Jordanian culture: travelling ins and outs

While Jordan is one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East, it is still a place of deep-rooted traditions, so it’s essential for travellers to understand and respect Arab and Muslim etiquette. Jordan culture and traditions may be more relaxed than they are in surrounding countries, but the local people still frown upon immodest dress, public displays of affection, and a lack of respect for tradition. Some etiquette tips may be easy to glean based on your surroundings, but a small group tour guide is your best bet to explain customs and show you how things are done.

Dress code in Jordan

Jordan doesn’t have a specific dress code, but it’s best for travellers – regardless of their gender – to dress modestly. Avoid wearing form-fitting or revealing clothing. While Jordanian culture doesn’t need you to always wear long pants and tops, consider longer, loosely fitting shorts and shirts that cover your shoulders and upper arms. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, particularly in smaller towns and rural villages.

Women aren’t required to cover their heads. Areas that see lots of tourists, such as Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea, are a bit more relaxed, but it’s best not to wear tight leggings, low-cut shirts, crop tops, short skirts, and see-through fabrics. Swimsuits can be worn at beaches and resort pools, but leave the bikini at home.

If you’re on the fence about whether an outfit is appropriate, err on the side of caution and don’t pack it. Ask your tour guides for their opinion if you're unsure.

LGBTQ+ travel in Jordan

Homosexuality is legal in Jordan, but same-sex marriages are not, even if a couple is legally married in their home country. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Jordan (even for heterosexual couples), but it’s best for LGBTQ+ travellers in particular to be discreet to avoid attracting unwanted attention and social disapproval.

Photography in Jordan

Taking a picture of someone without their consent is rude anywhere, but in Jordan, it's considered a highly disrespectful invasion of privacy, particularly for women. This is especially true with Bedouin women, who rarely consent to being photographed. Though you may be permitted to photograph their hands (after requesting permission first), it is never acceptable to take a picture of a Bedouin woman’s face without her agreement.

Shopping and haggling in Jordan

Jewellery, carpets, handmade dishes, hand-embroidered textiles, and other crafts (some of which are imported) are widely available around Jordan, particularly in heavily visited areas like Petra. Here, you’ll surely see scores of vendors vying for your attention, and some are quite persistent.

Haggling is welcome in Jordan, particularly if you’re purchasing several items from the same vendor or making a more expensive purchase like a rug. But it is rude to start a haggling session if you’re not serious about buying.

Eating and drinking in Jordan

Food and drink are a huge part of Jordan's history and culture, and no trip is complete without sampling the country’s best dishes. Sit down for Bedouin tea and coffee rituals and try traditional meals of mansaf (lamb cooked in yogurt sauce) and maqluba, a huge pot of rice turned upside down just before it’s served.

In tribal Bedouin culture, showing hospitality to guests is of the utmost importance, and preparing fresh coffee brewed with cardamom is often part of this tradition. Coffee is served to the guest of honour first, and their reaction (and whether they comment negatively about it or decline to drink it entirely) determines whether a conflict is resolved or just getting started. Even if you’re not a fan of coffee, it’s polite to drink it when offered. If you’re visiting the country on a small group tour, you can count on your guide to share more about Jordan’s famous coffee culture.

Fabulous food can be found across the entire country, but visitors to Wadi Rum can learn more about ancient Jordanian culture by feasting on a traditionally prepared meal in the desert. Gather together with your hosts for a hearty meal of vegetables and meat cooked in an underground oven. Not only is the spectacle of your hosts unearthing and serving the food a photo-worthy moment, but the delicious meal is also usually accompanied by other Jordanian staples like hummus, baba ganoush, yogurt, and various salads.