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Complete Jordan Travel Guide one Week
Get ready for an incredible journey through Jordan’s wonders with our all-inclusive travel guide!
Small country, big surprises: Jordan isn’t even among the top 100 largest countries, but it boasts a variety of climates and landscapes. Its history runs deep, from the Paleolithic era through the Greek Empire, Ottoman rule, to the establishment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
This travel guide is designed to help vacationers and part-time travelers like us who are planning to explore Jordan for a week.
Our travel guide, with essential travel tips and honest truths shows you how you can experience Jordan at it’s best and still not be broken!
Index
- Ideal Time and Duration of Trip
- Places to visit in Jordan
- Jordan Trip Cost
- Preparing for Your Trip – Visa, Air connectivity, Currency, Cards
- Getting around – Public and Private Transport
- Booking Tours and Activities
- Practical Travel Tips – SIM, VPN, Plug sockets and Tipping Culture
- Essential Information – Language, people, Culture and Safety
- Amenities – Public Toilet, hygiene, drinking water
- Food and Alcohol etiquette
1. Best Time and Duration for Visiting Jordan.
How many Days to spend in Jordan
Spend at least 7 Days in Jordan. While trails in Petra and the charms of Madaba are delightful, 8 to 10 days is ample to explore Jordan’s key highlights. If you plan to visit rural areas of Jordan, spending time with Bedouins and mosaic makers, consider adding 3 more days to your itinerary.
Best time to visit Jordan
For a quieter experience, early winter January is great time to visit Jordan. It might be colder, but you’ll enjoy it without the crowds, just like we did. And all the places you want to visit in Jordan remain open during winter too. The entry timings may vary, but winter doesn’t drastically reduce the things you can do in Jordan
September to December brings the best weather in Jordan, making it the peak tourist season─pricey and crowded. Avoid Jordan’s summers, from April to June. If I could get a mild sunstroke in winter noon, I can’t imagine the intensity during summer noon.
Travelers planning to visit Jordan are no longer required to undergo pre-departure PCR tests or PCR tests upon arrival in Jordan. For latest updates keep an eye on Royal Jordanian Air website
2. Guide to crafting Jordan Travel Itinerary
Jordan boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the stunning Gulf of Aqaba along the Red Sea. Apart from the famed trails in Petra, there are numerous other hiking trails. Canyons and bio reserves are popular among travelers staying longer in Jordan. To make the most of your time and budget, consider your preferences when picking your itinerary.
Places to visit in Jordan
If you’re staying over 9 days, consider adding Jerash and Aqaba to the places you want to visit in Jordan
Did you know that the Mars scenes in the movie “The Martian” were filmed in Jordan? Check out our post on “15 Amazing Movie and Series Filming Locations to Visit Worldwide” to know the exact location.
3. Jordan Travel Cost
Jordan isn’t the friendliest to budget travelers, so many stay for around 10 days. Limited public transport and high food prices really amp up the costs. With its strong currency and few budget-friendly options, Jordan ends up being quite expensive overall.
Is it expensive to travel in Jordan?
Yes. The biggest expense for tourists is moving between sites. Private cars with drivers are often the go-to, especially for solo or duo travelers. Shared tours aren’t common, and many of us hesitate to opt for them. Entrance fees to monuments and protected areas are high in Jordan, adding to the costs. And when you travel to those breathtaking 2,300-year-old historical sites in Jordan, hiring a guide is a must, something similar you would do in Historical sites of Greece─but it’s yet another expensive addition to the bill!
- Jordanian coffee on streets: 1 JD
- Street falafels meals: Around 3 JD.
- Standard meal in a good non-star hotel restaurant: About 10 JD per person.
- Petrol: 1.14 JD/litre
- Bottled water: 0.6 to 1 JD.
- Standard 3* hotel: 45 JD to 70 JD per night depending on season, cheaper in winter
Expected Jordan Trip Cost
In 2019 early winer-January we spent 100 Jordanian Dinar/Person as a mid-range budget travellers. Considering inflation, you can easily keep 130 Jordanian Dinar/Person now. This cost includes :
- AC Sedan car & driver
- 3* Hotel accommodation hotels
- Budget desert camp
- Entry fees to all monuments /deserts / archaeological sites with guides
If you travel during peak season March to May, the same daily expense may go upto 120 JD!
You can cut costs by using buses when possible. JTT buses are the primary mode of transport. You can book tickets on Bookaway here as JTT website isn’t that user-friendly.
Finding Perfect Accommodations in Jordan
Places to stay in Jordan are mainly hotels and desert camps, with varying levels of luxury and amenities. Dead Sea hotels often boast spas, and desert areas offer unique bubble hotels.
Jordan’s hostel scene is decent, but homestays and BnBs aren’t as prevalent. Couchsurfing is gaining traction, but keep in mind you might stay in a Muslim household. Unmarried or same-sex couples should reconsider homestays in Jordan. Picking smaller guesthouses and hostels can save cash, but in Jordan, water scarcity is a huge deal (it’s the fifth most water-scarce country globally). Backpackers often face limited water in cheaper stays. Also, a 4-star spot in Jordan might match a 3-star elsewhere. We usually skip 4-star hotels, but in Jordan, it’s been a must!
Stick to Booking.com for hotel bookings in Jordan; they allow you to connect with your host using their messenger feature.
4. Preparing for Your Trip
Jordan Tourist Visa
Perhaps the approach to obtaining a Jordan tourist visa is the most unique of all! Most non-Arab countries require a visa for tourist visits, and almost all are eligible for an e-Visa.
It’s actually a bit tricky to figure out how to snag a tourist visa for Jordan. Usually, you hit a wall and end up needing to reach out to the Jordan embassy. Or you will find something called as “Jordan Pass” which is really not a Visa though.
The “how” and “where” to get your Visa at cheapest can be a bit of a puzzle. But , we’ve laid it all out in a separate post to make things clearer. Make sure to read our post titled “Unlocking the Puzzle of Getting a Jordan Tourist Visa.” It’s a super important part of the Jordan travel guide before you set off on your next step.
Air Connectivity
The primary international airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. There is also International Airport in Aqaba handling local and nearby flights.
You’ll likely arrive at Amman’s main airport, well-linked to cities like Riyadh, Bahrain, Cairo, Istanbul, Rome, Vienna, and more. With limited direct flights to Aqaba, it’s best to use Queen Alia International Airport in Amman as your way in and out of Jordan.
However, it’s worth checking on Skyscanner. Search for direct flights or ones with fewer layovers. We went for a Gulf Air flight with a 6-hour layover in Bahrain to save some cash when flying from Amman to India, but it wasn’t a great experience!
Currency
The Jordanian Dinar (JD) is the official currency and happens to be one of the strongest globally! Exchanging money might make you feel a bit shortchanged because of its high value. In 2023, 1 JD equals 1.4 US Dollars or 115 Indian Rupees. While Euros can be exchanged for JDs, USD is usually the preferred currency for exchange in Jordan.
Airport exchange rates aren’t great, with high service charges reported, sometimes reaching 9 USD when exchanging 100 US Dollars for JD. While airport kiosks offer guide you based on your travel plans in Jordan, we suggest exchanging only a small amount of cash there for immediate needs.
Amman has lots of currency exchanges, but they’re rare in Petra and Wadi Rum. Our Jordanian driver, Yusuf, mentioned that Abu Sheikha Exchange offers better rates than airports and it was true.
Keep your exchange receipts handy. Returning JDs to the same bank or agency when leaving Jordan could get you a better USD rate.
Card Payments
International bank debit and credit cards are accepted at hotels in tourist areas of Jordan. It’s wise to carry cash when hiking in Petra and Wadi Rum.
5. Getting Around Jordan
Roads and Driving
Jordan follows right-lane driving. The road condition was pretty decent throughout. The charm is that Jordan's road trip surprises you with the landscape changing drastically from coniferous trees to the brown desert within a few minutes.
Drivers here follow lanes and traffic signals better than in Egypt or India. Amman’s jam-packed with cars, but the rest of the country’s mostly small towns or villages with least traffic. During peak times, the King's Highway gets swarmed by tourists’ vehicles heading to Petra. Out in the countryside, you’re more likely to wait for cute little goats or tall, handsome camels at crossroads than other people─they’re pretty common on Jordan’s roads.
Public Transport Overview
Jordan’s pricey for tourists mainly due to limited public transport. There aren’t any railways, and the bus services are quite limited. Public transport in Jordan has a lot of catching up to do. The boat rides in the Gulf of Aqaba are mainly for recreation.
The Jordan Heritage Railways
The Jordan Hejaz Railway, which used to link Amman to Syria, stopped running in 2006. These heritage trains can be booked for group experiences, but they’re not regular passenger trains. So, when you’re traveling through Jordan, trains aren’t really an option.
Cycling in Jordan
Jordan’s cities, rural spots, and historical sites aren’t cycle-friendly; there aren’t dedicated lanes. However, the fantastic roads with ever-changing landscapes make for a great cycling experience across the country. Cycling might not be big among tourists, but it’s an option for those fit and adventurous souls. Those who want to travel in Jordan can go on guided tours.
Public buses
According to Yusuf, locals mainly use buses for commuting in Jordan. If you don’t want to drive or hire a driver, JETT buses are your best bet. But keep in mind, punctuality isn’t a big deal here─the schedules are pretty relaxed. Buses tend to leave when they’re full, so expect some waiting time. Since these buses cater to locals, the prices are wallet-friendly.
Make sure to check prices and reserve your seats on Bookaway here. It’s especially important during peak seasons when pre-booking is essential.
Getting around Jordan by car
So almost non-existent mass public transport makes renting a car mandatory.
Self-driving is great for tackling the King's Highway’s winding roads, but in pricey Jordan, damaging a rental car even slightly can lead to a hefty penalty. Also, the cellular network isn’t reliable. When hunting for remote ancient mosaic houses in Madaba, it’s easy to get lost and face challenges due to poor network coverage. So I recommend renting a car with driver who knows remote villages, stories of Jordan really well.
Where to rent a car with driver in Jordan?
Out of many agencies, Jordan Select Tours is one of the best to rent a car with driver according to online reviews and also our experience. The driver guided us to remote villages near Mount Nebo, away from tourists. We had several stops and explored lesser-known villages. They arranged advance tickets for Petra and Petra by Night, saving us from the 0.5km-long entrance queue. Everything’s customizable to your preferences─where you want to go and how long you want to stay.
Want a discount price on your Jordan voyage?
Email your needs to suha@select.jo and include the code “Vcywrk” at the end for discounted services.
6. Booking Tickets for Activities in Jordan
If you’re going with Jordan Select tours, no need to stress about buying tickets in advance. They can handle ticket purchases while planning your itinerary. But if you’re traveling solo in Jordan, make sure to buy your Petra entrance tickets beforehand! Even during the off-season, we faced a 30-meter line at the ticket kiosk in Petra.
7. Practical Travel Tips for Jordan
Mobile SIM and Connectivity
We got two Orange SIMs with more data than international calls, but the coverage outside Amman wasn’t great. Consider other networks instead. Hotel Wi-Fi’s fine for WhatsApp audio calls, but not videos. Public Wi-Fi’s rare, like at the airport or bus stops.
Plug Sockets and Adapters
In Jordan, the power sockets come in types C (Euro Plug), D (used in India), F, G, and J. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Check if your country needs a plug adapter here. I always carry a universal adapter.
Tipping Culture
Tipping’s expected in Jordan, but it’s not like waiters or shopkeepers get mad if you don’t. They’ll wait patiently until you say “Keep the change” when shopping or using their service. Even Uber drivers might assume you don’t want your 10 piastres! Read our post “Your Ultimate Guide to Go Shopping in Jordan” to find out is there is anything inexpensive thing a budget traveller can bu here.
8. Essential Information
Language Spoken in Jordan
Arabic is the official language of Jordan. Signs and tickets there are often in English, Arabic, and occasionally French. It is only near tourist areas where you find Jordanians communicating in English with visitors. Hence learning basic Arabic phrases and using translator with bus drivers is necessary.
Jordan People and Culture
Islam’s the main religion in Jordan, with about 93% of people following it. Most are Sunni Muslims, but there’s a small Shiite group too. Besides Muslims, there’s a Christian minority, about 6% of the population. (Thanks to Yusuf for the info!)
How religious are Jordanians?
Religion plays a big role in Jordanian life. You might not notice it right away, but it’s a big part of their culture, seen in all the places of worship. In cities, guys mostly wear regular clothes like jeans and tees, not traditional robes. But in the countryside and deserts, you’ll spot them in Thobe. What they wear doesn’t always show their religion. Yusuf told us that Jordanians warmly welcome other cultures while keeping up with their own customs every day.
You don’t see many women in Burqas often, but Hijabs were pretty common. Even young girls rocked trendy styles with skinny jeans and tees, pairing them with their Hijabs.
Friendliness
Jordanians aren’t super outgoing, but they’re not cold either. I’m not saying they’re unfriendly or fundamentalist, though. In fact, they’ve done a great job preserving old Roman, Christian, and Jewish ruins without turning them all into mosques like they’re doing in Turkey.
In Jordan, shop folks and Uber drivers usually keep it short, not much chit-chat (which we enjoy). If we spoke the same language, they’d still be to the point. We found street coffee sellers trying to overcharge, but when we asked, they changed the price. In Amman or Madaba, no big welcomes or strange looks suggesting “You don’t belong.
Funny thing, as Indians, people in other countries don’t usually ask for pics with us. But in Jordan, some young girls in Hijabs (they said they were high schoolers from Jordan) wanted to snap pics together!
If I had spent a month there, I’d probably have a more insightful view. But this is solely based on my experience from 8 days in Jordan.
Jordanians views on Israel
It is better not to talk about Egypt & Israel when in Jordan. Our driver Yusuf and other Jordan folks with whom we interacted didn’t like the fact when I compared their food with Egypt’s delicacies. Jordanians support their Palestinian brothers. They have preserved the Jewish and Christian sites well, but they are conservative Muslims at heart. Though you can cross the border to Israel on the Jordan river, the relationship between the two is just ok There was a protest in Amman when the USA officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as a new US Embassy opened there.
Avoid political chats, especially about Israel, for your safety as a tourist. Jordan’s a constitutional monarchy. Remember to show respect towards the kingdom; speaking negatively could cause issues
What do I need to know before visiting Jordan?
- Holding hands is okay; some Jordanian couples do it.
- PDA, especially among same-sex couples, isn’t seen positively.
- Unmarried foreign couples living together isn’t illegal but might not be appreciated. Landlords might ask about marital status or for a marriage certificate.
- It’s usually fine to shake hands with the opposite gender.
- Men often greet each other with hugs.
- Women can drive in Jordan, unlike some other Muslim nations.
How to dress in Jordan?
Jordan is all about hiking ancient trails, exploring the desert, and climbing to discover hidden streams. That’s why packing modest, hiking-friendly clothing is important! But, did you know it snows in Jordan, and winters can get pretty chilly? Read our post “What to wear in Jordan as a Tourist” which is an essential part of our Travel guide that helps you pack wisely.
Safety Concerns in In Jordan
Jordan’s pretty safe from terrorism in the Middle East. It’s got borders with Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia (near Wadi Rum), and Israel. The Saudi and Israeli borders are safer for tourists, but not the ones with Syria and Iraq. We strolled around Amman at night and took a taxi, no worries at all.
It’s not smart to be in Petra or Wadi Rum for two reasons. The government bans night visits, and these places are vast and remote, so your safety isn’t guaranteed if you are lost.
Tourist Scams in Jordan
Selling fake antiques and overpriced horse carriage rides is common in Petra─a typical tourist trap. The Bedouins there often try to scare you, saying the hiking trails are too tough, just so they can charge more for their rides. Just say “La- Shukran” and keep moving.
Be cautious of fake Dead Sea products in Amman, kids selling counterfeit items, and fake Jordan passes.
The strange scam of Bedouin Love
Yusuf mentioned a weird scam: Bedouins target solo female travelers on longer trips in Jordan. They offer to be a free guide and companion to travel through Petra or even Jordan.
At first, they talk about spreading love and being friendly with the world. But a chat about staying in caves with them can turn into a scam for money or worse, especially when you’re heading back home. We noticed Bedouin men approaching female travelers, offering help, so there might be truth to what Yusuf mentioned.
Staying in caves might seem cool, but it’s against local rules. There are real Bedouin folks around, but it’s a toss-up. You might meet someone special like Marguerite did with Mohammad from New Zealand in Petra’s caves─or fall for a scam.
9. Amenities
Public Toilet Policy
Finding well-maintained public toilets in Jordan, except in Petra, is tough. You’ll probably rely on restaurant facilities. If you’re not dining, it’s polite to ask the hotel manager and pay if needed.
Most toilets in Jordan hotels have EWCs with jet sprays and tissue paper. However, a few public and airport toilets feature squat toilets with jet sprays. Indians and other Asians who prefer water in toilets won’t face issues. But for those who rely on toilet paper, it’s best to carry a roll along.
Public Hygiene
Jordan isn’t the tidiest but relatively clean. Downtown streets show a lot of plastic use. The countryside, cleaner than the capital, lacks proper water supply and sanitation, as our driver mentioned. However, cities are doing a decent job of staying clean.
Water Scarcity in Jordan
Jordan ranks as the world’s second most water-scarce country. The reasons include the influx of Syrian refugees, leading to a rising population, coupled with low rainfall and inadequate groundwater management.
Drinking Tap Water in Jordan
It’s a bit unclear whether tap water in Jordan is safe to drink. Many locals do drink it, so we gave it a try. But it tasted salty, odd and, we didn’t get ill! So, some locals advise foreigners to stick to tap water for drinking.
10. Food and Alcohol Etiquette
Jordanian Cuisine Overview
In Jordan, like in other Islamic countries, pork isn’t available. A single meal portion was plenty for both of us. Their food style resembles Egyptian cuisine (though some Jordanians might not appreciate the comparison). Breakfast typically includes Pita bread, hummus, olives, dates, cheese, falafels, and fresh Orange Juice. The apples grown near Wadi Musa are top-notch in quality.
Since the cafes were way too pricey for mid-range flashpackers like us. We mostly stuck to street falafels, orange juice, fruits, and dried fruits.
Tips to Vegetarian Dining in Jordan
Finding vegetarian food in Jordan falls between Iran’s difficulty and Egypt’s ease. “Mezze” and Pita bread are often the go-to options. Mezze includes small shared dishes and dips, serving as sides or starters. One Mezze can’t be quite filling, so it’s good to get a variety─Olives, pickles, and Hummus are part of it.
Jordan Coffee
Jordanians have a surprising preference for coffee over tea, unlike their neighbors. Their coffee’s quite unique─it’s strong and roasted, with thick milk, loads of Cardamom, and saffron. The taste is so distinct that you either love it and get hooked or hate it and switch to black tea. If you’re not big on sweetness, make sure to ask for less sugar.
Drinking Culture
In Jordan, unlike many Muslim countries, alcohol is permitted. Just a heads up, drinking in public spaces in Jordan isn’t allowed and could cause problems. Some hotels might be labeled as “dry.” If alcohol availability matters to you, it’s a good idea to check before booking whether the hotel allows it.
You’ll find restaurants serving alcohol mainly in tourist-oriented hotels in spots like Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea. However, in smaller villages, it’s less common. In Amman, there are some bars catering to both locals and tourists.
It’s not cool to get too drunk in public places like streets, beaches, cafes, or even in a hotel’s public areas. Enjoy your drinks in moderation at bars, hotels, or restaurants while you’re there.
Smoking in Jordan
Smoking isn’t banned in public areas in Jordan. It’s pretty normal to see women smoking Shisha in street side cafes.
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