Is it safe to travel to puerto rico: How Safe Is Puerto Rico for Travel? (2022 Updated) ⋆ Travel Safe

Is Puerto Rico Safe to Visit? Honest advice and tips in 2023!

A gorgeous member of the Caribbean archipelago, Puerto Rico is an island adorned with sandy beaches, lush nature, exotic wildlife, and architectural wonders. For backpackers and digital nomads, it’s a budget-friendly destination, offering a plethora of things to do and see.

But what dangers lurk beneath the island’s sunny atmosphere?

If you’ve done some background research, you’re bound to have some concerns regarding your safety. Puerto Rico is somewhat infamous for gun crimes, drug trafficking, and theft.

In this guide, we look at the safety aspect of touring the island, the main risks involved, and how to avoid them. 

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Is Puerto Rico safe to travel?

Yes. Puerto Rico is safe enough to visit and enjoy as long as you take adequate precautions to safeguard yourself!

The country does have a reputation for serious crimes like homicides carried out by drug dealers and criminal gangs. But, travelers are unlikely to be affected by them. They have also decreased significantly over the years, though they remain prevalent. Puerto Rico ranks 18th in the crime rate index at present. 

Most of the issues faced by tourists are common risks like theft, pickpocketing, and scams. Another risk is the island’s rogue weather patterns. While all these issues may seem concerning, most travelers have a trouble-free experience. All you need to do is take the necessary safety measures as you would in any other country.

When is Puerto Rican weather a safety threat?

The geographic location of Puerto Rico makes it vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. The hurricane season usually lasts from June to November, with August and September being the worst times.

So, make sure to check the weather forecast when you plan for your trip!

If you plan to travel during the high-risk season, make sure you’re covered against natural disasters by travel insurance. Be alert to weather changes and take weather forecast warnings seriously. You have to be prepared to react promptly in situations of heavy rain or storm.

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Avoiding Petty Crimes in Puerto Rico

When you’re touring the island, pickpocketing and robbery should be one of your primary concerns. Thieves usually operate in crowded areas, and tourists can easily be targeted.

It’s important to be vigilant about your surroundings and keep your belongings safe.

Avoid wearing jewelry or fancy items that may attract robbers. Also, don’t flash your money when you purchase items from stalls off the streets. If you are staying at a hotel, it’s best to leave your valuables and personal documents in a locker.

Try to blend in with the local crowd as much as possible. You can dress like a local, throw in a Spanish phrase or two, and act like you know your way around. Learning some common Spanish phrases can also help you communicate with vendors and locals better.

What to Do if You Are Mugged or Robbed

You have to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenarios, too. If you are mugged, don’t resist, although it could be your first instinct. Hand over whatever you have and leave fast.

Losing your travel documents is more serious than losing money. In such a case, file a complaint with the police and contact the embassy.

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Safest Neighborhoods in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, is the most popular tourist area.

Its neighborhoods like Old San Juan, Santurce, Isla Verde, Miramar, and Condado are safe during the day and night because the police will usually patrol the streets. Areas like Piñones, Santurce, Parque de las Palomas, and Puerta de Tierra should be avoided at night. 

It’s best to refrain from visiting the public housing complex area, Louis Lloren Torres, as it’s renowned for gang activity. Outside San Juan, cities like Dorado, Rio Grande, Vieques, and Luquillo are other safe places in Puerto Rico.

Is Puerto Rico safe to travel alone for female travelers?

Puerto Rico is safe for female solo travelers, but it’s always better to buddy up!

If you’re traveling alone, it’s important to take every precaution possible. Keep someone or multiple people updated about your whereabouts, and make sure you have all the necessary emergency contact numbers with you.

Avoid staying outside late at night and walking on dimly lit or deserted pathways. You should also be wary of locals claiming to guide you because they can charge you exorbitant rates.

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How safe is it to drive in Puerto Rico?

It is safe to rent a car and drive around, but you should exercise a lot of caution. You will notice a lot of reckless driving on the road, and the best you can do is follow the rules and drive as carefully as possible.

Always park the car in a safe, designated parking area. Make sure you don’t leave any of your valuables in the car. Car theft is also a common issue here.

Other Health and Safety Concerns

Aside from all these, you should protect yourself from nasty insects and bugs. Don’t forget to carry a good mosquito repellent cream or spray, and reapply every few hours. As with every tropical country, the island has a risk of mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and Zika. 

As Puerto Rico is one of the US territories, you can read about the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC here. You also have to submit a travel declaration form via the local government’s website. 

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Puerto Rico travel safety in 2022

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Puerto Rico could be the perfect destination for American travelers. It’s part of the U.S., so dollars work, your cellphone works, and your health insurance works. It sounds ideal – but is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico?

While there are still reasons to answer no, mainly the last little bit of recovery from hurricanes and earthquakes, from the standpoint of general safety, the answer is yes – Puerto Rico remains one of the safer destinations in the Caribbean.

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Puerto Rico And the pandemic

It seems like Puerto Rico has finally caught a break – and it took a pandemic to do it.

The territory wrapped up most of its hurricane and earthquake reconstruction projects shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Then when international restrictions became the norm, Puerto Rico was ready and waiting to receive U.S. tourists.

The result: Puerto Rico has become one of the more popular Caribbean destinations for domestic tourists since the pandemic took hold.

The fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory means that there are no visa or quarantine requirements. Even at this late stage, that’s still a big thing.

Puerto Rico is shaping up as a particularly strong destination for vacation rentals. Airbnb alone has more than 10,000 lodging options for visitors, and Vrbo and others have ample inventories of vacation properties.

In an unusual turn, the storms have actually helped spur the emergence of art, music, and food scenes on the islands, making this one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico. And now that repairs have been completed to the trail system at El Yunque National Forest, America’s only tropical rainforest, everything is in place for a multidimensional tourist experience.

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safety concerns In Puerto Rico 

There are safety concerns, however. 

Like Mexico and some other Caribbean islands, there’s a high level of gun crime, drug trafficking and gang activity, and the homicide rate is relatively high. 

There’s also an issue with theft – mostly of the pickpocketing-and-purse-snatching variety, spurred in part by the island’s pronounced economic inequality. 

Then there’s the weather. Hurricane Dorian dumped another load of wind and rain on the storm-ravaged island in early 2020, though infrastructure held up much better than it did in September 2017. 

At that time, hurricanes Maria and Irma left the entire territory without power and one of its dams on the verge of collapse.

Ultimately, more than 135,000 Puerto Ricans actually left their homes because of the storms.

The power is back on and just about everyone has access to clean water, though some parts of the island are not 100% restored.

With all that said, Puerto Rico is still one of the safest Caribbean islands, with a lower crime rate than many mainland U.S. cities.

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Here are our top safety tips for traveling to Puerto Rico:

1. Be careful of your belongings. Don’t leave them unattended, don’t carry bags with long straps and don’t hang bags on chairs. Consider purchasing a money belt or a money-hiding infinity scarf to hide your cash.

2. Try to blend in. If you can’t look like a native, look like someone who knows their way around the island.

3. Learn some Spanish. You never know when you might need to ask for directions or get help. 

4. Understand local laws. You can’t drink on the streets in Old San Juan, for instance. 

5. Be careful at night, especially in San Juan, and stay away from housing projects. Gangs operate there.

6. Watch for changes in weather and weather warnings.

7. Be careful in the rainforest. Tell people where you’re going, take a map, wear shoes with good traction over wet rocks, and cover your legs and arms to protect against insects and poisonous plants.

8. Carry a basic medical kit, and insect repellent with DEET. Mosquitoes can carry the Zika virus and dengue fever. 

9. Be careful when you swim. Riptides can be deadly, and there can be poisonous sea creatures like jellyfish. Read beach warning signs and swim parallel to a riptide if you get caught.

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solo traveler

If you’re traveling by yourself, whether you’re male or female, add on these tips for solo travelers:

• Let people know where you’re going, what you’re going to be doing, and where you’re going to be staying. Provide multiple people with multiple ways of contacting you. Keep their contact info with you.
• Spread around your money in different pockets. Use a credit card in lieu of carrying lots of cash.
• Research your lodgings before booking. Pay extra attention to reviews written by other solo travelers.
• Dress to blend in, not to stand out. It will keep you from attracting unwanted attention, and it may be more comfortable besides.
• Ask locals what to do, where to go, and places to eat and drink. This is the best way to find the best spots in Puerto Rico. 
• Make friends with other travelers, or join a tour. You don’t have to spend all day with other travelers, but it’s a great break from the solo grind. 
• Be alcohol-smart and avoid drugs, regardless if you’re staying at a resort or out on your own. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Drink-spiking can and does happen.
• If someone’s attention is making you feel uncomfortable, be firm but polite, and decline their advances.
• Don’t tell just anybody the details of your trip, your marital status, or other personal details. Be friendly, but restrained.
• If you’re in trouble, make noise. Let others know about your situation.
• If you have to walk anywhere after dark, stick to busy spots where there are lots of other people. 

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Family safety tips in Puerto rico

From the El Yunque rainforest to the bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay to the caves of Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, Puerto Rico has the tropical beaches and clean sand that make it perfect for families.

There’s a whole range of accommodation options available in Puerto Rico. Look for beach rentals or resorts with kids’ clubs.

Most of the hiking trails, like the short trail up to Mt. Britton in El Yunque National Forest, are kid-friendly. Still, it’s important to wear long sleeves when hiking, carry a first-aid kit and plenty of water and snacks, and use sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET.

Much of that advice goes double when you’re on the beach.

Finally, check opening and closing hours for attractions before you go, or call ahead. Hours can vary, or may not be consistently followed.

learn more about our travel insurance plans

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Driving in Puerto Rico

Driving in Puerto Rico can be challenging. Not all roads or traffic signals have been fully repaired or maintained since the hurricanes.

Drivers tend to be aggressive and often pay scant attention to traffic laws. In addition, carjackings can happen at night, especially in rural areas.

In Old San Juan and other urban areas, traffic can be horrible; on the other hand, driving in rural areas and on mountain roads can be frightening – narrow, rutted roads with sheer dropoffs and animals wandering into the path of oncoming traffic. 

Also, GPS systems can be iffy in Puerto Rico. Having a good map and some Spanish phrases so you can ask for directions is a good idea.

Finally, keep all valuables out of sight when your car is parked.

Rentals, rideshares, and public transportation

There’s generally a good supply of rental cars, but reservations are recommended. So is solid rental-car insurance.

Ubers and other rideshares are safe in Puerto Rico, but can be unreliable, with spotty service. Often a taxi is a better option, especially at night. Look for cars that say “Taxi Touristico” on the side. Ask your hotel concierge to get you a taxi, or recommend a place to get one. 

Public transport in Puerto Rico is generally safe, but all the forms of Puerto Rican public transport – buses, trams, and trolleys – can have service issues, with routes that aren’t always tourist-friendly. 

Keep a hand on your bags when taking public transport, and don’t stow anything in an overhead bin or compartment.

Photo by Burst from Pexels

Food safety in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico can be a great place to eat. Food trucks serve up some amazing street food, and high-end cuisine is undergoing a renaissance.

In general, try to follow these tips when eating in Puerto Rico:

• Don’t go where the tourists go. Especially in heavily touristed areas, avoid the highly advertised places with bilingual menus. For a genuine eating experience, avoid the hotel restaurant and ask some locals instead.
• Go to restaurants and food trucks that have a lot of local traffic. Bustling places with quick turnover of locals are often a good choice. Avoid places that aren’t heavily patronized where the food looks like it’s been sitting around all day.
• Take your time. You can’t eat everything at once. Taste, sample, and leave room for dessert.
• Trust the water – but verify. In the cities, most water is drinkable; in the outlying areas, not so much. Ask locals if the water’s safe to drink; otherwise, drink bottled water or carry a water bottle that you fill from a reputable source.

The good news for American travelers who get sick or injured in Puerto Rico is that your health insurance will likely cover many of your expenses. The healthcare system is one of the best in the Caribbean, and 911 calls work the same way they do stateside.

Still, travel medical insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is still a good idea.

During Puerto Rico’s long journey back to normal, residents and tourists alike have found that the definition of “normal” has changed – but mostly in a good way. Puerto Rico is a pleasant surprise for many visitors, and that seems likely to continue.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?

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Dangers in the Dominican Republic for tourists

Safety during the holidays is a question that has recently been of interest to many tourists. Due to events in Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and other countries of the Middle East, as well as due to frequent incidents in Thailand and other Asian countries, many tourists attach great importance to security issues when choosing a vacation spot.

Is it dangerous in the Dominican Republic? Despite the fact that crime in the Dominican Republic, like in many other countries in Latin America, is not a rare occurrence, the safety of tourists is provided quite well here.

Of course, there are dangers in the Dominican Republic, but you cannot name a single country that does not have any dangers. We can only say that in the last few years there has not been a single serious incident with tourists from Russia in this country.

In this article, we will talk about the main dangers for tourists in the Dominican Republic and give some tips to help you make your stay in this country as safe as possible.

Is it possible to swim at night in the Dominican Republic

Although it is unlikely that anyone will forbid you to swim at night in the ocean / sea, we still do not recommend doing this. Why? The fact is that almost nothing is visible under water at night, and the likelihood of stepping on a sea urchin or some other sea creature at night is much higher than during the day. At the same time, there will be no lifeguards on the beach at night, so there will be no one to help you.

As for swimming pools, in most hotels it is forbidden to swim in them from 7-8 pm.

Dominican hurricanes

Dominican hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th. According to the National Meteorological Administration, the critical period regarding the possible impact of this natural phenomenon in the country is the period from August 15 to September 15. Records for the last 120 years show that the country was hit by at least twenty hurricanes during this period, five of which had the most catastrophic consequences. These are the Lilis hurricanes (1894), San Zenona (1930), Agnes (1966), David (1979) and George (1998). According to the researchers, the cyclonic activity changed in 1995 to a hyperactive period that could last two or three decades.

Approximately 80 tropical cyclones develop worldwide each year, and about half of these cyclones reach hurricane strength. Many cyclones originating in the Atlantic pass just north of the Dominican Republic and leave for Mexico or the southern United States. Sometimes they make it to the eastern Pacific, where they are given a new name from a given list of cyclones, or typhoons, as they are called in some parts of the Pacific.

Can you get caught in a hurricane in the Dominican Republic? If you go to this country between June and November, then there is a risk of getting into a hurricane, but the highest probability of this is in August and September, and the lowest in June and November. In general, the probability of getting into a powerful hurricane in the Dominican Republic is small, although if you pay attention to the cyclical nature of the last five powerful hurricanes, we can assume that the next such hurricane will be in the coming years. However, even if you are not lucky enough to get into such a hurricane, then you should not worry, because the Dominicans are always ready for this natural phenomenon. Hotel buildings in this country are built taking into account the possible impact of a hurricane on them. In addition, there are often shelters near hotels.

Tsunamis in the Dominican Republic

Are there tsunamis in the Dominican Republic? The last powerful tsunami that hit the coast of the Dominican Republic occurred back in 1946. Although it is quite difficult to predict such a phenomenon as a tsunami, the Caribbean is not the place where powerful tsunamis often occur.

Tsunami in the Dominican Republic in 1946

More than 100 people died and another 20,000 were left homeless as a result of the tsunami generated by an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 that occurred on August 4, 1946 years off the coast of Nagua (northern coast of the Dominican Republic). The tsunami penetrated several kilometers into the community of Matanzas, where the wave height was approximately 2.5 meters. The quake is strongly felt in parts of Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and eastern Cuba. The tsunami caused severe damage in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, from Samana to Puerto Plata.

Although the wave was only 2.5 meters high, it penetrated several kilometers deep, causing serious damage to Matanzas. The maximum wave height has been estimated at 4-5 meters. Such a wave hit the Nagua.

Earthquake in the Dominican Republic

Not so long ago, the island of Hispaniola, where the Dominican Republic is located, experienced a strong earthquake. True, it happened in Haiti on January 12, 2010. Preceded by wobbles and small movements, this earthquake measured 7.3 on the Richter scale and killed more than 2,000 people. In addition, hundreds of thousands were affected, not only by the earthquake itself, but also by other disasters it caused, such as floods, cholera and famine.

There are two fault lines in the Caribbean. The first of these extends west of Jamaica, while the second fault line runs north to south along northern Cuba and Haiti. This suggests that cities such as Port-au-Prince, Kingston, or Santiago de los Caballeros are most at risk. The Dominican Republic is unlikely to suffer much from an earthquake, although this cannot be ruled out. In any case, Punta Cana, La Romana and other resort areas of this country are relatively far from the fault line, so the likelihood that the epicenter of the earthquake will be near these resorts is very small.

Diseases in the Dominican Republic

What can you get infected or get sick in the Dominican Republic? Theoretically, tourists can get malaria, Zika virus and cholera in the Dominican Republic. However, in practice this is almost impossible. Only one case is known when a tourist returned from the Dominican Republic to Russia with the Zika virus.

In general, if you take all precautions and don’t do stupid things, then the risk of contracting some kind of serious illness in the Dominican Republic will be practically zero.

Mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic

Are there mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic? These insects are found in any tropical country, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. In resort areas, mosquitoes often disturb tourists, especially those who have not taken any precautions against them. In addition to nasty bites, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as the Zika virus and malaria. Therefore, it is important to do everything to drive mosquitoes away from you.

Mosquito activity may vary by season, time of day, weather conditions and specific area. In humid areas (natural pools, lakes, swamps) there are usually a lot of mosquitoes. In addition, there are usually more mosquitoes during the rainier periods of the year than during the dry season. Also keep in mind that mosquito activity is usually higher during dusk and dawn. To prevent mosquitoes from disturbing you, try to use different means, such as repellents, sprays, creams. Keep mosquitoes out of your room by keeping windows open. If possible, perfumes, colognes, body creams, hairspray, etc. should not be used as the scent attracts mosquitoes.

Zika virus in the Dominican Republic

Although only one tourist from Russia has been infected with the Zika virus in the Dominican Republic, the total number of tourists affected by this virus is more than a hundred. Most of them are Americans, which is not surprising considering that tourists from the United States are the most numerous in the Dominican Republic.

Since the Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, it is important to make sure that you are not bitten by these insects. We wrote about precautions above.

Malaria in the Dominican Republic

Do not believe those who say that there is no malaria in the Dominican Republic. But the fact is that the country is in the stage of preliminary elimination of this disease. There is a moderate risk of malaria in the rural areas of the western regions (on the border with Haiti). There is no risk of contracting malaria in the major cities of the Dominican Republic, and in coastal resort areas this risk is very low. Back in 2004, there was an outbreak of malaria in Punta Cana, but the area is now considered one of the safest in this regard.

In the Dominican Republic, the number of cases of malaria has been declining rapidly in recent years. Back in 2012, about 1200 cases of malaria were recorded, but in 2015 the number of such cases dropped below 300. One of the scariest animals for tourists is the shark. Are there sharks in the Dominican Republic? Yes, these marine animals live in the waters near this country, but the last shark attacks on people in the Dominican Republic were recorded a very long time ago.

You don’t have to worry too much about sharks in the Dominican Republic, as most shark species that can swim close to the coast are actually harmless. Dangerous sharks usually do not swim to the shore at a distance of less than 2-3 kilometers. In addition, in Punta Cana, most hotels have barriers that prevent sharks from entering, and small boats monitor this area to prevent unpleasant surprises for tourists.

So now you know that you shouldn’t be afraid of sharks in the Dominican Republic if you don’t plan to swim far.

Snakes in the Dominican Republic

Are there snakes in the Dominican Republic? The bad news is that there are snakes here, but the good news is that they are not dangerous. It is even hard to imagine that in a country with large tropical forests there are no poisonous snakes. Moreover, to meet a non-venomous snake here, you need to try hard. The fact is that some snakes in the Dominican Republic are endangered, and other snakes are caught in order to obtain any medicines and remedies.

There are only a few snake species in the Dominican Republic. The most popular of these is the Dominican boa (boa constrictor). This snake does not pose any danger to humans and, as a rule, approaches houses only because it senses the presence of mice. The Dominican boa constrictor can be up to four meters long. Its color can be anything from black and brown to gray and red. It feeds on small vertebrates and lives in forests and along river banks. Sometimes boas appear on plantations, but they are beneficial, as they eat birds harmful to agriculture and rodents, frogs and other small vertebrates.

There are three endemic species of “green snakes” on the island of Hispaniola, which live mainly within certain ranges. These snakes can be found in all known resort areas except Punta Cana. Although all three types of snakes are shy and try to hide when a person approaches, bites still occur. According to those who have suffered from the bites of these snakes, numbness is felt in the area of ​​​​the bite. But no one in the Dominican Republic has died after being bitten by these snakes.

Still have questions? Do you want to get advice on holidays or find out about the best excursions in the Dominican Republic? Write to us! Be sure to answer everyone!

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Reminder to tourists – tour operator ART-TOUR 9008 Jordanian kingdom

0009
(Official name)

Capital – Amman.

Population – 5.2 million people.

Territory – 89492 sq. km.

Language – Arabic, English is very common, there are people who speak Russian.

Religion – The vast majority are Sunni Muslims, there are also Christian Arabs.

Time is 1 hour behind Moscow; daylight saving time is practiced.

Electricity – 220 volts 50 hertz. An adapter is required for local electrical sockets. You can ask for it at the reception.

Safety – many people are afraid to travel in Jordan, and safety is the first thing that worries our compatriots. This is understandable, but worry is in vain! Jordan, despite being an Arab country and bordering on Syria and Iraq, is a quiet and very peaceful country. It is safe to walk the streets here at any time of the day or night. However, women should not go out alone in the evening in short skirts, tight shorts, etc.

Arrival/Departure – We recommend arriving at the airport 2.5 hours before the departure of the plane from Moscow, and 2 hours before the departure from Amman. Flight time from Moscow to Amman is about 4.5 hours.

At Amman Airport you will be met by our representative after receiving your luggage with a sign of the host (to be indicated). He will help you go through all the formalities.

Visa , customs, sanitary and veterinary control. A tourist visa can be obtained at the consulate in Moscow (production time – 1-2 days) or directly upon arrival at the airport of arrival for free. Visa is valid for 1 month. The customs regime is generally liberal. The import of a number of high-demand goods (tobacco products, alcohol, etc.) is limited, including by a duty on excess quantities. When exporting antiquities and antiques, a special permit from the Department of Antiquities is required. The export of any kind of coral is prohibited. The sanitary and epidemiological situation is generally favorable. Presentation of a certificate of vaccination when entering the country is not required.

Holidays – Friday – official holiday and Saturday; shops owned by Christians may be closed on Sunday as well. The working day ends relatively early (compared, for example, with Egypt).

The climate of is subtropical Mediterranean. It is cool in Jordan in the evening, especially in the mountains and deserts, so a warm sweater can come in handy even in summer. The day is usually warm. The Dead Sea, Aqaba and the hot springs (Main) are warmer than the rest of the country. But do not forget that the sensations with the same thermometer readings in Russia and Jordan are different – at 25 degrees in Amman it can be quite cool, and at local 35 – much more comfortable than at Moscow 25.

Temperature Jordan:

Souvenirs – wicker rugs from Madaba, bottles with multi-colored sand from Petra (it is better to buy in Petra itself – only real sand of natural shades is used there), crafts made of olive wood, ceramics and copper utensils, jewelry ( cheap gold in Jordan, the price of the metal itself is fixed, but the price for work can sometimes be “brought down” by almost half), Bedouin jewelry made of black silver and much more. You can buy Jordanian-made cosmetics based on Dead Sea products. As for the famous therapeutic mud, you can collect it yourself or ask one of the staff at the hotel on the Dead Sea to help you find it.

Currency – Jordanian dinar (1 dinar = 1.41 US dollars). A dinar is equal to 1000 fils and 100 piastres. Banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins of ½ and ¼ dinars are used in circulation. Money can be exchanged at the airport, hotels and exchange offices. Payment for goods and services usually takes place in dinars, but US dollars are also readily accepted.

Banks across the country are open from Sunday to Thursday inclusive from 08:30-15:00, and some reopen from 15:30 and stay open until 17:30. The offices of the vast majority of companies are open from 08:30 to 13:00 and 15:30-18:30. Government offices are open from 08:00 to 15:00. Shops open from 09:30 to 13:30, then open again at 15:30 and open until 18:00. Large stores (usually supermarkets) are open without interruption from 08:00 to 20:00. During Ramadan, the holy holiday for Muslims, most shops close early.

credit cards, especially American Express, Visa, Master Club and Diners Club, are accepted for payment in all major stores, hotels and restaurants.

Transport . The easiest way to get around is by taxi. The white taxi is private, very cheap, but be prepared for the fact that the driver will only speak Arabic, and other passengers (very different!) will be added to your car along the way. The yellow taxi is official, you can call it by the phone number listed in any local newspaper, or at the hotel in the parking lot, or just catch it on the street. It is also quite cheap, and much safer. You can be sure that you will be the only passenger. It is better to agree on the price in advance, because the driver does not always use the meter. Taxi drivers are very friendly and know the city well. It is accepted that a woman should sit in the back seat, and a man in the front, next to the driver. Tipping is not required, but it is better to add 200-300 fils to the payment. And you can rent a car. A driver’s license valid in your country of permanent residence, obtained at least one year ago, is accepted. Right-hand traffic, like ours. Road signs are written in Arabic and English, but there are also special brown ones designed for tourists. When driving, you must observe the speed limit. If you violate the rules of the road, you must unquestioningly obey the orders of the police to stop. It is not recommended to engage in polemics with police representatives. The fine is usually issued on the spot. Attempts to negotiate a reduction in the amount of the fine can have dire consequences.

Photo services – more expensive than in Moscow. Photographing people is allowed only with their consent, and strategic objects (border points and airports) are prohibited.

Women’s clothing , if possible, should not be provocative – do not forget that the majority of the local population are Muslim men and too short a skirt, open shoulders and back far from the beach can attract increased attention to you (do you need it? ).

Meals in buffet style hotels; dishes of European and national cuisine. Food in cafes and restaurants is inexpensive and is not fraught with intestinal infections. It is not recommended to drink tap water and eat unwashed fruits.

Alcoholic drinks of local and foreign production can be purchased at any time, except for the month of Muslim fasting, from local strong drinks you can try “arak” – it is diluted with water, has the color of milk, as well as the specific smell and taste of anise. Local wines (white, rose and red) and beer are also quite good, which are not very expensive and of good quality. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer is offered in many cafes and restaurants (but not all), as well as sold in specialty stores. Drinks in restaurants, meals in which can be included in the cost of your program (water, juice, beer, tea, coffee and wine) are served for a fee – about 1 dinar (well, this is the case everywhere …). The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street is prohibited.

Tips – given in gratitude for good service to hotel staff (0.5 dinars), tour guide (2 dinars per person), driver (1.5 dinars per person), horse driver in Petra (2 dinars), etc. This practice, unlike in Russia, is widespread abroad. Tips usually make up the bulk of the earnings of Jordanians working in the tourism sector – the employment contract usually indicates some insignificant amount and the postscript ” + tips “, so ignoring this issue by you can simply offend the Jordanian.

Television – in many hotels you can find Russian TV channels. Sometimes films with Russian subtitles are shown on Israeli television.

Telephony – The country’s telephone code is 962. To call from Jordan to Russia, dial 007. To call from one city in Jordan to another, dial 0 (analogue of eight) + city code (for example, Amman + 6, Aqaba and Petra +3). Phones that start with 079 and 077 are mobile. When calling them, the caller is charged as for a long-distance call. In some hotels, a call to a mobile phone may be billed as a call abroad. In addition, most hotels charge for at least 3 minutes, which can be inconvenient if you need less time to talk, or if, for example, the person you called had an answering machine. Ambulance – 199. Police – 191. Rescue service – 190.

Cellular communication . In Jordan, the two largest mobile operators are FastLink (code-079) and MobilCom (code-077). The most common is FastLink. It has the largest number of points of sale and the best coverage area. So we advise mobile phone owners to purchase a SIM card from this operator with 5 dinars for 15 dinars. A minute of conversation with Moscow will cost you 0.7 dinars, which is much cheaper than using roaming. And local calls cost about 0.1 dinars. Incoming calls are free.

Caution – while swimming in the Dead Sea, you need to protect your eyes: it is best to wear goggles for swimming in the pool, in extreme cases, sunglasses are suitable – they will protect your eyes from accidental splashes. You can remove the trapped salt with a corner of the towel (just gently blot).

Additional excursions .

There are many interesting places in Jordan that you should definitely see and without visiting which your vacation will be incomplete. Some excursions are more convenient to do from the Dead Sea, others from the Red. Below are the most popular tours. It is also possible to organize any other according to your desire. To order, you need to contact our representative and agree on the time of the tour. Applications for excursions must be given no later than 1 day before the start.

Excursions from the Dead Sea.

• Full day sightseeing tour to Amman and Jerash.

In the morning, a fascinating excursion to Amman, the capital of Jordan, begins. You will see the ancient citadel, the Roman temple of Hercules, the Byzantine church, the palace of the Governor of the Ommayad era, the archaeological museum and the Roman amphitheater. After moving to Jerash – one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Sightseeing of the ancient city: three theaters, numerous colonnades, baths, temples, squares, fountains. The Hippodrome, the Arch of Adrigen, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Artemis deserve special attention. Return to the hotel.

• Full day excursion to Petra

Early in the morning begins an exciting excursion to the ancient city of the Nabataeans – Petra, a real fairy tale of the Middle East. The unique city is located in the mountains, which, depending on the time of day, turn pink, dark red or purple. The El Khazne Palace, the Roman fortress of Urdru, the settlement of Beida, the Amphitheater carved out of stone, hundreds of majestic temples carved into the rocks, royal tombs, water channels and places of worship will not leave anyone indifferent and will be remembered for a lifetime. No wonder Petra is called the “eighth wonder of the world”! Return to the hotel.

• Half day tour of the Holy Places (Bethany, Madaba and Mount Nebo).

The tour begins with a visit to the sacred place for all Christians of the world – Bethany on the Jordan River, where Jesus Christ was baptized. Then you will meet on your way the city of Madaba or the “city of mosaics”, as it is also called. Visit the Church of St. George and see the Byzantine mosaic map of the Middle East, the oldest known to date. After moving to Mount Nebo – the burial place of the prophet Moses. You will have a unique opportunity to admire the view of the Dead Sea, the Judean Mountains, the Jordan Valley.

• Excursion to Kerak – the fortress of the Crusaders for the whole day.

During this unforgettable excursion you will see the famous, well-preserved castle from the time of the Crusades, erected by the knight Paisn at an altitude of more than three thousand meters above sea level. His past is dark. This is a real labyrinth of galleries, secret passages, towers. The knight Renaud de Chatillon ruled here, piracy on the entire coast of the Red Sea. He ruined countless lives, and was captured and beheaded by the great Arab commander Salah ad-Din.

Excursions from the Red Sea from Aqaba.

• Full day excursion to Petra

In the morning begins an exciting excursion to the ancient city of the Nabataeans – Petra, a real fairy tale of the Middle East. The unique city is located in the mountains, which, depending on the time of day, turn pink, dark red or purple. The El Khazne Palace, the Roman fortress of Urdru, the settlement of Beida, the Amphitheater carved out of stone, hundreds of majestic temples carved into the rocks, royal tombs, water channels and places of worship will not leave anyone indifferent and will be remembered for a lifetime. No wonder Petra is called the “eighth wonder of the world”! Return to the hotel.

• Full day excursion to the Dead Sea

Early in the morning the excursion to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (400 m below sea level), starts. The Dead Sea is the saltiest lake in the world, the composition of its salts is unique. Relax on gently lapping waves, pamper yourself with a soothing massage at the finest spa, or experience the world-famous healing properties of Dead Sea mud minerals. Return to the hotel.

• Half day excursion to Wadi Rum with jeep safari.

During this unforgettable tour you will see Wadi Rum, one of the most romantic places in the Arabian Desert, where slender mountain ranges dissolve into reddish sand. With its wind-carved cliffs rising from the pink and white sands, Wadi Rum resembles a lunar landscape. Stunning in its natural beauty, it is the quintessential desert romance. Wadi Rum has been inhabited since ancient times, and today a number of Bedouin tribes live on its territory. You can take a ride in a jeep or, if you wish, on a camel. You will also see the sunset, which makes an unforgettable impression.

• Excursion to the island of the Pharaohs with lunch

A boat trip to the Egyptian island of the Pharaohs provides an opportunity to directly come into contact with the life of the marine world and enjoy the diversity and colors of underwater flora and fauna.