Electricity
Electricity is 200V; 50 cycles. Generally speaking, Rounded two-prong plugs are used, however; transformers and adapters available in local stores and shops, you can purchase an adapter from the airport.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance 199
Police 191
Airport 3200
Fire 199
Phone Directory 121
Foreign exchange:
There is no limit on what you bring into Jordan , however; export is limited to 300 JD or up to the original amount you've stated upon entering.
Internet
Internet cafes are available everywhere. They usually charge 1 JD per hour or per half an hour. Printing and faxing facilities are also available at Internet cafes.
Language
Arabic is the official language spoken in Jordan , however; a large number of Jordanians are fluent in either English or French. You can also find German, Italian, and Russian speaking locals.
Local laws
Drug possession and dealing is punishable by law. Any suspicion in dealing/possession/distribution can lead to imprisonment. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are especially fought against, and you can expect raids to nightclubs in case of suspicion. Ones found guilty are usually sentenced from 2-7 years, and in cases of distribution life imprisonment or death sentence.
It is an offence to criticize, mock, defame, or question the King or the Royal Family; if such an insult occurs, the police has the right to arrest you under charges of treason and disturbing national peace.
The official drinking age is debatable but known to be at 18.
The age of consent is 16 for both sexes. There are no laws against homosexual conduct, however; scandalous acts in public places regardless heterosexual or homosexual are punishable by law.
All adult Jordanians (above 16) must carry an identity card. Soliciting and pimping is illegal and enforcement is very high. It is illegal to pay for sex and prostitution is punishable by law.
Lost property
For lost property, you can generally file a claim at any local police station or airport. You can call the police by dialing 191 or in case of luggage, call the airport at 3200.
Money
The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (equivalent to $1.4). 1 Jordanian Dinar (JD) is divided to 1000 fils. Currency notes are in denominations of JD 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50. Coins are in denominations of 500, 250, 100, 50, and 25.
Prices are generally quite high compared to other neighbors such as Cairo and Syria . However, quality of service is higher and more reliable.
Newspapers
You can find many newspapers at any newsstand, supermarket, or even sold at traffic lights. English newspapers include: Star and the Jordan Times. Arabic newspapers include: Al Dustour, Al Rai'i, Al Ghad, and many more.
Postal Services
You can find at least one postal office in every area. Postal offices are open from 8:00 – 15:00 like any governmental office. Postal services are reliable and you can expect your mail within 7 days of its postmarked date.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public areas, transportation, with the exception of some restaurants and bars. Although the law is clear, enforcement is weak, you find smokers smoking everywhere in Jordan .
Telephone
Jordan 's country code is 962, Amman 's code is 06. To dial an international number, you should include the country code and drop the area's zero. If you wait to call a local number, make sure to dial the area's code such as: 06 for Amman . If you're calling from a cell phone to a landline, also make sure to dial the area code. Pre-paid mobile phone SIM cards are available everywhere; you can pick from 3 different companies: Zain (079), Orange (077), and Umnia (078).
Time
Jordan local time is 2 or 3 hours ahead of GMT depending on the time of the year. During summer, it is GMT +3.
Tipping
Tipping is not required, since all places charge service charge and sales tax. If you're feeling generous %10 of the bill's amount is appropriate. Tipping is not necessary in hotels, transportation, however; porters and tour guides might appreciate it due to their low rates.
VAT refund
A VAT refund is available at the airport on departure to anyone who has been in Jordan less than 180 days. A VAT refund only applies to good taken out of Jordan within 60 days of the date of purchase. Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign. You must complete a VAT refund form in the store and attaché the original tax invoice to the form. The form with invoices should be presented at the VAT desk at the airport and a refund of VAT will be made.
Visas
Visas can be obtained at the airport for most nationalities, however; some nationalities need to have prior permission. Groups of 5 or more arriving through a designated Jordanian tour operator are exempted from all visa charges.
Departure taxes for non Jordanians apply.
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