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This press trip was organised by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB). The opinions expressed within this article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of JTB.
So you’re planning a trip of a lifetime to Jordan—or at least thinking about it! Well, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will share everything you need to know before visiting this wonderful country. Jordan was a life-changing trip for us; it’s a place that we will be talking about for years to come.
When visiting a new place, it can be a bit overwhelming to try to gather all the information you need before setting off on an adventure. We will take you through all the things that will make your time in Jordan a more enriching experience, enabling you to be present and fully immerse yourself.
So let’s get into it, 35 Things you need to know before visiting to share a deeper insight into this gem of a country. Don’t forget to read our detailed 10 day travel guide to Jordan, where we’ll lead you off the beaten tourist path to uncover hidden Jordanian jewels. Read our detailed hiking guide to the back door of the Monastery hike in Petra.
1. Dress with respect
As a predominantly Muslim country, Jordan’s culture is fairly liberal compared to neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. However, when travelling in Jordan, it’s important to respect the local culture through behaviour and dress.
Jordan is a very tolerant country, where many people with different backgrounds from around the world live together happily. While there is no need to cover your head as a woman or requirement to wear a hijab, it is important to mostly cover your shoulders, chest and knees.
If you plan to visit a place of worship or a religiously significant site, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, and women are typically expected to cover their hair, chest and neck. You may notice at more popular tourist sites, such as Petra, that many tourists dress however they want.
We visited Jordan in early June, when the weather was really hot. We’d recommend lightweight, baggy clothes to stay cool in the heat and a lightweight scarf or hat to keep your head safe from the sun.
2. Pack only the essentials
While travelling around Jordan, you'll likely be moving from place to place to make the most of your time. You'll be grateful later for packing light and bringing only the essentials!
We’ve put together a short list of the core essentials you will need to bring when packing for Jordan:
Dry bag or waterproof bag (if you plan to do a Wadi hike)
Sunhat
Lightweight, sturdy trainers or hiking shoes
Lightweight, baggy and breathable clothes
Adapter
reusable water bottle
Swimwear
Sandals
eSIM - read our review of the Holafly eSIM
Suncream
Portable power bank
reusable toiletries
Insect repellant
Camera
4. Rent a car or hire a driver
The best way to get around Jordan is by renting a car, which offers the most flexibility for your trip and allows you to cover most areas of the country. The roads in Jordan are generally in good condition, making driving a convenient option. We found that most Jordanians are fairly relaxed drivers, especially compared to those in nearby countries like Egypt and Morocco.
If you plan to explore off the beaten path in Jordan, there are places that will require 4x4 and this is worth checking when planning your route. While the driving isn’t overly technical, having a 4WD lets you venture into remote, authentic spots off the tourist trail. During our time in Jordan, our amazing driver Mohammed took us to every spot listed in this guide, entertaining us throughout the journey and becoming a dear friend.
5. Jordanians are very friendly and welcoming
Welcome to Jordan, where friendly faces greet you with a smile. Even if you decline an offer of a service, you’ll still hear, ‘Have a lovely day’. Hospitality is a deeply rooted tradition, as Jordanians have welcomed many to call their land home, from the Chechens to the Druz.
Jordan is a place where the genuine warmth of its people embraces you from the moment you arrive. We highly recommend hiring a local Jordanian guide to delve deeper into everyday life and discover the country’s rich culture, cuisine and stories.
A highlight of our Jordan adventure was an invitation into the home of a Chechen lady for lunch in Azraq. We engaged in meaningful conversations, along with plenty of laughter and gained a deeper understanding of her strong cultural identity and the stories of her people.
6. There’s more to Jordan than Petra and Wadi Rum
While Petra and Wadi Rum are undeniably must-see destinations in Jordan, it’s important to know that this country offers numerous other incredible and equally breathtaking sights. Many travellers overlook Little Petra on their way to Petra, but this place deserves a place in your itinerary.
Our 10 day itinerary travel guide to Jordan will take you beyond the typical tourist trail of Jordan, revealing nature wonders, hidden treasures and authentic experiences that showcase Jordan’s diverse landscapes, warm hospitality and cultural legacy.
7. Jordan is safe to visit
Despite what you read in the news about the Middle East, Jordan is one of the safest countries in this region. Jordan is bordered by Israel, Syria and Iraq; however, with instability surrounding it, the country is safe to visit. While most countries suggest avoiding any land border crossings to these countries, it’s worth checking the latest travel advice. UK travellers, check the gov.uk website for up-to-date information on visiting Jordan.
Oman, Lebanon and Jordan are often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’, these countries remain neutral, have low crime rates and avoid conflict. While driving around Jordan, we noticed many refugee camps, homeless initiatives and charities showcasing the hospitality of the Jordanian people.
In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Jordan ranked 67th out of 163 countries worldwide. While writing this, there has been a global drop and this ranking is likely influenced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During our visit to Jordan amidst this tragic situation, although we didn’t witness anything directly related, we were moved by the stories of those affected by it.
If you're hesitant about visiting Jordan, we suggest considering hiring a guide or joining a tour with a reputable company. Providers like The Adventure People, G Adventures, and Intrepid Travel offer a variety of tours in Jordan, providing solo travellers with the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
8. Jordan has diverse landscapes
One thing we didn’t realise before visiting Jordan was the diverse landscapes across the country for such a small area of land. For scale, Jordan is almost three times smaller than the UK, covering an area of 89,342 square kilometres.
Most travellers might describe Jordan as a desert-like, arid country with beautiful rock formations and historic sites. Little do many know of the green side of Jordan, the Ajloun Forest Reserve in the North West and the Jordan Valley.
9. There is so much to do in Jordan
There are many wonderful things to do in Jordan that suit all different types of travellers. From adventure enthusiasts to history buffs, Jordan has something for everyone. Many visitors are interested in religious historical sites, Mount Nebo, the baptism site of Jesus, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and the Tomb of Aaron.
Regardless of whether you are religious or not, these sites are fascinating and there is so much more to see in Jordan. Head to the coast to dive and see the vibrant marine life in Aqaba, drive through dramatic desert landscapes in Wadi Rum, hike in the lush canyons in Wadi Hasa, taste wine in Little Petra, marvel at historical wonders in Petra and enjoy aimlessly exploring the streets of Amman.
Read our list of the best things to do in this wonderful country, a detailed 10 day itinerary around Jordan.
10. The main language is Arabic
In Jordan, the main spoken language is Arabic. We always recommend learning a few phrases when visiting a country to show respect and open up the opportunity to connect with the locals. English is widely spoken in Jordan. Here are a few useful words and phrases to help you on your visit to Jordan.
Hello / Welcome – Salam / Marhaba
Thank you – Choukran
No thank you – La choukran
Excuse me – Afwan / min fadlak
Goodbye – Ma’asalama
Yes – Na’am
No - La
11. The Jordanian Dinar is the National currency
The national currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). One dinar is divided into 10 dirhams and 100 piastries. ATMs are widely available in Jordan, especially in major cities and tourist areas. You can find them at banks, shopping malls, airports, and other public places.
Most ATMs in Jordan accept international credit and debit cards, making it convenient for travellers to withdraw local currency. American dollars are also accepted in most places, once you travel a bit further away from towns and cities, it’s worth carrying some cash.
12. stay safe in the Dead Sea
If you want to go to the Dead Sea, then there are a few things to keep in mind when you visit. Here are our main tips for making the most of your experience in the Dead Sea.
do not shave the day of entering the Dead Sea
enter where there are darker rocks
do not walk on the salt (white areas), as it can be sharp
wear water shoes or jelly shoes to protect your feet if you are not a confident swimmer or have soft feet
relax when entering the water and lean on your back
do not get water in your eyes or on your face
avoid entering if you have cuts, as they will sting
don’t swim too far from the shore, as the currents can be strong
avoid the tourist traps that are the resorts on the north coast of the Dead Sea and head to the quiet, secluded salt beaches
We stayed in the Mujib Chalets, which have its own private beach, for a much more quiet experience
13. Tap water is not safe to drink
It’s recommended to avoid drinking tap water in Jordan, it could cause digestive problems for those who are not used to it and is not worth the risk.
Stick to drinking bottled water in Jordan to avoid any uncomfortable situations or being caught short! If you have a reusable filtration bottle, this could be a great alternative to buying bottled water and saving money and single use plastics.
14. Jordan isn’t always hot
The weather in Jordan may surprise you, as the country experiences a diverse climate influenced by its varied geography. Jordan isn’t always as hot as you might think, snowfall can be experienced at the top of the western mountain range from December to February.
Jordan has four distinct seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, with longer summers that can be visited throughout the year. There are much cooler temperatures in winter, from 5°C to 20°C and in the summer, it can be extremely hot, with temperatures from 32°C to 50°C.
In the rainy season, which is November to March, flash floods can occur as it’s the majority of Jordan’s annual rainfall. Spring, summer and autumn are the best times to visit Jordan, with much cooler temperatures.
15. Alcohol is legal in Jordan
We were surprised to learn that Jordan produces its own wine and beer. It’s believed that Caucasians produced the first-ever wines and these grape varieties were grown in Petra over 2,000 years ago. Eventually, the Europeans took these varieties back home. Many historical sources suggest that wine was common in Arabia before Islam and used to be an important part of life and culture.
Before enjoying the local alcoholic produce of Jordan, there are a few things to consider. Many restaurants and hotels in Amman, Aqaba and Madaba will include alcoholic drinks on the menu and there are a few bars and nightclubs.
Most of the main cities and towns will have a liquor store to purchase drinks. It’s worth remembering that Jordan is predominantly a Muslim country and many locals do not drink alcohol. You should only enjoy alcohol in a restaurant or hotel in moderation and not on the streets. Jordan is home to some fantastic wineries and breweries. We sampled Jordan River Wines in Little Petra for a wine tasting, which was exceptional.
In Jordan’s Blue Valley you’ll discover the Carakale Brewery, which is one of the first microbreweries in the country, starting in 2013. During Ramadan, it is illegal to sell alcohol, which is also the case during most other Islamic holidays.
16. water is scarce in Jordan
When we arrived in Amman, one of the most striking elements was the limitless white water butts scattered across the roofs. Mutaz, our guide, shared that water in Amman is rationed and each household has its water butt filled up once a week, forcing many locals to track their water usage throughout the week.
Jordan is one of the most water scarce countries in the world, dealing with challenges like a growing population, climate change, and dwindling water reserves. As a traveller, it’s really important to be mindful of your water usage—whether you’re showering, washing your hands, or drinking water.
There were plans to build a desalination plant to take water from the Red Sea and help alleviate the stress on water resources, which has caused political unrest between bordering countries also experiencing similar issues. The water levels in the Dead Sea are declining, and you can see clear rings on the shoreline indicating where the water levels used to be.
Many of us take for granted having water on demand without a second thought, but in Jordan, every drop counts. So, let’s do our part to help conserve this precious resource and keep the country beautiful for everyone!
17. Be prepared to fall in love with Jordan
Jordan is an enchanting country, with ancient cities like Petra and people with unmatched hospitality, delicious food, and natural beauty around every corner. Some of our highlights include exploring the vibrant city of Amman, which boasts beautiful streets and mouthwatering street food, and hiking through the pristine river canyons known as 'wadis', which transport you to scenes from the Bible.
Jordan seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern life, ensuring that everyone who visits leaves with lasting memories and a longing to return soon.
18. Jordan is mostly a Muslim country
Over 92% of Jordanians are Muslims and the remaining are mostly Christians. Sunni Islam is the leading religion and many Jordanians are very tolerant of others, as evident in the diverse cultures found across the country.
The Jordanian flag is made up of a white, seven-pointed star, red triangle, and black, white and green stripes. The star represents the seven verses of the Quran (an Islamic religious book) as well as the seven hills that Amman was built on. Each day, you will hear the call to prayer from the mosques, where Muslims are called to prayer five times a day.
Many places, including businesses, are closed on Fridays, as this is a holy day for Muslims and many banks and offices are closed. However, in some areas, shops will only be closed on Friday mornings and they may reopen after lunch. If you’re interested in learning more about the Islam, there is the opportunity to enter the King Abdullah I Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque in Amman.
19. Jordan has a King
Jordan has been ruled by the head of state, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, since 1999. As the King of Jordan, he plays a vital role in the governance and politics of Jordan. He is considered a direct descendent of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and part of the Hashemite dynasty. In many homes, you will find a picture of the King, insults to the King or Royal Family are a criminal offence.
20. Jordan has an abundance of historical sites
Jordan is home to over 15,000 registered sites for archaeology, dating from the Paleolithic era, the Nabateans, the Roman Empire, Biblical history and the recent Hashemite Kingdom. There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Petra, Qusayr Amra, Umm er-Rasas, Wadi Rum, Al-Magtas (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), and As-Salt.
21. Internet in Jordan
When you arrive in Jordan at Queen Alia International Airport, you will find an Orange mobile phone shop outside the arrivals doors. Remember, if you purchase a local SIM your phone must be unlocked and you need to show your passport.
If you don’t want the hassle of buying a local SIM card when arriving in Jordan, we’d recommend an eSIM card. This can be installed before your flight, and Holafly offers unlimited data packages for Jordan. They provide an esim of Jordan currently at £24 for unlimited internet for 7 days with our Holafly discount code ‘FINDINGOURADVENTURE’ at checkout. Read our Holafly eSIM review which discusses options for travelling in Jordan.
There were two options with Orange, either visitors line for 15 JD (£16), which included;
20GB of internet
Unlimited SMS
20 international minutes
10 international SMS
valid for 30 days
or visitors line extra for 30 JD (£33), which included;
60GB of internet
Unlimited SMS
60 international minutes
30 international SMS
valid for 90 days
22. Jordan can be expensive
Jordan is known to be quite an expensive destination to visit, as the Jordanian dinar is strong compared to other currencies, making it not the most friendly for the budget traveller. The exchange rate alone makes Jordan an expensive country to visit, but there are ways to reduce your costs, depending on your travel preferences.
To save money on your Jordan adventure, buy the Jordan Pass (more on that next), stay in homestays, eat local street food, haggle in the markets, use public transport and book car rental and accommodation in advance for the best prices. During your trip, expect to pay around 108 JD (£118) per day and one week for two people in Jordan is estimated to cost around 1,510 JD (£1,648).
23. buy the Jordan Pass to save money
The Jordan Pass is a pre-paid travel pass that allows visitors access to most of Jordan’s attractions, such as Petra and includes visa fees. A Jordan Pass is a cost-effective way to see most of the sites in Jordan without having to pay multiple entrance fees and if you are from a country that requires a visa and will be going to Petra, this is a no-brainer!
If you travel from the UK, a Jordanian visa costs 40 JOD (£44) for a single entry, which lasts 30 days. The Jordan Pass waives tourist entry visa fees if you purchase it before arriving in Jordan and plan to stay a minimum of three nights. The Jordan Pass comes in three packages, the only difference is the number of days in Petra, which varies from 1 to 3 days, with the cheapest pass starting at 70 JD per person.
A ticket to Petra costs 50 JD (this is if you’re staying in Jordan for at least one night and not visiting on your first day in Jordan), if you take that into account with the Jordan Pass starting at 70 JD then you are already saving 20 JD with the added benefit of having access to over 40 sites in Jordan.
Make sure to purchase your Jordan Pass before you arrive in the country. You must print to show for entry, as the QR code may not always work. The Jordan Pass is valid for up to 12 months from once you purchase, however, it expires two weeks after it is first used in Jordan.
24. There are strict DRONE Laws in Jordan
This won’t apply to everyone visiting Jordan, but before visiting, we were deciding whether or not to bring our drone. After doing some research beforehand, we’d read a few forums online about the risk of getting your drone confiscated at the airport. If you bring your drone to Jordan without a permit, you risk it being confiscated at the border or airport.
There are strict rules around flying drones in Jordan and there is the option to apply for a permit. Drones are seen as a security threat, because of Jordan’s border with Israel and seen as surveillance. If you are serious about taking your drone, it can take months for approvals, with the chance of being denied and may require a government escort while using it at an additional cost.
25. The Food in Jordan is delicious
Food plays a vital role in Jordan, where gathering around a table to enjoy a delicious homemade meal is a cherished tradition. These meals, bursting with flavour, are made from local ingredients and recipes handed down through generations.
When in Jordan, taking a cooking class to learn all about traditional Jordanian dishes is a must! Beit Sitti has a wonderful setting overlooking the rooftops of Amman in Webdeigh. It’s a beautiful house, and the owner’s grandmother’s wishes were that the house be used for teaching Jordanian cuisine. It’s one of the best places in Amman to learn special cooking techniques and make mouth-watering Jordanian dishes.
Um Reem taught us numerous dishes, including maqloubeh, musakhan rolls, Arabic salad, mutabbal, manaqeesh znaatar and mixed veggies and she was very proud of our efforts. We’d highly recommend the experience, which is a fantastic way to learn about the amazing tastes of Jordan and have a chance to recreate them when you return home.
Make sure to stop at Habibah, which serves the most popular dessert in Amman, knafeh which is a sweet pastry made with cheese and syrup called attar and topped with pistachios. Be prepared to wait, as there is usually a long line for this delicious Arabic treat.
On your way to Jerash, stop by Beit Khairat Souf restaurant for lunch, managed by the women-led organisation, Alnoor Almouben Association. They offer opportunities for women in the village to work by creating crafts, food and local products, which you can buy in their gift shop. Pomegranate molasses, jewellery, pickles, jams, textiles and much more are all made by the local women.
When offered tea or food in Jordan, etiquette is to accept all that is given and try not to eat with your left hand, as this is usually the hand used for the toilet! Most food is eaten by tearing a bit of bread and scooping it up with the bread. When drinking tea, if you are finished, you shake your cup side to side to signal you are done; otherwise your cup will continue to be filled.
26. Smoking is popular in Jordan
You will notice that smoking is allowed in most public spaces, outdoors and indoors. There are some restaurants that have outdoor areas for smoking and indoors for non-smoking, but most places there aren’t designated areas. Shisha is a popular way to smoke in Jordan, with many cafés and restaurants offering it. A shisha is typically a pipe through which you inhale vaporised tobacco, usually flavoured with molasses and has a fruity taste.
In 2020, the government banned smoking in indoor places after being named one of the country’s with the highest rates of smoking in the world by the WHO. When we visited, we spoke to a few locals who had recently quit smoking and some Jordanians spend more on cigarettes than food.
27. Do not support unethical animal tourism in Jordan
In rural areas of Jordan, animals have always been an integral part of daily life, providing transport and food to sustain nomadic life. These include, camels, donkeys and horses, which have been traditional transportation for many Jordanians including the Bedouins, who live nomadically.
Before visiting Petra, we had read about many travellers who were upset by the conditions of the animals, reporting sightings of them being starved, hit, and overworked. Although there have been some improvements, such as the ban on animals travelling through the Siq, camels, horses and donkeys are allowed in the centre of Petra. This change has made the walk into Petra much calmer, without the hustle and bustle of animals and bikes through the narrow corridor of the Siq. Now, only electric buggies are permitted on this route.
Unfortunately, we noticed many donkeys left out in the sun without water, appearing malnourished. We took the back door route from Little Petra, where horses are allowed. Upon arrival, many Bedouins offered rides up to the Monastery via horse; we strongly advise against this. Despite many offers, we politely declined and received friendly responses. Although some Bedouins assure that their animals are well cared for, our observations in Petra revealed that this is, unfortunately, not the case for the majority.
28. weekends are from Friday and Saturday in Jordan
As Jordan is mostly a Muslim country, Friday is considered a holy day and is the start of the weekend, ending on Saturday. Previously, the weekend used to be from Thursday to Friday, however, this was changed to help the Jordanian economy on a global scale.
It’s worth noting, as with visiting any other country, that you can expect more crowds at popular sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea at the weekend. At the weekend, most shops will be closed Friday morning for prayers and will open in the afternoon. Most supermarkets remain open throughout the week. Banks and most office-based businesses are closed on Friday and Saturday.
29. get up early to beat the midday heat and crowds
If you are visiting in the summer months, temperatures can reach 50°C, making it unbearable to do much, if anything at all. We experienced a heatwave in early June, and Hannah was affected by the heat, which meant we had to adjust some of our plans. If you struggle with the heat, make sure to visit when temperatures are cooler or be prepared for extreme heat.
Here are some of our top tips for dealing with the heat:
wear loose clothing
drinking plenty of water
wear a hat
stay in the shade when possible
avoid visiting places in the midday heat if possible
There were a few mornings that had early starts to ensure we could make the most of the day without the crowds and avoid the midday sun, especially when hiking and visiting areas with minimal shade.
30. Jordan has a great collection of nature reserves
Eco-tourism in Jordan is attracting global attention, as a result of leading conservation programmes, cultural experiences, and wildlife watching opportunities. The success of eco-tourism can be seen as a result of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), an independent NGO which oversees the protection of over 10 areas across Jordan.
Most travellers to Jordan may skip these remarkable nature reserves and after visiting a few on our visit, we’d highly recommend adding them to your Jordan itinerary. The RSCN has achieved some great milestones with the restoration of the Azraq Wetland Reserve, the re-introduction of species and captive breeding programmes such as the re-introduction of the Arabian Oryx in the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve.
Dana Biosphere Reserve is one of the most striking destinations and a well-known place for nature lovers for spectacular mountain landscapes, hiking trails and biodiversity. In the north of Jordan, Ajloun Forest Reserve is a green oasis and a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape.
Explore Wadi Mujib in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve for an exhilarating adventure through towering canyons and across waterfalls, immersing you in the heart of nature. RSCN offers local experiences to learn about the story of the Chechen people in Jordan. We met Khadija, where she shared stories with us about her heritage, culture and traditions as a Chechen.
31. Limit public displays of affection in Jordan
Jordan is known for being one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East for having a more liberal stance and tolerance towards people of other beliefs and nationalities. However, Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country where its traditions and culture take precedent and is worth being familiar with the following for unmarried and LGBTQIA+ couples;
Avoid public displays of affection, as this is considered unacceptable for both straight and homosexual couples
Homosexuality was decriminalised in Jordan in 1951 (16 years ahead of the UK), yet marriage is not recognised for LGBTQIA+ couples
The queer scene in Jordan is fairly low-key, with a few cafés and bars in Weibdeh and Jabal Amman. The majority of Jordanians show kindness and acceptance towards of LGBTQIA+ people.
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