General Info
About Jordan
- Jordan is the second safest country in the Arab World and 16th internationally, in a list of 115 countries.
- The most visited sites in Jordan are Petra, Dead Sea, Amman and Wadi Rum. And Jordan has over 100,000 archaeological sites
- Some movies filmed in Jordan: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Prometheus (2012), The Martian (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2017), Aladdin (2019), Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Farha (2021)
- What to Wear: Jordan is mostly a modern cultural hub, women do not need to wear a head scarf as many foreigners think (only when visiting a religious sites), but in order to respect cultural norms, women should wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid wearing anything revealing (covering the shoulders, chest, and knees). As for men, it isn’t acceptable to walk around topless. The summers can be extremely hot, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended. In the winter months, temperatures can be cooler, especially at night, so it is advisable to bring warm clothing
- Some Muslims will not touch people of a different gender unless they are related by blood. Don’t take it personally; be prepared and open to learning the local traditions. When meeting someone, you can stand, say hello, smile and then let them take the lead. If they extend a hand or lean in for a hug, you can do the same. If they keep their hands at their sides or put their right hand over their heart rather than reaching out, that’s their way of acknowledging you
- Public display of affection is not common in Jordan and is generally considered inappropriate
- Prayer is an important part of daily life in Jordan, and it's important to be respectful of prayer times and avoid disturbing those who are praying
- Don’t decline a cup of coffee from a Bedouin: if you decline the coffee without a valid reason, it may be perceived as a lack of appreciation or disrespect for their culture. Bedouins will keep pouring you cups of coffee until you shake your cup left to right which means you’ve had enough
- Alcohol: alcohol is legal in Jordan but expensive. you can find alcohol at a number of restaurants, bars and, of course, liquor stores. Bear in mind that Muslim-owned properties and Islamic holidays may affect how readily alcohol is available
- Jordanians are very welcoming, so expect to be greeted warmly with an animated handshake and a barrage of questions. Trust that this is genuine curiosity and avoid being dismissive
- In Jordan, the currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). Exchange your currency for JOD upon arrival. Major currencies are easily exchangeable, and ATMs are widespread in cities. While US dollars and euros are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels, it's best to use JOD. Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, work in urban areas, but carry cash for smaller expenses and rural regions. Traveler's checks are uncommon, so rely on cash or cards instead.
- Tipping: It is important to remember that the standard of living in Jordan is lower than in many Western countries, so even a small tip can make a big difference to someone's income. 10% is common.
- There is hardly any GSM reception in the areas of all camps in Wadi Rum
- During Ramadan, alcohol is not sold, except in larger hotels. Smoking, eating, and drinking in public is prohibited during the hours of daylight. Many restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day while Muslims are fasting. Traffic and transportation may be congested
- Jordan uses type C, D, and F electrical outlets, so make sure to bring a power adapter