Markets

A typical Middle Eastern market is the downtown “suq,” where you can buy almost anything. Shopping areas in Amman are less crowded now, with new neighborhoods developing and establishing their own shopping areas. 

The following areas should cover almost all your shopping needs:  downtown, Emir Mohammed Street (from Third Circle to the City Centre), Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq Street (known as Rainbow Street), Wasfi Tell Street, better known as Gardens Street (from Safeway to AI-Waha Circle) and the shopping areas of upmarket Suwayfiyya and Shmaysani Bargaining is gradually losing ground in Jordan as more and more shops have fixed prices. You should, however, certainly attempt it in souvenir shops and in the suq downtown.  

Ceramics: For mugs, plates, bowls, cups and tiles, try Boys' Town and AI-Shami Bazar in Amman. Pottery Workshops, has some of the most artistic (and pricey) ceramics. Other artisans are to be found in Madaba.
Pottery: The common pattern of pale-colored pottery with Arabic script designs is produced mainly in Amman. Silsal Pottery as well as at AI-Aydi, the Noor AI-Hussein Foundation Its products are on sale at the workshops, and at the airport duty-free shop. 

Visit Bani Hamida House near First Circle, Jebel Amman. They sell a variety of rugs ranging from the famous Bedouin-made rugs to modern design. Open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Friday. AI-Aydi also has a large stock of Bedouin rugs in authentic patterns and colors and there are a number of shops in Madaba where many are actually produced.

Hebron hand-made glass: Look out for carafes, bowls, jars, vases and mugs made in Jordan by a family originally from Hebron who now live and work in Amman, from the traditional dark-blue glass, there is also clear glass, light brown, green and yellow. It is sold at AEAydi, where you will find a variety of colors, but many souvenir shops also stock it. For the best prices, go to the workshop in Na'ur where you can see the glass-blowers at work.

Basketry: Produced in Mukhayba, north of the Jordan Valley. Available at AI-Aydi, where you will find some of the finest new and old pieces, and at the museum shop in Umm Qais. 
Gold: Cheaper here than in the West and there is a huge variety available in the suq downtown. Know has branches in Shmaysani, Gardens Street, on the main street in Jebel Al-Hussein, on the main road between Fifth and Sixth circles as well as downtown. Zalatimo is another famous brand.

 Their shop is in the Amra Hotel shopping arcade and they also sell at the airport.
Wood inlaid with mother of pearl: In most souvenir shops, you will find boxes with Dome of the Rock designs, mirror and picture frames and sometimes chairs and chests of drawers.

Olivewood: From kitchen utensils to Christmas Nativity scenes, eggs and other miscellaneous kitsch. On sale all over the country as well as in the West Bank where it is produced. 
Copperware: Stocked at most souvenir shops. 

Antiques

Try AI-Afghanf (tel: 625992, 635758, 676670). Branches in Jebel AI-Luwaybida, opposite Khalaf Supermarket, AI-Hawuz Circle, and Jebei AIHussein. Only some items are antique. Art: See Art Galleries.  

Export Procedures

There are no export restrictions except for antiquities, i.e. items more than 100 years old. Shopkeepers can post your purchases to the US and Europe.