The Middle East's most easygoing country, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, better known simply as Jordan, has attracted travellers since ancient times. Today, the nation draws over four million visitors each year to its vast desert landscapes, welcoming cities and the extraordinary Dead Sea. Don't miss these must-visit attractions, including Wadi Rum, The Temple of Hercules, etc.
First, one image that comes to mind is the red pillars of famous Petra, an ancient city carved into the desert mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. But you might have already guessed it: Jordan got more to offer than Petra.
1. JORDAN'S CLIMATE & WEATHER
Jordan is not a large country, but its climate is indeed varied. Average daytime maximum temperatures in Amman range from around 12°C in January to 33°C in August. Winter can be surprisingly cold, and snow in Amman is not uncommon. Ensure you have plenty of warm clothes and a windproof and waterproof jacket. Warm layers to wear "at home" are also a good advice.
If you want a warm escape during the winter, the Dead Sea and Aqaba are your best bets. Aqaba has an average daytime maximum temperature of around 20°C in January. The Jordan Valley and the area around Aqaba are pleasant during the winter months, January-February, with chilly evenings. In the summer, June-August, this area is extremely hot.
In the Eastern Desert, the winter can be bitterly cold and dry and the summer intensely hot. The central hills can receive snowfall in the winter, and evenings are cool in the summer. Rain falls between November and March, and lightweight clothes are advised between May and September.
Rain-wear is generally needed from November to April. Come well prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and protective clothing for summer visits. Light cotton clothing is recommended.
2. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The security situation in Jordan is relatively good. Public order is generally good and criminality comparatively low.
Emergency phone numbers:
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
3. The Traffic
Security checks are frequent along the roads. Therefore, you are recommended to always carry your passport or passport copy with you.
You can drive in Jordan using an International Driving Permit. Make sure you have third party insurance. If you are involved in an incident including a pedestrian, you could face imprisonment and be liable for the payment of hospital bills and other compensation.
4. INSURANCE
Before your departure, be sure to arrange comprehensive travel and health insurance covering the time of your stay in Jordan.
5. MONEY
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD also pronounced as "Jaydee." There are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 JD notes. The Dinar is divided into 100 piasters (pronounced "pee-asters") of 1000 fils ("fills").
The fils is the unit most commonly used, and you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 750 fils).
Money exchange
Changing money is easy in Jordan. Most major currencies are accepted in cash and travellers' checks. US Dollars are the most accepted, followed by UK pounds and Euros. There are no restrictions on bringing dinars into Jordan. It is possible to change dinars back into some foreign currencies in Jordan. Syrian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Israeli and Iraqi currencies can all be changed in Amman. Egyptian and Israeli currencies are also easily changed in Aqaba. Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and most hotels.
ATMs
ATMs are available in all but the smaller towns. There are no local charges on credit card cash advances, but the maximum daily withdrawal amount is around JD 1000, depending on your card. Visa is the most widely accepted card for cash advances and ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs.
Credit cards
Most major credit cards are accepted at top-end hotels and restaurants, travel agencies, larger souvenir shops and bookshops. Be sure to ask if any commission is being added to the price.
International transfers
Some major banks can arrange international money transfers, such as the Arab Bank and Jordan National Bank. The Cairo-Amman Bank is part of the international service offered by the Western Union. Money Gram has agreements with several banks. Due to high fees, a cash advance with a credit card might be better.
Exchange offices
Exchange offices are smaller and easier to use than banks, and they generally stay open until around 9 pm daily. Check the rates at banks or in the English-language newspapers before changing money.
Travellers' checks
Most travellers' checks are accepted, the most recognized being American Express. Check the commission before changing.
6. VISAS
Visitors to Jordan from non-Arab countries need a visa. Visas are, for many nationalities, easily obtained on arrival at most border points. Jordanian visas are, however, not issued at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge if entering from Israel & the Palestinian Territories.
If you would like a multiple entry visa, you can only apply for this at Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad.
Visa procedures at Amman Airport are usually swift and smooth. The approximate price for a tourist single entry visa is JD 40 ($60). There are money changers next to the visa lines, and ATMs are only available after immigration.
Tourist visas are normally valid for 3 months (i.e. you must enter the country within 3 months from the date of issue) and good for a stay of 1 month from the date of entry. You can extend your visa after you arrive in Jordan up to a maximum period of 6 months. If you overstay your visa – you will be fined.
In the Middle East, visas are available from Jordanian embassies in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen and the Gulf States.
Your passport should have at least 6 months before expiry to enter Jordan.
Visa regulations are subject to change; always check with the Jordanian Embassy/Consulate in your country before your travels.
Visa extensions
A single-entry visa is valid for 1 month upon arrival in Jordan (always, however, check what is written on your visa). You need to register at a police station to get a 3 months visa, and failure to do so will result in a steep fine. Your visa can be extended for stays up to 6 months. Extensions are possible in major provincial capitals such as Aqaba, Irbid and Karak but are best done in Amman.
7. GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Land To/From Syria
You can cross into Jaber or Ramtha when you come to Jordan by road from Syria. Jaber is 80km away from Amman and is most commonly used by visitors, while Ramtha is 90km away and is mainly for cargo. Both borders are open 24/7 throughout the year.
To/From Israel:
There are three border crossings between Jordan and Israel.
The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, 57km away from Amman, is located in the southern Jordan Valley and is open Sun–Thurs 07:30hrs – 22:00hrs, and Fri-Sat 07:30hrs – 13:00hrs.
PLEASE NOTE
Visas must be arranged beforehand and cannot be obtained at the border. Additionally, private cars and tour buses cannot cross international borders – travellers must change vehicles upon crossing or use the other two border crossings.
Sheikh Hussein, crossing /Northern Border, is 90km away from Amman. It is located in the north, close to Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee).
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 08:00hrs – 18:00hrs
Friday: 8:00 – 18:00hrs
Saturday: 08:30hrs – 18:00hrs.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 08:00hrs – 18:00hrs
Friday: 8:00 – 18:00hrs
Saturday: 08:30hrs – 18:00hrs.
Operating Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 06:30hrs – 20:00hrs
Friday – Saturday: 0800hrs – 20:00hrs.
As of the 1st of January 2016, entry visas will no longer be issued at the Wadi Araba Border Crossing. The only exceptions are Israeli tour groups and others carrying proper entry documentation; entering Jordan for tourism purposes. Moreover, Israeli tourists and those carrying proper entry documents, who have purchased the 90JOD entrance ticket to the Petra Archeological Site, will be exempt from the obligatory 24-hour stay in Jordan under the following conditions:
1
So that visas and clearances can be issued smoothly in accordance with laws and procedures, all tour groups must submit a travel manifest and other relevant documents to the Tourism and Marketing Directorate of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority at a minimum of 24 hours before the group's arrival to the country. Local tour operators must submit the necessary insurance, guaranteeing that all members of the tourism group will depart through the Wadi Araba Border Crossing.
2
All members of the original submitted manifest are present upon departure; permissions for departure will not be granted to groups in which all the original members are not present.
3
No visa shall be issued for other nationalities through the Wadi Araba Crossing. Entrance will only be granted to those who have obtained an entry visa to Jordan through Jordanian Embassies abroad before arriving at the border crossing.
Note* Wadi Araba Crossing closes on Islamic New Year day and Yom Kippur.
PLEASE NOTE:
Hours and regulations are subject to change. Contact a travel agent in Jordan for up-to-date details and information on which nationalities cannot obtain visas.
To/From Iraq:
Visitors can travel to Jordan by road from Iraq through Al-Karamah Border Crossing, which is 331km away from Amman and is open 24/7 throughout the year.
To/From Saudi Arabia:
There are three border crossings with Saudi Arabia from the east:
Umari Border Crossing: 155km away from Amman and open 24/7 throughout the year.
Mudawara Border Crossing: 322km away from Amman and open 24/7 throughout the year.
Durra Border Crossing: located in southern Jordan, 349km away from Amman and open 24/7 throughout the year.
8. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN JORDAN
Always carry your passport with you when travelling around sensitive areas, such as near the border of Israel & the Palestinian Territories, i.e. most of the Jordan Valley and anywhere along the Dead Sea Highway. Checkpoints and passport checks are common in these areas.
By taxi
Taxis' are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan. The white-painted "service taxis" ride are a shared service and usually have fixed routes. Private yellow taxis' are the most common and can be easily accessed from outside larger hotels or hailed in the street. Taxis have metres, but these are not always used after 11 pm, so it is advisable to agree on the cost beforehand. Taxi drivers are friendly, know the city well, and usually speak English. It is considered appropriate for a woman to sit in the back of the taxi. Tipping isn't compulsory, but change is often limited, so don't be surprised if you're shorted about 200 fils (20 piasters).
By car
Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network, and renting a car can be a good way to see the country. If you rent a car and drive yourself, you should have an international driver's license. Driving is on the right; front seatbelts are required by law. Road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English, and Brown signs are designed for tourists. There are plenty of petrol stations in Amman and other cities and on most highways (except the Dead Sea/Aqaba road), but it makes sense to fill up before embarking on any long journey. There are many car rental offices at the main airports, some resorts, and bigger cities.
By bus, coach or minibus
Amman's local bus traffic is irregular and not very frequent, and many opt for taxi or service taxis instead. Many bus companies offer direct services to most major cities and towns, like Amman, Aqaba, Petra, Jerash and Irbid. Companies include Alpha, JETT and Rum Tourist Transport. There are also minibuses. Smaller service taxis apply the same routes and are often more expensive, faster, and convenient.
By plane
The only domestic air route is between Amman and Aqaba.
9. FOOD AND DRINKS
Food
The Jordan cuisine is highly varied, and it has many influences from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine and enjoys being one of the world's most sophisticated cuisines. Popular meals range from falafel (chickpea balls), foul (bean paste), hummus (chickpea paste), kubbe (grain balls stuffed with meat), tabouleh (parsley salad), and a variety of kebabs with the stuffing of vegetables (grape leaves, eggplants, etc.), meat, and poultry. The national dish of Jordan is Mansaf: lamb seasoned with aromatic herbs, sometimes lightly spiced, cooked in yoghurt, and served with huge quantities of rice.
Water
The quality of tap water is generally poor. You are recommended to drink bottled water, easily available in stores at a reasonable price.
10. BUSINESS HOURS
Friday is the weekly holiday, when government offices, banks and most offices are closed. Most businesses and banks take a half-day off on Thursday, and some businesses and banks take a half-day off, or complete holiday, on Sunday.
Government departments are open daily from 8 am to 2 pm, except Friday. Banks are open from 8:30 am to 1 pm, and some have recently introduced afternoon hours from 4 to 6 pm. Small shops are open for long hours, from around 9 am until 8 or 9 pm, often closing for a couple of hours in the mid-afternoon. Most Muslim shop owners close early or do not open on Friday, and Christians follow similar rules on Sunday. Markets and street stalls downtown remain open all week long, and Friday is their busiest day of the week.
Museums are generally open every day except Tuesday.
During Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, business hours are shorter.
Date | Holiday |
1-Jan | New Year's Day |
21-Apr | New Year's Day |
22-Apr | Easter |
1-May | Labor Day |
25-May | Independence Day |
4 Jun to 6 Jun | Eid |
10 Aug to 14 Aug | Eid |
31-Aug | Islamic |
9-Nov | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday |
25-Dec | Christmas Day |
* Christians observe Easter holidays only
11. ELECTRICITY
220 volts/50 cycles AC is used. There are several types of electrical outlets, adapters are recommended.
12. TIME
October – March: Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 hours (GMT + 2).
April – September: Greenwich Mean Time plus 3 hours (GMT + 3).
Jordan is seven hours ahead of US Eastern Time.
13. INTERNET
There are Internet cafes throughout the country. Like other forms of media in the country, the Internet is subject to government control. If you bring your laptop, you can easily access the Internet anywhere in Amman. You can buy an Internet device (it looks like a USB that enables you to be connected wherever you want) for the price of around JD 25. Depending on your usage, you charge this device with an additional JD (Jordanian Dinar). There is a mobile/Internet shop in the same building as the Language Institute.
14. HEALTH
Medicine
Most towns have well-stocked pharmacies. Always check the expiry date of any medicine you buy in Jordan. Bringing unusual or important medical items with you from home is better. Always bring a copy of a prescription. The telephone numbers for pharmacies in Amman and Irbid and hospitals in Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Aqaba are listed in the 2 English-language newspapers. All doctors and most pharmacists who have studied in Jordan speak English, medicine is taught in English at Jordanian universities, and many have studied abroad. Dental surgeries are also fairly modern and well equipped. Pharmacists can often provide valuable advice for minor illnesses such as diarrhoea and sell over-the-counter medication.
Ambulance
For an ambulance in Jordan, call 911.
Hospitals
There are modern, well-equipped public hospitals in Amman, Irbid, Aqaba and Karak, smaller hospitals in Madaba, Ramtha and Zarqa, and basic health centres in most other towns. You also find over 50 private hospitals in Jordan. Private hospitals are primarily frequented by patients from neighbouring countries, attracted by the lower medical costs. Emergency treatment not requiring hospitalization is free in Jordan.