- Destinations
- Middle East
- Jordan
Jordan
Situated between Israel, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of
Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its
neighbouring countries and is a wonderful place to visit, made more
so by its hospitable people whose immediate reaction to travellers
is 'welcome to Jordan'. With a reputation for being one of the
friendliest countries on earth, it is sad that so few people dare
to explore its rich history, as well as two of the most magnificent
sights in the Middle East: the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra and
Wadi Rum's spectacular desert scenery.
Jordan is a kingdom layered in antiquity, from the work of
Nabataean stonemasons to characters such as Moses and Lawrence of
Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to desert castles,
Crusader forts and Byzantine mosaics. This ancient culture belies
the fact that it is also a modern country, with a good
infrastructure, a thriving business and arts scene, and first class
hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The contradictions
between the old and new are astonishing.
Jordan is a relatively small country of varied landscapes, where
the fertile Jordan Valley, bordering the entire western side of the
kingdom, is separated from the immense desert stretching to the
east by the populated highlands. As part of the Great Rift Valley,
the Jordan Valley incorporates the Dead Sea, the lowest point on
the earth's surface and most famous for its heavy salt and mineral
concentrations, while the main towns are strung out along the
length of the highland plateau, including the friendly capital,
Amman, as well as plenty of historical sites from ancient
civilisations.
Home to breathtaking desert-scapes, colourful coral reefs that
are unequalled anywhere else in the world, and sweeping vistas
towards the Promised Land, Jordan is full of charismatic beauty,
both in scenery and in the genuine Arabic welcome afforded to
strangers. Welcome to Jordan&
Information & Facts
Business
Business in Jordan is conducted with an emphasis on modest,
formal attire. Women, in particular, should be sure to dress
conservatively. As with most Arab countries, business is very
male-dominated and therefore women should clarify their role early
in meetings. Meetings often start very late, but it is always
advised to be punctual nonetheless. Most business is conducted in
English, although using a few words of Arabic (particularly for
titles) will be appreciated. Business cards are often exchanged. It
is common to be invited for meals by one's host, who will usually
pay the bill, although it is appreciated if the guest pays for the
final meal or gives a small gift. Business hours are usually 9.30am
to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 6pm Sunday to Thursday.
Climate
July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year,
especially in Amman and the Jordan Valley, and in the desert areas,
with temperatures over 97°F (36°C). Spring and autumn are the most
pleasant times to visit with clear, sunny days and moderate
temperatures. The winter months from December to March can be very
cold, particularly in Amman, with snow, rain and wind, but there is
little rainfall in the desert regions and in Aqaba, which makes a
pleasant wintertime resort. About 75 percent of the country can be
described as having a desert climate with very little annual
rainfall.
Communications
The international dialling code for Jordan is +962. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). Jordan has international direct dialling with most
countries. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)3 for both Aqaba and
Petra, and (0)6 for Amman. Mobile phone companies have roaming
agreements with most international mobile phone operators. There
are Internet cafes in Amman and most major towns.
Customs
The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in the streets.
It is advisable to respect local Muslim conservatism regarding
dress and women in particular will be better respected if their
legs and shoulders are covered in public places. It is advisable to
ask permission before photographing people. Bargaining is expected
with merchants especially in the markets. Religious customs should
be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating,
drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it
is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal.
Bedouin hospitality is genuine, but custom requires that visitors
should leave some small gift in return for a meal or a glass of
tea.
Duty Free
Travellers to Jordan over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 200 grams of pipe tobacco; 1 litre
of alcohol, 1 or 2 bottles of perfume and eau-de-Cologne or lotion
for personal use; and gifts to the value of JD50 or US$150.
Restricted items include firearms, sporting guns and other weapons
without prior approval from authorities of country of origin and
destination country. Prohibited items include all narcotics and
birds or bird products.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European
two-pin plugs are the most common.
Health
Inoculations are not required unless travelling from an area
infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate will be
requested on arrival. Although not necessary, it is recommended
that a vaccination for typhoid be had before travel to Jordan,
except for short-term business travellers who restrict their meals
to major restaurants and hotels. It is advisable to drink bottled
water, which is cheap and widely available, although better hotels
have their own water filtering systems. An outbreak of bird flu was
detected in poultry in the north of the country, but the risk to
travellers is low. However, close contact with live birds should be
avoided and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked as a
precaution. Medical services are good throughout the country with
clinics, hospitals and medical centres in every city or village,
and many doctors in the larger towns or cities speak English. Most
hospitals are privately owned. Travellers should carry their own
prescription medicines and medical insurance is recommended.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is
understood by most people involved in the tourist industry and by
middle to upper class Jordanians.
Money
The official currency is the Dinar (JOD), which is divided into
100 piastres or 1, 000 fils. Foreign currency and travellers cheques
can be changed at any bank or moneychanger, although the latter
will usually give a better rate of exchange. Banks are closed on
Fridays. Better hotels will also exchange money. American Express,
Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted
credit cards and can be used at major hotels, restaurants and
tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks. ATMs are
available, though acceptance of foreign cards is limited.
Passport Visa
All foreign passengers to Jordan must hold return/onward
tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination. Furthermore, most nationalities require a visa to
enter Jordan, which can be obtained on arrival, if arriving by air.
A single-entry visa costs JOD 20, and is valid for one month. Note
that the fee is payable in Jordanian Dinars only. This fee may be
waived for registered tour groups of more than five people. Also
note that all foreign nationals intending to stay in Jordan longer
than 14 days will have to undergo an AIDS test, which must be
carried out at the Directorate of Immigrant Health and
Chest-Related Diseases. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your
passport has at least six months validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
The vast majority of tourist visits to Jordan are safe and
trouble free. However there remains a moderate risk of terrorist
attacks throughout the Middle East including Jordan and foreigners
should maintain a degree of vigilance particularly in public places
frequented by tourists and at tourist sites. The situation in Iraq
has had an impact on local opinion, as well as the violence between
the neighbouring Israelis and Palestinians, and foreigners should
avoid all public demonstrations and political gatherings. There is
a fair degree of anti-American and anti-Western sentiment in the
country, and no distinction is made between US government personnel
and ordinary citizens. Care should be taken at the borders with
Israel and Iraq. Crime is not a serious risk for travellers
although on buses and in crowded places visitors could be the
target of pickpockets or petty thieves.
Tipping
Most of the better hotels and restaurants will add a 10-12%
service charge to the bill, but smaller establishments usually
expect a tip. It is customary to round up the price of a taxi trip
instead of tipping.