Advice for moving to Jordan

John1218 · 2016-07-27T19:06:51+02:00

Get essential tips for moving to Jordan, covering housing costs, car options, cultural insights, and safety in Amman for newcomers.

John1218 Member

Member since 27 July 2016

John1218Member27 July 2016 17:06:51

Hi everyone, my name is John, there's a good possibility that I'll be moving to Jordan later this year (just me, no family). Due to this, I'd like to get a head start on getting some advice /information from those already based in Jordan.

Housing
1. When it comes to housing, how expensive is a one bedroom apartment? (my maximum budget for this is $1000 per month, but I'd rather it be way lower, like $500-600 per month)

2. How much does utility expenses cost? (electricity, water, Internet)

3. What neighborhood /area should I try looking for an apartment in? My office in Jordan is near Taj Mall so I would prefer a neighborhood that's not too far but not too near that area as well.

4. Will the landlord require a 1 year payment on rent? (as in other middle east countries?)

Vehicle
1. What's the cheapest /best way to acquire one? Note that I will work at one of the embassies based in Jordan and so I am exempt from taxes on cars.

2. Is it wise to import a car from Dubai instead?

3. What are the general things I have to look out for when buying a car? (i.e. How to not get ripped off)

General conditions
1. How "western" or liberal is the society in Jordan? Can a woman travel on her own for example?

2. Do locals have a good command of the English language?

3. Is Amman, generally safe? What about the rest of the country? How do the police treat foreigners?

4. Is there much in the way of nightlife in Amman?

5. Is there some sort of taboo for Jordanian women getting involved with foreigners?

Apologies for the amount of questions. I have a lot more actually but I'm hoping to start with the above for now.聽 Thanks for answering!

John

tareqjo88 New member

Member since 14 February 2015

tareqjo88New member31 July 2016 19:16:19

Hello John,

If you have skype I would be more than happy to answer all of your questions or concerns, I will try to summarize it a bit here.
Since you are going to work near Taj mall, that's mean Abdoun area which is one of the most expensive area in Jordan ... now budget of 1000$ would not be realistic in that area even if it is un-furniture you need to start to think of 1000 JoD which is almost 1400 USD, so you are as most expats looking for furnished apartment, I would suggest to try maybe other areas such Shemisani or 5th circle. Paying monthly or yearly it is all based on the agreement with the owner.
Utilities costs are depending on your usage, but will not be more than 60$ (electricity, water, internet) if you are alone and if you do not use air conditions (you do not need to use Air condition anyway).
For cars, you can easily find a car here used by other exacts, so no need to ship anything from outside, I can help you with this as I know so many expats and I might able to help you with that.
most local have good command of English including taxi drivers (at least understandable) and you can communicate easily.
Amman is super safe, it might be safer than most European cities .. no worries. Night life here is great and can be on up to 6:00 AM in the morning.
Police here are super nice, all of them are well educated, helpful and will treat you as Jordanian, all of them speak English.
There is no taboo for Jordanian women getting involved with foreigners, it is all depends on the person/ family ... if women don't want to involve, they will let you know nicely.

I just saw one of the questions, I forget to answer:

Yes, women can travel alone they can do whatever they want in fact as men. they can party till 6:00 AM too ... as I mention, it is up to the person whether Male or Female.

No worries at all, you will feel home here.

Cheers,
Tareq