Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Irbid is the capital of Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan, known for its universities and vibrant local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 0.71 JOD (Jordanian Dinar). Banks such as Arab Bank and Cairo Amman Bank are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but locals recommend using bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, frequency is 50Hz, and the sockets are primarily Type C and F. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Zain and Orange, with prepaid plans around 5 JOD for data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Payment methods include cash, credit/debit cards, and services like PayPal are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local rentals to international platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various options starting around 15 JOD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Blue House are available starting at 10 JOD per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center offers convenience with nearby attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al-Mahatta is popular among expats for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Annex, a modern coworking space with desks starting at 10 JOD per day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Shop Al-Khalidi offers good Wi-Fi and a comfortable working atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for meetups at local community centers and university campuses. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Irbid Expats' provide information on social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the preferred ride-hailing app in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | There are limited bike rentals; mostly, locals prefer taxis or public transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Aqaba Beach is approximately 3 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines offers regional flights from Amman. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include Emirates and Qatar Airways connecting via Amman. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Desert Highway connects Irbid to major cities, facilitating easy travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Irbid bus station serves as the main transit hub for local and regional buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for around 15 JOD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently connect Irbid to Amman and other Jordanian cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Irbid Government Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Studio F provides yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time offers a range of equipment and services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Wash & Go provide convenient washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jahez is a popular choice for food delivery in Irbid. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mansaf is the traditional dish of Jordan, best sampled at local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Wild Thyme offer vegan-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweets Khalil serves traditional Jordanian desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets such as Irbid Souq offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops include souq.com for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instashop is widely used for grocery deliveries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al-Mahatta is known for its cafes and late-night eateries. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are currently no breweries in Irbid, but Amman offers some local options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Qautar provides a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls sell falafel and shawarma downtown. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Chili's offer a taste of American cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The University of Jordan in Irbid is one of the top landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Jordan is located in Amman but popular with Irbid residents. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the ancient city of Pella are nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Mosque of Irbid is an important site for locals. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Irbid Cultural Festival happens annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has various cultural shops and cafés. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters like Al-Balad can showcase performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al-Hashmi is ideal for experiencing local trade. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Look for live music in restaurants in Al-Mahatta. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists create murals around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at local cultural centers teach traditional Jordanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries feature works by regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various Ottoman-era buildings can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its local traditions through various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Ajloun Forest Reserve is a great weekend getaway. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Afran National Park is accessible within an hour. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along the Yarmouk River are favored by cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Ajloun Castle offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Yarmouk River area is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas at Ajloun Reserve allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like JET are available for parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in the city center provide repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local universities offer Arabic language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The King Abdullah II Center offers study spaces for students. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Irbid Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are becoming popular among the youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Irbid; the closest options are in Amman. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000 JOD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 JOD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 JOD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 JOD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 JOD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,700 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 136,000 JOD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend distribution tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Jordanian tax residents are taxed on their Jordanian-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations on taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax during property purchases is around 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Jordan currently does not have specific tax incentives for digital nomads. |