How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler in Jordan
Jordan is generally safe for solo female travelers with proper precautions. Dress conservatively, stay in well-reviewed accommodations, and use official tour companies for desert excursions. Most harassment is verbal and can be managed by being firm and confident.
- Choose your accommodation carefully. Book hotels or hostels with strong female traveler reviews on Booking.com or Hostelworld. Feynan Ecolodge, Talbot House in Amman, and Jordan Tower Hotel have excellent safety records. Avoid budget hotels without recent female reviews.
- Dress appropriately for the culture. Cover shoulders, knees, and chest in public. Long pants or maxi skirts work best. In Amman's Rainbow Street area you can dress more casually, but conservative dress is essential in rural areas and religious sites. Pack a lightweight scarf for covering hair at mosques.
- Use reliable transportation. Download Careem (Middle East's Uber) for safe rides in Amman. For longer distances, use JETT bus company or book private drivers through your hotel. Avoid hitchhiking and be cautious with unmarked taxis. Sit in the back seat of taxis.
- Handle unwanted attention firmly. Ignore catcalling and avoid eye contact with harassers. If someone persists, say 'La, shukran' (No, thank you) firmly and walk away confidently. Duck into a shop or café if needed. Most Jordanian men will respect a clear 'no' and firm body language.
- Join group tours for remote areas. Book Wadi Rum and Petra tours through established companies like Feras Desert Tours or Jordan Tracks. Solo hiking in remote areas isn't recommended. Day tours from Amman to Jerash and the Dead Sea are perfectly safe solo.
- Keep emergency contacts handy. Save Jordan's tourist police number (196) and your embassy contact in your phone. Download offline maps on Google Maps. Share your daily itinerary with someone back home, especially when visiting Wadi Rum or hiking in Petra.
- Is it safe to travel alone to Petra as a woman?
- Yes, Petra is very safe for solo female travelers during the day. Stick to marked trails, carry water, and consider hiring an official guide for longer hikes like the Monastery trail. The visitor center staff are helpful and there are always other tourists around main sites.
- What should I do if I feel unsafe in my hotel?
- Trust your instincts and change accommodations immediately. Most hotels will let you check out early if you explain safety concerns. Book your next place online first, then pack and leave. Tourist police (196) can help if hotel staff are uncooperative.
- Can I go out at night alone in Amman?
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas like Rainbow Street or Abdoun Circle for evening activities. Many cafés and restaurants stay open late. Use Careem for transport after dark rather than walking. Solo nightlife is limited but evening strolls in tourist areas are generally fine.
- How do I handle aggressive vendors or persistent sellers?
- Say 'La, shukran' (No, thank you) once and keep walking. Don't engage in conversation or negotiations if you're not interested. In souks, vendors may be pushy but they're not dangerous. Duck into another shop if someone won't leave you alone.