About Jordan

WHERE WE ARE?

Jordan, a small country with a great history, is located near the southern-east Mediterranean coast, borded by Syria on the north, Iraq on the north east, Saudi Arabia on the east and south and the Holy Land on the west. In spite of our location we are one of the safest countries in the world!!

YOU'LL NEED THIS TO COME IN

A valid passport for a minimum of three months is essential. A visitor's visa is required for everyone and can be obtained at the airport, port or land borders upon arrival. Visa fees are JOD 10/- per person (approximately US$ 14/- per person).

WILL WE UNDERSTAND YOU?

That’s for sure! Arabic is our official language. English is widely spoken all over the country and in most of the tourist sites you’ll find somebody speaking other languages. You will be surprised hearing the young bedouin children speaking a very wide range of words in French, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian or Chinese.

OUR TIME, OUR WEEKLY HOLIDAYS

Our time is GMT+ 2 wintertime and GMT+ 3 summertime.
Friday and Saturday are our weekly holidays; banks, government offices and most businesses are closed, but most of the shops and exchange offices are open daily.

IT'S NOT THAT HOT

The weather is hot and dry in the summer but cold in winter. The rainy season is from October to March, with frequent snowfall! Yes, believe it! It is usual to see snow during January in the mountainous areas of the country. Average temperatures are about 32°C degrees in the summer (but dry!! so it's pleasant in the shade) and 15°C degrees in winter.

ELECTRIC CURRENT ETC.

The electric current is 220 V AC, 50 cycles. If you have any trouble with the wall plug for your mobile charger or your hair dryer ask your hotel to provide you with an adaptor. Most of the hotels have them.

THE CURRENCY

Jordan's currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). One JOD is divided into 1000 fils.
The exchange rate between JOD and US$ is always the same: JOD 1 = US$ 1.40 approximately. As for the Euro you’ll have to check the daily exchange rate. Most currencies are exchanged at the local banks and exchange offices.

HOW TO PAY

Major Credit cards and Traveler checks are generally accepted in the whole country. Almost everybody will accept the main foreign currencies (specially US dollar and Euro). It is always advisable to have local currency to pay small bills and tips.

TIPPING??

Is not a must but it is much appreciated. Drivers and guides should be tipped. Hotels always have the service (10%) included in the bills but a small tip for waiters, bellboys and porters is always appropriate.

RECOMMENDATION (CULTURE, RELIGION, CLOTHING)

Although Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, all the religions are protected. Muslim people cover their arms and legs and a lot of women cover their hair. Tourists are not obliged to follow this dress code but conservative attire is advisable in the downtown areas. Nobody will generally bother you about your clothes but it is recommended out of respect for local customs.
Summer evenings can sometimes be cool and a sweater or jumper is advisable. Winter can be very cold and rainy so visitors will need a raincoat.

GOING SHOPPING

Shopping is one of the attractions in Jordan. Most of the shop owners will invite you to a cup of coffee or tea to start the traditional bargaining.

Shopping hours are flexible and in tourist sites you can find shops open till midnight. There is a wide variety of goods you can buy in Jordan.

Gold and silver: Handmade gold and silver can be found at very good prices especially downtown, in Amman’s Gold Souq.

Crafts: A wide selection of weaving, embroidery, bedouin silver jewelry, ceramics, handmade glass, sand bottles and Dead Sea products can be found all over Jordan. The local handcraft products have improved in standards and quality since several non-profit organizations employing women have been promoting local artisans.

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