Jordan Destination Guide

From the magnificence of Petra to the deserts of Wadi Rum, from witnessing the traditional lifestyle of the Bedouins to spectacular diving at the beach resort of Aqaba, Jordan Tours offers a wealth of interesting opportunities and experiences for travellers. Make sure you allow enough time to truly appreciate all that Jordan has to offer.

Jordan charms, entices and enchants with its mix of historical, cultural and natural wonders!
This Jordan Destination Guide gives information about some of the best things to see and do whilst visiting the country. While many of these sites can be seen independently, you may find it more convenient, or more education, to take a tour with a local company – for bookable tours throughout the country, go to our Jordan Tours page. Jordan Hotels are also bookable on our site. General country information can be found by visiting our Jordan Country Guide.

 

Transportation in Jordan

Most people arrive in Jordan by air, although it is also possible to come via road, rail or water. Amman, the capital, is home to the country’s only international airport, and is also the start or end point of many other types of transport. Getting to other destinations throughout the country is possible by domestic airline, bus or taxi.

Amman is the main transport hub of Jordan, and as such, most travellers tend to spend some time there at the beginning or end of their trip!

The national carrier of Jordan is Royal Jordanian Airlines (www.rja.com.jo). Flights to Amman arrive at Queen Alia International airport, which is located about 35 kilometres to the southeast of Amman. Taxis and regular buses make the 40-50 minute journey. The airport has all facilities expected of an international airport, including duty-free shopping, bureau de change, ATMs, car hire, restaurants and shops. There is no departure tax for foreign nationals.

Aqaba features Jordan’s sole port, and it is a stopover on a number of cruises throughout the Middle East. Ferries, both car and passenger, and a high-speed hydrofoil, make the crossing to Nuweiba, in Egypt. There is a JOD 5 departure tax for foreign nationals.

There is a twice weekly trains between Amman and Damascus (Syria), operated by the Hejaz Railway (http://www.jhr.gov.jo/). It is uses ancient rolling stock and the journey can be tortuously slow, and as such the only real reason to take the journey is for the experience itself.

Jordan is a great place to go shopping, with each town having their own souk (market), and a plethora of goods, specifically crafts, jewellery and embroidery on sale. Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum are some of the best places to pick up various items, each being famous for something different.

With all of the beautiful, hand-crafted items on sale, you’ll be spoilt for choice when shopping in Jordan!

This Jordan Shopping Guide gives detailed information about some of the best things to consider purchasing during your visit, as well as the best places to look for them. Use this page in conjunction with our Jordan Destination Guide and Jordan Restaurant Guide to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Jordan Shopping Guide

The best place to start any shopping adventure in Jordan is the town’s souk. Usually most towns will also have a number of good jewellery and craft shops. Jordan is famous for its gold and silver. Amman is particularly good in this regard, with a fascinating gold and jewellery market that features over 50 individual shops. Some of the popular items include finely crafted mother-of-pearl boxes, Hebron glass, jewelled worry beads and rosaries, backgammon sets, new and old copper and brass items, various embroidered items and pottery. Necklaces featuring a national symbol of Jordan – a small golden coffee pot, known as a dalleh – are very popular and available throughout the country.

Food & Cuisine in Jordan

Food is a central part of life in Jordan and throughout the whole of the Middle East. Whilst being unique in some ways, Jordan’s cuisine is part of the distinctive Middle East culinary heritage, widely regarded as one of the world’s most elaborate, sophisticated and finest cuisines.

Jordanian cuisine is a food lover’s dream, and satisfies even the most demanding gourmet!

Language

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in the cities. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken.

Hello/Welcome – Ahlan; Ahlan Wa Sahlan
How are you? (said to a man/woman) – Izzayak/Izzayik?
Fine/good (said by a man/woman) – Kwayyis/Kwayyisa
Please (said to a man/woman) – Men Fadlak/Men Fadlik
Thank you – Shukran
You’re welcome – Afwan
Goodbye – Ma’Asalaama
Yes – Aywa
No – La
My name is….. – Issmee….. 
Where is the toilet? – Feen El-Hammaam?
When? – Emta?
How much (cost)? – Bi Kaam?
God willing – In Shaallah

Religion

Over 94% of the population of Jordan is Sunni Muslim, and there are Christian and Shi’i Muslim minorities.

Visas/Passports

Nationals of most countries, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and most EU countries, require a passport and visa to visit Jordan. Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport do not require visas. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date, although return/onward tickets are not required. 

Types of Tourist Visas:

• Single-Entry – US$20 (valid for 2 months)
• Multiple-entry – US$40 (valid for up to 6 months)
• Visa on Arrival: US$30 (valid for 2 weeks)

Extensions of three to six months are available by registering with a police station in Jordan.

Visa validity can depend upon nationality. It is advisable to check this information with your relevant embassy prior to travel.

Communication

The international dialling code for Jordan is +962. Public telephones are available and are operated by both phone cards, which can be purchased from numerous shops. International calls made from post offices or hotels have a minimum three-minute charge.

Roaming agreements exist, with many international mobile phone companies present in Jordan, and the coverage is good.

Internet cafes are present throughout the country, especially in major tourist destinations.

Airmail to Western Europe generally takes three to five days. The Central Post Office in Amman is the only place where it is possible to send packages from.

Health

Vaccination against TB and hepatitis B is recommended. Jordan has an excellent network of hospitals and clinics. Generally it is advised to stick to drinking bottled water.

HIV tests are mandatory for anyone staying over 14 days.

Electricity

Electricity in Jordan is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.