Traveler Essentials

The information below will help you when planning your Jordan travel and Petra travel. Costs and prices below are intended to give you an idea of what to expect when you travel Jordan. Data has been prepared in August 2010.

 

Visa to Jordan

The cost of visa for all nationalities as of 1 April 2014 is as follows:

Single entry is JD 40 (around $60)Two entries is JD 60 (around $90)
Multiple entries is JD 120 (around $180)

Visa can be obtained at the border as you enter the country. 
Certain nationalities require an entry visa to be obtained prior to travel. 
It is recommended that you check with the Jordanian diplomatic mission in your country prior to travel to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for travel. 

 

Jordanian Currency

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD, which is often called the "jaydee". There are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 JD notes. The dinar is divided onto 100 piasters (pronounced "pee-aster") of 1000 fils ("fills"). The fils is the unit most commonly used and you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 750 fils).

 

Costs - Jordan Travel Information

Jordan is more expensive than Egypt and Syria. The prices below provide a rough idea of prices and what to expect when on your Jordan vacation.

 

Hotel prices in Jordan

Decent Budget hotels range from JD 15 - 25 (US$20 - 35) per room.
Mid range hotel range from JD 25 - 75 (US$35 - 105) per room.
High end hotels 4star and above start from JD 85 (US$120) per room.
Dead Sea Jordan hotels are the most expensive.

 

Food prices in Jordan

Local fast food meal like Falafel or Shawirma range from JD 1 - 2 (US$1.4-3) 
A basic meal in a an international fast food restaurant is around JD 5 (US$7)
Buffet meals start from JD 15 - (US$20)
High end restaurants start from JD 30 (US$43)

 

Transportation prices in Jordan

Airport to Amman transfers cost around JD20 (US$30)
Taxi ride in Amman around 5km or 5-10 minutes costs approximately JD1.5 (US$2.2)
Small size car rental per day price starts at JD25 (US$36)
Bus transport between cities are fairly cheep a 30km bus ride starts from JD0.5 (US$0.7)

 

Entrance fees to touristic sites including Petra

Petra entrance ticket for one day Petra tour is JD50 (US$70) starting November 2010
Jerash entrance fees is JD8 (US$11.3)
Wadi Rum entrance fee is JD5 (US$7)
Other places range between JD1 - 5 (US$1.4 - 7)

 

Credit cards in Jordan

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, including American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard. Please note that many smaller shops still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it's essential for shopping in the local souks.

 

ATMs in Jordan

ATMs are available throughout Jordan and can be used to withdraw money using your credit card.

 

Money exchange in Jordan

Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and at most hotels. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank. 
To find the exchange rate of your currency against the Jordanian Dinar please Click here. 

 

Health & Safety considerations when you travel Jordan

Health

Medical services are excellent in the larger cities and towns and most doctors are bilingual in Arabic and English. Larger hotels have a doctor on call and embassies can also suggest doctors and hospitals.
Having insurance that covers medical expenses abroad and for your Jordan your, is highly recommended. 
Be sure to plan well ahead to for getting the recommended vaccinations.
For detailed information on, recommended vaccinations, medicines to have on the trip, general advice, precautions and other information related to Jordan, please visit the MDtravelhealth website. It contains updated information.

 

Safety

Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan; however, local sources have reported a slight increase in petty crime. In the narrow streets of the older parts of the city center, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. Travelers are urged to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities for criminals.
Jordanian police have warned the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATMs, as thieves have reportedly preyed upon persons soon after using these services.
Women, visiting Jordan, have reported sexual harassment, stalking, and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature. Incidents typically involve verbal sexual harassment, staring, or following the victim after the victim exits the taxi; however, there are occasional violent attacks. Women are advised to take reasonable precautions including dressing conservatively, not traveling alone, and avoiding travel to unfamiliar areas at night. Women should never sit in the front seat of a taxi.

 

Tipping

Tip in accordance to your own discursion. In Jordan, it is usual to tip the members of your trek crew, or your guide and bus driver, if you are happy with the services provided. 
Taxi tip can starts from as little change left from a JD. 
Waiter tip starts at JD1 (US$1.4)
Tour guide tip for a multi day program starts from JD100 (US$140) usually paid by the entire group.
Bus Driver tip for a multi day program starts from JD50 (US$70) usually paid by the entire group.

 

Transportation in Jordan

Ground transport: Jordan has an excellent expanding road network, driving is on the right. Road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Brown signs are designed for tourists.
Taxis: Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan.
Buses: Several companies offer charter buses and regular tours in a fleet of modern, air-conditioned coaches. For schedules a visitor can ask the hotel concierge or visit their web pages.
Car rental: Renting the car can be a good way to see the country.
Railroads: The Hijaz Railway was constructed by the ottomans between 1900 and 1908, primarily to facilitate the pilgrimage to the Muslim Holy places in Arabia. Nowadays a person can travel between Amman and Az-Zarqa' on the train that has two daily trips, as well as trips from Amman to Damascus.

 

Telephone and Internet Access

Jordan has a highly developed communications infrastructure; including three mobile GSM networks and many internet service providers. 
Mobile phones
You can buy a Jordan prepaid (top-up) mobile line almost anywhere for as little as JD6 (US$8.5) 
Calls within the country are relatively cheep while international calls tend to be a little expensive. 
Roaming services are available.
The cheapest way to make international calls would be using prepaid telephone cards. 

 

Internet

Most hotels provide paid wireless internet access.
Many coffee shops provide free wireless internet access.
Internet cafés are reasonably easy to find and fairly cheap.

 

What to wear

Jordan is an Islamic nation and tends to be quite conservative so you should dress accordingly.
As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not recommended away from the beach or pool as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes.

A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential. 
From mid-November to late February a sleeping bag is essential for your nights in the desert. At other times a sleeping sheet will suffice.
Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly warm climate.
Pack smart before you visit Jordan.

 

Alcoholic Drinks

Alcoholic drinks are available in most restaurants hotels. Bars and Liquor stores are also available in many areas.
Drinking in the streets is not legal. 
It is recommended that you respect local culture and only drink in areas where it looks obviously acceptable. 
During Ramadan alcoholic drinks are only available inside the premises of 4 and 5 star hotels and some touristic restaurants.

 

Checklist before Jordan travel

> Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc. 
> Health requirements arranged
> Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
> Money pouch
> First aid kit
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the day(the type with a lower-back pad support and waist strap are very much recommended) 
> Alarm clock and torch/flashlight (headlights are best) 
> Insect repellent
> Ear plugs can be useful
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Bedding - a bed sheet to be used over the mattress provided in the desert- the travel bed sack is even better 
> Sleeping bag if you wish - mattresses and blankets are available in the desert 
> Small travel towel - for use in the desert
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Eye shades
> A hiking shoes 
> A training shoes. This is a must to use for day-walks, cycling, etc.
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters. 
> Sandals
> Light clothes; long sleeves and light colors are advisable in summer time 
> A hat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Warm clothes for cooler nights
> Sun protection lotion
> Water flask