Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
US State Department
( 888-407 4747;
http://travel.state.gov
)
TAKE TIME TO TALK
Taxi driver wouldn't use the meter? Paid more than a friend for the same item? These may sound like routine scams
but there's invariably a legitimate reason. Jordanians take pride in their moral compass and tourists on the whole are
treated with respect and fairness. Here are some different perspectives given by service providers that may cast so-
called 'scams' in a different light.
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Taxi fares?
The fare is set by the government and hasn't been adjusted for inflation; taxi drivers usually agree
on fair fares with locals but it's harder to negotiate with tourists who don't speak Arabic.
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Room rates?
Small hotels have to respond to fluctuations in tourist numbers or they go bust. For some this
means offering unrealistic rates in low season; for others, it means raising prices to cover investments made in anti-
cipation of a good season.
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Minibus overcharging?
Foreigners don't like waiting until the bus is full - drivers are happy to leave early but
it means making up the cost of a full load. As for luggage, that often takes up the place of a passenger.
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Double standards?
In the bartering system, an item costs whatever a vendor is happy to sell for, balanced
against whatever a buyer is happy to pay for during that one transaction. Comparison with other travellers' experi-
ences is a pointless exercise. For more on bartering,
Click here
.
Other Dangers
Minefields
In 1999, Jordan signed the UN mine-ban convention and has been working to eradicate
mines on Jordanian soil ever since. A minefield comprising 86,756 mines along the
Jordan-Syria border is well off the tourist trail, but if you're in the area take heed of warn-
ings not to enter. There are unsubstantiated reports that more mines have been laid on the
Syrian side recently, but the Jordanian government has put plans in place to rid the coun-
try of mines by the end of 2012.
Theft & Crime
Crime in Jordan is much less prevalent than in many Western countries. Leaving your bag
under the watchful eye of a member of staff at a bus station or hotel is generally safe so
avoid jumping to conclusions if something goes missing - locals have a lot to lose by
stealing in a country where thieving from guests is particularly frowned upon. Punish-
ments are harsh and, in a country where unemployment is high, there is a serious chance
