Here are a few tips that might prove useful when in Jordan:
Coming from the US? if so, get yourself a FREE VOIP number from google voice so as to keep in touch with family and friends in the US while in Jordan. If you have a smartphone you can easily get 4G in Jordan, hence anyone can call you on your VOIP USA number (and vice versa). If you have an iphone or android, use the FREE app Hangouts so as to be able to use your google voice VOIP number with your smartphone.
Coming from the US? register with STEPS (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to stay up to date with latest health, travel or security alerts from the US embassy in Jordan.
Coming from Canada? register with Registration of Canadians Abroad to stay up to date with latest health, travel or security alerts from the Canadian embassy in Jordan.
GPS: Google Maps is very popular in Jordan nowadays. Cell data plans are quite cheap in Jordan; thus, you can use Google Maps' online features. However, you can always opt to use Google Maps offline and download all the maps to your smartphone (works fine for those who drive - but no traffic info!).
Currency exchange: the official exchange rate of USD / JOD is fixed, 1 USD = 0.7080JOD. To exchange money simply go to any of the known money exchange shops across Amman, like Alami or Abu-Sheika. Against the USD it's pretty much close to what I will describe below, but if you will be exchanging a large amount it would be best to ask more than one shop so as to get the best deal at the time:
They usually buy USD at 0.7085JOD (0.7080JOD in summer-time) and sell USD at 0.7090JOD (0.7085JOD in summer-time). That is how they make money (they do not charge a separate exchange commission). Much better than exchanging at a bank because currency exchange shops do not charge an extra exchange commission as banks do.
NOTE: the worst rate you'll get is at Queen Alia airport. But still, the commission they charge is nothing compared to what you would be charged in Europe or USA. It wouldn't hurt to exchange like $100 or $200 at the airport so you have Jordanian Dinars on you. I suppose you must, because you'll need 40JOD to pay for the visa at the airport (check visa cost - it changes regularly!) and maybe 20-25JOD for the airport taxi.
Bank account: If you plan to stay in Jordan for several months you might want to consider opening a bank account with Jordanian currency, USD, or EURO (or any combination of) especially if you expect to receive incoming wire transfers. A bank with a good online banking system and lots of ATMs all across Jordan is the Arab Bank. Here is a link to more on opening a checking or savings account with Arab bank or call them 24x7 for info at +962 6 460-0900.
Taxis in Jordan are pretty cheap compared to the US or Europe. Airport taxi to Amman is a fixed rate depending on destination. Make sure to ask in advance. To Dahiet AL-Rashhed (where the studios are) it was 21JOD ($30) to the best of my knowledge. Good deal for a 40 minute ride!
Within Amman, you can hail any yellow cab. Make sure the driver resets the meter. Average ride would cost around 3-5JOD. Alternatively, you can use UBER or KARIM. You can check availability and compare prices via google maps.
Cell phone sim card: You can get a sim card with or without a prepaid calling plan at the airport once you are in the arrivals lounge right after you finish from customs. Telecommunication companies to choose from: Zain, Umniah and Orange. I would choose in that order. You can probably get an unlimited prepaid calling plan with 4G internet of 10GB for less than $15 per month. Don't worry you can easily change whatever plan you get afterwards easily (PREPAID plans are not yearly contracts). Alternatively, go to one of the big malls like city mall or Mecca mall and check the booths on the best deals available. If you have a smartphone also check 4G rates. For those with a smartphone and a 4G subscription, remember, you can share the 4G internet with your laptop by connecting your phone via USB to your laptop (best) or (if you have an iPad or tablet) via creating a WIFI HOTSPOT on your smartphone. For those who need internet just for their laptop, I guess this would suffice and no need to consider any of the options under INTERNET below!
NOTE: you will need to have your passport with you to purchase a sim card.
Internet: In short, nothing beats FIBER. The known companies that offer it are Zain and Orange; also DAMAMAX is a good alternative in the area of the villa. Cost would probably be in the range $30-40 per month. But for those staying in Jordan for a few months or if you'd rather have a wireless alternative then the second best thing would be, for you to ask the telecommunication companies booths while at city mall or Mecca mall (as explained in the previous bullet), for internet USB dongle deals (works via 4G sim card). That way you can get internet over 4G wherever you are in Jordan. Just hook it up directly to your laptop, tablet, iPad or USB enabled router and voila - you are wired. Average cost would be around $15 for 5-7GB per month.
Tipping: I suppose that would depend on the service received. A lot of places force a 10% service charge in addition to the 16% sales tax. So, i guess you won't be leaving any tips there!
FREE movie screenings: The Royal Film Commission (1st circle - same street as Books@cafe) and Shoman Cinema Club (Tuesdays - between 1st and 2nd circles - in front of the Iraqi embassy) have FREE weekly screenings. Sign up to their mailing lists to get regular email updates on screenings.
Satellite TV: Each studio is equipped with a satellite receiver (Nilesat). This provides access to a lot of English speaking channels for free. MBC channels, in particular 2, 4, Max and Action, have a lot of movies around the clock.
Jordan is a conservative country. It has a culture that is probably shared amongst what used to be Great Syria (now covers Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria). Please keep an open mind to cultural differences. Try to remember that when you dress and when dealing with local people.