JordanMore info about Jordan
Travel To Jordan
Travel to Jordan with us. Jordan is officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This Arab country is located in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. The borders of which are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Palestine.
In Arabic, Jordan is called “Al-Urdun” and covers an area of 88,946 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 6.1 million. The capital of Jordan is Amman, which is the most populous city, but there are many other major cities, such as Irbid, Zarka, Salt, Kirak, Ma’an & Aqaba.
Visit Jordan:
Jordan is an ancient country occupying the remnants of several cultures. Within its walls lie the ancient biblical kingdoms of Moab, Gilead, and Edom, as well as the famous red stone city of Petra. The capital of the Nabatean kingdom and of the Roman province of Petraea in Arabia. Jordan has been an independent kingdom since 1946. Although Jordan is among the most politically liberal countries of Arab. There is a lot to visit in Jordan. Jordan is bounded to the north by Syria to east Iraq and is slightly smaller in area than Portugal. From 1948 to 1967 the West Bank area was under Jordanian rule but later in 1988 Jordan announced its claim to the area. When you visit Jordan you will see its history revealing itself and ancient civilizations and cultures also.
Travel to Jordan Regions:
Three major physiographic regions are present in Jordan. These regions include the desert and the upland easts of the Jordan river and also the Jordan valley. The desert region of Jordan lies along the Syrian desert which is an extension of the Arabian desert. The northern part of the desert holds volcanic lava and basalt but in the southern part, there are sandstones of Granite. The high lands east of Jordan river, a river valley overlooking the rift valley at mount Ramm which is Jordan’s highest point in the south have an average elevation of 600-900 meters and rise to around 1754 meters.
So in travel to Jordan with us at Dunes & Beyond you will get a chance to visit all those wonderful places and see the places holding their beauty.
Places to Tour Jordan:
In Jordan, there is a lot to see whether you are going the first time or not but the beauty of Jordan will amuse you every time you visit Jordan tours and you will enjoy your time there. Generally, Some beautiful places to see in Jordan are
- Colonnaded street, Jerash
- Ajlun Castle, Ajlun
- The treasury, Petra
- Aqaba
- Dead Sea
- Jordan Valley
- Ma’in hot spring
But these are not all. There are a lot more beautiful places to visit in Jordan. So what are you waiting for we take you to Jordan at the best time to visit Jordan so that u can enjoy its beauty?
| Languages spoken | Arabic is Mother tongue, English is widely spoken |
|---|---|
| Currency used | Jordanian Dinar |
| Area (km2) | Approximately 89,342 |
Visa requirements
Visas are attainable upon arrival for many nationalities including U.S.A., Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Libya, and many others. You will need to pay 40 JOD upon arrival to obtain your visa, which is equivalent to around 56 USD. Other nationalities can get in contact with the closest Jordanian Embassy in order to obtain their visa before arrival. Some Arab countries that include Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia can obtain the visa without payment upon arrival.
Currency
The currency used in Jordan is Jordanian Dinar, also called “Dinar” in Arabic. It’s distributed into 1,000 Fils or more commonly, 100 Piasters which are called “Quroush” in Arabic. 1 JOD is equivalent to 0.708 USD.
Coins:
• 1 Piasters (Qoroush)
• 5 Piasters (Qoroush)
• 10 Piasters (Qoroush)
• ¼ Dinar
• ½ Dinar
Banknotes:
• 1 Dinar
• 5 Dinars
• 10 Dinars
• 20 Dinars
• 50 Dinars
Food
We all know that dips and spreads are one of the most famous delicacies in Jordan, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a selection of delicious foods for you to try. When you visit Jordan, make sure you get a taste of some of the remarkable dishes the country has to offer. Some of these top dishes include Mansaf, Falafel, Maqluba, Shawarma, Zaarb, Fattet Hummus and many others. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, make sure to try out their Kunafa, Baklava, Hareesh and Luqaimat.
Feeling thirsty? Try seasonal fresh fruit juice. Also try the sugarcane juice, which we assure you isn’t only the taste of sugar water. It has a pale-green color, sweet in taste. If you’re taking a tour anywhere in Petra, drink Bedouin tea or coffee, but be careful because you will be hooked to the smell and taste, you won’t stop coming back for more.
Electricity
In Jordan, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 MHz, which means that if your country uses voltage between 220 – 240 V such as U.K., Europe or Africa, you can use your devices and electric appliances as you normally would. If your country uses standard voltage within the range of 100 – 127 V such as U.S.A. or Canada, you will need a voltage converter while you’re in Jordan.
The plug/electrical sockets in Jordan differ all over the country. You can find European round two- and three-pin plugs, as well as British square three-pin plugs. You will have access to adaptors for electrical outlets at your hotels.
Vaccination
Some vaccines are recommended, while others are required to travel to Jordan. The WHO and National Travel Health Network & Centre recommend the following vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Polio and Tetanus.
The required vaccines are no different than your standard routine vaccines and Measles.
Tipping
Of course, tipping is no mandatory matter in Jordan, but it is always good to leave a tip. You give a tip to show your appreciation or enjoyment of good service. If you’re at a restaurant, the average tip is 10% of your receipt.
For bellhops and hotel maids, a good amount to tip is USD $2 per day.
For taxis, you are not expected to leave a tip, but you can always round up your fare as a good tip.
For your tour guide, USD $5 per person per day is a good amount.
Representatives at the airport expect USD $10 – 15 for their service.
Nature
If you’re interested to see sights of nature in Jordan during your trip to Jordan, you can find a selection of places to visit in Jordan full of nature and beauty.
The Dead Sea is one of the most magnificent places to see in Jordan and is located along the western borders and Jordan has a 26-kilometer coastline on the Red Sea in its extreme southwest. It’s called that because its salinity level is four times greater than the standard which prevents habitation of aquatic organisms. The lake-like sea was created as a result from a prehistoric earthquake that formed the Great Rift Valley. The sea’s main tributary is the holy water of the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptized.
Jordan is also full of nature reserves which you can include in your Jordan trip and are located all over the country. Starting with the Mujib Nature Reserve, it spreads across Wadi Mujib and is situated near the Dead Sea. Hiking through the reserve, you will have the opportunity to witness endless species and birds, including the horned Ibex, which is a mountain goat and is a very famous sighting.
Another reserve is the Shaumari Reserve, created in 1975. It’s a breeding center for endangered wildlife. The reserve is home for the rarest animal species in the Middle East, and these species include Arabian Oryx, Onagers and Gazelles. This reserve is a beautiful and amazing look at nature. Many countries have donated to the reserve to help breed all species and reintroduce them to their natural habitat.
Dana Nature Reserve is a great place to go if you enjoy hiking. It’s considered Jordan’s largest nature reserve and is located in south-central Jordan. The native inhabitants there are called the people of the Atata. The reserve has a campsite and the landscape overlooks the Sharah mountain. This reserve was originally set up by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to study the area, but it has then become an attraction for hiking and camping because of the beauty of its landscape and view.
Take a look at Jordan’s springs when you travel to Jordan. The Machaerus Spring is south from Mount Nebo and is a biblical site where John the Baptist was beheaded. The Ma’een Spring is a hot spring that comes down a large mountain, bringing therapeutic minerals to treat skin and bone diseases. One of many springs in Wadi Rum is Lawrence’s Spring which are all formed when water hits granite in mountains with limestone tops. Lawrence’s Spring is another amazing spring found in Wadi Rum and was named after T.E. Lawrence, who fought in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. This protected area has a rich array of animal and plant life. There’s a pool tucked into the walls of Jebel Rum.
There are many places to see in Jordan with nature and reserves for you to explore and discover. It’s quite beautiful and hard to miss, even when you’re on your sight-seeing cities or on tours to famous attractions.
Weather
Jordan is known for its sunny, warm and dry weather for most of the year. In the Summer, the days tend to be long, while winter holds shorter rainy days. The rainy season will rarely last for more than a few days. The weather is cool and chilly at night when you’re camping at deserts or mountains, even in the Summertime.
If you want to travel to Jordan, the best time is Autumn and Spring, and if those times are out of the question, Summer is the next best option because it has longer days which means longer hours to explore and discover the country. The average temperature over the course of the year varies from 38°F to 89°F.
Culture and history info
Jordan tourist attractions will tell you a lot about the culture and history of the country. Visit Amman, the capital of Jordan, which holds many of the best places to visit in Jordan if you’re interested in history.
Jordan, also known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, named after the River Jordan, is the transition area between the Mediterranean and the desert. What once was a home for different people who have learned to co-exist, including Sunnite Muslims, Arab Christians, Circassians, Chechens, Armenians, Bedouins and Palestinians, Jordan has become a land of biblical stories and ancient civilizations. The country is well-known for its troglodyte houses, Greco-Roman cities and Roman theaters, as well as pink sandstones.
Get in touch with the historical side of Amman. There are many amazing attractions to see when you visit Amman. Make sure that your Jordan travel guide includes at least a few of all the amazing places found in this city. The Citadel is found in the heart of Amman, revealing traces of lost civilizations, Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Church and the monumental gate of Umayyad Palace. Head downhill to find the 2nd century Roman fountain: Nymphaeum, as well as the pink and white al-Husseini Mosque, constructed by Omar Ibn el-Khattab.
You can also go on a stroll through old shops that sell Jordanian souvenirs and authentic goods. Sit at a café and try the Hubbly Bubbly or walk through Rainbow Street where you will find villas built a long time ago, naturally decorated by wild Jasmine. Next, head over to the outskirts of the city to find villages such as Kan Zaman, where you can dine in and enjoy delicious Arabic foods. It’s considered to be a favorite tourist destination that sells souvenirs, as well.
Where there is evidence of human activity in Jordan as early as the Paleolithic period, choose your destinations during your Jordan tour carefully to uncover all the historical stories and amazing culture offered by the country.
Things to do
There are endless places to go and sights to see in Jordan, you only need to plan your trip to suit your interests and you’re sure to have the time of your life. Of course, there’s a long list of attractions for your first visit to Jordan and they include Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Roman Theatre, Baptism Site of Jesus, Temple of Artemis and many more found in Jordan.
There are also many interesting things you can do during your trip. If you’re camping at deserts, you can go for camel rides, hiking or even take a balloon ride. If you prefer to have fun at sea, you can book diving courses in the Red Sea Resort and enjoy the underwater world, or simply take a snorkeling cruise there. There are many water sport activities to choose from at Aqaba Red Sea beach.
Visit one of the many nature reserves Jordan has to offer to get a closer look at Jordan’s treasures. Every nature reserve has something different to offer. If you’re interested in camping and hiking, check out the Dana Nature Reserve. Looking for wildlife and endangered species? Wadi Al-Mujib Natural Reserve is the place for you.
Jordan has many ways for you to have fun, other than visiting sites and attractions all day. You can head over to Petra Kitchen where you will gather to prepare a meal and work alongside locals under the supervision of the chef. The meal includes soup, mezza, salads and a main course. This will give you a look at the Jordanian traditional cuisine and its glory.
Take a walk in Jara Souq in Amman, open on Fridays during summer from 8AM to 8PM. This is one of the oldest streets in Amman, where you will find merchandise and souvenirs that are unique and cannot be found in regular shops. Some of these items are even kept from the past; antiques, paintings, handicrafts and more! Grab a bite at one of the cafés and enjoy some delicious tea or coffee alongside their tasty Shisha (Hookah).
If you have a taste for adrenaline, you can also head over to Jordan Speed Centre or Jordan Paintball Club and enjoy the ultimate outdoor adventure games there!
Festivals and Events
A Jordan trip isn’t one without experiencing some of the festivities done all year-round. There are 5 well-known, annually celebrated festivals in Jordan: Aqaba Arts Festival, Azraq Festival, Amman Theatre Festival, Jerash Festival and Jordan Rally.
The Arts Festival is held in February of each year in the town of Aqaba and it celebrates the culture of Bedouin people. It’s mainly a crafts fair, where Bedouins make and bring their handicrafts to town for sale. The festival is held to honor Bedouin traditions and also maintain it. There are many unique and special crafts found in the festival, which are hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Another is the Azraq Festival in a small town outside Amman. It’s another arts festival promoting culture and art. Although it’s one of the smaller festivals, it surely attracts many people and has a lot of lively music, food, dancing and of course, selling of arts and handicrafts.
Check out the Amman International Theatre Festival. Promoting theatre, this festival is hosted by a theatre company in March every year to celebrate local and regional talent. The performer has the chance to showcase their talent in English or Arabic, and it’s known to bring together some of the best talents from all around Jordan.
In the ancient city of Jerash, the exciting Jerash Festival is held in July every year. It’s one of the biggest cultural events in the whole country. This is a festival where you will find locals and tourists who come to enjoy the music, food, dancing and even the crafts found at the festival. There’s a selection of workshops held by artists as this festival also promotes art.
Last, but not least is the Jordan Rally, which takes place in October of every year. This event is a motorcar race bringing those with a need for speed together. It lasts a few days and it is held in Jordan’s dunes, turning them into race tracks with large crowds.
Nightlife
Amman has some of the best clubs and bars in the country, so it’s recommended that you stay in Amman to get a chance to be much closer to many clubs. Many of the hotels in Jordan also have bars accessible to guests. Some of the well-known places to enjoy the nightlife include Cube Lounge, JJ’s Bar, Sekrab and Murphy’s House of Rock. It’s also easy to find other clubs in Aqaba and Wadi Musa such as the Royal Yacht Club or the Cave Bar, for example.
Every place has a different and unique theme and it is sure to be an amazing experience. You will find amazing bands playing at the bars in Jordan, as well as a large menu of food and drinks to choose from. Simply pick out the place that grabs your attention the most and head over there to enjoy a long, fun night. If you’re looking for places to go to enjoy a good drink, check out pubs and bars at luxury hotels. It’s also recognized that JJ’s at Grand Hayatt hotel has a DJ venue that brings in many foreign DJs and is known to be one of the best places you can go to enjoy the Jordanian nightlife.
Whether you go in groups or alone, you will enjoy amazing music, delicious food and a variety of different alcoholic drinks, some of which are produced in Jordan. There’s also a selection of cafes and lounges that stay open late and offer many different types of cuisines for you to try out.
FAQ
What language do Jordanians speak?
Arabic is the native language in Jordan, while English is commonly used in commerce and also spoken by Jordanians as a second language.
Is there a dress code?
When packing for your trip to Jordan, you will need to keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so too much body should not be shown. Although it’s not a very conservative country, you should still plan your clothes accordingly. Women and men can wear shorts while visiting tourist sites, but it is preferable for women not to wear them during walks in Amman’s city centre. Women should also avoid tight clothing, and opt for modest dresses and cover their hair with a headscarf when visiting mosques. Should your attire be unacceptable to custodians, you will be supplied with a black garment to cover you from head to toe.
If you’re planning your trip in the summer, you should make sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking, hats and sunblock. The summer is warm, but winters are rather cold. Evenings in Jordan are cool all year-round, so pack warm clothes and have a jacket on you in case you need it.
Is it safe to travel to Jordan?
Jordan is a very safe and stable country. Locals are welcoming and friendly. You will feel a sense of security as it is one of the safest places you can travel to. Jordan is a fairly liberal country, maintaining good relations with all its neighbors.
When’s the best time to visit Jordan?
You can visit Jordan any time of year, because there’s always something fun and entertaining to be done in your time of visit. If you’re looking for comfortable weather, Spring and Fall tend to be best. The Summer can sometimes be too hot and the Winter has shorter days and less light.
Is Jordan expensive?
Jordan can be very budget-friendly if that’s what you’re looking for. You can find affordable local dishes and budget accommodations, such as hostels and camps that cost roughly USD $20-30 per night. Other mid-range or luxury options are also found in Jordan and they can cost around USD $100 up to USD $300 per night. That goes for dining out and restaurants, as well.
Is transportation easy in Jordan?
There are many ways of transportation in Jordan. Most commonly used transportation by visitors are cars, whether they’re rented cars or hiring a car and driver. Although, you should keep in mind that driving in Jordan can be somewhat different than driving at home; different roads, inaccurate GPS and road signs might not be posted.
You can also simply get in a taxi to take you where you need to be. Taxis have meters in them and should cost you about 2 JOD for a 10km trip in Amman. If you’re planning to leave the city, we recommend you negotiate a price beforehand. Taxis can also take you from and to the airport, or you can use the Airport Express bus which will take you from Amman Airports to central Amman.
If you prefer Uber or Careem, they are available in Jordan, so make sure to download the applications before you travel to Jordan to save yourself some time.
Are credit cards accepted?
Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are widely accepted in Jordan.
What time is it in Jordan?
GMT +2hrs, or +3hrs on Daylight Savings Time; U.S. Eastern Time +7hrs.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is freely available in Jordan. You will find that most hotels and restaurants offer a wide range of alcoholic drinks. There is also locally produced beer in Jordan and local wines.
Can I exchange dollars or other currencies in Jordan?
You can easily exchange currencies in Jordan, although you will come to find that banks might offer slightly better rates than money exchange shops, but the difference isn’t that big of a deal unless you’re exchanging a large amount of money.
You will be pleased to know that many currencies are accepted in cash and traveler’s cheque. USD and EUR are the most accepted. You can find branches of banks at the borders and airports if you wish to exchange money upon arrival.
Is photography allowed while visiting monuments?
Only some museums and historical sites will prohibit photography and will ask tourists or visitors to leave their cameras before entering the site. Otherwise, it’s allowed in most sites and museums in Jordan to take pictures, but some will have extra cost to bring in a camera.