Dress & Etiquette

Jordan is predominantly Muslim and socially conservative, making modest dress a necessity. You will not be arrested, but inappropriate dress will alienate you from the very people you have come to meet. The same modesty is required of both men and women. The code is simple: Do not wear shorts. Your pants should come down to at least mid-shin (women may wear pants). Shirts should cover the shoulders and upper arms. Women should wear head scarves in mosques. Feet can be exposed freely. The exception to these rules is hedonistic Aqaba, where both men and women can wear shorts. You’re also allowed a litde more freedom if going out at night or to the pool in Amman. Looking foreign gives you the extra leeway in these two towns, but don’t push it: women risk greater harassment and even a butt-pinching if wearing shorts in downtown Amman.

Non-Muslims should not enter mosques during prayers, which occur five times per day.