Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
International Transfers
Some major banks (such as Arab Bank and Jordan National Bank) can arrange interna-
tional money transfers. Cairo-Amman Bank is part of the international service offered by
Western Union
(
www.westernunion.com
)
.
MoneyGram
(
www.moneygram.com
)
has
agreements with several banks. Fees are high with both, so obtaining a cash advance with
a credit card is a better bet.
Tax
Jordan has a sales tax of 16%, but this is generally only added to the bill in midrange and
top-end restaurants. Midrange and top-end restaurants and hotels may also add an addi-
tional 10% service charge. The Aqaba special economic zone has a sales tax of only 5%
and many Jordanians head there on shopping sprees to take advantage of the lower con-
sumer prices.
See Duty Free for information on tax rebates for tourists.
Tipping
Tips of 10% are generally expected in better restaurants. Elsewhere, rounding up the bill
to the nearest 250 fils or giving back the loose change is appreciated, especially by petrol
attendants and taxi drivers.
Travellers Cheques
Most types of travellers cheques are accepted by money changers, with the most recog-
nised being American Express (Amex). Check the commission before changing them.
Photography
Airport Security
All airports in Jordan have X-ray machines for checking luggage. Digital images are not
affected when scanned by this equipment, but if you have print film keep it in a ziplock
bag ready for manual inspection. Don't keep film in your checked-in luggage.
Equipment
Digital accessories and memory cards are widely available; a 1GB memory card costs
around JD20. Many camera shops can burn photos onto a CD and print digital pictures.