When you move to another country, along with your belongings, you must adjust to the local customs. If you plan to live in Jordan, knowing the local customs and traditions can help you settle easily. Jordan is famous for being welcoming, sharing many traditions and celebrating diversity in culture and values. Whatever your reason for moving, knowing about Jordanian customs and traditions will help you enjoy your time in the country.
In this blog, we explore the cultural norms, social etiquette, and key practices that define life in Jordan. For individuals and families working with the best relocation companies in Jordan, having this knowledge is just as important as finding the right movers. After all, true relocation success includes adapting and feeling at home in your new environment.
A Warm Welcome: Jordanian Hospitality
In Jordan, being hospitable is an essential part of the culture. Jordanians are known to be very warm and friendly toward guests from all over. When you are invited to another person’s house, be ready for them to treat you with a lot of kindness. Being refused a drink or food may seem impolite which is why you should at least take a little bit.
Sometimes, hosts make extra efforts to ease their visitors’ visit, by serving traditional Arabic coffee or some sweet tea. Removing your shoes before entering a Jordanian home is customary, although the host may allow you to keep them on.
Greetings and Communication
Most Jordanians appreciate being greeted politely and formally, especially during their first encounter. The normal greeting is a handshake that could be followed by a small nod or bow. In terms of close friends and family, men often kiss the cheeks of others who are of the same gender.
When communicating with someone holding seniority or power, it is best to use their title (like “Mr.”) before their name. If you wish foreigners a peaceable welcome in the Middle East with “As-salamu alaykum,” they will appreciate your effort in Arabic, especially if you cannot speak the language well.
Language and Nonverbal Cues
If you speak Arabic, you’ll find it much easier to get around, as most people speak the language. To many Jordanians, it shows respect if foreigners try to talk in their language, even just for a few simple words.
Jordanian society relies on nonverbal communication a lot. Eye contact is believed to represent when someone is paying attention and being truthful. Nevertheless, if someone keeps staring at another for too long, especially a stranger of the opposite sex, it may appear uncomfortable. It is seen as impolite in Asia to point at someone directly or pass things over with your left hand.
Dress Code and Modesty
Since Jordan is a conservative country, being modest in your dress is important and correct. Most city areas like Amman allow Western clothing, but try not to wear clothing that exposes too much skin. In general, women are reminded to wear clothes that cover their shoulders, chest and knees when going to religious sites or rural areas.
For men, shorts are generally not worn in professional or formal settings. Long trousers and shirts are recommended. Understanding and adhering to local dress norms is not only respectful but also helps you integrate more seamlessly into the community.
Religious Customs and Practices
Jordan is mainly influenced by Islam in areas such as social customs and laws. Although it is well known for its harmony between religions, you should take care to observe important Islamic practices during the holy month of Ramadan. As Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, it is polite for others not to eat, drink or smoke in public during those hours.
At five specific times daily, you’ll notice the call to prayer and in many areas, businesses usually plan their hours around prayer and holiday schedules. While visiting mosques or other religious places, remember to remove your shoes and let your arms and legs stay covered.
Gender Roles and Social Interactions
Even though attitudes and roles are shifting, traditional views about men and women are still important in Jordanian society. In some communities where customs and beliefs are traditional, men and women may act more formally toward one another. Most often, people in Saudi Arabia avoid showing affection in public and usually men and women do not shake hands unless it is the woman who initiates it.
An increasing number of female workers are joining the workforce, schools and public positions, particularly in cities. In any case, noticing how individuals interact before talking to someone of the opposite gender helps you make sure your behavior is appropriate.
Dining Etiquette
For Jordanians, eating together is very important. In both public places and private homes, dining is mostly enjoyed with other people around. If guests are invited to a meal in Jordan, eating a bit of everything is a kind way to show thankfulness. Different foods typical to Jordan are mansaf, falafel, hummus and maqluba.
Most dishes are eaten with the right hand and placed on the floor for many Indians. Whenever using utensils, the right hand is used to eat and share dishes. Praising the dishes is a way to thank your host.
Tipping and Business Etiquette
In Jordan, leaving a tip, known as baksheesh, is common in restaurants, taxis, hotels and appreciated by those providing services. A tip of 5% to 10% should be fine, but many people often round up what they owe for bellhops or give a little extra to cleaners.
While being on time matters in business, sometimes it is necessary to be flexible if other factors cause lateness. Often, small talk is exchanged first before the meeting moves on to discussion of business matters. Trust must be built and it can take some time before decisions are made in a relationship. Having smart clothes and communicating respectfully are important when trying to impress people at work.
Family and Social Structure
In Jordan, it is important for people to value their family, especially their extended family. Sometimes, it is more important for someone to act in their family’s interests rather than their own. A lot of families live near each other or communicate frequently.
Many times, social events, festivities and business dealings include members of a family. Appreciating the role of families in Jordan can help when trying to build connections of any kind.
Festivals and Public Holidays
People in Jordan observe both Islamic and national holidays. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two of the main holidays in Islam. At the holidays, people like to come together with family, eat and support foreign countries. At that time, some offices and businesses are closed for the public.
National holidays such as Independence Day (May 25) are celebrated with public events, parades, and national pride. Participating in these celebrations can be a wonderful way to connect with your local community and better understand Jordan’s cultural identity.
Transportation and Local Travel
To move around Jordan, you can use buses, shared taxis or apps like Careem and Uber which most people use in towns and cities. Most people drive, yet in big cities, the traffic is usually very busy and occasionally, rules are not strictly obeyed.
You should know how to behave on local transport. If you are traveling using public transport, it is normal for guys to give the seat to women or seniors. Being patient and polite is helpful in almost any situation.
Working with Relocation Experts
Having local knowledge makes learning about the culture much simpler. Regarding expats, top relocation companies in Jordan manage their moves and help them become part of the community. Several companies arrange orientation sessions that teach about the culture, provide language help and introduce expats to the community.
Working with relocation experts in Jordan makes it easier for you to start your new life. You can rely on them to support you in locating safe and suitable housing, register with local officials and manage all the legal requirements.
Collaborating with relocation services Jordan that have experience in both cultures helps when you move to another country. Since many international movers in Jordan employ workers who can speak several languages and are connected internationally, you can be sure your move will go smoothly with them.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Jordan gives you an opportunity to experience the traditions, communal spirit and hospitality of the community. Getting to know the locals’ customs will prevent you from embarrassing yourself and help you build meaningful relationships in your new surroundings.
From visiting old sites to spending time with your neighbors or moving around Jordan’s big city, you’ll always experience the ample culture. A good relocation company in Jordan can help make your move rewarding in both cultural and technical terms.