Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+2
From 27 Oct 11 to 29 Mar 12 GMT +2
From 30 Mar 12 to 25 Oct 12 GMT +3
From 26 Oct 12 to 27 Mar 12 GMT +2
From 28 Mar 13 to 24 Oct 13 GMT +3
Capital City: Amman
Population: 6.18 million
Area: 92,300357,021 square km, 57,355 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, English, some French
Dialling Code: 962
Emergency: Police: 192. Fire: 199. Ambulance: 193
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required. Visitors are not allowed to drive vehicles with Jordanian plates unless a Jordanian licence is held. Rental cars have special plates
Electricity: 230V AC 50Hz
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD 1 = 1,000 Fils)
Notes: JOD: 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50. Fils: 500
Coins: Fils: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1,000
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1500 Sun-Thur
Office: 0800-1800 Sat-Thur, 0800-1500 Sun-Thur (Government offices)
Shops: 0900-1300 & 1500-2000 Sat-Thur
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Note: Easter holidays are usually only observed by Christian business establishments. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region.
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally. Business is conducted in Arabic, many executives speak English, some speak French or German. Business cards to have Arabic translation on reverse side. Islamic conventions apply. At meetings it is polite to drink coffee or tea, when offered. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Smoking is generally accepted. Alcohol is generally available in most major hotels. Eating and drinking in public during Ramadan should be avoided. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: A service & government tax of 13% is added to the bill, additional tips are not necessary but it is customary to leave around 5%. Tips for taxis around 10%
