Business Customs

Visiting U.S. company representatives find a professional business environment in Jordan. Generally, appointments can be secured on short notice.  Business cards in English or in both English and Arabic are recommended.  Email addresses and websites should be included with your contact information. English is widely spoken in the business community and in government offices but knowing and using a few words in Arabic can be useful.

Travel Advisory

The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories and warnings for all countries. For the most current information on Jordan see Travel (state.gov) or alternatively visit U.S. Embassy Jordan`s website at U.S. Embassy in Jordan (usembassy.gov)

The State Department strongly advises U.S. citizens visiting the region to register with the U.S. Embassy at Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (state.gov).

The Embassy is located on Al-Umawyeen Street, Abdoun (Amman), P.O. Box 354.  The telephone number is 962-6-590-6000 and the fax number is 962-6-592-4102. The business hours for U.S. Embassy in Amman are Sunday through Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

Visa requirements

Travelers are encouraged to review the Jordan International Travel Information page on the travel.state.gov website for the most up to date guidance.

U.S. citizens are required to have a visa to enter Jordan.  A visa may be obtained upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport.  Single entry and 5-year visas are available at the airport for a fee.  A visa may also be obtained in advance from the Jordanian Embassy in Washington or one of its consulates.

To cross into Jordan at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge crossing from Israel, U.S. citizens must already have either a visa for Jordan in their passport or have an entry permit from the Ministry of Interior.  The Sheikh Hussein border crossing is roughly 90 km north of Amman and offers visas at the border to most nationalities.  For more information on entering Jordan via land/border crossing please visit the Visit Jordan website.

Foreigners who wish to stay more than a month in Jordan must register at a Jordanian police station before their thirtieth day in the country to apply for an extension of stay.  Failure to properly register may subject the traveler to a fine of JOD 1.5 per day of overstay; this fine is usually assessed at departure. Failure to pay the fine will restrict a visitor from leaving Jordan.

For entry and exit requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction, read our information at: Travelers with Dual Nationality (state.gov).

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised to review information regarding the U.S. visa process via the following link: State Department Visa Website.

Currency

Local currency is the Jordanian dinar (also JD or JOD), which is divided into 1,000 fils. Many Jordanians use the term piaster (10 fils = 1 piaster). The rate of exchange is fixed at $1 = JD 0.708.

Telecommunications/Electronics 

Cell phone usage is widespread.  Cell phone and 3G and 4G services are reliable in cities and in tourist destinations. Prepaid Sim cards are widely available for visitors at reasonable cost.  Zain, Orange, and Umniah are the leading telecommunications network operators and branches are found in most malls and commercial areas.  

Transportation

In Amman, official yellow taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Uber and Careem are the two popular rideshare services approved for use by patrons in Jordan. Cars with drivers can also be arranged at the major hotels. The Embassy does not recommend the use of unmarked taxis or buses. Women traveling alone should always sit directly behind the driver. Culturally, it is inappropriate for women to take the front seat next to the driver.

Language

The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and spoken among businesspeople, the middle and upper classes, particularly in Amman and at tourist destinations.

Health

Generally, Jordan has quite modern and readily available healthcare facilities.  For up-to-date information on health issues related to Jordan, please visit the CDC website at  CDC Global Health - Jordan

Local time, business hours, and holidays

Jordan is seven or eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, depending on the time of year.  The work week is Sunday through Thursday.   During the month of Ramadan, business hours are greatly reduced.  Any business appointments on Friday should be avoided. 

Government Offices Standard Business Hours:

Sunday – Thursday:                          8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.               

Banking sector:                                 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Businesses:                                        8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.       

For more information on public holidays visit Holiday Calendar | U.S. Embassy in Jordan (usembassy.gov)        

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Travelers entering Jordan should be aware that some communications devices, particularly Ham or two-way radios, may be confiscated upon entry to Jordan.  Travelers should not attempt to depart the country with any items that may be considered national treasures, such as stones or mosaics from historical sites. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are not permitted to enter Jordan.