Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Madaba is a city located in central Jordan, known for its historical and biblical sites, including the famous Madaba Map. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 82,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD, local currency is Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Most banks accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable. It's advised to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 230V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type C/D. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Jordanian telecom companies like Zain and Orange provide good coverage and affordable SIM packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards accepted; banks like Jordan Ahli Bank cater to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments like Mosaic City Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred for smaller transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local real estate platforms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget-friendly options include the Queen Ayola Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center around the Church of St. George features many attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area near King Abdullah II Park is recommended for quiet work and proximity to cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces in Madaba, but local cafes provide good environments for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Jafra offers a quiet atmosphere with Wi-Fi suitable for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | No regular events, but local expat Facebook groups may host informal meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups, such as 'Madaba Expats,' often organize social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Jordan. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No dedicated rental services, but bikes can be rented at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Dead Sea is approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines connects to various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines and Turkish Airlines serve international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Nearby access to the Amman-Madaba road allows easy travel to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Madaba has limited train service; the nearest major station is in Amman. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate within the city but passes are not available; pay cash on board. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Madaba to nearby cities like Amman and Karak. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Madaba Public Hospital is the major healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | None specifically identified in Madaba; consider online classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Al Jood Gym is a popular local gym for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are offered at local laundromats and some hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is a popular food delivery service in the region. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb and rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Haret Jdoudna offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Check out the local sweets shop, Abu Rumi Sweets, for delicious baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Al-Balad market is perfect for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now Amazon.ae) operates in Jordan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Talabat also offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited, but some cafes offer evening hours and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Jordan's main brewery is Carakale Brewery, located outside Madaba. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine can be found at restaurants like the Olive Tree. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in the city center offer shawarma and falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta can be found at many local Italian restaurants like Pizza Roma. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Madaba Map at St. George's Church and Mount Nebo are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Madaba Archaeological Park showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Madaba. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Church is a significant Christian pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Madaba Festival is celebrated every year, featuring local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is rich in historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | There are limited performance venues; check local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Madaba's local market is vibrant with crafts and traditional items. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in some local cafes during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists have created murals in the Old Town and public areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local restaurants offer cooking classes focusing on Jordanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art exhibits can sometimes be seen in community centers but are limited. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the various churches and mosaics throughout Madaba. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Madaba Map represents a significant cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Madaba Mountains offer hiking trails with stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve is a short drive away and great for outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths can be found around Mount Nebo and the surrounding hills. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Mount Nebo for breathtaking views of the Holy Land. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wadi Mujib is known for diverse bird species and wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check regulations; some areas in nature reserves allow controlled bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Fast International Courier services like DHL operate in the region. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide general tech repair, but options are limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may host ping pong tables; check available spaces. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors offer Arabic language classes; check local listings. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries offer study environments, but quiet cafes are preferred. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers in Madaba organize events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are limited but some cafes might have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Jordan, so no casinos are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 600 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 24,000 JOD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 450 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 18,000 JOD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 48,000 JOD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 36,000 JOD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 700 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 56,000 JOD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 40,000 JOD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are subject to a 5% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on a progressive personal income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 25% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate in Jordan is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply to foreign-owned entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 4%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Jordan offers attractive residency options but requires compliance with local laws. |