Prepare for the Trip: Jordan Dinar
Dreaming of exploring Jordan’s ancient wonders like Petra and Jerash? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a smooth trip, from visa requirements and currency exchange to cultural etiquette and transportation tips. Discover the benefits of the Jordan Pass, offering free entry to over 40 sites and waiving visa fees. Learn how to navigate local customs, pack effectively for Jordan’s varied climate, and choose the best transportation options for your adventure. Start planning your unforgettable Jordanian journey today!
Important information
- Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your departure from Jordan, with at least one blank page for stamps.
- Most nationalities require a visa, obtainable on arrival or online via e-visa. The Jordan Pass offers free entry to 40+ sites and waives the visa fee for stays of three nights or more.
- Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but cash is recommended, especially in rural areas. Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card issues.
- Pack light, breathable clothes for layering, along with comfortable walking shoes. A universal travel adapter and portable charger are essential for electronics.
- Dress modestly, respecting local customs. Ask permission before taking photos of people.
Travel Documents and Visa Information
For travel to Jordan, your passport must be valid for six months beyond your departure date. Ensure it has at least one blank page, preferably two, for entry and exit stamps. Visas are required for most nationalities. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and other ports of entry. For added convenience, consider applying for an e-visa online before your trip.
Passport Requirements
For your trip, ensure your passport is valid for six months after your return date. Check its expiration date and ensure you have a couple of blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. This six-month validity rule is a universal requirement, regardless of your citizenship.
Visa Requirements for Jordan
Most travelers need a visa to enter Jordan, although specific requirements depend on nationality. Visas can be obtained upon arrival at airports and border crossings. However, applying for an e-visa before your trip can expedite the entry process.
The Benefits of the Jordan Pass
Discover Jordan’s wonders with the Jordan Pass. This essential travel companion provides free entry to over 40 captivating sites, including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum. It also waives the 40 JD visa fee for stays of three nights or more.
Benefits of the Jordan Pass
- Free entry to over 40 sites, including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum.
- Visa fee waiver (40 JD) for stays of 3+ nights.
- Valid for one year from the purchase date.
Plan Your Jordanian Adventure
Purchase your Jordan Pass before arrival to save time and money. It allows a single entry into Jordan and offers a full year of planning flexibility. Get your pass today and start exploring.
Currency and Money Management
Jordan’s official currency is the dinar (JOD), divided into 100 piastres or 1000 fils. The dinar is pegged to the US dollar at approximately 0.71 JOD per 1 USD.
Currency Exchange
Exchanging currency before your trip is recommended. You can also exchange currency upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
ATMs dispensing Jordanian dinars are readily available throughout the country. Banks and exchange bureaus also offer currency exchange services.
Payment Methods
Major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. It’s advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses and local markets, which may prefer cash payments. Remember to inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with your card.
Understanding the Jordanian Dinar
In Jordan, the official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While some tourist areas may accept US dollars, using dinars is generally recommended. Banks, exchange offices, and ATMs typically offer the best exchange rates. Be sure to compare rates before your trip. Additionally, notifying your bank of your travel plans can help avoid any issues with your cards. Here’s a helpful checklist for managing your money in Jordan:
- The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
- While US dollars may be accepted in some tourist areas, using dinars is generally recommended.
- Banks, exchange offices, and ATMs usually offer the best exchange rates.
- Compare exchange rates before your trip to ensure you get the best deal.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent any issues with your cards.
Currency Exchange and Cash Withdrawals
You can exchange currency at:
- banks,
- exchange bureaus,
- hotels.
ATMs dispensing Jordanian dinars are widespread in urban areas. However, notifying your bank of your travel plans is recommended to avoid potential card issues, such as blocked transactions. Carrying some local currency is also advisable.
Using Credit Cards in Jordan
Credit cards are commonly used in Jordan’s cities, with most hotels, restaurants, and shops accepting them. However, it’s recommended to carry cash, particularly when traveling to rural areas or smaller towns where card acceptance might be limited. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express is less so. Before your trip, check with your card provider regarding international fees and possible surcharges at certain establishments. Be prepared for various payment methods during your travels in Jordan.
Credit Cards
Widely accepted in major cities across Jordan, specifically in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted credit card brands.
Cash
Carrying cash is strongly recommended, especially in rural areas and smaller towns with limited card acceptance.
Check with your card provider for information on international transaction fees and potential surcharges.
Packing Essentials for Jordan
Given Jordan’s unpredictable weather, pack versatile clothing. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal for summer days, while layering is key for cooler evenings and occasional rain showers. For visits to higher altitudes, a light jacket or sweater is recommended.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential for exploring sites like Petra. Pack a universal travel adapter and a portable charger to keep your devices powered up throughout your adventures.
Weather Considerations and Versatile Clothing
When packing for Jordan, be prepared for fluctuating temperatures by layering lightweight, breathable clothing. While warm days are common, a light jacket or sweater is essential for cooler evenings and higher altitudes. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for exploring Jordan’s historical sites and breathtaking scenery. Consider packing the following:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing for layering, accommodating temperature changes.
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and higher altitudes.
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for exploring historical sites and varied terrain.
Technology Needs: Travel Adapter and Portable Chargers
Traveling to Jordan? Don’t forget a power adapter! Jordan uses Type C, D, F, G, and J plugs. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. A travel adapter is essential for your electronics to function correctly. A portable charger is recommended for day trips or areas with unreliable power.
Cultural Sensitivity and Local Insights
Immerse yourself in Jordanian culture by respecting local customs. Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection are best avoided. Use your right hand for dining and greetings. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases, such as “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you), will be greatly appreciated. Politely ask permission before taking photos of individuals. While alcohol is available, it’s primarily served in hotels and licensed restaurants. Remember that Friday is the holy day, and some businesses may operate on reduced hours. Here’s a helpful guide to navigating Jordanian customs:
Dress Code: Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. This is particularly important when visiting religious sites.
Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection are generally best avoided.
Dining and Greetings: Use your right hand for both dining and greetings.
Language: Learning a few basic Arabic phrases, such as “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you), will be greatly appreciated by locals.
Photography: Politely ask permission before taking photos of individuals.
Alcohol: While alcohol is available, it’s primarily served in hotels and licensed restaurants.
Holy Day: Remember that Friday is the holy day, and some businesses may operate on reduced hours.
Understanding Local Customs and Modesty
Dressing respectfully in Jordan enhances your travel experience and shows cultural sensitivity, leading to positive interactions with locals. Modest attire is customary, so women are advised to avoid shorts and short skirts, especially at religious sites. Covering shoulders and knees is generally recommended. Men should also avoid revealing clothing. While Jordanians are tolerant, respecting their customs allows you to blend in respectfully.
Transportation and Travel Tips
Planning a Jordanian adventure? You have several transportation options to choose from. A rental car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, but ensure you’re comfortable with Jordanian driving regulations. Alternatively, Jordan has a well-developed public transport system. Buses and taxis are readily available for travel between cities and within urban areas, making it both convenient and affordable to explore the country.
Rental Car
Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, but be sure you are familiar with local driving regulations.
Public Transport
A comprehensive network of buses and taxis makes travel between cities and within urban areas easy and affordable.
Car Rental and Driving in Jordan
Driving in Jordan: Essential Information for Visitors.An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential for driving in Jordan. While traffic laws are similar to those in Western countries, driving in Jordan presents unique challenges due to varied road conditions and local driving customs. Renting a car offers flexibility to explore at your own pace. For off-road adventures to places like Wadi Rum and other desert areas, a 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended. Be aware of police checkpoints, which are common throughout the country.
Public Transport Options
Getting around Jordan is easy thanks to convenient public transportation options like buses and taxis.
Emergency Preparedness
Prepare for the unexpected by assembling a comprehensive first-aid kit. Include essential items such as hand sanitizer, bandages for minor cuts and scrapes, and antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds. Pack pain relievers to manage aches, anti-diarrheal medication, and motion sickness tablets for added comfort. Consider adding the following items to enhance your kit:
- Tweezers, for removing splinters or ticks.
- Scissors, for cutting bandages or clothing.
- Safety pins, for securing bandages or clothing.
- A thermometer, for monitoring body temperature.
- A first-aid manual, as a quick reference guide.
Essential Items: Medical Kit and Hand Sanitizer
A well-stocked medical kit is invaluable for managing common ailments. Be sure to include pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as anti-diarrheal medication. For minor cuts and scrapes, antiseptic wipes and bandages are essential. Remember any personal prescriptions, and don’t forget hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene, particularly when handwashing isn’t an option.
