Business Hours : Money Matters

Jordan’s business timetable has been shaped by various natural, religious, and economic forces. The desert sun converts the lunchtime hours into a Mideastem siesta. Most stores and offices open around 8-9:3Oam, close from 1-3 or 4pm, and open again in the late afternoon. In Amman, retail stores usually close around 8 or 9pm, when the transportation system also dwindles. In some areas, such as Jabal al-Hussein, stores often close as late as 1 lpm. Banks and government offices retain only a skeleton staff in the afternoon; if you care about getting something done, take advantage of the morning. Government offices are open Sat-Thurs., 8am-2pm (9:3Oam-2;3Opm during Ramadan).

Friday is a holiday throughout the Muslim world, although it is less scrupulously kept in Amman and Aqaba. Government offices and institutions ciose everywhere, but some shops are open in the morning (until about noon).

Foreign banks and offices generally observe both Friday and Saturday as weekday holidays, though they may keep longer hours during the rest of the week. Museums are closed on Tuesdays. The only reliable schedule for the last few centuries has been the Islamic ‘ call to prayer: five times per day, the faithful kneel facing the holy city of Mecca.