Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Amman, Jordan

1. King Abdullah Mosque Scam

Avoid fake guides offering tours at the mosque for a fee. Officially guided tours are free.

Free Guided Tours: Official guided tours are provided for free, unlike many other tourist sites.
Avoid Fake Guides: Be cautious of individuals offering tours at the mosque; they may not be authorized guides.
Respectful Behavior: Always dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the mosque.

Bargain hard at gold souks to avoid overpriced items. Use a trusted local shop or compare prices between vendors.

Trusted Local Shops: Established shops with good reputations often provide fair pricing.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices between vendors can help you find a better deal.
Bargaining Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get the best possible price.

Ensure taxi drivers use the meter and avoid offering fixed prices. Use a reputable company or pre-arranged transportation when possible.

Metered Fares: Always insist that the driver uses the taxi meter for fares.
Reputable Companies: Choose well-known and reputable taxi companies to minimize risk.
Pre-arranged Transportation: Pre-arranging transportation in advance can help avoid potential scams.

Avoid buying SIM cards from unofficial vendors at Queen Alia International Airport; go to authorized shops instead.

Authorized Shops: Purchase SIM cards only from official and authorized retailers.
Avoid Unofficial Vendors: Be wary of unofficial vendors who might sell you a faulty or incorrect SIM card.
Check Coverage and Data Plans: Make sure to check the coverage area, data plans, and prices before purchasing a SIM card.

Beware of individuals posing as police officers asking for bribes or money; real police officers don't solicit payments.

Real Police Uniforms: Real police officers wear official uniforms and have proper identification.
Avoid Solicitation: Police officers should not ask for money or bribes; report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
Stay Calm and Confident: If you encounter a suspicious individual, stay calm, confident, and do not provide any personal information.

Be cautious of counterfeit goods being sold at local markets. Look for authentic brands and shop at reputable stores.

Authentic Brands: Look for genuine brands when shopping for items, as many counterfeits are available in the market.
Reputable Stores: Shop at established stores with good reputations to minimize the risk of buying fake goods.
Check Quality and Packaging: Inspect items carefully, paying attention to quality and packaging details.

Be aware that tips are already included in the bill at some restaurants; avoid overtipping when they're not necessary.

Check Bill for Service Charge: Look for a service charge on your bill before leaving additional tips.
Avoid Overtipping: When no service charge is included, leave an appropriate tip based on the quality of service received.
Gratuity Customs: Understand local customs and tipping practices to avoid offending or misunderstanding waitstaff.

Avoid eating street food from unhygienic vendors. Opt for clean and busy stalls with fresh ingredients.

Cleanliness: Look for clean food preparation areas, utensils, and handwashing facilities.
Busy Stalls: Choose busy stalls with frequent customers as they often have better food safety practices.
Fresh Ingredients: Make sure the ingredients used are fresh and properly stored to minimize foodborne illness risk.

Compare prices between rental companies to avoid overpaying for a car rental. Look for reputable companies and read reviews.

Reputable Companies: Choose well-known, reliable car rental companies with good customer feedback.
Price Comparison: Compare prices between different rental companies to find the best deal.
Inspect Vehicle Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspect the rental vehicle before driving away to avoid hidden damage charges later.

Avoid money exchanges in unofficial locations. Use reputable exchange centers or banks for the best rates.

Reputable Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency at authorized exchange centers or banks.
Avoid Unofficial Locations: Be cautious of street vendors and unregulated locations offering money exchanges.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different providers to get the best deal.

Be wary of unsolicited dinner invitations from strangers who may ask for money or personal information. Politely decline such invitations.

Avoid Strangers: Decline dinner invitations from people you don't know, as they might have ulterior motives.
Personal Information Security: Never share personal information with strangers to avoid identity theft or scams.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when declining invitations from unfamiliar individuals.

Avoid signing petitions presented by strangers, as they may be part of a scam or fraudulent fundraising.

Avoid Strangers: Decline to sign petitions from people you don't know, as they might use your signature for fraudulent purposes.
Research Causes: If a cause resonates with you, research it further before signing any petition.
Support Legitimate Organizations: Support legitimate organizations directly by donating to their official websites or verified social media accounts.

Be cautious of individuals asking for donations in the streets; research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.

Research Charities: Verify the legitimacy and transparency of charities before making a donation.
Avoid Street Donations: Be wary of unsolicited street donations, as they may be part of a scam or fraudulent fundraising.
Pre-arranged Donations: Consider pre-arranging your donations through official channels instead of making spontaneous donations on the street.

Be wary of hotel staff offering to purchase rugs or carpets at inflated prices. Research local markets for better deals.

Research Local Markets: Visit local markets to find a wider selection of carpets and better prices.
Avoid Hotel Staff Offers: Decline offers from hotel staff for purchasing rugs or carpets, as they may be overpriced.
Negotiate Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get a better price when shopping for carpets in local markets.

Avoid taxi drivers offering unauthorized tours or sightseeing services. Book licensed tours through reputable companies instead.

Book Licensed Tours: Choose licensed tour operators for your sightseeing needs.
Avoid Unauthorized Services: Decline unauthorized tours or services offered by taxi drivers to avoid scams and unwanted detours.
Research Tour Options: Research tour options beforehand, read reviews, and compare prices to find the best fit for your needs.