Madaba, Jordan 🇯🇴
#828
31.716594, 35.794385
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Madaba is a city in Jordan known for its rich history and archaeological significance, particularly famous for its mosaic art. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 80,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Jordanian Dinar (1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD). Local banks often offer services in USD and JOD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz, Plug Types: C and J. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Orange and Zain, offering prepaid SIM cards with data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks such as Arab Bank and Jordan Kuwait Bank offer services to expats, including online banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and local guesthouses; prices around 20-50 JOD per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred, but some places accept cards, especially hotels. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as the Mosaic City Hotel offer affordable stays starting at around 15 JOD per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Madaba offers reliable internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Haret Jdoudna is a popular cafe providing a calm atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Madaba Expat Community on Facebook often organizes gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the main ride-hailing app used in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bikes can be rented from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Dead Sea, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines serves many regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines is the primary international carrier. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The King’s Highway connects Madaba with other major Jordanian cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; buses are the primary means of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; tickets are purchased per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Madaba with nearby cities like Amman and Jerash. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Madaba Public Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Quiet Mind Yoga Studio offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Madaba offers modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; rates around 5-10 JOD for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the preferred food delivery service in Madaba. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb and yogurt. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | There are several local restaurants offering vegetarian options like Falafel and Hummus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit the sweet shops for Ma'amoul, a famous Middle Eastern pastry. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and spices at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now Amazon.ae) offers a variety of goods for online purchase. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | E-commerce platforms like Nana provide delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Madaba has limited nightlife; check out local cafes for evening gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no prominent breweries, local beers can be found in select restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try the local wine at restaurants during meals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer shawarma and falafel; popular among locals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza places and cafes serve various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mosaic Map of Madaba and the Basilica of St. George. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Madaba Archaeological Park showcases local history and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Shrine of the Virgin Mary and various churches around Madaba. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Madaba hosts the Madaba Festival showcasing local art and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the historic city center for local craft shops and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters host performances occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Madaba Souq offers a variety of handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes occasionally feature live traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be seen around the city highlighting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are available at local restaurants for traditional Jordanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art galleries feature Jordanian artists and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Churches and ancient sites scattered throughout the city reflect its heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mosaic art is a unique aspect of Madaba's cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ajloun National Park is a short drive away, known for its lush forest and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails around the city leading to historical sites. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from Mount Nebo provide a breathtaking panorama of the Dead Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit Wadi Mujib for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated areas in national parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the area for deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Madaba offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors and language centers offer Arabic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries exist, though limited, local cafes also serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers provide cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available, internet cafes offer some gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Madaba. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 600 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 36,000 JOD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 30,000 JOD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 750 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 60,000 JOD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 48,000 JOD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 700 JOD per m² (e.g., 100 m² = 70,000 JOD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 550 JOD per m² (e.g., 100 m² = 55,000 JOD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax rate peaks at 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules for foreign businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% on property transactions. |