Jordan Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Jordan.
Essential Travel Information for Jordan
Everything you need to know before your Jordan adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa: Most travelers need a visa to enter Jordan. Depending on your nationality, you can either obtain one on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (or other entry points) or must arrange it in advance. Visa on Arrival must be paid for in local currency — JOD 40 (approx. USD $60).
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
- Departure Tax: Usually included in airline tickets, but confirm before departure.
Time Zone
- Jordan follows Eastern European Time (EET) – UTC +2 during standard time.
- During daylight saving, it becomes EEST – UTC +3.
- Jordan is 7-10 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, depending on the season.
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Cards: Zain, Orange, and Umniah offer affordable tourist packages. Available at the airport.
- WiFi: Internet access is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas, but may be limited or unavailable in small towns, villages, and rural regions.
- Power Adapters: Jordan uses Type B, C, D, F, G, and J plugs (230V). Bring a universal adapter.
- Cell Coverage: Cell coverage is strong in cities and towns like Amman, but may be limited in remote areas, including the desert. Activate global roaming before your trip.
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the official currency. 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD.
- Currency Exchange: For the best rates, use authorized currency exchange offices rather than hotel exchange desks.
- ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist areas. Inform your bank of travel plans.
- Credit Cards & Cash: Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but smaller shops and local souks typically prefer cash in Jordanian dinars (JOD).
- Tipping: Tipping in Jordan is discretionary. Many hotels and upscale restaurants include a 10% service charge, while in smaller restaurants, cafes, and for taxis, rounding up your bill or leaving spare change is customary. Tour guides, drivers, and service staff typically also expect tips.
Climate & Weather
- Spring (Mar-May): Pleasant temperatures (15-28°C / 59-82°F). Ideal time to visit.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Very hot, especially in desert regions (28-40°C / 82-104°F).
- Fall (Sep-Nov): Comfortable temperatures (15-28°C / 59-82°F). Another excellent time to visit.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Cool with possible rain, snow in mountainous regions (5-15°C / 41-59°F).
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 📞 911
- Ambulance: 📞 911
- Tourist Police: 📞 +962 6 567 8191
- U.S. Embassy: 📞 +962 6 590 6000
- UK Embassy: 📞 +962 6 590 9200
Packing list for Jordan
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Jordan adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Jordan Pass (if purchased) or visa documents
- Flight itinerary & hotel confirmations
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards
- Local currency (Jordanian Dinar)
- International driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Travel wallet or money belt
- Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
- Emergency contact information
- Portable charger
Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees)
- Long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection)
- Long pants/skirts (for cultural sites and modest areas)
- Light jacket or sweater (for cool evenings)
- Sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots
- Sandals
- Swimwear (for Dead Sea and resort areas)
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or shawl (for women, to cover head in religious sites)
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Basic first-aid kit
- High SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Pain relievers
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Rehydration salts
- Moisturizer
- Earplugs
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks
Special Items for Jordan
- Water shoes (for the Dead Sea - the salt floor can be sharp)
- Travel towel (for Dead Sea floating)
- Reusable water bottle (at least 1.5L for desert excursions)
- Headlamp or flashlight (for canyon walks or camping)
- Daypack for excursions
- Neck gaiter or shemagh (for dust protection in the desert)
- Travel pillow (for long drives)
- Arabic phrasebook or translation app
- Universal power adapter
- Camera (with dust protection)
Packing Tips for Jordan
- Dress Modestly: Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative dress standards. While you don’t need to cover head to toe, it’s respectful to wear clothing that covers your chest, shoulders, and legs above the knee, especially outside tourist areas. In Amman, clothing norms are more relaxed. When visiting mosques, especially, shoulders and knees must be covered, and women must wear a headscarf.
- Layer clothing: Temperature can vary dramatically between day and night, especially in the desert.
- Pack a plastic bag for wet swimwear after visiting the Dead Sea.
- Bring a zippered bag for muddy shoes after hiking (Jordan has lots of reddish sand).
Top Destinations & Experiences in Jordan
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your Jordan adventure
Petra
Jordan's most famous attraction, this ancient Nabatean city carved into rose-colored stone, is truly one of the world's wonders.
Must-See Attractions:
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Petra's iconic facade.
- The Monastery (Ad Deir) – Larger than the Treasury but requires a steep climb.
- The Siq – The dramatic entrance canyon leading to the Treasury.
- High Place of Sacrifice – Stunning viewpoint over Petra Valley.
Tip: Consider visiting Petra by Night (offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday) for a magical candlelit experience.
Wadi Rum
Known as the Valley of the Moon, this otherworldly desert landscape offers dramatic sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and ancient rock inscriptions.
Desert Highlights:
- Jeep Tours – Explore dramatic landscapes and hidden canyons.
- Bedouin Camps – Experience traditional hospitality under the stars.
- Lawrence's Spring – Named after T.E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia").
- Stargazing – One of the clearest night skies you'll ever see.
The Dead Sea
Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the lowest point on Earth's surface, 430 meters (1,410 ft) below sea level.
Dead Sea Highlights:
- Floating Experience – The high salt concentration makes it impossible to sink.
- Mud Treatments – Cover yourself in the famous mineral-rich mud.
- Sunset Views – Watch the sun set over the hills of Jerusalem across the water.
- Luxury Resorts – Many offer spa treatments using Dead Sea products.
Amman
Jordan's capital offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life with Roman ruins alongside bustling markets and contemporary cafes.
City Highlights:
- The Citadel – Ancient ruins with panoramic city views.
- Roman Theater – Well-preserved 2nd-century amphitheater.
- Rainbow Street – Lively area with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
- Jordan Museum – Houses the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.
Must-Try Jordanian Foods
Jordanian cuisine reflects its Bedouin heritage and the country's position at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
🥘
Mansaf
Jordan's national dish: lamb cooked in fermented yogurt sauce served over rice and bread.
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Maqluba
"Upside-down" dish with meat, rice, and vegetables flipped when served.
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Mezze
Small appetizers including hummus, mutabal, tabbouleh, and fattoush.
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Shawarma
Thinly sliced seasoned meat wrapped in flatbread with tahini and vegetables.
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Arabic Coffee
Cardamom-infused coffee is served in small cups as a sign of hospitality.
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Knafeh
Sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, often topped with pistachios.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Greetings: A handshake is common, though some may place their hand over their heart instead. This is a respectful gesture that you can return.
- Modest Dress: Cover shoulders and knees, especially in religious sites and rural areas.
- Religious Customs: During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially women.
- Right Hand Usage: Use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Bedouin Hospitality
- Coffee Ceremony: Accepting coffee is a sign of friendship. Your cup will be refilled unless you wiggle it to indicate you're finished.
- Invitations: If invited into a Bedouin home, it's polite to bring a small gift (sweets are appropriate).
- Sitting Posture: Never show the soles of your feet to others, as this is considered disrespectful.
- Generosity: Bedouin culture is famously hospitable. Don't be surprised by genuine offers of assistance or hospitality from strangers.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, but standard travel precautions apply. Keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local advice regarding border regions. The Jordanian tourism police are helpful resources for travelers.
Additional Travel Tips
- Bargaining: Expected in markets (souqs), but not in established stores.
- Water Conservation: Jordan is one of the world's most water-scarce countries, so be mindful of usage.
- Timing for Sites: Visit major attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Transportation: Hiring a driver is often more practical than public transportation for visiting sites. Uber operates in Jordan, mainly in Amman.
- Drinking Water: Water safety in Jordan varies by location. Tap water in modern hotels with filtration is generally safe, but it’s best to be cautious in smaller towns and rural areas. Use a refillable bottle to reduce plastic waste, peel fruit before eating, and avoid ice in drinks.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is available in many hotels, restaurants, bars, and liquor stores, but drinking in public is illegal. During Ramadan, it is typically served only in 4–5 star hotels and select tourist restaurants.
- Friday Closures: Friday is the weekly holy day, so many businesses close or have limited hours.
- Languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Restrooms: Western-style toilets are common in modern hotels, malls, and popular tourist areas. Throughout the rest of the country, squat toilets are more common. In some public restrooms, you may need to pay a small fee and bring your own toilet paper.
- Medical Care: Medical services in Jordan are excellent in major cities, with many doctors speaking both Arabic and English. Larger hotels often have a doctor on call, and embassies can provide medical recommendations.
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Luggage Restrictions
