Jordan – Travel Guide
Jordan often evokes images of a land on the cusp of the “Promised Land,” a realm conquered by the formidable Romans and cherished by the enigmatic Lawrence of Arabia. It’s a landscape adorned with remnants of Crusades-era fortresses, etched into the sandy expanse. Jordan is also home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes, whose lives intertwine with the land and where camels serve not just as beasts of burden but as trusted companions. Despite its predominantly desert terrain, Jordan teems with life, offering mesmerizing glimpses of flora and fauna, particularly during the breathtaking “desert bloom” that graces the land at the onset of May.
About Jordan
Jordan FAQ
What is Jordan known for?
Most likely people envision Jordan as a country within sight of `the Promised Land`, the land the Romans mightly conquered, the land Lawrence of Arabia fell in love with, the land of Crusades-era castles which still dot the sandy landscape. It`s the land of the nomadic Bedouins, who live from the land and who view camels as transportation and friend. Even though much of Jordan is covered in desert, the plants and animals that call this country home are sights to witness, in particular during the `desert bloom` at the beginning of May. Jordan is known for its thermal springs and its Turkish-style baths, a great way to unwind if you go on a hike (and Jordan is known for its many great trails). Make sure you buy authentic Jordanian souvenirs; no matter what you pick, these unique gifts (handicrafts, mosaics, even painted ostrich eggs!) have become an industry unto themselves and purchases are a big boon for the local economy.
What are the best places to visit in Jordan?
Amman, Jordan’s capital, is the most popular city in the country for tourists, and is just a short drive from the Dead Sea. Aqaba, in the south of the country, and nearby Wadi Rum, are also particularly alluring to visitors, as is the `ancient city` of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many days should I spend in Jordan?
We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Amman.
What is the best way to get around Jordan?
We recommend seeing Jordan by private transfer. When you book a vacation package with Tripmasters, most packages that feature destinations in Jordan offer these types of transfers. Let a trusted driver take you from Amman to the Dead Sea, Red Sea, Petra and more in air-conditioned, late-model comfort.
What is the currency of Jordan?
The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar. U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for dinars upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at many locations throughout the country. For more information, see Tipping in Jordan.
Do people speak English in Jordan?
Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom of Jordan. English is taught in schools and fluency is considered a mark of prestige, as English is required for most white-collar jobs in the Kingdom, meaning the likelihood is higher that English speakers make more money and have more opportunities to go abroad. (The Queen Dowager of Jordan, Queen Noor, who many Jordanians look up to, was born and raised in the U.S. and speaks English as a first language.)
You will not run into problems in tourist areas finding people who speak English, and signs and menus in tourists areas will have English translations. Be prepared to learn basic Arabic phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, and the numbers from 1-10. To say `Do you speak English`, say `Hal tatahadath al’injilizia?
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The weather in Jordan can be extremely hot with average daily temperatures reaching into the triple digits during the summer months, especially in the desert locations and the Jordan valley. The winter can bring freezing temperatures as well as snow in desert regions and lots of rain.
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The springtime months are some of the best times to visit the country with warm weather and average daily highs in the upper 60`s to mid 70`s and cool nights.
Jordan can be a great year-round destination for travelers with a wide variation in climate in the different regions. Many of the cities sit over 2,500 feet above sea level and the Dead Sea lies 1,300 feet below sea level which can bring polar opposite weather, snow in Ajloun at the same time you can be sunbathing on the beaches by the Red Sea.
The country experiences four seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter and due to the diverse landscape of the country, the climate varies depending on the altitude and terrain.
December – February
The winter`s in Jordan bring cold weather along with heavy rains and wind through the valleys. The average daily high temperatures in January which is the coldest month are 41 – 50 F and temperatures plummet in the evening time. Snowfall can be seen in certain areas such as Amman. Sub-zero temperatures are common in the Eastern desert with extremely cold nights during the winter. Petra experiences a long winter with lows of 17 F and plenty of snowfall. Areas like Aqaba and the Dead Sea can offer sunshine and warmth at this time of year with average year-round temperatures around 75 F. January will bring the most rain of the year with 75% of the country`s rainfall occurring during this month.
Events and Festivals
– Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival – (February) – A celebration of the Bedouin people and their culture showcased by local arts and crafts.
March – May
Springtime in Jordan brings the warmer temperatures, cooler nights and blooming wildflowers. The beautiful valleys in the region are a bright verdant green and the warm weather, with highs in the 70`s, making this the perfect time of year to explore the country. Hiking, biking, sightseeing, and beaches are all great activities during this time of year with flora and fauna is full effect, especially in the northern regions. Clear blue skies and little rain with pleasant evening temperatures make the springtime a popular time to visit Jordan.
`Khamseen` is the desert wind which blows a great deal of dust and grit around during the spring and early summer. The temperatures can rise by 10 C during this time with thick dark skies and a thick layer of sand which can make things uncomfortable.
June – August
The summer months in Jordan bring sizzling temperatures to most of the country. The valleys and hills of Amman can reach up to 104 F with dry heat, the Dead Sea and Aqaba can top out at 113 F and high humidity which can be intolerable. During the summer months when the temperatures are just too much to handle, do as the locals do and stay indoors from noon to three and take a siesta in the ac. If you do visit during this time and are out exploring in the heat be sure to bring plenty of water and seek shade often. During the month of July, the country receives 13.1 hours of sunshine on average per day. This can be a quieter time to travel as most people simply cannot stand the heat. Visiting the desert in the stifling summer can be a bit extreme which means travel and accommodation prices are at an all-time low.
Events and Festivals
– Perseid Meteor shower – (August) – The dark desert skies provide the perfect backdrop for watching the annual shower.
– Jerash Festival – (July or August) – The city of Jerash is the most famous Roman province in the world. The Culture and Arts show is a large celebration of music, drama, dance, and arts.
September – November
The autumn months are another great time to visit the country when the temperatures start to cool down, making the weather pleasant and comfortable for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. The month of October starts to bring rainfall cooling things off and bringing much-needed water to the dry countryside. This can be a busy time of year to visit the Red Sea and Aqaba due to the perfect weather conditions and popular beach locations. Nights in the desert can become cold and wet toward the tail end of the season.
Tipping in Jordan
Tipping is part of the culture in Jordan and leaving a tip is good etiquette throughout the country. A 10% tip is pretty standard across the board in the service industry. Always be sure to check your bill for any added service charges which can be common, in this case, it is always a nice gesture to leave an additional small tip for the workers as they rarely get any of the added service charges.
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If you do not receive good service then do not feel obligated to leave a tip. Tipping makes up about 50% or more of the salary of employees who work in the service industry in Jordan, so this is their livelihood and they work hard for their tips.
Currency:
Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Jordanian Dinar?
The currency in Amman is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD or JD) the Jordanian Dinar is divided into 1000 fils, it is also referred to as `leerah`. US Dollars are not accepted. You must exchange your dollars for Jordanian Dinar before or upon arrival. ATMs and banks exchange currency and are available in the city. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is recommended to carry some cash with you at all times to pay for transportation, snacks, and purchases in outdoor markets.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Many restaurants in Jordan may add an automatic 10% service charge to your bill. Generally, the wait staff does not receive any of this charge. Leaving an additional 5-10% for the wait staff is recommended and greatly appreciated as their wages are typically very low.
Hotel Staff:
Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Jordan is pretty much expected by the staff for any service they provide. Leaving a few dinars per bag for the bellhop, at least JD2 a night for housekeeping, room service between JD2-5 and leave the concierge JD5-20 depending on the task. Some hotels will include a 10% service charge but this amount rarely makes it to the staff you see on a daily basis.Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Leaving a taxi driver some change or rounding up to the nearest dinar is a good way to show your appreciation.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Common practice is in the range of JD5-10 per person. Although most tour operators include a `tip` in quoted prices, bear in mind that the guides are often paid a low wage, so if one is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish!
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
If you are visiting a spa in Jordan it is recommended to leave a tip if you receive good service. Leaving a tip of 10-15% of your total bill is reasonable, check your bill for any existing service charges and be sure to give the tip directly to your therapist.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top Cities in Jordan
What to expect while traveling
