Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of losing a job without much hope of recovering a livelihood in future. Inevitably,
however, there are one or two scams to look out for.
SOME COMMON SCAMS
Taken for a Ride
The taxi fare quoted on the meter is in fils, not in dinars, and visitors
often misunderstand this when paying. Perhaps understandably, it is rare for a taxi driver
to point out this mistake.
Crafty Business
Shop owners often claim something is locally crafted as part of a profit-
share scheme, when in fact it is imported from abroad.
Money for Old Rope
So-called 'antiques' are often merely last year's stock that's
gathered an authentic-looking layer of dust. Similarly, 'ancient' oil lamps and coins are
seldom what they seem.
SOME SIMPLE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
»
»Agree on a fare before you get in the taxi.
»
»Do some research about genuine fair-trade establishments if you want your purchase to
have added value (
Click here
)
.
»
»Pay the sum for an item based on how much you like it and want it, not on how much
you think it is worth (
Click here
)
.
»
»Carry wallets or purses in a front pocket and avoid carrying too much cash.
»
»Keep a copy of your passport buried in your luggage.
»
»Be careful late at night outside nightclubs in Amman: pickpockets and muggers are at-
tracted by the patronage of intoxicated, vulnerable and comparatively wealthy foreigners.
