Absolutely, Jordan is safe. Jerusalem from Amman invites you to visit Jordan. If it were not safe, we would not invite you to visit. It is a country that managed to have nothing to do with the Middle Eastern conflict, terrorist attacks are unheard of. Security is excellent at all hotels and tourist sites. For more information, read: Is Jordan safe?
Although Jordan is a relatively small country, with an area of around 100,000 square kilometres, in three distinct climatic zones. The largest of those is of course desert, which covers around 80% of the country. The western mountain heights is where most of the cities, towns and archaeological sites reside, while the Jordan Valley, averaging around 300 metres below sea level has an entirely different climate than the rest of the country.
Jordan has 4 distinct seasons; winter and spring are relatively short, while summers are long, dry and relatively hot. The low humidity means that even temperatures in the low thirties are bearable. Jordan does not get the extreme heat that the gulf countries are accustomed to, and temperatures rarely go over 35 degrees Celsius even in the peak of summer.
Nights are relatively cool in all the highlands. Jordan averages about 310 days of sunshine per year. The rainy season starts at the end of November and continues into March. Snow occasionally falls in Petra, Amman and some of the western mountain ranges during December- February.
In brief, Jordan has hot, dry summers, and wet, relatively cold winters. The peak season is between March till May, and from September till November, though summer.
Visa – A visa on arrival is available for almost 140 nationalities.
Jordan issues a single-entry visa to most travellers upon their arrival at the airport or at one of the shared crossing points with Israel, that is of course in case your nationality does not require a pre-issued visa and you plan to stay in Jordan for a minimum of 48 hours. To check if you need a pre-arranged visa or not. For more details click here.
Jordan Pass – The Jordan Pass is a travel package that includes the cost of the visa plus many attractions in the country, including Petra. It is really worth it. Learn more about it here.
English and Arabic are the official spoken languages in Jordan. Almost all people have a good knowledge of English, especially in the cities. All your service providers, people around tourist sites will have full command of English.
As a melting pot of different ethnic groups, the liberal nature of this country has allowed immigrants to keep their traditions, while assimilating into the greater culture. Amman has plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and art galleries. About 95% of the population is Muslim, but there is an important Christian minority of 5%. Jordan is home to Bedouins, Palestinians, Armenians, Circassians and Kurds amongst others.
The younger generation has created a unique local pop culture, and Jordan is considered the IT capital of the middle east, and home to the best educated population in the Levant.
Packing is very personal, but there are things you should keep in mind while preparing for your trip.
The answer is yes, The tap water in Jordan is safe to drink. Although the water is clean and safe, it might taste a bit peculiar, therefore we advise that you drink bottled mineral water or filtered water.
So far, there is no compulsory vaccinations required to visit Jordan. Before you travel to Jordan, ask your doctor to write a prescription for any medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging.
The electric current in Jordan is the same as in Europe, 230 volts, / 50 Hertz. While most Israeli wall sockets are three-pronged, they often accept European two-pronged plugs. Most four and five-star hotels provide hair-dryers as well as low-wattage American-style sockets for electric shavers, cell phones or tablets. If your appliance does not work on 230 volts, you will need an adapter or a converter.
Most hotels offer access for Wi-Fi service, and there are cafes and businesses that offer complimentary access but do not expect it in Wadi Rum. In order to be able to stay online, we recommend that you purchase a local sim card upon your arrival.
Throughout your touring days, you will have plenty of opportunities to shop for gifts, souvenirs, and personal items in safe and recommended outlets. Department stores and shopping malls are open all day.
For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Travel insurance can be purchased for a minimal amount of your travel investment, and can cover the following:
The local currency is the Jordanian dinar (JD). Most Jordanian businesses will accept Credit Cards, but it will be a good idea to exchange some cash for the local currency, which can be done at Jordan Banks, money exchange offices throughout the country. Avoid exchanging money at the airport in order to avoid high exchange rates. A local bank and ATM withdrawal will usually be the best and cheapest place to exchange currency.
For Christians and Muslim Holidays celebrated in Jordan, please click here.
Liquor stores will be closed across the country, but many restaurants and hotels’ bars can still serve alcohol (depending on the hotel’s policy).
911 is the central emergency number covering all branches of civil defense and police.
Yes, there are, but never compulsory, nor are there fixed amounts. Remember that a tip or gratuity is earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner. It is up to you to determine whether and how much to tip by asking yourself how much the individual did to make your travels more enjoyable. we would recommend you to add 10% to your restaurant bills as a tip. You can also tip your guide and driver if you feel they offered you good service.
No, they do not have to. Jordan is quite liberal and guarantees the freedom for women to dress the way they wish. You will see locals that wear the hijab, as well as women who would not look out of place in a European city. It’s all about personal freedom at the end of the day.
Alcohol is readily available in tourist restaurants, at most 4-5 star hotels, and at bars. You can also buy alcohol at licensed liquor stores (which are easily found in Amman and Aqaba, and less so in other towns). We have two award-winning wine brands as well as three local beer brands.
It is acceptable to drink alcohol in Jordan as long as you respect the local people, customs and laws. Bear in mind that it is illegal in Jordan to drink in the street. Most camps in Wadi Rum are dry, but some will allow you to bring your own drinks.