Jordan Tours & Vacations

There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Jordan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments. 

Currency 

In Jordan the official unit of currency is Jordanian dinar (JOD). To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com. 

Cultural Sensitivity 

On our guided tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.  

In Jordan Muslim women's clothing often covers their arms, legs and hair. Western women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman (Downtown), and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be out of place in the downtown Amman area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited, and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable at hotel pools. 

Language & Religion 

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken - especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled or have been educated abroad so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent.

When Arabic is written in Jordan using the Latin alphabet, English spelling is applied however these spellings can be interpreted in various ways, the spelling for example of street addresses can vary widely. For this reason, the sound of the words is a much better guide than the spelling. Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected. 

Time 

Jordan is 2 hours ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.  

Food and drink  

Jordan is not as renowned for its cuisine as its neighbours Lebanon and Syria and this is unfair. Since antiquity, Jordan has been a highway between Europe, Asia, Arabia and Africa. Many different civilisations have come and gone and this influx and mixing of people over many centuries has led to a diverse food culture.

Ingredients include olives, cheese, spices, herbs, both dried and fresh fruit, these give the dominant flavours. Lamb and chicken are the meats of choice. In rural areas, particularly in the north, few of these ingredients travel far, sometimes merely from the nearby fields. 

Jordan Travel FAQs

Do I need a visa?

If you have a European passport, you will require a visa for Jordan. To save money, we recommend applying ahead of time for a single-entry visa.

Can I drink the water in Jordan?

The tap water in Jordan is not safe to drink, so make sure you keep a stock of bottled water or invest in a bottle with a filter built-in.

Is Jordan safe to travel?

Jordan is considered a far safer location than other countries in the vicinity, but as with any form of travel, it still pays to be prepared – and cautious. In general, in comparison to the countries surrounding it, Jordan is often described as friendly and welcoming to all visitors.

What clothes do I need to wear, is it conservative?

As Jordan is a Muslim country, it will be expected that you dress modestly on your visit. For women, this means covering the shoulders, knees, midriff and cleavage. For men, this means a shirt must always be worn when out in public. Different rules may apply to attractions such as the dead sea, where swimming is encouraged.

Can I drink alcohol?

Yes – alcohol is widely accepted in Jordan, but it’s essential to be respectful of the country’s Muslim faith. So drink respectfully and moderately, and there will be no trouble.

Is it good for winter sun?

As a desert country, summer can be too hot for many visitors. As such, visiting between October-November is recommended, but the colder winter months are less suitable, and not ideal for winter sun.

What’s the food like?

Jordan is known for having a massive amount of variety in the cuisine they offer, meaning there’s something tosuiteveryone’s palette. While meat is a staple in the Jordan diet, plenty of vegetarian options are also available.

What is ATM access like?

Depending on where you travel, ATMs may be scarce – so your best bet is to stock up at the airport, especially if you plan to go to tourist-friendly locations suchasWadi Rum and Petra. More historical sites like these won’t have accesstoATMs, so planning ahead is your best bet.

Is tipping customary in Jordan?

There is a strong tipping culture in Jordan – it’s known as ‘baksheesh’. Tipping waiters, guides and porters is highly recommended, so ensure that you’ve always got a little extra cash on hand to meet the appropriate customs.

What is internet access like in Jordan?

Wi-Fi is offered as standard in many hotels,cafes and restaurants in major cities. However, beyond this service is not available in more remote locations and tourist attractions – and the same can be said when it comes to 4G mobile reception, too.

Travelling Solo In Jordan

All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.