Before you go

We would like to share with you some tips to consider before leaving home and travel to Jordan. we beleive what we include in this page will help you in getting you well pepared to visit Jordan and have a great time!

Climate and Weather

Jordan has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. The climate is influenced by Jordan's location between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area. Temperatures and weather in Jordan can be hot and with little rain. This can become extreme towards and during the summer months of May to August. In the months of November to March it can be very cool at night particularly in the desert where night temperatures can drop to 5C or less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can sometimes get cold at night. The best time of the year to visit Jordan is in spring and autumn; when the days are usually warm, hot and the nights cool to mild, humidity is very low, there is little or no rain at this time. During the winter months (December to February), it can get very cold in the early morning and evening, with fog and freezing temperatures, so and warm clothes are essential then.

what to take and need

Although Western clothing is quite acceptable, Jordanians are generally more traditional in the way they dress. Out of respect for local culture please dress conservatively i.e. no sleeveless or low cut tops etc. Sorts are accepted in main tourist areas. Women should cover their heads, arms and legs when entering religious buildings. At night in the desert, or during drives in open jeeps (especially from October to March) it can get surprisingly cold, so pack warm and windproof clothing. You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay around 10 kg /22lb). Suitcases are definitely not recommended for our trips! This packing list is to be used as a guide, with our suggestions of items you may wish to pack.

CLOTHING:

Walking shoes or strong trainers (all purpose wear)
Strong sandals
T-shirts
Long sleeved shirt
Long casual trousers
Shorts/short trousers
Tracksuit bottoms or similar (optional)
Fleece or sweatshirt
Thick fleece (winter only)
Lightweight wind/waterproof jacket
Warm jacket (winter only)
Warm hat and gloves (for winter in desert)
Swimwear and sarong
Sunhat (styled to cover face, ears and neck)

EQUIPMENT:

Soft-sided bag (50-80 liters)
Lightweight daypack
Sleeping sheet/liner (optional for Wadi Rum camp)
Sunglasses
Camera, memory card(s)
Plastic bags are useful to guard camera against dust in the desert.
Passport
Cash, credit/debit cards, money security belt/pouch
Insurance documents
Trip information and itinerary
Universal travel adapter
Personal first aid kit
Towel

Checklist

Travel documents: valid passport, visa & travel insurance
Health requirements arranged
Money: cash & credit cards are accepted ; you can pay in US dollars and Jordan Dinars
Money pouch
Your personal hygiene kit

Health & safety

Vaccinations are recommended against Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Please consult your doctor or a travel medical centre for further advice. We recommend you pack some dehydration salts and remember to drink LOTS of water every day; to avoid stomach upsets do not eat anything uncooked and wash your hands regularly, some antibacterial hand wash gel is very useful.

Jordan is generally considered to be a very safe country however we recommend that you bear the following in mind when visiting: Be sensible how you store or carry around your passport, wallet and any valuables. During some parts of the trip you will be given some free time to explore around on your own, relax or explore at your own leisure; at these times we recommend that you use your good judgment as to what activity(s) you choose to do. Our drive / guide will be ready at all times to help you decide how you spend your time.

Local culture

Jordan is an Islamic nation and tends to be quite conservative so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed away from the beach or pool as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. Jordanians are typically very friendly and welcoming of foreign guests, especially in rural areas and villages, and it is not unknown for a Jordanian to invite a foreigner he has just met into his home.

visas

Our most tours will be including meet and assist by our office representatives with Jordan visa upon arrival at each arrival point, as per tour itinerary. Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, land borders, or port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD40. In any case, please make sure to consult your nearest Jordanian embassy for any visa requirement that you may be subject to.

currency exchange & spending money

The unit of currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). It is connected to US$ as US$1 = JD0.708. We are increasingly advising against the use of Travelers’ Cheques due to the widespread number of ATMs. Credit cards are readily accepted in banks and larger hotels, and some souvenir shops, but not in the desert camp. We recommend that you change at least some money at the banks.

Each traveler has his or her own spending habits and we recommend that you consider yours when allowing for all the daily expenses you will be incurring i.e. drinking, eating, shopping etc.

Tipping

Generally, Jordan is a tipping country. It is recognized part of life and although at your discretion you will be expected to reward good service. It should be remembered, however, that over-generosity could lead to jealousies in poor countries. Please remember that all tips should be a way for individuals to thank staff for good service. As a guideline each person should allow as minimum of 15 US$ per day, per person to cover the tips for local service providers…