Is Jordan safe for expats?

Yes — Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Violent crime is extremely rare, and Amman is consistently rated as one of the region's safest capitals. The Jordanian security apparatus is highly effective. Common-sense precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas, avoid border regions with Syria and Iraq, and drive defensively. Solo female travellers generally feel safe, though modest dress is recommended outside Western Amman.

Can I drink alcohol in Jordan?

Yes — alcohol is legal and widely available in Jordan, which distinguishes it from Gulf countries. Restaurants, bars, and hotels serve alcohol, and licensed shops sell beer, wine, and spirits. Popular local beers include Carakale (Jordan's first craft brewery) and Amstel brewed locally. Wine is available but mostly imported. Prices are moderate — a beer in a bar costs JOD 3–5 ($4–$7). Public intoxication is frowned upon but not aggressively policed.

What is the social scene like for expats in Amman?

Amman has an active expat social scene centred around Abdoun, Sweifieh, and Rainbow Street. InterNations, Amman Expats (Facebook), and Couchsurfing meetups are popular for meeting people. The café culture is strong — Amman has excellent coffee shops where people socialise for hours. Rooftop bars and restaurants are popular gathering spots, especially on Thursday nights (the start of the weekend). The NGO community creates a large, international social network.

What should I know about Ramadan in Jordan?

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. As a non-Muslim, you are expected to avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours — though some restaurants in tourist areas and hotels continue to serve discreetly. Working hours are reduced. Iftar (the sunset meal) is a wonderful communal experience — many restaurants offer special iftar buffets. The atmosphere shifts to late-night socialising, with streets coming alive after 8pm.

How easy is it to travel around Jordan?

Jordan is small (about the size of Indiana) and remarkably easy to explore. Amman to the Dead Sea is 1 hour, Jerash 1 hour, Aqaba 4 hours, and Petra 3 hours by car. JETT buses connect major cities affordably. Rental cars are available from JOD 20–35/day. The Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80) covers entry to 40+ sites and pays for itself with a single Petra visit. Weekend road trips are a core part of expat life in Jordan.

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

🌆

🇯🇴 Jordan

Daily Life

300+ days

Annual Sunshine

Especially in Aqaba (330+ days)

30–38°C

Summer Temp (Amman)

Dry heat, June–September

Very safe

Safety

Among the safest in the Middle East

Widely spoken

English Usage

4th in Arab world for proficiency

~70%

Population Under 30

Young, dynamic society

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Amman 🏖️Aqaba

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Daily life in Jordan blends ancient Middle Eastern traditions with a modern, youthful energy. Amman's café culture, Aqaba's beach scene, legendary Jordanian hospitality, and a calendar packed with cultural events create a lifestyle that is warm, affordable, and deeply rewarding. Jordan is moderate, safe, and welcoming to expats — with a vibrant food scene, spectacular natural landscapes, and a social culture built around generosity and shared meals.

Key Takeaways

Spring (March–May): 18–28°C in Amman — ideal weather, wildflowers bloom in the hills, peak tourism season
Mansaf: Jordan's national dish — lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt (jameed), served on rice, eaten communally with the right hand
Hospitality: deeply ingrained — invitations to tea, coffee, and meals are genuine and frequent; always accept graciously
Violent crime is extremely rare — petty theft (pickpocketing) occurs in tourist areas but is uncommon
Petra: New Wonder of the World, 3 hours from Amman — a must-visit multiple times, especially at night

Climate and Seasons

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate in the highlands (Amman) and a hot desert climate in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba. Amman enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Spring (March–May): 18–28°C in Amman — ideal weather, wildflowers bloom in the hills, peak tourism season
Summer (June–September): 30–38°C in Amman, 38–42°C in Aqaba — dry heat, evenings cool in Amman's hills
Autumn (October–November): 20–28°C — pleasant, second-best season for outdoor activities
Winter (December–February): 5–12°C in Amman — rain, occasional snow on hilltops; Aqaba remains warm (18–22°C)
Rainfall: concentrated November–March; Amman receives ~250mm annually; Aqaba is extremely dry
The Dead Sea and Jordan Valley: 5–10°C warmer than Amman year-round; popular winter escape

Food, Restaurants, and Dining Culture

Jordanian cuisine is a highlight of expat life — from legendary mansaf and falafel to Amman's thriving fine-dining scene. Food is social, generous, and central to Jordanian culture.

Mansaf: Jordan's national dish — lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt (jameed), served on rice, eaten communally with the right hand
Hummus, falafel, and shawarma: available everywhere for JOD 1–3 ($1.40–$4.20) — consistently excellent
Fine dining: Abdoun and Sweifieh host international restaurants — Italian, Japanese, Indian, Lebanese — JOD 15–40 for a dinner
Rainbow Street: Amman's culinary and social heart — rooftop bars, artisan cafés, street food vendors
Alcohol: widely available in restaurants, bars, and licensed shops — Jordan is moderate on this compared to Gulf countries
Arabic coffee: social ritual — thick, cardamom-spiced, often offered with dates; declining an offer can cause offence
Supermarkets: Carrefour, Cozmo, Safeway — well-stocked with local and imported goods; prices reasonable

Safety and Security

Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with low crime rates and a strong security apparatus. Amman is consistently ranked among the safest capital cities in the region.

Violent crime is extremely rare — petty theft (pickpocketing) occurs in tourist areas but is uncommon
Jordan's General Intelligence Directorate (GID) maintains robust internal security
Safe for solo female travellers — harassment is less common than in some neighbouring countries, though caution applies
Border areas: avoid immediate vicinity of Syrian and Iraqi borders; the rest of the country is safe
Road safety: Jordanian driving can be aggressive — defensive driving is essential; seatbelts mandatory
Protests: occasional but typically peaceful; avoid large gatherings near government buildings as a precaution
Emergency number: 911 for police, ambulance, and fire

Recreation, Sports, and Culture

Jordan offers extraordinary cultural and natural experiences within a small geographic footprint. Weekend trips from Amman can reach Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba — all within 2–4 hours.

Petra: New Wonder of the World, 3 hours from Amman — a must-visit multiple times, especially at night
Dead Sea: Earth's lowest point, 1 hour from Amman — therapeutic floating, luxury resorts, year-round warmth
Wadi Rum: Martian desert landscape, 4 hours from Amman — camping, 4x4 tours, stargazing
Jerash: beautifully preserved Roman city, 1 hour north of Amman — one of the best outside Italy
Red Sea diving: Aqaba offers world-class coral reef diving and snorkelling year-round
Hiking: Dana Biosphere Reserve, Wadi Mujib (the 'Grand Canyon of Jordan'), Ajloun Castle trails
Gyms and sports: modern fitness centres in Amman (JOD 30–60/month); running, cycling, and outdoor climbing growing

FAQs