Local Insights
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As one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world, the Jordanian capital of Amman is both a thriving commercial and administrative centre, hosting modern facilities, historical attractions and – excellent news for visitors – boasts a longstanding tradition of hospitality.
Getting there
Amman is served by two airports. The main one, Queen Alia International (962 6 445 3187; www.jcaa.gov.jo/Airports/queen_alia) lies 35 kilometres south of the capital; a third terminal is due to be completed by 2010. The city's second air hub – Marka International (962 6 489 6577; www.jcaa.gov.jo/Airports/marka) – hosts regional flights.
Visas are available on arrival. Road links to neighbouring Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iraq are not always reliable. Twice weekly trains run to Damascus (www.jhr.gov.jo), and there are daily ferries to Egypt from the southern port city of Aqaba.
Weather
Amman enjoys a very pleasant climate; the summers are hot and dry, with cool evenings; daytime temperatures rarely exceed 32oC. While winters are cool and wet, the thermometer's minimum is about 5oC. Most rain falls between October and March.
Important Numbers
| Ambulance | 962 6 462 2099 |
| Fire | 193 |
| Police | 191 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 962 6 567 8294 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Service taxi |
Bus |
Car | |
| Hotlines | Some 16,000 yellow taxis honk their way around Amman's streets. | Service ("servees") taxis, usually white Mercedes or Peugeots, follow fixed routes around the city, but are shared with other passengers. |
Non Arabic speaking (and reading) visitors may find the city bus system challenging. Routes 26, 27, 28, 41 and 43 service downtown. The JETT bus company runs inter city and international services. 962 6 566 4146 |
Various international and local car hire companies operate in Amman. A national licence is acceptable, though an international permit is preferred. Avis 962 6 569 9420 www.avis.com.jo |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Flagfall is JD0.150; meters are obligatory, though drivers may need to be reminded of this. |
From JD0.80 per journey, but add 25% after 8.00 pm. |
Fares from JD0.050. |
From JD35 per day. A deposit may be required, and "unlimited kilometres" is a rarity. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
24 hours, though fewer services at night |
24 hours |
| Limousine |
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| Hotlines | Chauffeur drive is possibly the easiest way to get around Amman. Atlas Classic Limousine 962 6 565 6820 Bisharat Limousine Service 962 6 465 9310 |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
From JD700 per day.
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| Operating hours | 24 hours |
* Remarks: The local currency is the Jordanian dinar
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Marhaba |
| Please | Min fadlik |
| Thank you very much | Shukran jazeelan |
| I do not understand | La afham |
| Do you speak English? | Hal tetakallem al-inglizia? |
| Nice to meet you | Tasharafna |
| Never mind | Laysa muhim |
| Good | Jayyid |
| You're welcome | Afwan |
| Excuse me | Law samaht |
| Where is the toilet? | Aynal-hamam? |
| What is your name? | Ma ismuka (to a male) Ma ismukee (to a female) |
| My name is... | Ismee... |
| How much does this cost? | Bikam hadha? |
| Maybe | Mumkin |
| Do you understand? | Maf hoom? |
| Help! | Musa'ada! |
| Today | Lyoum |
| Yesterday | Ams |
| Yes | Na'am |
Business and Finance
Amman owes much to its ruler, King Abdullah II, who since ascending the throne in 1999, has introduced broad economic reforms. Amman has followed IMF guidelines, practising careful monetary policy, and made substantial headway with privatisation. Productivity has improved greatly, and Jordan is now seen as a healthy target for foreign investment.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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