Travel Guides
All Major Credit/Debit Cards Accepted
Jordan Travel Guide
|
Jordan Climate and Weather
July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year, especially in Amman and the Jordan Valley, and in the desert areas, with temperatures over 97°F (36°C). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit with clear, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The winter months from November to April can be very cold, particularly in Amman, with snow, rain and wind, but there is little rainfall in the desert regions and in Aqaba, which makes a pleasant wintertime resort. About 75 percent of the country can be described as having a desert climate with very little annual rainfall.Jordan Currency
Money: The official currency is the Dinar (JOD), which is divided into 100 piastres or 1,000 fils. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be changed at any bank or moneychanger, although the latter will usually give a better rate of exchange. Banks are closed on Fridays. Better hotels will also exchange money. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards and can be used at major hotels, restaurants and tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks. ATMs are available, though acceptance of foreign cards is limited.Currency Exchange Rates | |||||||
| JOD 1 = | US$ 1.40 | £ 0.67 | C$ 1.33 | A$ 1.51 | R 9.17 | EUR 0.97 | NZ$ 1.82 |
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Jordan Health Overview
Inoculations are not required unless travelling from an area infected with yellow fever or cholera, in which case a certificate will be requested on arrival. Although not necessary, it is recommended that vaccinations for typhoid, polio, Hepatitis A and B and tetanus be had before travel to Jordan. It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, although better hotels have their own water filtering systems. An outbreak of bird flu was detected in poultry in the north of the country, but the risk to travellers is low. However, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical services are good throughout the country with clinics, hospitals and medical centres in every city or village, and many doctors in the larger towns or cities speak English. Most hospitals are privately owned. Travellers should carry their own prescription medicines and medical insurance is recommended.Jordan Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a passport and visa.Entry requirements for UK nationals:British citizens require a passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians require a passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians require a passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans require a passport and a visa, which is issued free on arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish citizens require a passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealanders require a passport and a visa.
Passport/Visa Note:All visitors require a passport valid for at least six months after date of arrival in the country. All nationalities require a visa, which can be obtained prior to arrival, or they can be issued at the airport if arriving by air and are valid for one month; extensions are possible for up to three months at any police station. All documents and tickets for onward travel are also required.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Jordan Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October).Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are the most common.
Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is understood by most people involved in the tourist industry and by middle to upper class Jordanians.
Health: Inoculations are not required unless travelling from an area infected with yellow fever or cholera, in which case a certificate will be requested on arrival. Although not necessary, it is recommended that vaccinations for typhoid, polio, Hepatitis A and B and tetanus be had before travel to Jordan. It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, although better hotels have their own water filtering systems. An outbreak of bird flu was detected in poultry in the north of the country, but the risk to travellers is low. However, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical services are good throughout the country with clinics, hospitals and medical centres in every city or village, and many doctors in the larger towns or cities speak English. Most hospitals are privately owned. Travellers should carry their own prescription medicines and medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping: Most of the better hotels and restaurants will add a 10-12% service charge to the bill, but smaller establishments usually expect a tip. It is customary to round up the price of a taxi trip instead of tipping.
Safety: There is a high risk of terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East including Jordan and foreigners should maintain a high level of vigilance particularly in public places frequented by tourists and at tourist sites. US citizens in particular are advised to keep a low profile if travel to Jordan is necessary. A gunman opened fire on a group of tourists in Amman in September 2006, killing one and injuring five others. In November 2005 bombs exploded in three hotels in Amman - the Grand Hyatt, Radisson SAS and Days Inn - killing 67 people and injuring over 100. Al-Qaeda in Iraq claimed the attack saying the hotels were targeted because they were widely used by Americans, Israelis and Westerners on business. The situation in Iraq has had an impact on local opinion, as well as the violence between the neighbouring Israelis and Palestinians, and foreigners should avoid all public demonstrations and political gatherings. Care should be taken at the borders with Israel and Iraq. Crime is not a serious risk for travellers although on buses and in crowded places visitors could be the target of pickpockets or petty thieves.
Customs: The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in the streets. It is advisable to respect local Muslim conservatism regarding dress and women in particular will be better respected if their legs and shoulders are covered in public places. It is advisable to ask permission before photographing people. Bargaining is expected with merchants especially in the markets. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal. Bedouin hospitality is genuine, but custom requires that visitors should leave some small gift in return for a meal or a glass of tea.
Business: Business in Jordan is conducted with an emphasis on modest, formal attire. Women, in particular, should be sure to dress conservatively. As with most Arab countries, business is very male-dominated and therefore women should clarify their role early in meetings. Meetings often start very late, but it is always advised to be punctual nonetheless. Most business is conducted in English, although using a few words of Arabic (particularly for titles) will be appreciated. Business cards are often exchanged. It is common to be invited for meals by one's host, who will usually pay the bill, although it is appreciated if the guest pays for the final meal or gives a small gift. Business hours are usually 9.30am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 6pm Sunday to Thursday.
Communications: The international dialling code for Jordan is +962. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Jordan has international direct dialling with most countries. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)3 for both Aqaba and Petra. Mobile phone companies have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. There are Internet cafes in Amman and most major towns.
Duty Free: Travellers to Jordan over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 200 grams of pipe tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol, 1 or 2 bottles of perfume and eau-de-Cologne or lotion for personal use; and gifts to the value of JD50 or US$150. Restricted items include firearms, sporting guns and other weapons without prior approval from authorities of country of origin and destination country. Prohibited items include all narcotics and birds or bird products.
Jordan Airports
Queen Alia International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) south of Amman.Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October).
Contacts: Tel: +962 (0)6 445 3013.
Transfer to the city: Yellow metered taxis are inexpensive and readily available. There is also a public bus service.
Car rental: Car rental is available and includes major companies such as Avis and Hertz.
Facilities: Facilities include a bank and bureau de change, duty-free shopping, wireless Internet access, bars and restaurants. A tourist help desk is also available. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Departure tax: None.
