KINGDOM OF JORDAN (continued)
2. Is Jordan safe and friendly?
Travel Warnings and Advisories
Safety and Security
Crime
Women and Sexual Harassment
Medical Facilities and Health
Traffic Safety
Jordan is generally a very safe country, and Jordanians are famous for their legendary hospitality, which is related to their Bedouin traditions. Indeed, you can walk and drive in most places without fear of encountering difficulties. While there is little theft in Jordan, it's always good to take sensible precautions with your valuables, especially in downtown Amman.
Travelers should always remember that safety begins at home - you must take responsibility for your own personal safety. In other words, don't tempt others to take advantage of you.
Like many other countries, in Jordan the biggest danger is being involved in an automobile accident. So watch where you walk, drive defensively, and be very observant of your surroundings.
Terrorism for Fearful Tourists
While Jordan has always experienced some form of turbulence within the region, terrorism has seldom affected tourists. Most visitors fearlessly navigate this place - with relative ease and with a solid sense of safety and security. Seasoned travelers to many reputed troubled places, Europeans tend to take to this place very well. Americans, on the other hand, tend to be the most sensitive - indeed, will turn on a dime and quickly cancel travel plans - to reports about violent incidents sensationalized in the media.
Compared to its troubled east-west neighbors, Jordan has been a relative island of tranquillity. However, times are changing. After all, Jordan is a major player in the fluid Middle East, and “stuff” does unexpectedly happen, despite efforts to maintain safety, stability, and civility.
A few isolated incidents should not deter you from visiting what is generally the safest and most secure Middle Eastern country for foreign travelers.
Travel Warnings and Advisories
So, just how safe is it to travel in Jordan these days? Statistically it's a very safe place to visit. But psychologically it may seem unsettling for some travelers who may think too much about safety issues to the detriment of enjoying life.
In the end, it depends on how fearful you are of the unknown and how unlucky you think you might be given various stories and travel warnings. What, for example, are your chances of being struck by lightning? Probably much better than being a subject of a terrorist incident or a criminal act in Jordan.
Several countries issue useful travel warnings and advisors:
Australia: www.smarttraveller.gov.au
Canada: www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
New Zealand: www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
United States: http://travel.state.gov Most government-sponsored travel warnings on Jordan for 2007 agree on the cautionary notes below.
Safety and Security
Since terrorism is an occasional threat (suicide bombings and shooting incidents reported in 2005 and 2006), Westerners should exercise caution in areas frequented by foreigners (hotels, restaurants, bars, tourist sites), which could become terrorist targets. Be especially alert at border crossings with Israel and Iraq.
You also are well advised to avoid political demonstrations, many of which occur near mosques (especially following Friday prayers), at universities, and in refugee camps. Be sensitive in what you say to others about local politics.
Indeed, avoid defending Israel's occupation of Palestine and America's occupation of Iraq and support for Israel - these are not good positions to take in conversations with strangers who have a different view of their homeland than you and thus will strongly disagree with your politics.
Crime
While crime is not a problem for most travelers in Jordan, petty crime does occur in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman Amphitheater - a poor and conservative Muslim area that is experiencing high unemployment among Jordanians and Iraqis.
Be especially cautious of crowded areas along the narrow streets of the old city center, which are sometimes frequented by pickpockets and other petty criminals.
Purse-snatching incidents have been reported in central and west Amman - usually from moving vehicles. Be cautious by firmly gripping your purse, walking against the flow of traffic, and keeping your purse on the inside of the walkway. Be cautious when leaving banks or using ATM machines - smart criminals know that's where the money (cold cash) is!
Women and Sexual Harassment
It is important that women do the following when traveling in Jordan: - Dress conservatively and observe local customs.
- Avoid eye contact with staring males - a sign that you might be a “loose” woman.
- Avoid traveling alone; a male companion often deters unwelcome encounters.
Medical Facilities and Health
You'll find basic medical facilities and medicines in the major cities. Most hospitals are privately owned and expect immediate cash payment for services. You are well advised to travel with evacuation insurance should you encounter a serious medical problem.
For information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water and insect bite protection, call the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-394-8747 or visit their website: www.cdc.gov/travel. Also see our Q&A section on Health and Security.
Travelers should avoid tap water and ice as well as uncooked vegetables, especially salads. Stay with bottled water and other bottled drinks, which are readily available throughout Jordan.
Traffic Safety
It's convenient and relatively easy to rent a car and drive in Jordan. However, be careful when driving. On average, two people are killed and 50 more are injured in 145 road accidents daily throughout the Kingdom.
Roads are particularly treacherous during the rainy season, from December to March.
Licensed drivers must carry local third-party insurance with sufficient coverage for accidents resulting in injury or death.
Given poor lighting and road conditions, be especially cautious when driving at night or during holiday periods.
Driving in Amman is more hazardous in the summer months, when many Gulf residents visit Amman and drive according to their own customs.
Jordan does not restrict women drivers.
The desert highway outside Aqaba is particularly dangerous because it is narrow, winding, steep, and crowded with trucks. Avoid this area at night.
Be especially careful when approaching areas where animals dwell. Vehicles frequently hit camels, sheep, and goats alongside streets and roads.
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