Jordan Country in the Middle East

Essential guide to traveling to Jordan : Tips and information 24/09/2018


Jordan Traveling Guide:


You’ve heard about Jordan and you are starting to decide if it’s a country that you’d like to conduct more research about to see if it would make your list of places to travel to. We decided to make it easier for you and gather all the information about Jordan in one place. So, here are the essential information you need to know before you travel to Jordan:


About Jordan?

We won’t bore you with all the geographical information but will give you the essential information
Location: Located in Middle East, Shares border with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Israel
Capital: Amman
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (1$ = 0.71JD)
Language: Arabic 
Beginner’s guide to Arabic
Hello - Marhaba
Welcome - Ahla wa Sahla
Thank you- Shukran
Airports: Main one is Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)

Is Jordan a Safe Country?

This is a common question asked by many people who are planning to visit Jordan. It’s only normal to ask this question, considering the geographical location of Jordan and the many popular headlines the Middle East is known for in the news. Despite that, yes, Jordan is still known to be safe and very welcoming country. Thanks to its people who are warm, generous and friendly whom are known to coexist and work together protecting the peaceful image of their country. We still do recommend that you check your government’s travel advice before coming to Jordan: 

US State Department (http://travel.state.gov)

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.smarttraveller.gov.au)

British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk)

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca)

 

Best time to visit Jordan?

High Season (March - May)

Best time to visit Jordan is during the spring. It will depend on the places you will want to visit, since the climate varies depending on locations but overall it will be a moderate weather. North of Jordan is usually a bit cooler than south of Jordan. Also, Aqaba located down south by Red Sea is usually the hottest location there which can still be warm even during winter. 

Low Season (June - August)


During the summer, it can get pretty hot in Jordan. Especially if you visit the desert, it will be extremely hot during the day but cooler during the night. In Amman, it will be hot and the weather can go up to 35 degrees Celsius, but it’s bearable compared to other places in Jordan. 


What is Jordan known for?

Jordan is firstly well known for having the Red Rose City “Petra” on the list as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After seeing and experiencing the ancient city, I’m certain you will not doubt for a single minute why they took the decision to enter it in the top seven. Jordan is also well known for having many biblical sites important to Christine pilgrims such as Mount Nebo and Jesus Christ’s Baptize site. Thre is also the magical saltiest water in the world the Dead Sea. The 100% natural mud from the salty sea has a lot of people coming to Jordan seeking the rejuvenating experience of the Dead Sea mud. Dead Sea is also the lowest point on Earth (1,371 feet) below sea level.
 

What is there to do in Jordan?

There are many activities to do in Jordan to cater to many different types of people. Whether you’re a family with children looking for an Arabian experience, an adventurous couple looks to scratch off the Middle East from your bucket list of travels, or people looking to see and visit historical or holy sites. Many tourists decide to visit some unique locations such as Umm Qais city which is located approximately two hours north of the capital Amman. The city is great ancient Roman ruins overlooking Syria, Israel, and Palestine. There are many wonderful hikes around ancient ruins (Jerash, Roman Amphitheatre, Hercules Temple, Ajloun Castle, and many more places available for some great exercise and an even more wonderful location for memorable pictures. There is also a wonderful large desert called Wadi Rum, which is home to many amazing camps. You can experience the Arabian Bedouins lifestyle of riding camels and stargazing around a campfire eating hearty good Jordanian meals cooked on an open fire. 
 

What can you wear in Jordan?

You can generally wear whatever you like in Jordan, though, it is advised to dress modestly. While Jordan is very much a secular country, I would advise more loose clothing and covering much of the skin.  Jeans, t-shirts, long shorts, summer dress, summery dress shirts, and maybe avoid short-shorts, mini skirt, and bikinis in public areas. 

If you are in a resort or 4-5 star hotel then the swim wear can be whatever floats your boat! Get more info on what to wear in Jordan


Places to visit in Jordan?

We will provide a list and add links for blogs detailing each area and if no blog available stay tuned for a detailed blog in the near future!
 
Aqaba – Beaches, Snorkelling, Diving, Water activities, boat rides, famous beautiful corals.
Umm Qais – hiking, restaurant, local culture.
Wadi Rum – safari ride, sand dune hiking, oase, desert camping, ancient sites.
Dead Sea- floating, relaxing, rejuvenating 
Petra – hiking, ancient site
Dana Biosphere
Ajloun Castle and Forest 
River of Jordan
Mount Nebo
Mosaic city “Madaba” 
Maen natural hot water springs 
Wadi Mujib 
Downtown Amman (Capital)
Downtown Irbid (Second largest city)

Food to try in Jordan?

There are all the big food franchises you could imagine in Jordan, but you’re not here to try McDonalds are you?? Even though the menu does differ than other countries, we suggest you try some of local foods instead!
The way Jordan is stationed geographically it really reflects in its variety of local food available. I would recommend Falafel, there are millions amazing Falafel restaurants in Jordan’s every corner each with their own unique recipe. With Falafel comes Humus and Foul, yes it is pronounced as FOOL! Foul which is basically fava beans, tahini, lemon, garlic, and a mix of delicious spices. There is also baked eggplant with tahini which they call baba Ghanoosh sold in many of the Falafel eateries. Many Jordanians pick Falafel & Humus as their weekend family brunch meal as it is extremely cheap. You could get two sandwich wraps in pita bread for a dollar in almost all of Jordan. For more local dishes that you can enjoy, click here


Can you drink in Jordan?

Yes! Firstly there is a wide range of liquor stores across Jordan.  The cheapest you will find are obviously on your way into the country at the duty free areas as they are custom/tax free. Also all liquor is super cheap in Aqaba as it is considered a taxi free city. You will find Jordanian produced beer and wine at every local liquor store including a wide range of imported liquor.  Whether you’re into German beer or some crazy Russian vodka you will find what you desire to quench your thirst! 

Have more questions about Jordan that we haven't mentioned? Drop us a line and we will be happy to answer all your questions :)

For more travel facts, click here
 

You might like