USEFUL INFO JORDAN
Practical information to organize the trip with details about the best period to go, necessary documents, how to get around and much more.
WHEN TO GO to JORDAN
The best time to visit Jordan is between March and May and between September and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with ideal temperatures for exploring the country's historical and natural wonders, such as Petra and the Dead Sea. Spring is especially beautiful, with the desert landscapes blooming. Summer, from June to August, can be very hot, especially in the desert areas and Petra, but it is still a good time to visit the Red Sea coastal area. Winter, from December to February, is cooler, with a chance of snow in mountainous regions such as Amman and Petra, but temperatures in the deserts can be quite cold. The low winter season is ideal for those seeking less crowding, but with the risk of rain.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED for JORDAN
To enter Jordan, it is necessary to have a valid passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of arrival. Italian citizens can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Jordan for stays of up to 30 days, but it is also possible to obtain a visa in advance through the embassy. It is advisable to have a health insurance policy that covers medical expenses during your stay. Always check for any additional requirements or regulatory changes before departure, such as possible health restrictions related to COVID-19.
For more information on this, we recommend you to consult the Farnesina website.
WHAT TO BRING TO JORDAN
Jordan is a fantastic country with lots of wonders to discover. To better enjoy your adventure to discover Jordan, here is a reminder of what to pack (indeed, we recommend a backpack if you are about to leave for an On The Road. It is more practical, more convenient when you have to reach the dispersed hotels. in the narrow alleys of the medinas and takes up less space in the car, especially if you are traveling in a group). So don't forget the essential:
Comfortable and resistant shoes
Mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer
Sunscreen and after-sun cream (especially in the summer months)
Credit card just in case (remember to notify the bank that you will make withdrawals and payments abroad)
Photocopy of your passport in case of loss
Kit of basic medicines (Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatory, Intestinal antibiotic and broad spectrum antibiotic, Antidiarrheal, Lactic ferments and Patches)
Dress longer to visit religious sites
Warm clothes for cool evenings
Light clothes to withstand the heat
If you travel with a lot of medicines, remember to enclose your medical prescriptions
JORDAN'S CULTURE
Jordanian culture is a fusion of Arab, Bedouin traditions and influences from civilizations that have passed through the country, such as Roman and Ottoman. Jordan is a Hashemite monarchy with a long history associated with Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. Buddhism has played a significant role in art, while Christianity can be found in cities such as Madaba, famous for its ancient mosaics. Islam is the predominant religion and deeply influences daily life, with the importance of mosques and daily prayers. Jordanian culinary traditions are rich in meat, legume and spice dishes, most notably mansaf (a traditional dish with rice and lamb) and falafel. Hospitality is a fundamental part of the culture, and it is common to offer coffee and sweets to guests. Dabka dancing and traditional music are popular expressions that celebrate Jordanian identity.
GAY FRIENDLY JORDAN ?
Jordan is not considered a particularly gay-friendly country. Although homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, there are no laws protecting the rights of LGBT+ people, and sexual orientation is often seen as taboo. Homosexual relationships are not accepted by most of society, especially in rural areas. However, in large cities such as Amman, the situation is more tolerant, with some LGBT+ people living relatively discreetly. Public events related to the LGBT+ community are not common and may face opposition. LGBT rights associations are present but operate in a limited and often clandestine way. For LGBT+ travelers, Jordan may seem safe, but it is best to avoid public displays of affection and respect local cultural norms by keeping a low profile.
LOCAL CURRENCY in JORDAN
The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). The dinar is divided into 100 piasters. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dinars, while coins are 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piasters. The Jordanian dinar is a relatively stable currency, and currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities, but in more remote places it is advisable to carry cash. International currency such as the euro and the dollar are generally accepted in exchange, but may be subject to an unfavorable exchange rate.
CREDIT CARDS in JORDAN
In Jordan, credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in large cities, hotels, restaurants, and brand-name stores. However, in more rural areas or small businesses it may be preferable to pay in cash. For ATM cash withdrawals, there may be additional fees, which vary between local banks and your issuing bank. Bank fees for cash withdrawal can be about 2-3% of the withdrawal, with a fixed fee for each transaction. It is advisable to inquire with your bank to avoid excessive fees.
LOCAL TIPS in JORDAN
In Jordan, tips are not obligatory but are appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip is usually left if service is not included. It is common to tip taxi drivers (about 10% of the cost of the ride) and hotels or tour guides. In general, 1-2 dinars is an appropriate amount.
BARGAIN in JORDAN
In Jordan, bargaining is common, especially in markets and with street vendors. It is common to negotiate to get a better price on items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, and spices. It is advisable to start with a lower offer than the asking price and proceed with patience and respect. However, in restaurants, hotels, and large stores, prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable. Haggling politely is appreciated, but avoid excesses or aggressiveness.
ELECTRICITY AND TIME ZONE in JORDAN
In Jordan, the electrical voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Electrical outlets are type C, D and F, so an adapter may be needed for devices from countries with different outlets. Jordan's time zone is UTC+3 and does not follow daylight saving time. Compared to Italy, Jordan is 2 hours ahead during daylight saving time, while during daylight saving time in Italy, the difference is 1 hour. It is advisable to adjust your watch upon arrival to avoid confusion.
GETTING AROUND in JORDAN
Getting around Jordan is relatively easy thanks to the well-developed transportation network. Large cities such as Amman and Aqaba are well connected by buses and cabs. Tuk-tuks are popular for short trips, especially in smaller cities. If you want to travel between major cities, long-distance buses are an inexpensive but often less convenient choice. Cabs are plentiful and readily available, but it is advisable to agree on a price before boarding or make sure the meter is activated. For longer trips, you can opt to rent a car, but it is important to be prepared for traffic and roads, which can sometimes be crowded or not well marked. For those who prefer a quick and convenient solution, there are also internal flights between major cities, such as from Amman to Aqaba. Finally, organized excursions with tour guides can be useful for exploring places such as Petra and the Dead Sea.
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