BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR JORDAN – WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING JORDAN
If the thought of a trip to Jordan sparks your wanderlust and you plan your Jordan itinerary, do not worry – I’ve got all the advice you need!
People go crazy for this country and it’s easy to see why. The people are warm and hospitable; plus there are incredible sights & attractions, delicious food, AND an overall sense of security. Don’t know where or how to start? Let me help with these ultimate travel tips straight from my experiences in Jordan – guaranteed awesome fun ahead!
Jordan Visa
If you’re from the EU or US you can relax! You get an automatic visa-on-arrival. For (almost) everyone else though, it’s still pretty easy: most nationalities can just pick one up at the airport border when they arrive.
There is a cost attached ($56) for all people, but it’ll grant you entry into this amazing country for 30 days straight and make your trip that much more enjoyable… plus if bought with a Jordan Pass (which includes other awesome benefits!) it gets even better value wise.
Jordan Pass
Jordan is an amazing place to visit – and with the right research, you can make it a fairly affordable one. Grabbing yourself the Jordan Pass will save you time AND money! Priced at aroung $100, this pass gets not only your entrance visa upon arrival covered but also gives access to major attractions like Petra (usually around $70 for day passes) and Jerash.
It is worth buying the pass in advance. The only downside is that you have to think about how many days you want to stay in Petra because the price depends on whether you need a 1, 2, or 3-day pass to Petra.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
Think twice before taking a trip to Jordan between June and September – you will experience unbearable heat! If you do not want to melt, March through May might be perfect for you.
October or November can also be great options if you’d rather avoid extreme hotness but still have pleasant visits. December and January will have colder temperatures though!
If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure, Wadi Mujib should be top of your list! During winter time, it’s closed off to visitors and is reserved as an exclusive oasis just waiting to be discovered in spring.
Public Transportation in Jordan
Not sure how to get around while in Jordan? Well, let me tell you – public transportation works but it’s not the most reliable.
Public transportation in Jordan can be a mixed experience.
It can be an affordable and environmentally friendly way to explore the main cities. The public bus system is relatively reliable, though it can be crowded and less comfortable than other modes of transport.
Outside of the main cities, public transportation becomes more limited; buses may operate less frequently and cover shorter distances. It might take a lot of your time finding the correct bus connections and you might not get to all the places you would like to get.
It is best to do some research in advance before traveling by public transportation in Jordan.
Another option could be renting a car (which I highly recommend). Need more tips and advice on that? Check out my road trip itinerary for everything else you need when exploring this beautiful country.
Driving in Jordan
Driving in Jordan is generally an interesting experience – but can also be stressful and dangerous. The country’s roads are often neglected and poorly maintained, with frequent potholes and other hazards. Traffic laws are rarely followed, particularly in major cities like Amman, leading to chaotic and unpredictable driving conditions.
That said, I loved driving in Jordan and thought it was very stress-free and easy. There aren’t many cars on the roads and they’re usually in great condition.
Every drive offers something different – from winding mountain passes with stunning scenery, to bustling streets lined with unique shops and restaurants.
Plus, fuel costs less than a dollar per liter!
Just keep an eye out for construction sites or new streets as your GPS might not always have up-to-date information.
My main tip is not to drive in Jordan´s capital Amman – this would probably make your driving experience stressful.
If you choose to rent a car during your visit to Jordan, exercise caution on the road. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs before hopping into a car, as there can be hefty fines for minor offenses like speeding or not wearing a seatbelt. It’s best to avoid driving at night if possible due to poor visibility and unreliable street lighting.
Oh, and don’t forget to watch out for all those pesky speed bumps too… 😉
How Long to Stay in Jordan
If you want to really experience all the beauty Jordan has to offer, then 7 days is actually the minimum amount of time needed. Anything less and it’s like sampling dessert without dinner! If you can stay 10 days in Jordan- that would be even better.
You will need 1-2 days for Amman at least – Jordan´s bustling capital. Then you should plan one day for the Dead Sea, 1-2 for the desert of Wadi Rum, 1-2 days at the Dana Nature Reserve, and stay in Petra for 1-3 days… Check out my Jordan itinerary for a breakdown of how to spend your time in the country.
Security in Jordan
Despite being surrounded by oftentimes volatile countries, Jordan stands out with its low crime rate and overall peaceful vibe.
What to Wear in Jordan
Ready for a trip to an old-fashioned country? Swap out your teeny tiny frock and opt for some shorts instead. You’ll be alright in terms of length, but just make sure you don’t go overboard with the shoulder-baring tank tops! Respect local customs when it comes to swimwear – leave those barely there bikini bottoms beachside.
Pack some trainers, sports clothes, and a hat or scarf if you don’t want your hair getting too much of that Jordanian sunshine. Dressing modestly is always appreciated in this part of the world – but no need for scarves as many local women I’ve met in Jordan were without them!
Solo Female Travel in Jordan
Exploring Jordan solo, I was surprised to find out there weren’t many women walking around or working in the tourism sector outside of Amman. But even though it seemed like a male-dominated world, everyone—including female locals—was super friendly and chatty!
Is solo female traveling to Jordan a good idea? Yes, it is! Check out my travel tips for solo female travelers.
People in Jordan
If you ever plan to go on an adventure, add Jordan to your list! The locals there will be nothing but smiles and hospitality – they’ll make sure that no matter where you’re from, a hearty “Welcome” is the first thing out of their mouths.
Language in Jordan
Arabic is the native tongue but communication was a breeze thanks to English! If you’re worried about getting around, rest assured that most folks have at least some grasp of it – and best yet, many signs are in both languages so nothing is stopping any traveler from reaching their destination.
You can download a translation app so it helps you in case no one is around who speaks English.
Costs / Money in Jordan
Jordan is great value for your money. Dinars are the official currency, but many places will take euros and dollars just as easily.
Just don’t forget some cold hard cash! Not everywhere accepts credit cards – like hotels – so having physical notes on hand can save future frustration (and they may even offer discounts).
Budget travelers rejoice; hostels start at around $10 while more luxe Dead Sea digs average out at roughly 200 bucks per night- breeze through customs then plunge into the sea of savings!
You can zoom around town in taxi rides or an Uber for less than $3 – thanks to cheap petrol from the area! Hop on public transportation – it’s just pennies compared to what we’re used to. Just make sure that the visa is taken care of because entrance fees into Petra won’t be cheap. But no worries if you have your handy-dandy Jordan Pass… then enjoy exploring all those gorgeous cultural sites without having to shell out more money!
Accommodation in Jordan
Get your Jordan adventure off to the right start by choosing where you want to stay! There’s something for everyone – basic Bedouin camp vibes, hostel rooms that are easy on yer wallet (especially in Amman and Petra), mid-range accommodations, or luxury hotels around all those glorious spots.
Food in Jordan
If you’re looking for great food, Jordan is your destination! Whether you eat meat or not (vegetarian/ vegan), there’s always something to try. The falafel was especially delicious! I probably could survive on Joran falafels only!
The food in Jordan is a delightful combination of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines – with its own local twists. Popular dishes include kabsa (spiced rice with lamb or chicken), falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls), and mansaf (lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce). A variety of mezze plates are also popular – featuring small portions of salads, bread, and dips.
For dessert, the classic knafeh is a must-try – made from semolina pastry soaked in sweet sugar syrup and sprinkled with chopped pistachios. Additionally, baklava pastries can be found throughout the country, as well as freshly made ice creams.
Jordan also offers plenty of vegetarian options – such as hummus, tabbouleh salads, and fattoush (bread salad) – and of course, let me repeat that the falafels in Jordan are amazing.
Smoking in Jordan
Let´s talk about less positive things in Jordan – smoking! Jordan’s smoking rates are the highest in the world – though smoking seems to be a popular pastime in Arabia, Jordanians smoke even more than other Arabic nations.
Approximately 82% of men aged between 18-69 in the country are smokers, with the majority of them being lifelong smokers. Cigarette smoke can be found almost everywhere – from offices to restaurants, and even on public transport
Alcohol in Jordan
Well, there’s no need to leave the hooch at home! Alcohol is legal in Jordan, but it is not widely consumed. Locals tend to prefer tea or coffee as their preferred beverages.
Alcoholic drinks can be found in licensed restaurants, bars, and shops in major cities like Amman – however, they are generally expensive due to high taxes. The legal drinking age is 18, and public drunkenness is frowned upon – so it’s best to drink responsibly.
Electricity in Jordan
Jordan has an advanced electricity network that supplies its citizens with reliable power.
Jordan operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You can use your electric appliances from home, if the standard voltage in your country is between 220 – 240 V.
They use the C, D, F, G, and J plaques in Jordan.
Bidets in Jordan
If you’re visiting Jordan, there’s a secret all the locals know—no throwing toilet paper in the bin! Yes, just put it in the bin that should find next to the toilet. Also, in Jordan, they have bidets – water pipes that provide an even more efficient way to freshen up.
So if your hotel is lacking these wonders of modern hygiene technology, be careful not to make any bathroom faux pas and throw that toilet paper where it doesn’t belong!
Water in Jordan
While visiting Jordan, be sure to keep water usage in check. After all – the country has some of the least amounts of water around and must conserve every drop! So don’t go overboard with your showers or other activities – help make a positive contribution towards conserving this precious resource.
Attractions in Jordan
Jordan – the desired destination of the adventurous. From floating in the Dead Sea to visiting Petra, Jordan has it all! Make sure you add this incredible land to your travel bucket list and follow my post for great tips on where & what to explore during your time there.
But don’t stay too long or else we’ll have one less hippie around… And if you are looking for a Jordan itinerary, check out my post on how to spend 7 days in Jordan.
Enjoy Jordan
A trip to Jordan really is something special and unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life and the memories will be cherished for years to come! From learning about Jordan’s unique culture, trying delicious traditional dishes, visiting historical sites, and seeing incredible landscapes, there’s something special for everyone – no matter who you are and what you like to do.
All in all, if given the chance, a trip to this Middle Eastern country is well worth it!