors make an effort to honor their customs. Dress modestly, greet people properly, and follow basic social norms, and you’ll be sure to have a great time in this beautiful country.
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