Discover the Enduring Charm of Jordan: The Hashemite Kingdom, once a captivating destination for ancient adventurers, continues to enchant a whole new generation as a dynamic and contemporary country.
Experience Legendary Hospitality:
During your visit to Jordan, you’ll be greeted with the warm phrase “Ahlan wa sahlan,” meaning “welcome,” on a regular basis. While hospitality and generosity are revered worldwide, Jordan takes it to a whole new level, thanks to its deep-rooted Bedouin heritage. The Bedouins, a nomadic community residing in Jordan, have shaped the country’s culture, and their traditions have been passed down through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the gracious nature of the Jordanian people.
Key Facts about Jordan
Language: The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken throughout the country. Additionally, you can find smaller communities that speak languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, and German.
Total area: Jordan covers an area of 89,342 square kilometers (34,495 square miles).
Total population: As estimated by the United Nations in 2016, the population of Jordan is approximately 7,747,800.
Capital: The capital city of Jordan is Amman.
Government: Jordan operates under a constitutional monarchy.
Head of state: King Abdullah II has been the reigning monarch since 1999.
Lowest point: The Dead Sea, situated at -408 meters (-1,338.6 feet) below sea level, is the lowest point on Earth and can be found in Jordan.
Highest point: Jebel Rum, also known as Mount Rum, stands as Jordan’s highest point at an elevation of 1,734 meters (5,689 feet).
Weather: Jordan experiences a diverse climate, ranging from the Mediterranean in the west to the desert in the east and south. The country generally has an arid climate, with the Mediterranean Sea exerting a significant influence. Average monthly temperatures in the north, specifically Amman, range between 46 and 78 °F (8 and 26 °C), while in the far south, like Al-ʿAqabah, they range between 60 and 91 °F (16 and 33 °C).
Electricity: Jordan utilizes a 220-volt/50-cycle AC electricity supply. It is advisable to bring a multi-purpose adapter and a transformer for your electronic devices. Most electrical shops in Jordan offer adapters and transformers, and hotels often provide them as well. The electrical current in Jordan is reliable and uninterrupted. The most common socket types found in hotels are the two-pronged European variety and the 13 amp square three-pinned plug.
Time: From October to March, Jordan follows GMT+2. From April to September, the country observes GMT+3.
General Information
Borders:
The Holy Land: There are three border crossings between Jordan and Israel (The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge – Sheikh Hussein crossing/Northern Border – Wadi Araba Crossing/South Border).
Syria: Jaber Border – Ramtha Border.
Iraq: Al-Karamah Border Crossing.
Saudi Arabia: There are three border crossings with Saudi Arabia from the east (Umari Border Crossing – Mudawara Border Crossing – Durra Border Crossing).
Ports: Aqaba Port
Airports: Queen Ali International Airport in Amman – King Hussein Airport in Aqaba – Marka Airport in Amman
Road Rules: Vehicles are on the right hand side of the road in Jordan, the general speed limit inside built up areas or on multilane highways inside Amman is 50-70 KM/h and 90-110 KM/h on the highways. Road indicators are available all over Jordan. keep your passport, driving license, rental agreement and registration papers handy.
Working hours: Friday & Saturday are the weekend days. – Government departments are open from 08:00 to 14:00 or 16:00 daily except weekend. – Banks are open from 08:30 to 15:00, daily except weekend. – Also Banks are open until 22:00 in major malls only – Money exchangers are open all week days. – Small shops are open from 09:00 until 21:00 or even after. all days and some doesn’t open on Fridays only. – During Ramadan “Muslim holy month of fasting”, business hours are shorter. – Museums are generally open everyday from 08:00 till 1700: and those opening hours may vary
according to seasons.
Currency: The Jordanian dinar (JOD/JD) has been the currency of Jordan since 1950. The Jordanian Dinar is divided into 1,000 Fils. For the last 13 years, the value of the Dinar has been stable at a rate of exchange of 1 JOD = 1.42 US$. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants and in many shops, Visa Card, Master Card, American Express, along with the traveler’s checks.
Banks and ATMs: Banks open from 8:00 am- 3:00 pm except for weekends, but in big malls, they open every day until 10:00 pm, availability of ATMs throughout the country, and wide use of Credit Cards. You can cash your account by many credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and much more.
Money exchange: There are plenty of money exchangers in Jordan and almost all tourist destinations in Jordan in addition to the Jordanian border and airports. Many deals in cash. Almost all currencies are accepted and can be exchanged easily.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, car rental companies and tourist shops. The most widely accepted cards are American Express, Visa, Diners Club and Mastercard. You can also use your cards to draw cash (up to 1000 JDs) at any bank linked with your credit card network. The automatic cash machines are available at almost all tourist destinations and some hotels.
Customs Regulations: Drugs and weapons are strictly prohibited, you can import 200 cigarettes and up to 1L of wine or spirits, into Jordan duty free.
COVID 19: Self quarantine will no longer be required for passengers arriving to Jordan. – A valid PCR (Negative) test is required that has been done within the past 72 hours, and another PCR mandatory test will be given at the airport for all arrivals above 5 years of age at their own expense. Soon the cost of second test will be sold within the ticket price.
Maps: Zaman Tours supplies all its guests with maps of Jordan and visitors guide in many different languages, maps are also available at all Jordan borders at the Jordan Board Tourism offices.
GPS: GPS services are available in Jordan and covers all parts of the country. You can benefit those services either at the rented cars or you can download the application to your mobile.
Photography: Digital accessories and memory cards are widely available for competitive prices (a 1GB memory card costs around 10-15 JOD), Many camera shops can burn photos into a CD and print digital pictures.
Health Requirements and Recommendations: Jordan has excellent medical facilities and modern hospitals, especially in Amman. Health-care in Jordan is of a high standard, and emergency treatment in public hospitals is free. Hospitals in major cities are modern and well-equipped. Elsewhere are also good with well-trained physicians as well. Moreover, All towns have basic health centers. Pharmacies are easily found with a good variety of international and local medicines; pharmacists can also advise on minor health issues. The ambulance number in Jordan is 911. Contact your embassy or consulate in case of any emergency. Before traveling, it is recommended to check your health condition and your government’s foreign office website for Jordan. Traveling with Medication If you are bringing medications across any of Jordan’s borders, make sure you have them in their original clearly labeled containers, it is also recommended to have a signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications.
Insurance: You are recommended to have insurance before traveling to Jordan. Ensure it offers direct payment to health providers in Jordan and assistance in locating the nearest source of medical help.
Solo travelers: Solo travelers often worry about being lonely, but forming bonds with the people of Jordan is easy. Locals are very welcoming and yearn to connect with outsiders. The country is friendly, safe, compact and easy to travel around, with plenty of available experiences and social indulging.
Travel with Children: Bringing the kids with you to see Jordan’s spectacular sites and try its lifetime experiences will definitely enrich their view on the world. However, it is important to note that it is not recommended to travel in the hottest times in summer with children. The perfect season to visit Jordan for children is spring.
Travelers with Disabilities: In 2016, it was a proud achievement for Jordan that the Jordanian athlete Maha Barghouthi won Jordan’s first Olympic gold medal in Sydney Paralympics. Even though Streets of Jordan are still not an ideal place for people with disabilities, However locals are accommodating. But since Jordan’s attractions involve long walks and lots of stairs in archaeological sites, they can have tailor-made trips designed for them in places that suite them accompanied by people for assistance. They can visit Petra on Horse-drawn carriages and access the main sites. They can even go diving with the Royal Diving Club in Aqaba. The Jordanian government has also legislated that wheelchair access must be added to all new public buildings.
While in Jordan
Tipping: It is expected to give around 10% of the bill tips in better restaurants, although it is sometimes included in the bill. Elsewhere, like petrol attendants and taxi drivers, it is appreciated to give back the loose change or extra 50 Gersh. Contact us for more advice.
Mobile Networks: Three major mobile network operators offer services across Jordan including Zain, Orange and Umniah, all of them offer a full range of plans and prepaid SIM cards. Rates are variable according to the offers of each provider.
Usual prices: 1.5 Litter of mineral water USD 0.50 at public markets and USD 2-4 at hotels. – Bottle of Amstel beer USD 4 at public markets and USD 8-10 at hotels. – Souvenir T-Shirt USD 5-10 per item. – Street stall falafel USD 1 per sandwich. – Visa charge USD 57 per passport. – Midrange dinner at local restaurant USD 15 per person.
Toilets: Almost all hotels and restaurants have the western style toilets. Squat toilets come either with a hose or water bucket provided for cleaning and flushing. Toilet paper should be thrown in the bin provided as the sewerage system is not designed for paper.
Emergency: General emergency number: 911 – Police: 191 – Health complaints: 5661171 – Traffic Police: 196 – Highway Police: 5343401 – Hotels complaints: 4603360 – Ministry of Tourism: 4603360
Arrival and departure to Jordan
Visa to Jordan: Visa regulations might vary from time to time so you will always need to check with Zaman Tours about latest updates. Visas are obtainable at the borders and the airport upon arrival for the non-restricted nationalities (Visas To Jordan (visitjordan.com)) with USD 57 per person if the stay in Jordan is less than 3 consecutive nights. However, if your stay is 3+ consecutive nights you might be able to get it free of charge only if managed by Zaman Tours team services at the airport and should be pre-arranged before arrival.
Visas are not obtainable through King Hussein Bridge with Israel as this is entry point only and not border, visitors must be holding visas in advance to be able to cross into Jordan through this border with some exceptions for the tourist groups from Europe and North America as visas can be issued on spot upon arrival as collective visas under certain conditions (5 pax minimum size of group, arriving and departing all together and staying at least 2 nights in Jordan, a full passports details must be passed to the tour operator in advance).
At the airports:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival date. – Make sure you do need advanced visa to Jordan
as there are some nationalities that require visas to Jordan, read more at Visas regulations bellow. - If you are visiting Jordan through Jordan & Beyond Tours, then our border / airport representative will be waiting you before
the immigration with a sign by your name and will help you to get your visas issued. - If you are an independent travelers, then you can obtain visa upon arrival with JOD 40 = USD 57 per passport.
- Visas are payable in JOD only and it is easy to exchange money at airport / birder on spot.
- Get your luggage and go through the customs easily t meet your driver, guide or taxi.
Departure tax: USD 15 per person. It is payable in JOD up departing land borders and included in the air ticket via Jordan
airport at present except for the charters flight as it should be paid on spot at JOD 20 = US$ 29 at present and may change at any time. Some tourist groups are exempted of departure tax at certain conditions (5 pax minimum size of group, arriving and departing all together and staying less than 2 nights in Jordan and a full passports details must be passed to the tour operator in advance).
VIP assistance: Upon your flight arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Zaman Tours English-speaking airport team will meet you holding a sign under your name at the passport control desk to assist you in the immigration process and issuing your visa to Jordan on arrival. By getting this service you can obtain free collective visa managed previously by Zaman Tours.
Embassies: Many countries all over the world maintain diplomatic relationships with Jordan and thus there are lots of embassies and consulates in Amman, for more information about embassies and consulates, please visit: Embassies (visitjordan.com)
Taxes: According to the Jordanian Law, foreign companies are taxable only if they generate income or if they sell products or services in Jordan. Therefore, foreign crew will not be liable to pay taxes on their income in Jordan.
Hotels: List of hotels in our website Hotels Booking – Zaman Tours
Car rentals: Car rental offices are available at all Jordan borders and airport with different kind of cars, you must be holding a valid driving license and valid credit card, Collusion Damage Waiver (CDW) is highly recommend to be included in your lease contract. Contact Zaman Tours for best deals.
Self drive: It is safe and easy to drive in Jordan using the GPS or following the road indicators or even the maps, you can pull over at any time and ask the local people about the shortest and best roads, you will be helped always.
Cultural background
Religion: Jordan is a tolerant Islamic state that welcomes all religions. Religion is an open and well-conversed aspect of Jordanian life, with numerous missionary groups in the country. Muslims account for 93 % of Jordan’s population, 93% of which are Sunni Muslims. There is a Christian minority of about 6 %, with 1% representing other religions. Cities in the south of Jordan have the highest percentage of Muslims. Christians, living mostly in Amman, Fuhais, Madaba, Al-Salt, Kerak, or at the Jordan Valley.
Public Holidays: Almost all Business companies and banks are closed on public holidays like New Year, Labors Day – May 1st, Independence Day – May 25th, Christmas Day – December 25, Easter holiday, Eid Al Fitr – 3 or 4 days the end of Ramadan. Eid Al Adha – 4 days feast at the end of the Hajj, or month of pilgrimage to Mecca.
Dress code: In Jordan, you will see lots of Muslims dressed in their traditional clothes. However, there are no real restrictions for Westerners and foreigners, but, commonly, in the hot days of most of the year, you can feel free wearing your usual summer clothes such as shorts, small tops, or dresses. Just be sure that nothing is being inordinate. If you are going to beaches and seas, you can feel free wearing your bikini or any swimming suit you usually wear. Jordan beaches do not allow swimming naked and do not have nude beaches
Food: If you emerge from a visit to Jordan and you haven’t had enough to eat, you’ve clearly done something wrong. Or in the words of an American friend of Jordanian heritage, “If you don’t leave Jordan heavier, we haven’t done our job.”
Food is a big part of the Jordanian culture seen in everyday life and celebrations. From street food to fine-dining, Jordanian food is inherently traditional, using authentic cooking methods and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Using local and regional ingredients and a multitude of fresh herbs and spices, tasting Jordanian food is one of the best ways to experience the country. Here are some main dishes in Jordan.
Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, smoking, or drinking during daylight hours until the sunset time (Adan Al Maghreb). Many restaurants close for the whole abstaining hours until a little time before sundown, except those catering to the tourist trade. Some of them offer a special breakfast meal served at sundown, called “Iftar Meal.” There are many likable aspects to visit a Muslim country during Ramadan! You will find many special offers & programs such as “Ramadan Nights” offered by various hotels and restaurants in Jordan. They decorate those special areas in traditional oriental styles to entertain visitors with music, storytellers, plays, and much more enjoyable activities!
Thank you for reading.
