Jordan

Jordan

While this Arab kingdom in Western Asia typically conjures up images of vast sprawling deserts, it is, in fact, a remarkably diverse destination offering ancient churches and castles, spectacular mountain scenery, and stunning beaches, as well as some famously friendly local inhabitants. Itinerary highlights include: the incredible Dead Sea; the 2000-year-old ‘lost city’ of Petra; and the famous Lawrence of Arabia trail, which takes visitors from the ruins of his fort at Azraq to the picturesque deserts of Wadi Rum. While Jordan’s long and fascinating history provides travellers with a host of intriguing historical and biblical sites, the country is certainly not stuck in the past. With its slew of modern luxury hotels, trendy restaurants and lively bars, the city serves as a great base to explore the many ancient sites. For a captivating destination full of natural, historical and cultural wonders, look no further than the enchanting nation of Jordan.

Read More: Jordan

Fast Facts

Travel Styles:


Regions


  • Amman
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Travel Information


General

Language:Arabic is the official language. English is widely understood among upper and middle classes.National Emergency Numbers:199 – Ambulance and First…

Electricity

Plug Type: Type C, Type F Voltage (V): 230 Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Jordanian Dinar Symbol: JD ISO code: JOD Subunit: Piastre Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars Coins:…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: No Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes Street food: Yes Local…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies Average temperature: 22°C Summer: Average highs: 32°C Average lows: 18°C Winter: Average highs:…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Royal Jordanian, Jordan Aviation International Airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) Domestic Airports: King…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough…

Safety

We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t…

Visa

VISA REQUIREMENTS:U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Jordan. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.  …


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General

Language:Arabic is the official language. English is widely understood among upper and middle classes.National Emergency Numbers:199 - Ambulance and First Aid191 - Police199 - FirePublic Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan. 01 - New Year's DayFeb. 26 - Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet) *Apr. 02 - Good Friday*Apr. 05 - Easter Monday*May 01 - Labor DayMay 25 - Independence DayJune 10 - Army DayJuly 09 - Prophet's Ascension*Aug. 11 - Ramadan begins*Sept. 10 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)*Nov. 16 - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)*Dec. 07 - Islamic New YearDec. 25 - ChristmasTime Zone:The UAE is +8 ahead of Eastern Standard Time, or +2 hours ahead of GMTTippingGenerally, a 10% service charge is added to the bill in hotels and upmarket restaurants; extra tips are discretionary.US EmbassyPhysical Address: Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St. Amman – JordanMailing Address: American Embassy P.O. Box 354, Amman 11118 JordanTel: 962-6-590-6000Fax: 962-6-592-0163Website: jordan.usembassy.gov/contact.html

Electricity

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Jordanian Dinar 
Symbol: JD 
ISO code: JOD 
Subunit: Piastre 
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 piastres, 1 dinar 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Jordanian cuisine is rich and diverse, influenced by Levantine and Mediterranean flavors. Mansaf, a dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt, is considered the national dish. Other popular dishes include falafel, hummus, and maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish). 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include mint tea, Arabic coffee, and Jallab (a sweet, rose-flavored drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 13°C 
Average lows: 6°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are comfortable. Avoid visiting during the summer due to high temperatures. 

Transport

Air: 
Main airlines: Royal Jordanian, Jordan Aviation 
International Airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) 
Domestic Airports: King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Amman Civil Airport (ADJ) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: No 

Dress

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Modern medical care and medicines are generally available in Jordan’s main cities, but not always in outlying areas. Most acute and chronic medical conditions can be appropriately handled. When called, ambulances are often slow to arrive and personnel generally have only a basic level of training. Most hospitals in Jordan, especially in Amman, are privately owned. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment or a high deposit for services.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever - all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Safety

We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Visa

VISA REQUIREMENTS:U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Jordan. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.