JORDAN

Step into Jordan, a land where ancient history meets breathtaking desert landscapes. From Roman ruins to the rose-red city of Petra and the stark beauty of Wadi Rum, this Middle Eastern gem promises an unforgettable journey through time and nature.

Region: Middle East

Capital: Amman

Official Language: Arabic

Level of Travel Safety: Jordan is generally considered safe for tourists, with a stable political environment. However, due to regional conflicts, non-essential travel is currently advised for areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Exercise caution and stay informed about local advisories.

 

A map of the Middle East with Jordan highlighted in green.

Why Visit Jordan?

Ancient Petra: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Wadi Rum Desert: A vast and breathtaking desert known for its otherworldly rock formations and stunning sunsets.

Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth, famous for its therapeutic waters where you can float effortlessly.

The ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, featuring an oval forum and columns.

Historical Sites: Jordan is home to many ancient ruins, including Roman cities like Jerash and the Crusader Castle at Karak.

Natural Beauty: From the rugged beauty of the mountains to the serene waters of the Red Sea, Jordan offers diverse landscapes.

Hospitality: The warm hospitality of the Jordanian people makes it a welcoming destination for travelers.

Ancient Roman ruins with tall stone columns and arches under a bright sky.

Essential Trip Information

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival (typically US$56, valid 30 days).

Check official requirements: Jordan E-Gate Portal.

Passport validity: Must extend 6 months beyond stay.

Jordan Pass (US$70–100) covers visa fees and entry to Petra + 40+ sites if staying ≥3 nights. Highly recommended.

Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the official currency.

Best ways to handle currency:

  • Before your trip: Exchange a small amount of money at home, as the Jordanian Dinar is not commonly available in international markets.
  • During your trip: ATMs are readily available in major cities and offer competitive exchange rates. Major credit/debit cards are accepted in urban areas, but it’s a good idea to carry some JOD for smaller shops and in more remote areas.
  • What to avoid: Avoid exchanging money at airports or in smaller kiosks, as the rates are often unfavorable.

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Helpful phrases: “Shukran” (Thank you), “Min fadlak” (Please), “Ayna…?” (Where is…?)

Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the region, but it is always advisable to exercise caution, especially in less populated areas.

Avoid discussing sensitive political issues and be respectful of local customs.

Emergency number: 911

Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required, but it is recommended to have routine vaccines up to date.

Travel Insurance is recommended due to the cost of healthcare.

Tap water is safe to drink in most cities, but bottled water is often preferred by travelers.

Taxi: Taxis are affordable but make sure to agree on a fare or ask the driver to use the meter.

Buses: Public buses are reliable in major cities, but intercity buses may not always be punctual.

Car Rentals: Available for self-drive tours, but keep in mind that traffic in Amman can be chaotic.

Walking: Many tourist sites are within walking distance of each other, particularly in cities like Petra and Amman.

Jordan is relatively affordable, with a range of prices to suit different budgets.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels or budget hotels ($40–70 per night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels ($80–120 per night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels ($150+/night)

Food

  • Street food: Falafel, shawarma ($3–5)

  • Casual dining: Restaurants ($10–20)

  • Fine dining: ($30–50)

Drinks

  • Coffee/Tea: $1–3

  • Local beer: $3–5

Transportation

  • Taxi: $5–15 for short trips

  • Uber: Available in larger cities, with similar pricing to taxis

  • Buses: Public buses are available, though they may not be as frequent or reliable in rural areas.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit free sites like the Roman Theater in Amman and the Jordan Museum.

  • Buy a Jordan Pass to save money on entrance fees to major attractions.

  • Consider using local buses for travel within cities, which can be significantly cheaper than taxis.

Explore Jordan

Known as the “Rose City,” this ancient Nabataean city carved directly into vibrant red sandstone cliffs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southern Jordan, it’s famous for its elaborate architecture and water conduit system, with the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) as its centerpiece.

A dramatic desert landscape of sandstone mountains, natural arches, towering cliffs, and vast, sweeping sand dunes. Situated in southern Jordan, this protected area is often called the “Valley of the Moon” and offers thrilling jeep tours, camel treks, and unforgettable stargazing opportunities.

The lowest point on Earth, this hypersaline lake is famous for its therapeutic mud and the ability to float effortlessly due to its high salt content. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordering Israel and the West Bank to the west, approximately 37 miles (60 km) southwest of Amman.

Perched atop Jabal Al-Qala’a, one of Amman’s seven hills, the Citadel offers panoramic views of the sprawling capital city. It features ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.

  • One of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, Jerash boasts an impressive collection of ancient ruins, including colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and plazas. It is located in northern Jordan, about 30 miles (48 km) north of Amman.

Jordan’s only coastal city, situated on the Red Sea, is a vibrant resort town known for its beautiful coral reefs and marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. It is located at the southernmost tip of Jordan, bordering Saudi Arabia and Israel.

A sacred biblical site where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land before his death. From its summit, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho, and on a clear day, Jerusalem. It is located in western Jordan, about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Madaba.

Known as the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba is famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, particularly the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St. George’s Church. This charming town is situated in central Jordan, about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Amman.

Jordan’s largest nature reserve, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes from wooded highlands to sandy deserts. It offers spectacular hiking trails and opportunities to observe unique wildlife. It is located in south-central Jordan, near the city of Tafilah.

A 12th-century Muslim castle built by the Ayyubid dynasty, it stands as a testament to Islamic military architecture. The castle offers commanding views of the Jordan Valley and the surrounding hills. It is located in northern Jordan, on a hilltop near the town of Ajloun.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Unique Winter Landscapes (occasional snow in highlands)
  • Mild Temperatures in Southern regions (Aqaba, Dead Sea)
  • More Authentic Local Vibe

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures (especially in Amman and Petra)
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (hiking trails may close due to rain/flooding)
  • Some closures (less tourist infrastructure may be open)

Key Regions:

  • Dead Sea: Enjoy the unique floating experience without intense summer heat.
  • Aqaba: Experience relatively warm temperatures perfect for diving and beach relaxation.
  • Petra: Witness the ancient city in a quieter, more atmospheric setting.
  • Amman: Explore museums and cultural sites with fewer crowds, but be prepared for chillier weather.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Golden Hues (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Potential for “Khamsin” winds (dusty, hot winds in Spring)
  • Unpredictable Weather (can still have cooler days or late rains)
  • Prices can start to rise towards peak dates

Key Regions:

  • Petra: Perfect weather for extensive exploration of the ancient city.
  • Wadi Rum: Enjoy comfortable temperatures for desert safaris and stargazing.
  • Jerash: Explore the Roman ruins under pleasant skies.
  • Dana Biosphere Reserve: Ideal for hiking and experiencing Jordan’s diverse ecosystems.
  • Mount Nebo & Madaba: Enjoy historical and religious sites with pleasant conditions.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Major Holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha)

Planning Your Trip

Politics: Jordan is a stable country, but it’s wise to avoid discussions about politics.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Jordan; around 10–15% at restaurants, and US$1–2 per bag for hotel staff.

Dress Code: In more conservative areas, especially outside of major cities, modest clothing is recommended (covering shoulders and knees). In Amman and Aqaba, casual dress is fine.

Museum Behavior: Quiet and respectful, especially when visiting religious or historical sites like Petra or the Dead Sea.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: US$20–50/night (hostels, guesthouses).
  • Mid-range: US$50–150/night (3–4 star hotels).
  • Luxury: US$200+/night (high-end resorts, boutique hotels).

Food:

  • Street food: US$3–8 (falafel, hummus).
  • Casual meal: US$10–20 (restaurants offering local dishes like mansaf).
  • Fine dining: US$30+.

Transport:

  • Public buses: US$1–5 for city transport.
  • Taxis: US$5–15 for short trips in the city.
  • Car rentals: US$30–50/day.

Activities:

  • Petra Entrance Fee: US$70 (1 day), US$120 (2 days).
  • Dead Sea resort day pass: US$20–50.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (hostels, street food, public transport).
  • Mid-range: US$100–200 (3-star hotels, sit-down meals, attractions).
  • Luxury: US$250+ (luxury stays, fine dining, private tours).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Amman, Petra, and Aqaba.

SIM Cards: Available at airports or convenience stores (US$10–20 for 5GB data). Zain and Orange are the main providers.

eSIMs: Supported by major providers (Airalo, Verizon).

Recommended for: Medical coverage, trip delays, and activities like desert tours or hiking.

U.S. Healthcare: Health insurance is expensive for U.S. citizens; ensure your plan covers emergencies while abroad.

Adventure Activities: Ensure your travel insurance covers adventure activities, as some policies exclude high-risk activities like camel riding or desert trekking.

Jordan has a variety of accommodation options to fit different budgets, from luxury resorts by the Dead Sea to budget-friendly hostels.

Luxury:

  • Dead Sea Resorts: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea.
  • Desert Camp: Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp.

Mid-range:

  • Hotels: Amman West Hotel, Petra Moon Hotel (Petra).
  • Boutique Hotels: The Olive Branch Hotel (Amman), La Maison Hotel (Aqaba).

Budget:

  • Guesthouses: US$20–50/night (in cities like Amman and Petra).
  • Hostels: The Hostel (Amman), Petra Hostel (Petra).

Unique Stays:

  • Desert Camps: Wadi Rum Desert Camp.
  • Bedouin-style tents in Wadi Rum offer a unique cultural experience.

Tip: Book Dead Sea resorts early during peak season (October–April) as they are very popular.

Jordan offers a range of transportation options, but renting a car or using local taxis is common for tourists.

Taxis:

  • Fares are reasonable (US$5–15 for short trips). Always agree on the price beforehand or use a meter.

Buses:

  • Public buses are cheap (US$1–5) but may not be the most reliable. For longer trips, intercity buses (e.g., Amman–Aqaba) are more comfortable.

Car Rentals:

  • Rent a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas like Wadi Rum or Petra (US$30–50/day).
  • Roads are generally good, but driving in Amman can be chaotic. It’s advisable to hire a local guide or driver for longer trips.

Domestic Flights:

  • Limited, but possible between Amman and Aqaba (US$50–80) for those on a tight schedule.

Bold Recommendation: Rent a car for flexibility, especially if you’re visiting multiple sites, and use taxis for short trips within cities.

Handy Tips

Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 JOD ≈ US$1.41 (check current rates). Bills come in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 JOD denominations; coins include 0.5 and 1 JOD, plus smaller piastre denominations.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks. Use bank ATMs or exchange at official currency offices in cities like Amman or Aqaba.

  • Using Cards: Major cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and large stores, but cash is king in markets and small towns.

  • Tipping Etiquette:

    • Restaurants: 10–15% if not included.

    • Taxis: Round up the fare.

    • Hotel Staff: 1–2 JOD per bag or per day for cleaning staff.

    • Tour Guides/Drivers: 5–10 JOD per day.

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Useful phrases:

  • “Shukran” = Thank you

  • “Bikam hatha?” = How much is this?

  • “Ayna al-hammam?” = Where is the bathroom?

Pro Tip: Jordanians are very welcoming—a few Arabic words go a long way, especially in rural areas.

Jordan is considered very safe for tourists, but exercise standard precautions. Be cautious when driving at night in rural or desert regions.

  • 911: Police, ambulance, and fire services (English-speaking operators available in Amman).

  • Tourist Police: Available in Petra, Amman, and Aqaba; they can assist with safety or translation issues.

Tip: Avoid border zones near Syria or Iraq without guidance.

Jordan uses 230V/50Hz electricity with Type C, D, F, G, and J plugs.

Bring a universal adapter if your devices use Type A/B (US plugs). Many hotels provide converters.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth.

Restaurants typically provide bottled water (often not free).

Avoid ice in drinks outside of major hotels.

Most public life slows down during major holidays and Friday is the official weekly holiday.

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • May 1: Labor Day

  • May 25: Independence Day

  • Eid al-Fitr: End of Ramadan (date varies)

  • Eid al-Adha: Feast of Sacrifice (date varies)

  • Islamic New Year & Prophet’s Birthday: Moveable dates (Hijri calendar)

Note: During Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours and alcohol may be restricted.

Stores/Malls: Typically 10:00–22:00, though hours vary during Ramadan.

Friday: Many stores open after midday prayers.

Souks (markets): Open daily but close earlier in the evening.

Pharmacies: Common and often open late (some 24/7 in Amman and Aqaba).

Mansaf: Jordan’s national dish—lamb cooked in fermented yogurt (jameed) over rice. A celebratory meal.

Maqluba: “Upside-down” casserole with rice, eggplant, cauliflower, and chicken—flipped before serving.

Zarb: Bedouin barbecue—meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground pit in Wadi Rum.

Falafel: Crispy chickpea patties—best sampled at Al-Quds Falafel in downtown Amman.

Shawarma: Juicy meat shaved off a spit and wrapped in flatbread—grab one from Reem Circle.

Kofta bi Tahini: Baked spiced meatballs in a creamy tahini sauce.

Kebbeh: Fried bulgur shells stuffed with spiced minced meat—served as meze.

Fatteh: Layers of toasted bread, chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts—comfort food perfected.

Warak Enab: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat—served warm or cold.

Knafeh: Melted cheese pastry topped with crispy semolina and syrup—best in Habibah Sweets.

Qatayef: Ramadan pancakes filled with cream or nuts and fried.

Baklava: Rich phyllo pastry with honey and pistachios.

Tamriyeh: Fried dough filled with semolina pudding—crispy outside, soft inside.

Alcoholic:

  • Jordan River Wines: Locally produced reds and whites—smooth and award-winning.

  • Saint George Wine: Full-bodied and dry—Jordan’s other top label.

  • Carakale Pale Ale: Jordan’s first craft beer—citrusy and hoppy.

  • Amstel: Popular light lager brewed under license in Jordan.

  • Arak Haddad: Anise-flavored Levantine spirit—strong and traditional.

  • Petra Beer: Jordanian lager—named after the famed city.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Lemon Mint Juice: Refreshing citrus-mint blend—served chilled everywhere.

  • Jallab: Date and grape molasses drink with pine nuts and raisins.

  • Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): Cardamom-scented, strong, and served in tiny cups.

  • Sahlab: Thick milk-based drink with cinnamon—perfect in winter.

  • Mint Tea: Served after meals or as a welcome gesture—sweet and soothing.

  • Tamar Hindi: Tamarind juice—slightly tart and commonly enjoyed during Ramadan.

Petra: One of the New 7 Wonders—carved into rose-red rock.

Jerash: Exceptionally preserved Roman ruins—colonnaded streets and temples.

Mount Nebo: Panoramic views and biblical history.

Madaba: Known for ancient mosaics, especially the 6th-century map of the Holy Land.

Ajloun Castle: 12th-century Islamic fortress with hilltop views.

The Citadel (Amman): Ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods.

Desert Castles: Qasr Amra and Qasr Kharana on the Eastern Desert loop.

Umm Qais: Overlooks the Sea of Galilee—Greco-Roman ruins with Ottoman touches.

Wadi Mujib: Jordan’s Grand Canyon with a thrilling river hike.

Bedouin Hospitality: Stay in a tented camp in Wadi Rum or Dana for authentic meals and storytelling.

Petra by Night: Magical candlelit tour through the Siq.

Dead Sea Float: The surreal sensation of floating on ultra-salty water.

Wadi Rum Jeep Tours: Epic desert adventure with starry skies.

Aqaba: Snorkeling/diving in the Red Sea.

Roman Theater in Amman: Stunning historical backdrop, still used for concerts.

Hammam Experience: Traditional steam bath in Amman or Madaba.

Hiking Dana Biosphere Reserve: Breathtaking canyons and wildlife.

Shopping for Souvenirs: Handicrafts at Amman’s Souk Jara or Petra Bazaar.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Over Wadi Rum at sunrise (weather-dependent).

Street Cafés in Amman: Smoke shisha, people-watch, and sip mint tea.

The Cantaloupe Gastro Pub: Rooftop cocktails with skyline views in Amman.

Sekrab: A bar made of upcycled junk—funky decor and good vibes.

Maestro Restaurant & Bar: Jazz nights, gourmet food, and wine.

District Urban Rooftop: Trendy open-air bar with live DJs.

Chestnut: Cozy pub for craft beer lovers.

Jordan National Gallery Cafe: Art + cocktails—bohemian atmosphere.

Cube Lounge: Amman’s longstanding club for electronic music.

Snug Pub: British-style pub in Abdoun—great Guinness and board games.

Blue Fig: Multi-level lounge with live music, cocktails, and art shows.

Rumi Cafe: Elegant spot for coffee or late-night shisha—Ammani favorite.