Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges indicate the cost of a main dish unless individual reviews state otherwise. A main dish is
often accompanied by salad and various pickles, dips (such as hummus) and garnishes. These are offered free of
charge and invariably served with flat Arabic bread. This means that a main dish often doubles as a meal.
$
Less than JD5
$$
JD5-10
$$$
More than JD10
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Homosexuality is illegal in most Islamic countries in the Middle East, but in Jordan (ac-
cording to most sources) gay sex is legal and the age of consent is 16. Public displays of
affection by heterosexuals are frowned upon and the same rules apply to gays and lesbi-
ans, although same-sex hand-holding is a common sign of friendship in Jordan.
There is a subdued underground gay scene in Amman - if you're keen to explore it,
keep your enquiries discreet. Gay-friendly venues that attract young, gay and straight
crowds include the multipurpose Books@café and the Blue Fig Café in Amman.
Check
www.gaymiddleeast.com
and the gay and lesbian thread of Lonely Planet's
Thorn Tree bulletin board (lonelyplanet.com) for more information.
Insurance
Travel insurance that covers theft, loss and medical problems is essential. The policy
should cover ambulance fees and emergency flights home.
Some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities', which can include motorcyc-
ling and even trekking. You must have insurance if you plan to dive in Aqaba -
decompression-chamber treatment is an expensive business!
You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly. Alternatively, if you
submit a claim after the event, ensure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you
to call back (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country where an immediate as-
sessment of your problem is made. See also Insurance (
Click here
)
.
