About Jordan

Currency

The country’s monetary unit is the Jordanian Dinar (JD); it is divided into 100 piasters or 1000 fils. Currency may be exchanged at any bank and most hotels, the exchange rate against the US dollar is was JD 0.71 = US$1 (approximation based on exchange rates). This could vary from hotel to bank / exchange office. At hotels, this can be as low as 0.66. There are no restrictions on the import and export of Jordanian or foreign currency.

Clothing

Women in Jordan are not required to wear head scarves or face covers. It is up to the visitor’s discretion to choose the appropriate attire keeping in mind the relative conservatism of Middle Eastern societies. Swimming attire should only be worn around swimming pools or beaches and not in public places. Even summer evenings can be quite cool, so one should be prepared to wear a shawl or sweater. Winters are cold, windy and rainy. Heavy snow is not unusual.

Photography

Like in any country, it is advisable that one asks permission before photographing strangers. Restricted photography in some areas is clearly marked.

Time Zone

Jordan local time is seven hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time. From October through March, Jordan is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The rest of the year, Jordan is three hours ahead of GMT.

Business Hours

Most Jordanians work five days a week with Friday and Saturday off, but business and shopping hours are flexible. Some establishments are open from 9:30 – 13:30 and again from 15:30 to 18:00. Others may be open straight through the day, from 08:00 to 20:00?Government offices are open from 08:30 – 14:00. All businesses and most shops, other than those in the souqs, are closed on Fridays. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, working hours are more flexible and generally shorter.

Weather

The weather in Jordan is pleasurable for travel throughout the year. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with temperatures averaging approximately 25C (77F). During the spring, the most beautiful season in Jordan, fields and mountains are coated with rich greenery and exquisite wildflowers. In autumn, the weather is mild and pleasant. July and August are hot and dry, but not restrictive of tourist activities. The valleys and Aqaba are ideal winter resorts, with temperatures averaging 16-22 C (66-72 F) between November and April. Rainfall is a rare occurence in Aqaba as well as in the desert areas of Jordan.

National Holidays

Water & Electricity

Potable water is a precious resource in Jordan. However, hotels rated three-star or better have their own water filtering systems (their water is considered safe to drink) and bottled water is cheap and readily available. As for electricity, 220V; 50 cycles; rounded two-prong plugs are used. Transformers and adapters are widely available.

Medical Care

Modern medical services are readily available in Jordan’s larger cities and towns and the bigger hotels normally have a doctor on call. Most doctors speak English fluently. Pharmacies can provide medication for minor aliments, but travelers should carry their own prescription medication.

Handicap Facilities

Few specific facilities for those with special physical requirements exist in Jordan, although local people will do their best to assist people in need. Nevertheless, the accessibility of some tourist sites is very limited; it is advisable to call ahead to establish if special needs can be met. At Petra, for example, horse-drawn carriages to the main sites can be arranged in special cases.

Entry & Exit Points

Airports

There are 3 main airports in Jordan to cater for travelers. The main one is Queen Alia’s International airport (AMM) located 30 minutes South of the capital and cters for most of the flights coming into and out of Jordan. The second airport, Marka (ADJ) located in the old part of Amman ( which used to be the prime airport prior 1983) is now used of some international flights, some domestic, private VIP flights as well as being a training pad for flight schools. The third international airport, King Hussein (AQJ) is located in Aqaba in the South and is 15 minutes ffrom the city center.

Land Ports

There are 9 land ports with neighboring countries. Their distances are measures from the capital Amman by land :

Sea Port

Only one; Aqaba’s Sea Port is located 20 minutes South of Aqaba. It mainly caters for freighter vessels, but also for ferry & catamaran boats from Egypt, as well as international tourist cruise ships.

Entry Visa & Departure Tax

Entry visa

For most nationalities, a visa can be obtained upon arrival at a cost of US$60 per person from all entry points into the Kingdom. Double Entry visas cost $90 per person. If staying for 2 or more consecutive nights, a group entry visa waiver can be obtained using a special application through travel agencies exempting them from this fee. However, there are a number of restricted nationalities who require an entry permit to be applied 3 weeks prior arrival in addition. further info.

Departure tax

At Sea & Land Ports, a departure tax is applicable at a cost of $15 per person. Airport departure taxes are already built into the air ticket.