JORDAN
TRAVEL GUIDE
Get to know your destination via our Jordan Travel Guide.
From weather to culture, mobile phones and what to wear, you’ll find it here.
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Currency
Jordanian Dinar (JD)
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Power & Travel Adaptor
230 V
Adaptors C, D, F, G and J
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Religion
Approx 93% Muslim
6 % Coptic Christian
1% other
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Language
Arabic
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Tourism 2024
6.11 million visitors
Culture
Jordanians are close to their religion and traditions.
Islam is the official religion in Jordan. About 93% of Jordanians are Muslim, while Christians represent 6% of the population and 1% identify as another religion. While modernizing, Jordan retains a strong sense of tradition.
Jordanians are considered peaceful, friendly and very hospitable people. You can expect to be warmly welcomed. While alcohol is available in some places, it's not widely consumed and “dry hotels” are common.
Etiquette
Avoid public displays of affection
Dress conservatively - especially in rural regions and religious sites
Weather
Jordan experiences varied weather based on its diverse topography, ranging from the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea, to the highlands of Amman and Petra and the arid deserts of Wadi Rum.
Spring (March – May) – Mild and pleasant with blooming wildflowers. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
Summer (June – August) – Hot and dry, especially in the desert areas. Daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C , but it’s cooler in the mountains.
Autumn (September – November) – Warm and comfortable with temperatures around 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for travel.
Winter (December – February) – Cool to cold, especially in Amman and Petra. Snowfall occurs in higher elevations, and temperatures can drop to 0°C or lower.
Weather facts
The Dead Sea region is one of the warmest places year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F).
Petra can get surprisingly cold at night, even in summer, due to its high elevation.
There is very little humidity, which hovers around 30-40% on average. This helps keep the summer heat bearable.
Money
The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), often abbreviated as JD. It comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 JD notes, with coins available in amounts less than 50 piasters.
ATMs:
ATMs are widely available in cities, tourist areas, and larger towns. Many accept international debit and credit cards, but there is a daily withdrawal limit. It’s recommended to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any card issues.
Preferred Payment Method:
While credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops, cash is preferred for taxis, markets, small shops, and local eateries. Some remote areas may have limited card acceptance.
What Currency to Carry:
It’s best to carry a mix of Jordanian Dinars and US Dollars. Many places accept US Dollars, but it’s advisable to exchange some into JD for local purchases. Smaller denominations of JD are useful for tipping, taxis, and minor expenses.
Mobile phones and internet
Jordan's mobile telecommunications landscape is well-developed, offering extensive coverage for visitors.
The three big mobile phone companies:
Zain, Orange and Umniah
Cities such as Amman, the capital of Jordan is well covered, experiencing the first rollout of 5G services. Rural regions may experience varying levels of connectivity. This is more challenged in places such as Wadi Rum.
Many hotels offer free internet, however you will not find free internet readily available throughout Jordan.
Using apps such as WhatsApp, Viber and even Facebook Messenger will help you make free calls to home.
Another alternative is seek out an E-Sim provider online so you can pre purchase your Sim before you arrive in Jordan.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Jordan and is a token of your appreciation for a service you have been provided.
Tipping is included in all our group tours.
For private and tailor made tours - we provide guests with a tipping guide before their travels.
Tipping can be paid in USD or the local Jordanian dinar.
Tour Guide – USD 5 to 10 per person per day OR USD 30+ per day per group
Driver: USD 2 to 3 per person per day OR USD $20+ per group er day
Tips for airport reps, city reps, porters, cruise attendants, waiters and more is provided in our client pre departure document.
Taxi and Uber
TAXIS
In urban areas such as Amman, yellow taxis are a common sight. It's advisable to either negotiate the fare before starting your journey or ensure that the meter is used to avoid misunderstandings.
Uber
Uber is available in Jordan, primarily operating in the capital city, Amman. Through the Uber app, users can request rides, track their driver's arrival, and pay electronically. However, Uber's availability is currently limited to Amman and is not present in other cities or rural areas.
Careem
In addition to Uber, Careem is a prominent ride-hailing service operating in Jordan. Launched in 2015, Careem was the first ride-hailing service in the Kingdom to obtain full operational licensing. It operates in several cities, including Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Madaba, and Salt, with plans to expand further across other governorates
What to Buy in Jordan
Dead Sea Products – Skincare items like mud masks, salts, and lotions.
Handmade Ceramics & Mosaics – Especially from Madaba.
Traditional Jordanian Clothing – Like the red-and-white keffiyeh (shemagh).
Spices & Sweets – Zaatar, sumac, cardamom, and knafeh.
Bedouin Jewelry & Silverware – Unique designs with semi-precious stones.
Olive Oil & Soap – High-quality and locally produced.
When to haggle
Haggling in Souks, local markets and tourist shop is normal.
Start Low, Expect a Counteroffer – Offer 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
What to wear
The following statement comes from Jordan Tourism authorities regarding clothing and dress recommendations.
“Jordan is a relatively liberal country; there is no need to wear headscarves anywhere. In tourist places, you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you may be spending quite a long time walking while exploring the sites. Winters are usually not very harsh, but it is wise to have a warm cardigan, sweater or pashmina when it gets chilly. While in down town Amman, it is wise to wear something that is not very revealing, same goes when visiting the churches in Madaba and mosques in Amman. Please don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.”
Food - Water - Allergies
Can you drink the water?
Drinking tap water is not recommended. In Jordan, tap water undergoes treatment and is generally considered safe for activities such as bathing, brushing teeth, and washing fruits and vegetables.
Jordan Cuisine
Jordanian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions, reflecting its geographical position. The food is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and time-honored cooking techniques.
Mansef (pictured opposite) is considered the national dish of Jordan. It consists of lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce called "jameed," served over a bed of rice and flatbread.
Food allergies
Awareness and accommodation of food allergies in Jordan may not be as prevalent as in some other countries, even though a nearly a third of Jordanians suffer from allergies or allergic symptoms.
Larger scale hotels (with buffets) and restaurants may be able to cater to a particular food allergy, however we recommend carrying snacks as well.
Medications & Vaccinations
It is important for those bringing medication, prescription or not, to keep in original packaging.
If you need to refrigerate your medication, please let hotel reception know in case your room does not have a fridge or isn’t cold enough. It is also important to speak to us if you need refrigeration’s on the go as well, as not all vehicle will automatically carry a cooler.
It is the responsibility of each traveller to check current vaccination requirements to enter Jordan. Also note, not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in your home country are available in these countries. Consider bringing enough medication to cover your entire trip. Some medications may even be considered illegal. Please seek advice from your local GP if unsure.