Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On public beaches at the Dead Sea and in Aqaba, wear a swimsuit (and preferably a T-
shirt and shorts) when swimming and save the bikinis for top-end resorts and dive centres.
Never go topless - especially in the wadis where skinny dipping in freshwater pools is
never as unseen as you might imagine.
Some foreign women go to the extent of covering their head, but this is inappropriate
for non-Muslims in Jordan and can be misconstrued - particularly by the women of
Jordan's Christian communities who do not wear headscarves.
Advice from Fellow Women Travellers
The following simple dos and don'ts can make all the difference to your sanity if you are
travelling alone. Here are a few tips passed on by fellow travellers.
SOME DOS…
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»Sit next to a woman if possible on public transport.
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»Be cautious when venturing alone to remote parts of Petra, Jerash and Wadi Rum.
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»Check for peepholes in rooms and bathrooms (particularly cigarette holes in curtains).
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»Place a chair against your locked hotel room door in case of 'accidental' intrusions.
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»Pay for a better hotel, generally associated with less hassle.
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»Be suspicious of lovelorn guides, especially the handsome ones!
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»Prepare a cover story - Jordanians will be mystified you have no family or friends to
travel with.
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»Chat to men in the company of women - not all men are one-track minded.
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»Wear a wedding ring - this will add to your respectability in Arab eyes. A photo of
husband and kids will clinch it.
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»Bring tampons and contraceptives - they're hard to find, and embarrassing to purchase
outside Amman.
SOME DON'TS…
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»Don't go to a local bar unaccompanied.
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»Don't make eye contact with strangers - dark glasses can help.
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»Don't sit in the front seat of a chartered private or service taxi.
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»Don't go outside with wet hair - this apparently implies you've had sex recently!
Public Spaces
It's not easy finding where to eat and drink, or even just sit, in public without becoming
the centre of attention. Here are some guidelines.
