Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Az Zarqā’, Az Zarqā’, Jordan

1. Taxis at Queen Alia International Airport

Avoid overpriced taxis by pre-booking or using airport's official taxi stand.

Pre-Booked Taxis: You can book a taxi in advance through your hotel or reliable online service.
Official Airport Taxi Stand: Use the official airport taxi stand to ensure safety and reasonable prices.
Avoid Street Taxis: Avoid street taxis that may overcharge or provide poor service.

Choose a reputable exchange shop with clear exchange rates and no hidden fees.

Reputable Exchange Shops: Look for well-established exchange shops, often found in banks or hotels.
Clear Exchange Rates: Verify that the exchange shop clearly displays their rates to avoid surprises.
No Hidden Fees: Ensure the exchange shop doesn't charge hidden fees for transactions.

Haggle wisely while shopping at the local bazaars to get a fair price.

Starting Price: Always start with a lower price when negotiating, then work your way up.
Respectful Negotiation: Negotiate respectfully and be prepared to walk away if the price isn't acceptable.
Avoid Overpriced Items: Be cautious of items that are priced significantly higher than others.

Choose a licensed tour guide for an authentic and safe experience.

Licensed Tour Guide: Ask for the tour guide's license before hiring their services.
Recommendations: Get recommendations from reliable sources like hotels or online reviews.
Safe and Authentic Experience: Ensure a safe and authentic experience by choosing a reputable tour guide.

Avoid street food vendors that may serve contaminated or low-quality food.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose restaurants located in popular areas or recommended by locals.
Cleanliness: Look for a clean and well-maintained restaurant for food safety.
Menu Transparency: Ensure the menu clearly lists ingredients, prices, and dishes.

Use official bus stops and take note of the fare before boarding.

Official Bus Stops: Avoid boarding from unofficial locations to ensure safety.
Fare Awareness: Know the correct fare before boarding to avoid overpaying.
Safety in Numbers: Travel during daylight hours or in crowded areas for added safety.

Choose a reputable hotel with good online reviews and secure booking options.

Reputable Hotel: Look for well-established hotels with a good reputation.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews to get an idea of the hotel's quality and service.
Secure Booking Options: Book your hotel through secure websites or directly from the hotel.

Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.

Inside Bank ATMs: Choose ATMs located within banks or well-lit, busy areas.
Card Skimmers Awareness: Check the machine for any unusual devices before inserting your card.
Limited Transactions: Limit your ATM transactions to reduce the risk of fraud.

Rent from a reputable company with good reviews and insurance options.

Reputable Car Rental Company: Choose car rental companies with good online reviews.
Insurance Options: Ensure the car rental company offers insurance options for peace of mind.
Vehicle Condition: Check the condition of the vehicle before driving away.

Attend local festivals but be cautious of pickpocketing and overpriced goods.

Popular Festivals: Research popular festivals to enjoy the cultural experience.
Pickpocketing Awareness: Be mindful of your belongings and secure them when attending festivals.
Avoid Overpriced Goods: Negotiate wisely and avoid overpriced goods during festivals.

Shop at local markets but be cautious of pickpocketing and overpriced goods.

Popular Markets: Research popular markets to enjoy the shopping experience.
Pickpocketing Awareness: Be mindful of your belongings and secure them when shopping at markets.
Avoid Overpriced Goods: Negotiate wisely and avoid overpriced goods during shopping.

Shop at reputable souvenir shops for quality and authentic products.

Reputable Souvenir Shops: Look for well-established souvenir shops with a good reputation.
Quality Products: Check the quality of the products before purchasing.
Authentic Products: Ensure that souvenirs are authentic and representative of the region.

Visit police stations for assistance or to report any incidents.

Assistance: Seek help from the police if you have any concerns or issues.
Incident Reporting: Report any incidents to the police for safety and record-keeping purposes.
Emergency Assistance: Contact the police in case of an emergency or urgent situation.

Visit hospitals for medical emergencies and to receive proper care.

Medical Emergencies: Seek immediate help in case of a medical emergency.
Proper Care: Receive proper care and treatment from qualified healthcare professionals.
Medical Advice: Seek medical advice for any health-related concerns.

Visit your embassy or consulate for assistance, emergencies, or important documents.

Assistance: Seek help from your embassy or consulate if you have any concerns or issues.
Emergency Assistance: Contact your embassy or consulate in case of an emergency or urgent situation.
Important Documents: Obtain important documents such as passport renewals, birth certificates, and visas.