Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River in the Middle East, is well-known for Petra, the ancient ruins of the Nabatean capital. However, Jordan has much more to offer: beautiful deserts, well-preserved roman ruins, crusader castles and access to the Red Sea with its world-class diving sites. A perfect destination for most of the year thanks to its mild winters and warm spring and autumn.
The best moment to visit Jordan is between March and May with warms days and cool nights. Jordan has got some parts where the weather is hot humid summers and mild winters such as Irbid and Dead Sea Zone. Warm to hot dry summers and freezing winters in the Karak part and Desert extremes temperatures.
Snorkelling and Diving: the water temperature is warm (an average 22º in winter and 26º in summer). But the best time is from late January until mid-May. The second-best moment to dive is from late September until early November.
Historical Places Ancient Ruins: from January to early May if you want to avoid hot summers. Late September until December the weather becomes mild again.
Hiking: the spring, late March to May is the best time to discover Jordan´s nature. It is one of the most picturesque seasons in Jordan as wildflowers bloom all over the valleys, hills and even in the desert. Avoid November until March, not the best moment for hiking because of the wind and heavy rains can affect.
Dead sea: the Dead Sea is an all-year-round kind of a tourist destination. Summer months, July and August are very hot, and Dead Sea might become very uncomfortable. So, it is advisable to avoid these two months. Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (October and November) are much better as the temperatures are under control
Wadi Rum desert: the best weather conditions, come in April, September, or October. If you want to see baby camels, go in March or April.
Birdwatching: March, September and October are the best months to see the migratory birds.
The Jordanian Dinar is the official currency. Typically 0.75 to 0.9 Dinar per Euro and 0.7 Dinar per US Dollar.
Arabic. English is widely spoken not only in hotels and tourist attractions.
Visa is required by all visitors, available on arrival at international airports and most of Jordan land borders.
ATMs are readily available in all cities and credit cards are widely accepted.
Cafes and restaurants from 9 am until midnight; shops from 9am until 8pm. Tourist attactions typically open at 8am and close at 4-5pm in the winter period and 6-7pm in the summer (earlier during Ramadan).
Time: GMT +3 hours
Queen Alia International Airport (is largest and most modern airport is located south of the city. The distance from the airport to the centre of Amman is 40 kilometres. By car, it takes 45 minutes).
King Hussein International Airport (is located north of the city, close to the border with Israel. The distance from the airport to the centre of Aqaba is 11 kilometres. By car, it takes 15 minutes).
Public transport is limited to intercity buses and buses that serve the needs of local communities, sometimes it is hard to get the destination without time and patience. Hiring a car is a good recommendation. Taxi, is another possibility but it is necessary to negotiate a half or whole day rate with de taxi driver.
Using left hand for eating
Exposing shoulders or wearing shorts (except at the beach)
Entering a mosque with shoes and women must cover the head
Jordan cuisine due to its geographical location has culinary influences from North Africa, the Middle East, Persia, and the Mediterranean. Bread, rice, lamb, olives and olive oil, yoghurt, tahini, garlic, onions, pickles, sage, and mint, are just a few of the distinct tastes and ingredients you will experience during your visit.
“Galayet Bandora” (this dish includes tomatoes which are stewed until soft and pureed, with a few seasonings like garlic, olive oil, and salt, mixed with cubes of beef, eaten with rice), “Mujadara” (a mixture of rice, lentils, and a seasoning that includes cumin), “Maglubah” (consists of layers of rice, chicken, potato, eggplant, and cauliflower. Once cooked, you put a tray on the pot and flip it upside down. The result looks like a cake, and is eaten with some cold yogurt or green salad), “Haresih” (is made of semolina batter, flattened in a tray, and baked in the oven. It is sweetened with syrup while still hot, and can be served hot or cold)
In Jordan operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. For Jordan there are five associated plug types, C, D, F, G and J. Plug type C has two round pins, Plug type D has three round pins in a triangular pattern, Plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side, Plug type G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, and Plug type J has three round pins.
Jordan has quite an advanced health care system, certainly amongst the best in the region. Costs for travellers is high but not excessive. Typical vaccinations are recommended, in addiiton Typhoid and Hepatitis A are also recommended if staying for more than 10 days and/or outside of tourist areas.
Tipping in Jordan is not routine, but in restaurants and cafes, giving a 10% gratuity is generous and encouraged when service is good. Some restaurants include service in the bill so it is always important to check the bill first if the gratuity has already been added.
Ramadan the dates can change depending on the year. During 30 days Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking. You can find during this month some restrictions for visitors. Business hours during Ramadan can suffer time variations. Tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants remain open and public transport generally functions normally, but serving alcohol may be restricted or unavailable.
Bargaining is acceptable and even encouraged to negotiate and bargain with vendors and merchants in shops throughout Jordan.
Remember that the official weekend in Jordan is Friday and Saturday, not Sunday