Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and the country's sole seaport, which gives it a noticeably different personality from Amman. It's a free economic zone (administered by ASEZA), which means lower taxes and a slightly more relaxed commercial vibe. The city mixes Jordanian locals with Egyptians, other Arab expats, and a rotating cast of international tourists.

English is widely spoken in any tourist-facing business. But step away from the Corniche and you're in a conservative Muslim city. Dress modestly if you're heading to the souk or the older residential streets (shoulders and knees covered).

Ramadan changes the pace significantly, though tourist services largely keep running. The city has a long history as a trade hub: the name "Aqaba" itself comes from Arabic meaning "mountain pass." Archaeologists here have found copper production sites from 4000 BC, what may be the world's oldest church (late 3rd century AD), and the ruins of the ancient city of Ayla from 650 AD.

Aqaba is also where the first shots of the Arab Revolt were fired in 1917. All of that history sits right alongside the dive shops and beachfront restaurants.

Dress modestly away from the beach: cover shoulders and knees in markets, mosques, and residential streets.. Always use your right hand for eating, receiving items, and handshakes.. Ask before photographing people, especially women..

No public displays of affection. Holding hands is generally fine for couples, but anything more will get unwanted attention.. Do not criticize the King or the Royal Family.

This is not just social etiquette, it can land you in legal trouble.. Drones are banned for personal use without prior government approval. Customs will confiscate them on arrival..

Avoid large gatherings near mosques after Friday prayer, not because of hostility but to sidestep unnecessary complications.. Taxis have meters but drivers often don't use them with tourists. Agree on the fare before you get in, every time..

Cash is king at the souk, smaller restaurants, and for taxi rides. Cards work at bigger hotels and malls.. Alcohol is available in Aqaba (it's cheaper here than elsewhere in Jordan due to the duty-free zone), but drink responsibly in public spaces..

Ramadan (Feb-March 2026) means daylight hours are quieter. Some restaurants close during the day. Eating and drinking openly in public during daylight hours is disrespectful..

Women traveling alone should sit in the back of taxis.

Aqaba itself has low violent crime rates and tourist areas are actively patrolled. That said, 2026 has brought elevated regional tensions. In February 2026, the US-Iran situation prompted Australia to raise its travel advisory to 'reconsider your need to travel' for Jordan broadly, and the US State Department ordered non-emergency government staff to leave Jordan.

Multiple other governments have issued similar cautions. The important caveat: day-to-day tourism in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum continues operating normally. Guided tours run, dive boats go out, restaurants are open.

The warnings primarily concern proximity to Syria and Iraq borders, which are nowhere near Aqaba. Check your home government's travel advisory before booking and monitor it during your stay. Practically speaking: petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) does happen at tourist sites, so keep valuables secure.

Avoid taxis that aggressively tout for business outside the airport or attractions. Agree on fares before you get in. Women should always sit in the back seat.

There's no Uber in Aqaba. A June 2025 methanol-adulterated alcohol incident in Jordan was contained but worth remembering: stick to well-known brands and licensed bars. Do not attempt to bring a drone into Jordan without government permits.

Criticizing the royal family publicly is illegal. Avoid demonstrations near mosques after Friday prayers.

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is a small airport right on the edge of the city. The taxi fare to downtown is a fixed 10 JOD. To Tala Bay it's 15-18 JOD, negotiable.

No ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem, Jeeny) operate here. Within the city, a cross-town taxi should cost no more than 1.5 JOD, but drivers will often try to charge tourists more.

Agree before you get in. Most dive centers on South Beach organize morning pickups from hotels, which saves you the hassle. The Amman bus runs around 7 JOD and takes 4 hours from the southern bus station in Amman.

Green taxis to Petra run 35-40 JOD one way. A return taxi to Petra by private arrangement costs around 120 JOD. For the Wadi Rum day trip from Tala Bay, taxis take around 1h15.

The port handles regular ferries to Nuweiba in Egypt (book ahead and budget a few hours for the crossing plus border formalities). The Israel land crossing at Wadi Araba is available for eligible nationalities; a taxi from the crossing to Aqaba is 12 JOD. No train service exists.

Car rental is possible but the Desert Highway has a poor safety record at night, so avoid driving that route after dark.