Here's Why I Will Never Travel Jordan... Again
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Jordan is a beautiful country with a HUGE problem!
In this this video we will bring you on a round trip in Jordan, travel some of the must see places and show you what makes this country so unpleasant for most visitors.
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HELLO THERE:
We are Joe and Liisu, full-time travelers from Estonia on a mission to break stereotypes, show diverse cultures and wander in the magical nature. Joe, a seasoned traveler of 8 years, began his journey while working in Australia, New Zealand and Canada (holding over 25 different jobs). Liisu, a former medical doctor, joined the adventure 2 years ago. Now we live on the road, exploring the world either from our backpacks or in a van.
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I was in Jordan last month, and I had the most amazing time and I will definitely visit again. The locals were also very friendly and helped us out a lot. I didn't feel like they were trying to scam us at all. I guess it just depends from person to person. Sorry you didn't have a great time this time.
Also, in the part where you were on the Red Sea, I'd correct and say it's Palestine and Egypt on each side... not Israel.
Eilat is in Israel and has the border to Aqaba in Jordan. If you stay in the South beach in Aqaba at night, you see the lights from Aqaba harbour, Eilat/Israel and Egypt.
Maybe you studied history and geography before 1948, it's time to refresh your knowledge on the region!
@@luisorozco4370because Israel has stolen lots of land
"I'd correct and say it's Palestine and Egypt on each side... not Israel." Nope, sorry, Israel exists. Hate to break it to you.
This video surprised me. My husband and I were in Jordan in the summer of 2022 and had NO problems with scammers. We loved it and found the people to be very helpful. 😮
Yeah he definitely tried to make a sad story
No problems....that you noticed ;)
Were you travelling with a guide? If not: it's as bad as Egypt!!
@@MissAntrophy no we weren’t as a matter of fact. We travelled on our own in a rented car and experienced no problems from the people.
What they show in the movie is true. Especially inside Petra they are scamming. Fortunately in 2024 the scanning Bdohls have been moved from Petra, and so are all their illegal stalls where they sold fake artifacts. That does not mean that the rest of Jordan is scam-free. Take care.
Back in the days I worked as tour guide both in Egypt and Jordan. It was exhausting trying to avoid being scammed anywhere I took my groups. I remember once buying oranges at the market and was asked double the price it said on the stand. The seller told straight to my face the tourists have to pay double. And then the corrupt goverment officers at the borders or at the customs… they’re the worst.
only Egyptian govt. officials are begging for tips
They hate westerns and only see us as piggy banks.
I visited Jordan in 2019 with a group tour. I think it's a beautiful country but........I absolutely hated all those people who wanted to sell me something or to see the camels and donkeys in Petra working for the tourists. I could not look at it anymore. One donkey could not stand up because he was probably very tired but his owner insisted that he stand up by beating him with a stick. I cried. We always walked in groups, never alone, but all those men were looking at us, blond girls. We never felt save in the city. Why are those men not working? They were just sitting and hanging outside, staring at you. Really terrible. It was because of the group I was with, that I never experienced really bad things but it is not a country I will visit again.
💔💔💔 the donkey situation
That's what Arab men do.
I'm Arab and I have some similar experiences
@@zeidahmad8140 no its only hapening in jordan because of corruption and poverty
Given the extent to which Europeans have recently colonized and occupied the region, I'm surprised you went expecting to feel welcome.
As a Jordanian, I'm so sorry about your experience in our country. What a shame on our people.
Edit :I just subscribed to your channel
The problem is people like you who apologize for being a Muslim or being from a Muslim country because of the European colonizers, Jordan, Palestine and Syria are in the state they are .
I would unsubscribe. I apologise for their utter disrespect for your country and humanity in general .
@@zeidahmad8140As a Jordanian, his apology was right. Why should visitors be treated like this? Why does the gas station attendant keep the change? Why should the workers in Petra be disrespectful? Why should the tourist visa cost 270 dinars? I am Jordanian and I am ashamed of these people's behavior and I am sorry that this behavior is going on in Jordan. We are supposed to be kind and welcoming and hospitable people. What is happening to us?SHAME ON THE PEOPLE THAT ONLY SHOWED THEM DISRESPECT, SHAME ON THE POLICE AND SHAME ON THE GOVERNMENT. WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT, THESE PEOPLE COME TO JORDAN TO SEE JORDAN. THEY SHOULD GO HOME WITH A BIG SMILE ON THEIR FACES AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE FOR THEIR KINDNESS. THAT IS HOW IT SHOULD BE.
To the Viking travelers, I am Jordanian and I am very angry and saddened and surprised at the treatment you got in Jordan. I live in the United States and visit Jordan once in a while. I have no excuse for how and why these people treated you the way they did. I can't think of excuses but maybe poverty has something to do with it? Tourism has gone way down since Covid and these people are desperate for any money. During your walk in wadi rum and Petra, I did not see too many tourists there, so you can imagine how desperate they are to make a dollar. That is in no way an excuse for bad behavior and rip off. That is not the Jordan I know and I am very sorry for all the troubles you have encountered in Jordan. Hopefully someday you will go back but see if you can get to know someone who will take you around, you will have a different experience. Thank you for the video, it was an eye opener for me.
My friend spent weeks in Jordan and she said the people were lovely. Friendly and helpful, happy to answer questions about history and culture.
I am really sorry for you. You must have had very bad luck. I visited Jordan for 18 days this February and March 2024 and visited Amman, Jerash, Sweimeh, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra. I had no experiences of anyone trying to scam me. I found everyone very friendly and cooperative. And no haggling and stress in the shops, or pushy sellers. I felt really welcome. And I would love to visit again.
I had a similar experience in Egypt. Endless harassment, aggressive locals, scams non stop. Even the guy who stamped my passport wanted a tip/bribe. A taxi driver also tried robbing my friend when he was alone on one occasion. There were egyptian kids smashing bottles on 2000 year old statues, beggars everywhere, and the camel owners treated their animals with incredible cruelty.
Weird I never had or saw any of what your describing. The tipping culture is strong but i never violent!
It's true. I've never felt so much harassment from locals trying to scam you than in Egypt. Even the museum guards refused us entry claiming it was closed for 30 minutes and that we should first go to a nearby shop. The museum wasn't closed they just wanted to make a cut of whatever that shop was going to make from us. 😏
Yep, heard many stories. Will never go, it's a shame.
If you would like to experience Egypt, you should watch videos on TH-cam. That country had to be the very worst experience of my life.
Was there 1.5 years ago. The scammers and the people in general only looking for money. Not sure we Will ever go again.
Man it sucks so much how PEOPLE can ruin PLACES :[
Muslims are specialists in that
My thought as I knew Jordan from 1989 on.
bro do u rly believe this???????? he is big fat layer trying to make jordan bad as much as he can.. he is only he shows bad scenes and makes a big deal out of them and being the most drama queen and cry baby i have ever seen so fkn disgusting
We visited Jordan earlier this year and certainly understand where you’re coming from in this video. We had some similar experiences. It’s very frustrating! In saying that we also came across many kind Jordanians during our visit and would consider returning one day.
Yes, I remember sailing a small sloop up the Red Sea, and we had to bribe every official we encountered. It was so bad that I made up several bags of $1 bills and a carton of cigarettes in advance. We actually budgeted bribes. They call it baksheesh. It worked great. Flew thru customs, no one searched the boat. People who chose not to bribe usually got stuck in customs, or spent days waiting for clearance papers. In the end it was worth the extra $ to avoid the BS. I think it's been like that for centuries.
Its not just in Jordan, my wallet was stolen on the tram in Madrid spain, almost got mugged in Rome Italy, got to pay 30 euros for cheese sandwich in Paris France, almost kidnapped in Mexico, and chased by Marijuana seller in Hawaii, you will find these kind of things anywhere you go, what is important for me is feeling safe anywhere l go.
Yes, but in some countries it is more probable to get scammed or threatened. It also can rain in Death Valley sometimes, but in London the probability is higher.
This argument "It can happen everywhere" is not helpful at all.
@@ellieantar809 But if it can happen anywhere the it also can happen at home.
I do not like these politically correct expression "It can happen everywhere". It can, but some places the probability is much much higher than in others.
Johannesburg Bangkok....
I think ill just stick with australia and asia.
@@simsong1188 But Jordan is in Asia, too....
Visited Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra and Amman about a decade ago and my experience has been very similar, especially in Petra.
I'm never going back.
I'm Arab and I had bad experiences also in Jordan
If you think you got scammed in Jordan you are in for a bigger surprise if you ever come to Egypt.
So true
So true! I love Egypt and have been there almost yearly. But oh, the scammers! But the main problem there isn't even the scammers, but the men constantly trying to touch you (if you're a woman). Beware! Once I was snorkeling, far from the shore. Out of nowhere, a man touched my breast in the water. With a diving mask, your peripheral vision is impaired. So, be careful even when you're snorkeling!
Don't go to Egypt then, it's x10 worse.....
I have heard the stories, but i guess there is just 1 way to find out.
@@WildVikingTravels cool, just be mentally & emotionally prepared for a lot of abuse, watch as much as you can foreign tourist videos on TH-cam shows how they been scammed or almost got scammed. Than go try yourself 😉😉
@@WildVikingTravels Egypt = India of Africa.
I traveled to many Arabic countries and i agree, Oman was the best country, as a woman alone traveling, i felt so respected and safe in Oman!!
I have travel a lot due to my job…. I was never been stole but in Jordan it was the first time that they steal money from my hotel room, this is the story: I stay in a hotel in Petra with a colleague for a month, as I noticed tourist stay just for a night usually to visit Petra and then move on to other places, so the people who clean the room steal some money from them and nobody understand, for me and my colleague was different because we stay a long time we figure out that we’re missing money from our wallets so to figure out if really stole us we decide to left our bags with the zip in a specific side and make a photo, when we get back we discovered that our zip were in a different position , so the guy who clean the room check for cash, plus all the rest that people mention below in comments , bad experience!!!
Such a shame, ruined by greedy people. Reminds me of travel in Egypt and Morocco, constant harassment. Wonderful places but tourists are given a tough time.
I experienced similar in Egypt many years ago. It was rife everywhere we went and spoiled our trip. Now whenever I talk about Egypt all I say is beautiful place but generally awful people.
The only person who was respectful was a tall, majestic Bedouin who was so kind and helpful without expecting anything in return. In turn we had great respect for him.
These scamming officials and sellers are shameful and ruin the reputation of their country and peoples.
Egypt is worse. Both Jordanians and Egyptians live under very difficult circumstances. And parts of them seem to have lost their dignity. And they really seem to think you're a walking wallet and everybody in the West is rich.
No...to be more precise many but definately not all jordanians live in poor circumstances
@greenleaf8226 Agreed. But those who do these things are. And I know how existentially threatening illness can be for middle-class people. Those, of course, would never engage in activities like scamming tourists.
Even the government is treating tourists like walking wallets. It's a top down problem. They don't understand there's competition with other countries. They should invest more and protect tourists better.
@@classics39 in Jordan govt. officials will not treat tourists as wallets...
and hustlers are mainly these bedouin at Petra...
but in other places it does not usualy happen.
@greenleaf8226 I travel the world. In comfort, not a backpacker, never have been...... Tourism is the most important income for JO. It's the gap between value for money. The services the government provides or excerts control of in terms of infrastructure, etc. It's lacking... It would also benefit the locals, like public transport. For example, the airport is good. Transport options to the city centre a shambles. Buses from/to the airport couldn't be worse, falling apart.... That's the most basic. Many people don't like taxis, driving , obnoxious drivers, etc. Generally, I found Jordanians helpful, open,friendly.... also a Chinese woman from Hong Kong said so. I definitely would go back.
@@classics39 yes Jordan has to fix and upgrade its public transportation options, and yes there are some money hustlers due to poverty an/or an over expensive survival lifestyle in Jordan... but that dors not mean everyone is like that...times are hard worldwide, and scammers or beggers or crooks are everywhere...
Jordan is full of life and has something that caters to all nationalities, classes and religions ( if your that way inclined) its just a matter of managing your options and choosing correctly which path to enjoy the country
Same experience in Egypt, Morocco and other third world Muslim countries. Very rude and annoying people trying to rip you off and scam you everywhere.
what does religion have to do with it??
you could walk the streets of Paris, and be constantly approached by roma gypsies tryimg to sell you a ring...
it happens in many countries worldwide
Visit Iraq / Kurdistan. You will experience the opposite of this. Locals will buy you dinner, offer to give you money, and invite you to stay in their house for free
Seems like a false made up scenario because you want people to think bad of Muslims - I’ve watched hundreds of videos of Muslim videos, all generous and kind people and this is the first - I checked your comment history and saw that you’re supporting israel and you are a Zionist, guys please ignore comments like this from murderous evil people like the Zionists, they want you to believe what their paid media perpetuates. This commenter is just an ugly liar.
It should be a place most unlike Earth on earth!
It's a shame the people there are so unfriendly!
Thanks a lot for sharing, really great job! 👍🥰🙏
actually most of them are so friendly, but brother had very bad luck
@@Sara-xe3mx I hope so! 🙏
actualy people in jordan are very friendly, but like any country on our planet there are bad people...
it all depends where you go in jordan and who you deal with
@@greenleaf8226 I believe you, thanks a lot!
Similar things happened to me in Tunisia in March, I was supposed to visit Jordan after that, but changed my ticket at the last minute to another destination, and after watching this video, I have no regrets, I actually visited Jordan in 1998 and don't remember having problems (unlike in Egypt that same year). My JordanPass is still valid until October, but I have no plans to use it. I agree Oman is much more enjoyable than the UAE, I hope it doesn't change.
Tunisia and Egypt are a little better for me than Jordan. They are trying to improve. Tourism workers aren’t professional. Jordan I saw them mistreat Arab & Asian tourists even worse. Awful country.
@@MoemuntzEgypt similar to Jordan but Tunisia is much much better
My friends took a trip around the middle east. They all thought Jordan was easily the best country.
This was back in the 90s though. Maybe things have changed?
@@triptwo425 it’s still great. Amazing food, lots to history and places to see. Small distance to travel between sites. It’s just the small annoying stuff. Depending on who you are and how they affect your safety, it can be a minor or a major issue. We air out these problems so that they take care of them so those that come after us won’t be affected. For me it’s the airport and how fellow passengers were treated I have a problem with, which tells me the problem starts very top of their tourism sector.
نأسف على ماحصل لك في الاردن ونتمنى من الحكومة النظر في ذلك
Thank you for sharing your experiences. If you don't expose this, it will never improve and others will fall for it.
As an older traveler, your "I'll never go again" is my "ill never go at all"
Gracias for the skipped headache
Thanks for your honest opinion. I always appreciate it. After this Jordan is definitely out of my list. Never ever.
You are welcome.
Yea, sadly there is a lot to see there, but it comes with a price...
@@WildVikingTravels no it does not come at a price... it was bad luck for you, partly because of naivity...
you entred jordan from rural very desolate side, where most tourists do not go and life is hardship miserable...
so poor people who live in a very expensive country tried hustling you for minimal extra money... try to see the bigger reality picture.
@@greenleaf8226exactly. This whole video felt so juvenile and trivial. Complaining abt a few extra dollars here and there. You’re encountering ppl living in abject poverty, scamming is the way of the road and travelers should know that. Cope better or don’t go.
@@pascal590But isn't it what this person is saying, that he/she won't go? Some people are ok with being scammed and others aren't. They have every right to just avoid it.
"honest opinion"??????????????? there is NO WAY u fr believe this so disgusting
I am Jordanian and I am sorry for your experience. Although there is a tourist police whose goal is to protect tourists and tourist sites, their failure to perform their duty will cause tourism to die.
Egypt is like that as well. In Cairo even the tour guide was like that. We were supposed to be there for 12 days, but I left within 6. I was sick of it. Egypt is gorgeous but the people there, is not. I will never go back. My brother went to Syria and had similar experience. He also left earlier than planned. In Israel and Kuwait none of that. They were decent with us. I am so sorry you too had to endure those kinds of adversities.
try turkiye :)
As a Jordanian who lived abroad for a couple of years, I think the food here is good and the country has wonderful places that are worth visiting. However, due to the bad economy and poverty being on the rise not to mention the huge number of refugees and immigrants this country has welcomed, and low salaries, it has made people desperate for money. This translates into high taxes and overpriced food, items... etc. The government, similar to other middle eastern countries, is corrupt to some extent but its not as bad as the other countries surrounding us, Jordan is still safe and well protected by the government and most people are loyal to the King and wont let anything that might jeopordize the country's safety happen. People are patriotic, you might see Jordanian flags here and there while traveling through this country.
Back to the economy part, TOURISM is one of the few ways that the governement and locals have where they can make good money. They do indeed raise the prices for non-Jordanians (if you look like a foreigner they think youre made of money), so always negotiate the price because here everything is negotiable (negotiating will cut the bullshit fast. Locals think theyre smart, so you have to show them you know whats up).
Another issue is boundaries, as you can see locals here need firm boundaries, if you're polite they will try again. So give them a serious-face No thank you without eye contact and keep walking, just keep walking. People are forward here (eye contact and confrontational) which is the opposite to how people lets say in Europe behave (polite, quitly say No and thank you). Eye contact here is an invitation to talk. Just keep walking to avoid people begging for money and scammers who are likely to be found around touristic places.
Another issue is religion, as a christian Jordanian (we exist in few numbers) we do sometimes experience some discrimination. You might be indirectly invited to explore the Islam religion, so whenever you are given or told anything related to Islam just apologize politely and try to change the subject or politely walk away. Please know that religion is an extremely sensitive topic here and you could easily get hurt if you express any opinion regarding the largest religion here.
About how men treat each other, taxi drivers and any driver will expect you, if youre a man, to sit next to him, they see it as respectful. Also men here are a bit touchy feely when greeting each other or when they say thank you, youll see handshakes, pats on the back, handshakes and fake kisses on cheeks while saying Habibi... it is strange if you come from a country that does not like physical touch when it comes to strangers. However when greeting a woman, it is best to greet only with words, no handshake, maybe a handshake if you know the person. Keep in mind that when traveling to ANY muslim country you should read about the culture and how people behave around both genders, how to dress... yada yada.
With that said,
Enjoy your time here and be safe
Thank you for this! Extremely helpful.
After watched this never, ever
Definitely I will never go to Jordan!
That's very unfortunate, corrupt regimes and dictatorships in this part of the world encourage this kind of behavior directly or indirectly.
I myself am Syrian, fled the country back in 2011 and can't go back. But I've seen many TH-camrs enjoying their time there. There you can see some of the oldest cities on the planet. And eat some of the best food ever😋. Safety wise I am pretty sure you would be surprised how safe it is because the police there have an iron fist policy, that's why most of the Syrians can't go back😓. And of course they are corrupt as well so you might need to pay them some cents under the table.
Be aware tho some might consider it propaganda for a tyrant regime and don't like that. So if you ever please don't forget about the hundreds of thousands who were killed and the millions who can't go back😢.
I am following your journeys around the region and I love what you guys are doing ❤️❤️
I had terrible experiences in Morroco and Egypt, horrible places with hideous barbaric people! I would love to visit Oman and for what i heard from people who visited this country it's well worth it.
Oman is a wonderful country and one of our favourite destinations !Very safe and friendly people !
We've traveled with a rental 4X4 in Oman twice. Loved it. The people, too. Very kind and no scams. Super helpful. The country is beautiful!
Come to Türkiye my friend.
Will do 😁
They're worse!
It was on my bucketlist but I won't do it anymore. This is so annoying anywhere you travel this Scams and the rudeness are just killing the vibes. Totally understand how you feel. Recently had the same in Marrakech with the henna painting ladies on the market. They pull you, grab your hand and start painting even you don't want to. Then asking during painting how much it cost, they say you can give whatever you want. But guess what.. they asked me 40 USD for a little not well executed henna?! Then start being agressive. But they did not win in my case - i just walked away. Discussion did not bring anything in this case. It's just a rip-off 😮
Ohh wow.
That really killes the travel mood if someone so bluntly tries to rip you off, but good for you on walking away. I know it can feel bad, but it is the best this to do. The more you give in the more they will harass the next person who walks by...
When I was in Egypt I was so pissed at the locals and the tourists. It was heartbreaking to see the exploitation of horses and camels. Additional annoyance was how everyone wanted to sell you stuff. Pretty soon I walked with my angry face and told people in Serbian to gtfo. I was left alone.
What's serbian for wankers 😂 I'd like to know
Thanks for the honest opinion. After this Jordan is definitely out of my list.
Why is Jordan off your visiting list... we enjoyed and Loved it... yes there were some hustlers trying their luck at making extra money at Petra... but we were warned in advance, and its understandable considering how expensive Jordan is yet money earned for many is very low...
apart from Petra we had no problems at all.
I'll never go there
@@greensorrel6860 its your choice..
i and many others i know choose not to go to the US because of all the execessive ugly mess that is everywhere over there...
choices...choices
@greenleaf8226 Yes, the US is becoming increasingly awful at a rapid pace. We agree on that. Tell as many people as possible.
Egypt is the same.
Thank you for your honesty. Like some of the comments below, I have had similar experiences as yours in Egypt and Morocco. Having traveled the world with so much love from people, it IS truly exhausting and disappointing to walk away from an anticipated once in a lifetime experience with so much regret over the way you have been treated.
Egypt can be a bit of hassle, even in pretty switched on repeat-visitor diver places. Morocco is an outright nightmare; makes India (where we were overlanding for months) seem a cake-walk; horrible on the global scale of my experience. I think I'll skip Jordan but prioritise Oman for a future visit given the informed tip in this vid.
@@phoenixw2 Jordan and Oman are 2 totaly different countries, completely different things on offer to see...
my family and i loved Jordan, we had a great time...
we visited friends who are expats living in the capital city...they love it in Jordan...
yes there are men huslting for tips in Petra, its expected because they earn so little and Life is very expensive...
but otherwise we had no hassles at all.
Sorry to hear about your experience- it sounds stressful!
I hope this serves as a 'what not to do' in Jorden rather than a 'don't go to Jordan' video - especially since there seem to be mixed experiences having read the comments.
Also - supermarkets always undercut the farmers hence the cheap prices....but it also seems like you were probably being given the 'tourist price' for your watermelons from the farmer. What are you supposed to do if you're on a budget right?
Safe travels and on to the next adventure!
Completely agreed with you! I visited Jordan in 2019, all the places you went to, and our experience was very similar. People see you as a dollar magnet, they try constantly to cheat and get mad if you don’t do what they expect, sometimes it’s felt a little bit dangerous. It’s sad because the country has many beautiful places, but for me it’s a place that I will not come back.
I was in Egypt, I loved it, despite the schemes and the MISERABLE way they treat animals, I decided never to go to Jordan when, after a lot of research, I concluded that it is the most corrupt country in the region and that animals are even more mistreated than in Egypt . That's why I will never go to Jordan in my life because I hate corrupt people and even more I hate those who mistreat animals.
@@portoway stay in Israel you troll
Try Israel. It shares the Dead Sea and Judeah desert.
Its gay friendly democratic and appreciative of tourists (except for the average world wide tourist exploiters)
❤❤❤thanks for the vid. Jordan is beautiful
You can do most of this in Israel without the scam artists.. just go there 😊
Israela, sadly has become hated by most humans on this planet...and no, I'm not antisemitic, and not referring to most of the Israeli people. I'm obviously talking about the murderous, evil Government!
I'm a Jordanian, and I had a similar experience last year when I visited Petra. Everyone wanted to scam me. The problem is the Police don't do anything to stop this. The corruption in Jordan is deeply rooted in the government itself. I really don't recommend anyone to visit Jordan, even though I am a Jordanian.
Wow.
This such an honest and sincere comment!
Thank you for sharing!
I hope I get to visit someday. The most beautiful horses.
The leader is a puppet of israel and the west what do you expect. He is just pillaging the resources of the country with the help of the west and israel
Salaam alaikum brother, I am going in one month I want to ask if it is mandatory to get travel insurance to enter
@@asiyah-nour No, I don't think you need an insurance. Also, I don't think it is a good idea to come to Jordan at summer. The temperatures can easily get around 50 Celsius.
This is so appauling. I visited Petra in 2018 as a solo female traveler. I almost left the site before reaching the Monastery because I was being harassed by bedouins all along. They wanted me to go on a donkey or horse ride but I saw how they treated the animals, heard the poor donkeys cry and didn't want to support this appauling activity. They were extremely pushy, loud, kept following me. I felt very uncomfortable and harassed throughout my whole visit. I left Petra very dissapointed and will never visit that place again.
I did, however, take a private tour to Wadi Rum where I met wonderful bedouins who allowed me to admire the desert in my own pace without harassment.
Thank you for your honesty. I don't know why these kinds of scams aren't reported more openly in travel videos. It is helpful information to have.
I have lived in Jordan 13 years. I have traveled many countries, but I must say that Jordan is the most corrupt country I have live in. After living in Jordan many years, I have learned how to deal with most scammers. Yet, the government is very corrupt too. If you end up having to go to court for any reason and you're a foreigner, you will lose the case even if you have 100 percent proof, you're not guilty. I recently was accused of hitting another car with my car that I never touched. I had time dated pictures that my car had no damage of hitting any car. The police called me because the accuser took a picture of my license plate and stated I hit him and left the scene of the accident. I took my car to a police station to have it inspected and the police found no evidence of any car damage. I was found guilty in court and even had to hire a lawyer to keep me out of jail for hit and run. The accuser brought to court false witnesses that testified against me. His car needed repair from damage of another accident and my insurance had to pay for it. Plus, I had to pay court fees and a lawyer to keep me out of jail. I was told by other foreigners that live in Jordan to sell my car because this happens quite often in Jordan. It's better to rent a car, taxi, Uber or learn the bus system if you're a foreigner in Jordan. One third of the income for Jordan is the tourist industry. If the government doesn't address this problem of everyone scamming tourist that come to Jordan people are going to stop visiting Jordan. The word is getting out.
This is not quite often for a fact, you just had a bad experiance
@@ovxsp This was my third bad experience with the court system in Jordan. Even the attorney's I hired in the past took my money and did nothing. On this last case, my evidence of proof that I was innocent, even a police report showing it, the court did not except. Look at the comments below, Jordan is getting a bad reputation worldwide. I very seldom can go a day without someone gouging me on price or trying to scam me when I'm out and about. When it comes to being a foreigner in Jordan you will experience being scammed. Like this video said, you have to go to a legit priced grocery store to get a fair price. This TH-camr had his first and last experience in Jordan and now he's telling the world. This one video alone has cost Jordan a lot of tourist dollars. Jordan has it's good, bad and ugly, but this problem is destroying Jordan from within., it's a growing cancer. The Jordan government can fix this problem if they want, but will they, your guess is as good as mine.
Wow, sorry to hear you went through all that! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry to hear, but why live in a place with such horrid people?
@@rjeckardt8863 I stay in Jordan for my son's sack. He had medical issues from birth and the doctors here that treat him do it for free because he was born with the handicap. He is 15 now and when he turns 18 he will need his last surgery and will be normal after that. I am a retired American widower and living in Jordan is much cheaper than living in America. I would go broke living in America with this same issue. We will most likely leave Jordan after my son's last surgery. This is a good side of Jordan, there are some top doctors here that care about their patients, handicap children and medical expenses are very low.
Visited 20 years ago, was not as bad as now, but they will never see me again. Oman so so much better
Kinda makes sense, Jordan is one of the poorer countries in the world. I heard only place in middle east that has similar GNI (High average income) to US or Europe is Saudi Arabia. Plus the exchange rate, I don't know where this guy is from but Swedish krona is worth around 9 US cents. Jordan money is worth a lot 1.40 dollar, only behind kuwait, Bahrain, and oman.
Been to Jordan 3 times.
One time airport staff mistreated my mother and made her sit on the floor to wait for flight, while her feet were injured. So that other travelers can use the chairs instead.
One time they lied about visa requirements and told us we can’t leave airport to go to hotel on a stop over, so that we can use the more expensive airport hotel.
Or times where they attempted to double charge us for our luggage.
I’ve been to countries where tourism staff weren’t professional (Egypt etc) but in Jordan they are professional scammers. From the cops to the taxi driver. - ( this is not a generalization as most people were very nice but the very small amount of scammers ruin it for everyone)
No doubt your vehicle and skin color make you are target for unscrupulous people.
Really? I had a great experience driving around Jordan. Totally different to Egypt. It felt very relaxed. Of course, Petra is a bit more intense. But at no point did I feel scammed or uncomfortable.
are you from that area? maybe you know who to stay clear of maybe? Just curious...
Good to know!
I know the same about agypte. Everybody whats to scam you and sell you sonething
We visited Jordon December of 2019. We felt unsafe and left one day early to get back to Israel. They were quite mad because they could not get tips from us.
Yes much better visiting Israel the land of apartheid and genocide
They live on tips
It's Palestine not Israel
@@canmanlam I we are using old names for places then I prefer to call it Judea
@@blackfang1481 actually Canaan precedes Judea. So you can't pick and choose old names just to suit your agenda.
You are welcome at all in oman
Try to visit salalah in Oman in summer this year
Search more You will be surprised
And I am sorry for what happened to you in Jordan
Oman is NO BETTER ! Especially for black people : they hire black poor people and treat them as SLAVES, with many dying there, being raped etc !!!
It's not me who said that, but the BBC :
th-cam.com/video/fJTh4Gdn_B8/w-d-xo.html
BUT OF COURSE THE TOURISTS WITH DOLLARS WON'T SEE IT...
I was thinking of visiting Jordan, but not after your vlog. Please visit Pakistan if you haven't already, amazing country and people and the famous hospitality
Six years living in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, this is the way it is. As soon as I would hear "special price for you" I knew I was getting ripped off. I could speak classic Arabic which helped, however even when renting apartments or villas the rental price would depend on your passport all sanctioned by the government.
It obviously says something about the CULT of Islam. :(
@@rjeckardt8863 , It is just poor people! In Mexico there are so many scams. 😹 Mexico is a Catholic/Christian country. In Vietnam snd Cambodia the same. It is poor people/countries doing weird sh!t like that.
Im sure sharia wouldve dealt with the their thievery. So NO to your idiotic comment@rjeckardt8863
@@rjeckardt8863What does Islam have to do with us? We are Iraqi Muslims and are generous with tourists
@@Esraa-j6q Sadly these stories are common in Jordan. Has nothing to do with being Muslim, or what type of Muslim one is. It's the greed, and the way people treat people in this tourist enclave. Not worth the hassle for tourists that spend a hell of a lot of money to enjoy being in a country with such rich history, only to be hassled over money. :)
You should know better than to support the horse abuse! Be smarter my goodness
Sounds like Egyt to me...
17:05 even the donkey is not happy in Jordan 🤣
I'm glad you made it to Jordan and fulfilled some childhood dreams. It's a shame that so many locals let you down... Safe travels.
Many many years ago - the early 70s - I lived in Jamaica for several months, and felt the same way about it, though as a multi-ethnic person I could have passed as a Jamaican, as long as I didn't open my North American mouth. But my 6'2 White boyfriend was repeatedly targeted, and one day was hit by people throwing rocks and yelling at him as we walked through a small town. Everywhere we went people tried to steal our belongings and take as much money as they could. We were warned by several Peace Corps volunteers not to go to Kingston, because we might be killed. The country was incredibly beautiful, but the people were not. I went back 15 years later, and nothing had changed. What is it that makes a whole people so corrupt? And while we can have compassion and empathy for people who are (perhaps) poor and disadvantaged, why is it that the mindset in some countries is one of corruption, while in other poor countries people are still generous and hospitable? All I know is, I sure don't want to visit and leave my tourist dollars in a place where people are going to abuse me and shake me down, and where I don't feel safe. You're right - it's a terrible feeling to know that you cannot trust anyone in a place.
Wow.
Thank you so much for sharing this story.
Not only did i feel that you 100 % understood to point of the video. 😁
But you also gave me a new perspective.
The way you described Jamaica 15 years later made me understand that making such videos (not overly positive ones) is necessary. Because the only way we can hope for a different future is when enough people address the problem and force Jordanians to deal with the problem before the country loses is reputation as a tourist friendly place.
@@WildVikingTravels Keep doing what you're doing - if I want a travel channel that is all about how pretty and wonderful a place is, there's plenty of those around, but not many that are as honest, raw, or emotional, as yours. Thank you for being so brave of heart as to go to places that many of us will not. Still pondering the question of why some cultures become addicted to thieving and dishonesty (parts of Mexico fit here), I contrasted this video of Jordan with the one you made of Mosul a couple of months ago. And what a contrast that is! If any people could be forgiven for acting as if they want to take you for everything you have, it would surely be those who survived in Mosul....and yet what you found was so opposite to what you showed us you experienced in Jordan, and so incredibly hopeful. Thank you. P.s. I really liked your massage videos - especially the nut and butt one - it made me laugh!
I loved Jordan, travelled with my 14 year old son and had great times with the locals. Every country tries to scam tourists so really don't know why you are so negative about Jordan, I can confidently say I wasn't scammed once
حقا سلطنه عمان أجمل بلد في الشرق الأوسط يمكن زيارتها ❤❤❤
Now I just visit Oman.
I was diving in Jordan 30 years ago.
This video disturbed me.
30 years ago it wasn't like this.
We never paid to go inside Petra. Our biggest cost was the taxi there.
Also, in Aqaba, the people were friendly and giving . I'm sad it's changed so much xx ❤
I can remember that time, too. Totally different.
In some parts of the world, getting charged more than locals, constantly being asked for money, etc. is not unusual. Usually, it's in third world countries where those "scamming" you are in a significantly less fortunate circumstances than you, the tourist/traveler. I've been to over 60 countries just like WVT and I accept this as something that may occur. You pay an extra dollar or 2 here and there...no biggie. When they start hitting you up for $100+++, that's a SCAM (Indo customs guy tried to assess a $600 surfboard fee on my 4th board...THAT's a SCAM)... 1.5 dinar... dude, you're just whingeing. Suck it up and accept it as part of being a tourist. This whole vid, WVT was crying over every little thing he didn't like...not a good look.
الله ينتقم من هؤلا الناس الذين يسيؤن للمسلمين والعرب اقصد جماعه السياحه الغشاشين والذين يبتزون السياح ،اين الامن الاردني اين المسؤلين عن السياحه.عيب والله عيب /كثير من الدول تنفق الاموال الطائله لتحسين صورتها لجذب السياح وهؤلاء يصرون على تشويه صوره الاردن وحتى مصر
حاميها حراميها. الأمن الأردني مشترك في النصب و السرقه من السياح
I would agree, I have been to Jordan 3 times. Explored multiple places in the country.
The scammers can be quite aggressive and dangerous.
As beautiful as the country is, i will not be going there due to safety concerns.
been to jordania too, it was absolutely fantastic, super friendly people everywhere, nobody ever tried to scam, what did I do wrong? 😂
I will go back to jordania for sure, I have to find these
corners where everybody tries to scam you.
Wow, this one is a sad sad story. Jordan is out of my ''to visit list'' forever...
Brainwashed 🧠
Book with a decent tour company. Tourists are preyed upon when they’re independent travellers. There are scammers everywhere and unless you’re protected by people you know or if you know the country, you’ll get ripped off. If you returned to Jordan, you’ll know how not to be scammed. As an independent traveller I found this in India, Kenya, UK, Morocco, UAE....nowhere is perfect. Give Jordan another chance!
Pity. It's one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the people are amazing. Don't let one bad experience deny you visiting a truly amazing place
yes me to! It is all the hype for very little!! India has 100 times what they have. The West hyped it up and always puts India down. India never stole entire entire continents of their gold, silver or land or was into Slavery which was part of the Arab Slave trade or the Transatlantic Slave trade nor does India have oil, that free money.
India has poverty but it is progressing. But it has every landscape in the world including what you see in Jordan if you go to the north that looks like a moon landscape. Petra is nothing compared to the elephant caves with more elaborate detailed carved rock. But if you are a Westerner you will not know because the West prefers to focus on the slums of India instead. The people are polite and not aggressive especially in the South. Jordan and Egypt is the same! A relative of our lost their son in Turkey. He was a young 21 year old out of the UK looking to travel the world. A worker at the hotel he stayed at offered to show him around and then ki11ed him for his British passport. He tried to enter the UK using the British passport. He was actually a Egyptian national. When he was to be charged Turkey deported him to Egypt. There was a bias they felt because they didn't share the same religion. All facts are true. Nobody talks about this. One has to be extremely careful in these countries!! Asia is where I prefer to go than these countries. Even poor Africa is not that bad, like Kenya if you keep to the tourist areas. They will not try to scam you in those areas. Now, Nigeria is not where I would go. In fact at one time Kenya wanted to deport all Nigerians. This was because of the scams. They have a French guy riding a bike through Kenya and you can see from his YT videos all the local people go out of their way to help him never asking for anything in return. He broke down a few times, had an accident but never did anyone take advantage of him, instead they helped him out of the kindness of their heart. He did cycle a little in the Middle East. And you can watch him describe how he had to run away as he feared for his life. They also pretended to be friendly and stole all his money. And then he felt they were going to ki11 him so he fled in great fear of his life. It is out in the open about these countries.
India has every landscape in the world from the Himalayas to deserts to beautiful islands with white sand considered in the top ten beaches in the world. And they have golden sand beaches of Goa as well. The NE has stunning waterfalls and green forests. Along the coast are the blue mountains which are teaming with incredible biodiversity. India is another planet on its own with something so different from the rest of the world in ancient culture. Temples that are use that are thousands of years old. Asia is truly a great destination. The people are the best. They are not aggressive. They are gentle people. Sure they have a little small scams but they are nothing from what goes on in these countries!!! These people could have disappeared for that gold ring and if she had more. You just never know. If you go to Egypt have the protection of a tour group, never go on your own!!! Watch other YT videos on this. Very scary place to be when alone. They will force you to get on a camel for a small price but once you are on it they will add a few zeros to the price and harass and harass you for it. They all follow you as soon as they notice it is not a local and you become a target! Horrible experiences to be found. These are all FACTS about these places! Good luck! 18:35
@@FoxyexrnI have been to India and Kenya and as God is my witness they are not like these places!!! A relative of ours, a young 21 year old from the UK, on his own traveling was murdered for his passport in Turkey. It was a Egyptian national that murdered him. And because
of bias in religion, our relatives being Christian, and the Turkish officials sharing the same religion as the murderer he was deported to Egypt instead of going to prison. This is a case that is handled by the British government but unfortunately they don't want to lose relationships with countries over one death of their citizens, so sadly there is no justice. For the politicians it is not their son. The world is corrupt! Especially Western governments, they have changed!!
I am only assume that if one is from the region that they would try to convince these folks otherwise!! It is a good thing they are alive. I bet if they had more gold other than the ring they may have disappeared and I am sure this YTer would agree! There are enough YT videos with plenty of evidence out there to share, so I need not say anymore. Just watch the other YT videos and horror they experience in these countries with aggressive people! And in a way the West deserve it as they always put Asia down.
Wow, in my time in Jordan I never experienced one of those things you experienced. The water melon story is typical wherever you are. Even in my own country, it is more expensive to buy from the local farmers, local fishermen than the supermarket, by a long way! Shows how much the supemarkets smash the producers on price!
I’m a Jordanian and most people you find outside of Amman are rude and they also try scamming locals if you go to the right places there are nice people
I feel the same way about Egypt.
Don't miss to visit Israel. The content could be excellent, and probably without the risk of scamming.
Last summer ı visited jordan and ı didnt live kind a these thinks ı allways met with nice people. I think it s abouth your luck. But it s normal evrywhere ın the world you can find nice or bad persons...
I'm a Jordanian U r not wrong so sorry for your experience. Our ppl are really nice but this is what happens when the leaders are corrupt and take advantage of their own ppl.
You are not wrong about the attitude in general. I think it’s due to poverty. However I think part of the issue is you choosing the wrong places for tourists. The Dead Sea for example has some paid beaches that are much more organized and safe and have showers/utilities. On the other hand, the authorities are cooperative when it comes to scamming. Have you tried to reach out to the tourism police for example?
❤No, brother, our government does not support these people at all. These people only represent themselves, but they do not represent us as a Jordanian people. Welcome to Jordan, and I am sorry for what happened to this bad group of people.
We, as Saudi Arabs, when travelling, take all caution and precautions because the fraud and exploitation of non-Jordanians is very many and is considered normal from their rights as a visitor to them, and we see worse than
that with them as well
In general, thank God for your safety, many Saudis were killed or subjected to crimes there and did not take their right, you are lucky
Information: Our Prophet Muhammad asked us, as Muslims, not to visit or swim in the Dead Sea, because it is a place where the people of Lot were tortured, and indeed anyone who comes to him feels upset and negative energy.
Sorry my English not good 😅
This just shows the ignorance of your prophet Mohammed, sorry if that offends, but because the story of Lot in the Bible happened in Sodom and Gomorrah, not in the dead sea. Those people who had fire and brimstone rained upon them faced judgment because of their immoral and sexually perverted lifestyles. Lot himself was saved. The dead sea, after I've visited many times, has never had bad energy. The opposite in fact. Very healthy for your skin and rejuvenation.
This is information id like to know before traveling anywhere. Id make a point of researching what customs & social etiquette to follow in order to not offend anyone.
I did not know that swimming in the Dead Sea could be seen as disrespectful. Thankyou for sharing that information. 😊
@@fee4756 it's not disrespectful to swim in the dead sea, this guy is full of BS
the salt are the ahses of the lgbt ??? thats quite the myth.
You would recommend Saudi Arabia as a much better place to visit?
I am afraid that most of Northern Africa into the middle East is the same but we were harassed to buy there goods but never threatened. Most Muslims countries were very friendly and helpful and hospitable. That has been our experience of 20 years visiting these places.
Not all Arab countries are the same. If you want good governance with very little corruption you will find it in the Arabian Gulf states, but other Arab states have a lot to offer too.
Sadly we made the same experiences in Egypt, we got scammed at any possible occasion. It was so annoying and destroying so many wonderful sightings and moments. We discussed this topic with our tour guide and he apoligized for his countrymen's behaviour. He had tried so often to explain them, that western tourists don't like to be hassled. But with no success, they don't want to understand.
I was going to book Jordan 😱.Thanks for the warning
It still is a very beautiful country but definitely watch out when you are there and probably don't trust strangers as easily as i do...
يا للعار .... اجمل دين وافسد اخلاق نلمس نفس المعالمه عندما نسافر لاداء العمره او الحج عن طريق هذه ( الشبه دوله الفاسده )...استغلال ما بعده استغلال ...!!
Oh noooo. I’m surprised and disappointed. My husband is Jordanian and I’ve been to Jordan numerous times. I’m very surprised at your experience.
Me too. Jordan has always been my favorite middle east destination. In my visits there I only encountered love and hospitality. His experience is definitely not indicative of this beautiful country
Unfortunately, as ads as it is, it is the culture of Jordan Palestinian been poor doesn't justify taking advantage of those who support your economy by visiting I wish that would be the only bad thing but there is a lot more in Jordan society that is not right like domestic violence abuse geographically its great but people lives like tribes from undered years ago
so u bought a watermelon that turned out to be bad, that is a horrible situation i cant imagine how it actually felt like but i can only sympathize with you
So, I watched your video, and you faced one bad interaction with some local guy after you started an argument with him.
That's why you will never visit Jordan?
What a horrible experience. You poor things. I will never go there.
In 1980, I was stoned in Kerak along with a Canadian guy I was traveling with. I was then 21 and discovering the world.
The Royal Police saved us and took us away from this trap.
This beautiful country is unfortunately unfriendly and could be dangerous.
I never went back there
Syria was the most friendly of the region
I swam in the Dead Sea, on the other side, near Massada. Don't spill Dead Sea water in your eyes, it burns !
Real bad that happened to you in Jordan and glad you thought so of Syria. Am syrian and saw some TH-camrs enjoy it there recently. As a child around 2007 I used to go to the touristy places to practice my English lol. Those days were lovely🥲
Aha, so that's why Syrian refugees are so nice in Norway! My youngest daughter LOVE Syrians, as they're so funny and friendly here.
Relatives of ours from the UK lost their 21 year old son in Turkey. An Egyptian national at the hotel he stayed at befriended him and promised to show him a few sights and murdered him on the first day. He removed all his belongings making it look like he checked out of the hotel while his poor family were desperately trying to contact him. The Turkish police told the parents that their son wanted to be alone without nagging parents and refused to look for him. They paid a private investigator who found their son's body in a morgue. The Egyptian national was arrested when he tried to use the British passport. But instead of Turkey putting him in prison they deported him to Egypt. They knew it was because of a bias in religion, they being Christian.
And these nationals are making their way to Europe. Good luck! Enjoy!
@@Dan-xx5jq This story should've been all over the news. Could you please provide some sources? (Or is it just a story you made up now on the fly to plug the religion in it?) I hope for the latter because this sounds terrible.
@@yourfriend5144 I don’t have to make up. It happened to me in 1980 when I travelled overland from Northern France to Greece, most of the way on bicycle. It was stolen the next day I arrived in Athens. So I paused and worked few months in Greece. Then took the road, bus, car, trains, donkeys from Athens to Jerusalem via Sofia, Istanbul, Antakya, Lattaquié, Tripoli, Beyrut, Damascus, Amman, Kerak, Petra, Aqaba, back to Amman, Allenby Bridge, Jericho, Jerusalem …
Overall this overland trip was very positive and exciting.
I wouldn’t be possible nowadays
Dam!!! Jordan is worse than Egypt...
Im so sorry for you 😢 I travelled the last 3 years often to Jordan and the first time I was alone with a 4 years old child. I felt everywhere safe and I met the most friendly and helpful people on earth. In every country are bad and good people. But Jordan is absolutely beautiful and worth to visit.
As a jordanian i appologize for your experience, our reputation is all about generosity and welcoming visitors, however after covid and the economic situation of the government things changed i guess, thats of course no excuse at all. My advice is to go with a group, or with a jordanian friend to avoid these incidents. Sorry again for this experience
I've seen video's similar to your experience, but in Egypt. Jordan has always been on my dream list, what a shame it doesn't seem to be a great tourist destination.
There is so much beauty in jordan and i really hope that it was just me who had such bad experiences, but well you sure have to be careful 😅
Jordan is a great tourist destination...
it all depends how you go about it...
Have you been to Canada? Have you been to Israel? There are companies in Israel that would take the Dead Sea mud and water and make they into lotions etc.
I traveled to Jordan last year with my daughter, we both enjoyed a lovely time and had non of the experiences you described. We rented a car and visited whatever we wanted. Food was incredible. People absolutely friendly, warm and welcoming.
You seem to be the only one that wasn't harassed by the scammers! Maybe you looked like a local???
So sorry for your experience in Jordan - I’ve always wanted to visit Petra but maybe not now after seeing this video - I cannot imagine the audacity of government employees to try and intimidate you and get aggressive and threaten, it’s disgusting behaviour and if I was Jordanian I would search down the people and places in this video and submit complaints, Jordan’s tourism industry suffered greatly during covid and this treatment of visitors and tourists will only hurt it more. As Muslims these people should also be truly ashamed of themselves, how dare they treat their guests in this way, shameful, disgusting, downright ignorant behaviour - in Arabic you would call these people Jaahil.
The scamming Bdohls are now removed by the police/Government. Aldo their stalls where they sold fake artifacts.🎉
(im jordanian)
There is a huge north south wealth divide. Im from the north and there is alot of hostility between the two of us and alot of racism. I visited petra, wadi rum, and aqaba, the locals were very unfriendly and were not willing to talk. We saw tourists being scammed and whatnot. The north composses the jordanian middle class and most if not all government projects are in the north.
So i think the problem is the government not the locals.
Btw the visit was largely unpleasant
Now I know where not to go! Thanks. Seems worse than Tijauna.
There are thousands of videos on TH-cam of thousands of tourists and influencers who have visited Jordan and are delighted with their trips and stays in the country, why are you the only ones who don't like my country!? I find that you make a great effort to highlight everything that is negative and I find that it is unfortunate and unfair!
Sadly your attitude is the exact reason why there is so many scammers in Jordan.
Instead of accepting criticism you blame me for for sharing my experience and while doing that you normalise the actions of those people.