Questions About Jordan

Hello all,

I have a few questions about Jordan, I have been looking on the forum, but haven't found the answers yet to my questions. Sorry if these have been asked many times before.

I am thinking about doing an internship in Amman. I am in my mid-20's from Canada with almost no Arabic knowledge (only sparingly picked some up traveling around Yemen). I was wondering what I would expect to pay for a one-bedroom apartment. Nothing fancy whatsoever, just in a regular neighbourhood, with basic amenities. Also what is the availability of finding Arabic lessons and how much would they cost (per hour, or per month?) Lastly, what about prices of normal expenses (i.e. food, transportation) as compared to Canada, or the rest of the world?

Thanks guys, this would be really helpful.

Cheers,
David

I bed furnished apartments range from 200JD (if you are lucky) to around
450JD. It depends upon the time of year and how long you need to rent.

Arabic lessons can be arranged at the British Council or the French Institute.
Cost not sure but reasonable affordable I think. You might be able to find
private lessons - somewhere in the region of about 8JD an hour.

Local food such as foul, hummous, falafel etc is cheap - about 1.5 JD take
away. MacDonald's etc - roughly the same as in your Country - Big Mac
Meal about 3.5JD about US$5. Taxis - a standard ride of about 3 kilo is
about 1JD. Buses average 250 fils. Vegetables and fruits are maybe
expensive - Imported apples 2.5JD kilo Bananas 1.30JD kilo Potatoes
700 fils kilo. Can of Pepsi small 250 fils /350 fils

Check out expatriate.com they sometimes have flat-share adverts

There seems to be a general conspiracy in Amman (particularly among estate agents) that flats in the "better" neighbourhoods in West Amman cost at least 500 JD, whether the size is 20 sqm or 150 sqm. There are cheaper areas, but it depends where your workplace is - you probably don't want to cross whole Amman twice a day. Cheaper flats may have very inadequate heating, which however is vital in winter (November to April). If your rental contract is up for reneval in late spring or early summer there is also a risk that your rent will be doubled or tripled during the summer months: many agents and landlords claim that they can earn 500 to 1000 JD per week by renting the flat to vacationing Gulf Arabs.

Cheaper deals may require local contacts and these take time to build - yet time is exactly what you don't have when you first arrive... But don't panic, just be prepared for that fact that rent (unlike food and transport) in Jordan will have "western" prices.

If everything fails you can negotiate a long-term rate with an apartment hotel. Not far from the 5th circle there are the "Gondola" (http://www.gondol.com/) and the "Capri." I think the "Gondola" is cheaper.

Thanks alot guys,

From what I've researched and your information, rent will seem to be my big expense. Hopefully I can find something decently priced, as I won't be making very much from my potential internship. Thanks for the info.

Regards,
David