Amman Dress Code

Men should wear a shirt and tie for business. Women are expected to dress modestly at all times, with skirts at least to the knee and tops that cover the shoulders. Shorts for men are generally acceptable, but considered eccentric and may draw bemused attention. Swimwear should be restricted to the beach or poolside.

Greeting Someone in Amman

A handshake is the customary greeting, and business cards are essential for business. Gesticulations play a great part in communication and often differ from those used in the West. Raising the eyebrows and lifting the head up and back means 'no', whilst shaking the head means 'I don't understand'. Placing your right hand over your heart means a polite refusal or 'no thanks'.

Amman Business Hours and Banking

Goverment offices in Jordan are open from 08:00 to 15:00, Sunday to Thursday. Offices in the private sector tend to operate between 09:00 and 18:30, with a lunch break of not more than two hours, Sunday to Thursday. Banks open on these days from 08:30 to 15:00, but ATMs are in use at all other times. However, in all cases, business hours will be reduced during the holy month of Ramadan.

Amman Smoking

The Jordanian government has banned smoking in public areas of Amman, which includes cafes and restaurants.