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Jordan Travel Guide

March–May and September–November are ideal. Summer is very hot at Petra and Wadi Rum, and desert nights are cold in winter.

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Jordan at a glance

Currency
JOD (JD)
Time zone
Asia/Amman (UTC+03:00)
Power
Type B, Type C, Type D, Type F, Type G, Type J · 230V / 50 Hz
Emergency number
911
Language
Arabic
Typical opening hours
Shops Sat–Thu 9 am–8 pm; Friday closures for Jumu'ah common 12–2 pm. Petra open 6 am–6 pm in summer, 6 am–4 pm in winter.

Best time to visit Jordan

March–May and September–November are ideal. Summer is very hot at Petra and Wadi Rum, and desert nights are cold in winter.

Peak: Easter and October — Petra and the Wadi Rum camps fill.

Shoulder season: Late March and November: mild days, cool nights, lower camp rates.

Visa and entry

Visa on arrival for most nationalities (JD 40, refundable if spending 3+ nights). Jordan Pass (includes Petra entry + visa) is excellent value for tourists.

Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.

Money and tipping

Jordan uses the JOD (JD).

10% at restaurants; optional at cafes. Round up taxi fares. Tour guides expect JD 5–10 per day.

Getting around

There's no city transport pass. The Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80) covers multi-day Petra entry plus 40+ sites and waives the visa fee for stays of 3+ nights.

When a pass pays off: The Jordan Pass pays for itself almost immediately — a 2-day Petra ticket alone is JOD 55 and the visa is JOD 40.

Local etiquette

Do

  • Buy the Jordan Pass before you arrive — it bundles Petra with 40+ sites and waives the tourist visa fee for stays of 3+ nights.
  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, outside resorts.
  • Accept tea or coffee when offered; it's a genuine hospitality ritual.

Avoid

  • Don't photograph people without asking, especially women.
  • Don't show public affection.
  • Don't underestimate Petra — the site is huge and exposed, so start early and carry water.

Common scams and tourist traps

  • Petra horse and carriage rides described as “included” — the first short horse ride is covered by the ticket, everything else is negotiated and extra.
  • “Special viewpoint” invitations inside Petra that end in a payment request.
  • Meter refusals in Amman — insist on the meter or use Careem or Uber.

Health

Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Jordan. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.

When locals eat

Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.

Typical meal times in Jordan by sleep rhythm
MealEarly riserTypicalNight owl
breakfast7:30 AM8:30 AM10:00 AM
lunch1:30 PM2:30 PM3:30 PM
dinner8:00 PM9:00 PM10:00 PM

Useful Arabic phrases

English is widely spoken in Amman and throughout tourism; road signs are bilingual.

Hello
مرحبا (Marhaba)(mar-HA-ba)
Thank you
شكرا (Shukran)(SHOOK-ran)
Excuse me / please
لو سمحت (Low samaht)(low sa-MAHT)
How much is this?
بكم؟ (Bikam?)(bi-KAM)

Staying connected

eSIM providers that cover Jordan: Airalo, Holafly. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.

Jordan travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Jordan?
March–May and September–November are ideal. Summer is very hot at Petra and Wadi Rum, and desert nights are cold in winter.
Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?
Visa on arrival for most nationalities (JD 40, refundable if spending 3+ nights). Jordan Pass (includes Petra entry + visa) is excellent value for tourists. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
Do you tip in Jordan?
10% at restaurants; optional at cafes. Round up taxi fares. Tour guides expect JD 5–10 per day.
What currency is used in Jordan?
Jordan uses the JOD (JD).
What power plug and voltage does Jordan use?
Jordan uses Type B and Type C and Type D and Type F and Type G and Type J sockets at 230V / 50 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
What is the emergency number in Jordan?
In Jordan, call 911.
What time zone is Jordan in?
Jordan is in the Asia/Amman time zone (UTC+03:00).
What language is spoken in Jordan?
The main language is Arabic. English is widely spoken in Amman and throughout tourism; road signs are bilingual.
Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Jordan?
There's no city transport pass. The Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80) covers multi-day Petra entry plus 40+ sites and waives the visa fee for stays of 3+ nights. The Jordan Pass pays for itself almost immediately — a 2-day Petra ticket alone is JOD 55 and the visa is JOD 40.
What health precautions should I take in Jordan?
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Jordan. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.

Plan a Jordan trip around how you actually travel

Travaio builds a day-by-day plan from your travel style, with verified places, real opening hours, and local meal times already accounted for.

Plan my Jordan trip

This guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.