🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad who’s had the pleasure of calling Amman home, I can attest that this city has a unique charm that makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery, Amman offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the Middle East. The city’s laid-back atmosphere, coupled with its relatively low cost of living, makes it an ideal spot for digital nomads to settle in and get some work done. I’ve found that the Amman digital nomad community is warm and welcoming, with many like-minded individuals to connect with and share experiences.
Amman’s blend of traditional and modern elements is reflected in its architecture, food, and lifestyle. From the ancient ruins of the Citadel to the trendy cafes in Jabal Amman, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do. As an Amman digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn Arabic, and try delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. With its strategic location, Amman is also a great hub for exploring the surrounding region, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to stay in Amman, there are several areas that are particularly popular among digital nomads. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Jabal Amman: This upscale neighborhood is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great spot to find accommodation, with plenty of modern apartments and shared houses available. The area is also home to many coworking spaces, including the popular Zain Innovation Campus.
- Jabal Weibdeh: This charming neighborhood is a bit more laid-back than Jabal Amman, with a mix of old and new buildings. It’s a great spot to find affordable accommodation, and there are plenty of local cafes and restaurants to explore. Weibdeh Street is a particularly popular spot for coffee and people-watching.
- Abdali: This modern neighborhood is located in the heart of Amman, with easy access to many amenities, including restaurants, shops, and coworking spaces. The Boulevard is a popular spot for dining and entertainment, with a range of international restaurants and cafes.
- Ras Al Ain: This historic neighborhood is located near the Citadel, with stunning views of the city. It’s a bit more off the beaten path, but still has plenty of amenities, including local cafes and restaurants. The Jordan Museum is also located in this area, with a range of exhibits on Jordanian history and culture.
Cost of Living Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of living in Amman as a digital nomad is the relatively low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood like Jabal Amman or Abdali can cost around 200-250 JOD (approximately $280-$350 USD) per month. In a more affordable neighborhood like Jabal Weibdeh, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for around 150-200 JOD (approximately $210-$280 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out in Amman can be very affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around 5-10 JOD (approximately $7-$14 USD). Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a week’s worth of basic supplies costing around 20-30 JOD (approximately $28-$42 USD).
- Transport: Amman has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and taxis available throughout the city. A monthly public transportation pass can cost around 20-30 JOD (approximately $28-$42 USD). Alternatively, you can rent a car for around 200-300 JOD (approximately $280-$420 USD) per month.
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Amman typically cost around 100-200 JOD (approximately $140-$280 USD) per month, depending on the location and amenities.
Internet & Coworking
Amman has a relatively fast internet speed, with an average download speed of 47 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes throughout the city, with reliable internet and a range of amenities. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- Zain Innovation Campus: Located in Jabal Amman, this coworking space offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and private offices.
- The Coworking Space: Located in Abdali, this coworking space offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a rooftop lounge.
- Cafe Younes: Located in Jabal Weibdeh, this cafe is a popular spot for digital nomads, with reliable internet and a range of coffee and food options.
Amman has a growing digital nomad community, with many like-minded individuals to connect with and share experiences. Some popular meetups and events include:
- Amman Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great way to connect with other digital nomads in Amman, with regular meetups and events.
- Nomad Coffee: This meetup group is specifically for digital nomads, with regular coffee meetups and coworking sessions.
- Amman Tech Meetups: This meetup group is focused on the tech industry, with regular events and conferences.
Culture & Lifestyle
Amman is a city with a rich cultural heritage, with many opportunities to learn about Jordanian customs and traditions. Some popular cultural attractions include:
- The Citadel: This ancient fortress is located in the heart of Amman, with stunning views of the city.
- The Jordan Museum: This museum is located in Ras Al Ain, with a range of exhibits on Jordanian history and culture.
- The Royal Automobile Museum: This museum is located in Abdali, with a range of exhibits on Jordanian automotive history.
The food scene in Amman is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Middle Eastern dishes to try. Some popular restaurants include:
- Abu Jbara: This restaurant is located in Jabal Amman, with a range of traditional Jordanian dishes.
- Tawaheen Al-Hawa: This restaurant is located in Jabal Weibdeh, with a range of traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
- Karam Beirut: This restaurant is located in Abdali, with a range of Lebanese and Jordanian dishes.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter Jordan. The most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport. This visa is valid for 30 days, and can be extended for an additional 30 days. There is no specific digital nomad visa available in Jordan, but you can apply for a work visa if you have a job offer from a Jordanian company.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living in Amman as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local telecom shop. A prepaid SIM card with data and voice minutes can cost around 10-20 JOD (approximately $14-$28 USD).
- Transport: Amman has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and taxis available throughout the city. You can also rent a car or use ride-hailing apps like Uber.
- Safety: Amman is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s a good idea to take precautions to stay safe. Avoid walking alone at night, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Weather: Amman has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant.