Jordan - Info & Facts

Suggested Length of Stay

7-14 days is a good length of stay in Jordan, with 2-5 Days in Amman, 2 Days in Petra and 1 Day in the Dead Sea are a good starting point.

Modes of transport

Roads

Jordan is an easy country to drive in (with the exception of Amman), and there are some spectacular routes linking the high ground with the Jordan Valley below sea level.

Public transport

The two largest cities, Amman and Irbid, have efficient, cheap public bus networks. There are often no timetables available at chaotic local bus stations. Locals are always willing to help though.

Trains

There is no feasible service currently operating for visitors on the railways in Jordan.

Taxis

Yellow private taxis work like ordinary taxis and can be chartered for the day. In Amman most drivers use the meter – note that fares are displayed in fils not dinars. Outside Amman, negotiate a reasonable fare before you set off. Taking a private taxi in Jordan is generally safe for women but those travelling alone may prefer the anonymity of sitting in the back seat.

Flying

There is only one domestic air route, between Amman and Aqaba.

Health Precautions

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Food and Drink

Eating in Jordan is primarily a social experience, whether conducted over a chat in Amman’s cafes or sitting in cross-legged silence in a Bedouin tent. Anyone venturing beyond the bus-station kebab stands will quickly find that Jordanian food is not a tedious affair of falafel sandwiches but deliciously varied and culturally nuanced. Jordan is also beginning to be noted for its home-grown wines.

Money

The official currency is the Dinar (JOD), which is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 piastres or 1,000 fulus. Foreign currency can be changed at any bank or moneychanger. 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are the most widely accepted credit cards and can be used at major hotels, restaurants and tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks.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.

Time Zone

GMT +2 (GMT +3, April to October)

Visas

You’ll need a visa to visit Jordan. If you are visiting for tourism, you can get a single-entry visa valid for one month on arrival at the airport.

Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts in Jordan

Australian Embassy, Jordan

41 Kayed Al Armouti Street

Abdoun, Amman

Ph: +962 – 6 5807000

Jordan Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia

Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

17 Cobbadah Street, O’Malley, ACT 2606

Email: jordan@jordanembassy.org.au

Ph: +61 02 6295 9951

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are most common, though occasionally UK flat three-pin plugs are used.

Getting there (stopovers)

Emirates, Etihad and Qatar all fly daily to Amman from most Australian Capitals.

Tipping

Most of the better hotels and restaurants will add a 10 percent 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.