Jordan- Business Travel Jordan- Business Travel
Business Customs
Visiting U.S. company representatives find Jordan’s business environment to be modern and inviting. The country boasts a professional business environment. Appointments can be made on fairly 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.
In general, the dress code is formal in most business and official settings. Business people dress in Western sensibilities. Women should dress modestly in keeping with cultural norms.
Jordan uses the metric system of weights and measures. The monetary unit is the Jordanian Dinar. Cash is the most common method of payment in Jordan, but credit cards are accepted in most hotels and some restaurants. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards are widely used and accepted. ATM machines are widely available. Currency Code JOD.
Travel Advisory
The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories and warnings for all countries. For the most current information on Jordan see https://travel.state.gov and search for Jordan under “Learn about your destination” or alternatively visit U.S. Embassy Jordan`s website at https://jo.usembassy.gov/
The State Department strongly advises U.S. citizens visiting the region to register with the U.S. Embassy at step.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 website is: https://jo.usembassy.gov/ The Embassy is open Sunday through Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a visa to enter Jordan. A visa may be obtained upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. The cost of a one-entry visa for all nationalities is JOD 40 (about $55). A visa may also be obtained in advance from the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, D.C. jordanembassyus.org/new/index.shtml or one of its consulates. The visas are valid for 30 days. Multi-entry visas are also available from the Jordanian Embassy for a fee.
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. More information on entering Jordan via land/border crossing.
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.
Information on entry and exit requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link: State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
Currency
Local currency is the Jordanian dinar, 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/Electric
Cell phone usage is widespread. Internet usage is growing in popularity and performance. 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 and Orange are the two most widely subscribed mobile companies 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 most popular rideshare services and were recently 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 sit directly behind the driver at all times. 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 the middle and upper classes and many businesspeople, particularly in Amman.
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.gov/travel/destinations/jordan.aspx
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Jordan is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The work week is Sunday through Thursday. The standard business hours for most banks are 8:30am-3:00pm. Most businesses are open 8:30 am-1:30 pm and 3:30 pm-6:30 pm. The work week is Sunday through Thursday. Government offices are normally only open 8:20am-2:00pm. 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: 20 –12:00
Banking sector:
Monday: 8:30 – 15:00
During the month of Ramadan, business hours are usually 6 hours. It is generally not possible to arrange business appointments on Fridays. In 2019, Ramadan will occur between early May and early June.
Businesspersons should avoid making appointments on public holidays. Holidays observed by businesspersons in Jordan for 2019:
New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1
Palm Sunday, Sunday, April 14
Easter Sunday, April 21
Jordanian Labor Day, Monday, May 1
Jordanian Independence Day, Thursday, May 25
Eid Al-Fitr, Sunday/Monday, June 5-7 (est.)
Eid Al-Adha, Thursday/Sunday, August 12-15 (est.)
Islamic New Year, Saturday, August 31
Prophet’s Birthday, Saturday, November 9
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25
Temporary Entry of Materials or 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 leave 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. Check up to date customs information from the Jordanian Customs.
Web Resources
State Department Travel Advice: http://travel.state.gov
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
Online Internet Registration for U.S. citizens: http://step.state.gov
U.S. Commercial Service Jordan: http://www.export.gov/Jordan