Jordan: a quick guide

Jordan is one of those countries you can’t go wrong with. From bustling cities to otherworldly deserts, historic sites, incredible wonders such as Petra, good beaches and resorts, there’s a Jordan for every type of traveler. Also, the country has been relatively stable for the last decades and it’s a safe bet security-wise.

For more information on the sites to visit in Jordan, consider reading our 11-day roadtrip article by clicking here.

We also wrote dedicated articles to Amman and Petra.

• Capital: Amman
• Population: 11M (2021 estimate)
• Language: Arabic (English widely understood)
• Religion: 95% Islam; 4% Christian; 1% others
• Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JD or JOD). As of February 2022:
  • 1 JD = 1,41 USD
  • 1 JD = 1,23 EUR
• Plugs:
  • types C, F, J (compatible with continental Europe): the majority
  • type G (similar to the UK): we’ve seen few of these
  • type D: didn’t see any

When to go:

Summer temperatures in Jordan often hit 40º Celsius and Winter is often chilly and sometimes it snows. This makes Spring and Autumn the best times to visit Jordan (we personally went there in October). Days are not unpleasantly hot and nights are cool, so it’s possible to enjoy hiking strolls in Petra as well as Red Sea beaches.

Visa policy (simplified):

All EU countries benefit of a visa on arrival policy, which is also valid for most non-EU European countries, Americas, Australia and New Zealand. A one month single-entry visa costs 40JD (49€ / 56$). Consider getting a Jordan Pass before arrival as it allows you to visit most sites in Jordan and the visa fee is included in the price.

Jordan Pass:

The Jordan Pass includes waiving of tourist entry visa fees (if you stay at least 4 days in Jordan), downloadable brochures and entry to more than 40 historical sites in Jordan. Depending on the package you choose, the number of days you’re allowed to visit Petra varies.

• Jordan Wanderer (87€ / 99$): includes a one-day visit to Petra
• Jordan Explorer (94€ / 106$): includes 2 consecutive visit days to Petra
• Jordan Expert (100€ / 113$): includes 3 consecutive visit days to Petra

Revolut and other pre-paid cards:

Very useful to pay in some restaurants and hotels but card terminals are not available everywhere, so make sure to always carry some physical money with you. Exchange offices usually apply fair rates.

SIM cards:

At Queen Alia International Airport you can find various cell phone operators’ kiosks that can provide SIM cards.

What to wear:

Jordanians tolerate Western clothes as it has been a tourist hotspot for decades. In general, you may wear light clothes but not provocative. Women wearing shorts and tank tops may draw undesired attention. It’s not necessary to cover the head except when visiting places of worship.

Safety:

In spite of being surrounded by unstable countries, Jordan is a fairly safe nation and tourists hardly face any problems here.

Tipping:

A tipping culture is not prominent in Jordan, so it’s unlikely to be asked for a tip here. Restaurants may have a service fee included in the price. If not, something around 5-10% is very well accepted.

Accommodation:

There’s a wide array of accommodation that fits every pocket in most touristic sites. In Amman you may find good and cheap places to sleep and the same is true for Petra, albeit a bit more expensive than Amman. The Dead Sea is packed with resorts and you’ll have a hard time finding a good deal there.