Jordan Travel Tips and Useful Information
Are you planning to go to Jordan, and have no clue what the weather is like? How to get around? How to get to Jordan? Is it safe to travel to Jordan? What about Food? Alcohol? The dress codes? The currency?
In this article I am sharing all the key information and travel tips about Jordan. Afterall, I am Jordanian, and lived 24 years in Jordan! Which, I believe, it makes me the best person to share all the insights, travel tips, and the useful information you need when planning your dream trip to Jordan.
Where is Jordan Located
Jordan is a relatively a small country, the population is just over 10 million (as it stands 2023). Jordan is in the Western side of the Asian Continent, in a cluster of countries called the Middle East and the Levant.
Insider Tip 1: Middle East Countries consist of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
Insider Tip 2: Levant Countries consist of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine.
Main Cities and Places to Visit in Jordan (Jordan Geography)
Amman is the capital of Jordan where it is also the economical hub, and it is located at the Central of Jordan’s map.
Northern Jordan Main Places to Visit
Northern Jordan main places to visit are Irbid, Ajloun, Jerash and Um Qais where these cities are rich in Alpine forests and in agriculture and you can find historic ruins of Islamic castles and Roman cities.
Insider Tip: Northern Jordan is famous for having lush Alpine forests and dense olive groves, and enjoys more of mild Mediterranean climate.
Central Jordan Main Places to Visit
Central Jordan main places to visit are Amman (the capital), Madaba and the Dead Sea (lowest point on earth).
Insider Tip: Points of interest at the central parts are cosmopolitan capital city mixed with modern skyscrapers and old Amman, Roman Ruins, Museums, Mosaic Churches, Jesus Christ Pilgrimage path, the Dead Sea (lowest point on Earth).
Southern Jordan Main Places to Visit
Southern Jordan main places to visit are Al-Kerak, Petra, Dana Reserve, Wadi El Mujib Canyons, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba.
Insider Tip: Southern Jordan is rich with cultural, historic, adventure, scuba diving spots and of course the home to the 7th wonder of the world, Petra. Southern Jordan climate is best described as dry and deserts.
Eastern Jordan Main Places to Visit
This leaves us with Eastern Jordan places to visit, you can find Al-Azraq Oasis and natural reserve. Al-Azraq is such a unique place to visit in Jordan as it is a natural oasis in the middle of the desert that attracts many birds during the winter migration path.
How to Get to Jordan
Unlike most countries, it may be challenging to get to Jordan by Land, due to the unstable political situations in some neighbouring countries, therefore, it is best to fly directly to Jordan or using the Sea Ferry crossings from Egypt to Aqaba.
Travelling to Jordan by Air
Jordan has 2 main airports connecting the country with the world, the first Airport is called Queen Alia Airport which is in the capital Amman, serves many main cities worldwide and it is the main hub in Jordan.
The other airport is in the South of Amman, at the Red Sea seaside city Aqaba, which is called King Hussein International Airport, this airport serves the key attractions of Jordan from the Southern part, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Airlines Flying into Jordan
The national airline flag of Jordan is Royal Jordanian (RJ) that connects Jordan with most of the main cities globally, such as New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai and many others.
Other airlines flying into Jordan include the popular low-cost European carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and many others, you could check the airlines flying into Jordan through Skyscanner, just type the city you are flying out from and type to Amman or Aqaba for cities to arrive, and it will list you the best flight options.
Is it Safe to Travel to Jordan
Probably the most asked question I get asked, me being Jordanian and travelling frequently to Jordan to visit my family.
There is not easy answer, but generally, yes, it is VERY SAFE to travel to Jordan, Jordan has never conflicted with any countries in the region and has peace treaties signed.
Honest Talk & Travel Tip
Saying this, I need to share my honest view, as I want my readers to feel confident and safe when travelling to my country.
It is best to check with your own country travel advice before travelling to Jordan and getting an extensive travel and health insurance would be recommended (personally, I never travel without travel and health insurance to any country in the world, its is better to stay safe rather than sorry).
Entry to Jordan and Visas
Most nationals would need a visa upon arrival which tourists can obtain from the airport and costs $70 per person.
Insider Tip: Jordan Pass is an online travel pass, prices start from $100, that waives the on-arrival visa and include visiting 40 site attractions, including Petra, if the tourist is staying at least 3 nights in Jordan. You can purchase your Jordan Pass directly before your travels to Jordan.
Jordan’s Climate & Weather
Jordan’s climate is another question I got asked a lot, what is the weather like in Jordan in summer, is it too hot? And is it nice to visit Jordan during winter to avoid heat and get some winter suntan?
I really hate to disappoint you! But Jordan’s Climate, is considered one of the balanced climates worldwide! Because Jordan do enjoy proper 4 seasons a year, cold winters and hot summers and beautiful mild spring and autumns.
Summertime in Jordan
Summertime months in Jordan are from June to August, and it is one of my favourite seasons, because the weather is phenomenal, all rooftops’ bars and restaurants are open to indulge in the delicious fusion foods with talented band music.
Central and Northern cities enjoy dry and warm summer temperatures ranging between 30-35 degrees during the day and cool to mild night temperatures hovering around 17-21 degrees.
Southern cities and the Dead Sea areas summertime is hot and dry, and the day temperatures can be more than 38 degrees with hot nights.
Insider Tip: It is best to visit Amman and the northern cities during summertime, you can get tanned from using the 5 stars hotel pools (it is a paid day entrance). Because of lack of Humidity and the dry air in Jordan, Jordan summers tend to be milder than Southern European ones and Gulf Countries.
Wintertime in Jordan
Wintertime months in Jordan are from December to February and it is best described as cold to very cold with day temperatures hovering around 10 to 15 degrees (sometimes less) and night temperatures dipping to a single digits 2 to 5 degrees.
However, southern places such as Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea can enjoy mild winters during the day the temperature is around 20s and 10-15 degrees during the night.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Jordan receives snow at least once a year during winter usually during January and February? It is mostly around the Northern mountains and West Amman areas (the areas that are higher than 800 meters above sea level).
On some years the snow can be heavy and last for a couple of days and on other years it can be less than 1 cm of snow cover.
Spring & Autumn in Jordan
Spring months in Jordan are from March to May and Autumn months are from September to November and it is probably the best time to visit Jordan to enjoy the Northern attractions, Amman and the Southern attractions alike without feeling too warm or too cold!
Currency Used in Jordan
Jordanian Dinar is the main currency to use in Jordan. Because the Jordanian Dinar is linked with the US Dollars, the exchange rate is fixed at 1 Jordanian Dinar makes USD 1.41
In Jordan is easy to find currency exchange places and they all offer similar rates, although it is best not to exchange money at the airport.
There are many local and international banks in Jordan, and you are guaranteed to find ATM everywhere you go. ATM cash withdrawal charge a hefty commission rate with, so it is best to bring cash with you and exchange them at a local Jordanian currency exchange office.
Inside Tip: You can find MoneyGram, Western Union and other money transfer services in Jordan too.
Driving and Getting Around in Jordan
If you are visiting Amman, you can use download UBER application and use it to book your rides. The public transport infrastructure is not so great and if you wish to wander around, it is best to either rent a car or booking an UBER ride.
Most of visitors to Jordan they book with a group tour, and this is another great option to consider while visiting in Jordan.
Insider Tip: Driving in Jordan can be a challenging task, as the rules are a bit loose. My advice is to either rent a car with a driver or booking an UBER. Costs for booking UBER or drivers with cars are not as expensive as in Europe and the USA.
Dress Codes in Jordan
Dress codes in Jordan, is another popular question I get asked a lot. I get asked mostly about how conservative the dress code for women is in Jordan.
Dress Code for Men
The dress code for Men is in short, they can wear anything.
Dress Code for Women
However, for women, the dress code is slightly different. In Jordan there are no laws describing what women or men should or shouldn’t wear, the only legal law public nudity is simply banned, and people get prosecuted, so no skinny dipping in Jordan please!
As for women, it is advised to not wear revealing clothing to avoid unnecessary stares by other people, Trousers and midi skirts and dresses are encouraged with non-revealing tops. No need to cover the hair.
Bikinis and Swimwear for Women in Jordan
Women in Jordan usually wear western styles bathing suits at the resort areas in the Dead Sea and Aqaba, just to be mindful that skimpy bathing suits can attract unnecessary attraction.
Being topless and/or naked publicly is forbidden in Jordan for both genders.
Religions in Jordan
Moderate Islam is mostly practiced religion in Jordan with around 10% practice Christianity. Both religions live in harmony together and respect each other practices.
In Jordan there are public holidays for Muslim festivities, and Christian ones, such as Christmas and Easter.
Jordan and the Month of Ramadan
Ramadan is considered a holy month for Muslims and that last between 29 or 30 days once a year in the moon Islamic year, every year the date advances around 10 days and that is due to the moon year cycle is shorter than the sun calendar year.
During the month of Ramadan, people fast from food and drinks from sunrise to sunset, where they break the fast and eat a meal called Iftar (breakfast). Traditions are that families usually gather around the Iftar table and join the prayers afterwards.
Working Hours During Ramadan
Usual working hours during Ramadan is shortened to 6 hours with shopping centres open after Iftar until late nights.
As for restaurants and cafes they are usually open all day but with windows covered with curtains or shutters and no outdoor eating is allowed during the fasting hours.
Can People Eat Publicly During Fasting Hours
During the day fasting hours, it is forbidden by law to eat in public (with the exception for children and those with illnesses). That is why all restaurants cover their windows and terraces during the day to ensure catering for those who don’t fast and the tourists.
Is It Recommended to Visit Jordan During Ramadan?
Yes, absolutely, everything is open for the tourists and the tourists can consume food and alcohol but not in public.
Insider Tip: It is cheaper to fly and book accommodation during Ramadan due to being considered a low season!
Food and Cuisine in Jordan
Jordan is very rich with its cuisine being a country that hosted lots of neighbouring countries refugees, and the rich agriculture in the North and Wadi El-Ordon mixed with the Bedouin culture in the South, gives its kitchen full flavour of yumminess.
National Jordanian Foods
The official national dish in Jordan is called “Mansaf” which is a rice dish cooked with salted dried yogurt and mixed with Lamb meat. It is common to eat the dish by hands, but forks and spoons are offered too.
Other popular dishes from the different regions are Sajieh (Chicken cubes or beef cuts fried lightly with vegetables), Falafel, Hummus, Shawarma Wraps (chicken skewers sliced and mixed with garlic sauce pita wraps), Mixed Meats BBQ, Green Salads mixed with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice, Mutabal (Baba Ghanoush) and many more.
Is Jordanian Food Spicy?
It is spicy only by request! Our cuisine is not spicy, yet it is very aromatic and full with flavour and heavy use of olive oil and lemon dressings.
In Jordan we use dried thyme with sesame seeds (called ZAATAR) with our dishes and/or as pita wraps mixed with olive oil. Sumac is another famous herb, purple coloured and is used for salad dressings to give tangy taste to our dishes.
Drinking Alcohol in Jordan
People can drink and consume alcohol in Jordan; however, it is legally forbidden to consume alcohol in public.
Alcohol is sold at special liquor shops and in some restaurants and Hotels. In fact, Jordan produces its own wine and beer, why not to try some on your next visit!
Public Affection in Jordan
Whilst partners can hold hands and hug in public in Jordan, mouth-kissing and more intimate actions in public are forbidden by law, therefore, please ensure you adhere to the local culture and laws.
LGBT and Same Sex Partners in Jordan
This is a difficult situation for Jordanian as same sex marriage in Jordan is illegal and culturally is not accepted, also, if same sex couple show affection in public, they risk being deported.
Final Thoughts about Jordanian Culture
Jordan is a very welcoming country to the tourists and generous, it can be sometimes overwhelming if you are not used to deal with lots of warm hearted people! Jordan is a country where visitors get enchanted by its magical history, untouched deserts, fully-flavoured cuisine and adventures, it is a must visit country to add it to your travel bucket list.
