Jordan is a country located in Middle East with name that begins with letter J. The Jordan fascinates with the variety of cultural treasures and has Hellenic ruins to offer as well as crusader castles or the excavations of Jerash, which, along with Pompeii, is considered the best preserved Roman city in the world. But all of this is outshone by the world-famous rock city of Petra, which you should definitely visit. A safari through the bizarre landscape of the rocky desert of Wadi Rum, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just as recommendable as a swim in the Dead Sea at the lowest point on earth or diving excursions to the impressive coral reefs near Akaba. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter J.
Entry
A passport that is valid for at least six months upon entry and a visa are required. The visa can be obtained from the Jordanian embassies or directly upon arrival at the international airports.
Climate
In the western parts of the country there is a Mediterranean climate with cool, rainy winters and dry, hot summers. Most of the country has a continental desert climate with mild winters and sometimes extreme heat in the summer months.
Food and drink
The Jordanian cuisine knows how to inspire with a myriad of starters, the mezze. Typical include mayonnaise salads, stuffed vine leaves, baba ghanoush aubergine cream, hummus, falafel and small pies. Fresh flatbread is served with it. The Jordanian national dish mansaf, lamb stewed in goat yoghurt and served with rice, takes some getting used to for European palates. Strongly sweetened tea or coffee flavored with cardamom is usually drunk.
CULTURAL FEATURES
Jordanians place great value on social interaction. Even if they are not known to each other, they like to stop for a long conversation and exchange opinions. Tourists who are not used to lengthy conversations with strangers often come across as arrogant or cold to Jordanians. So get involved in conversations and occasionally accept an invitation for coffee or tea. The invitation and its acceptance are a sign of mutual benevolence.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are required to enter Jordan, the standard vaccination protection is sufficient. A personal first aid kit and additional insurance including repatriation in the event of illness are advisable. Caution is advisable when consuming salads and raw fruit, tap water is not recommended. The respiratory infectious disease MERS is transmitted by camels, so one should be cautious in contact with the animals.
SECURITY
There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks across the country, which is why the authorities have increased security. Please inform yourself about the current situation before starting your journey. Crime is not a big problem in Jordan. The usual precautionary measures against petty crime should nevertheless be heeded. In the Jordan Valley you should definitely pay attention to the barriers away from roads and paths, which indicate anti-personnel mines in the area.
Climate and travel time
Climate
Jordan’s climate varies widely across the country. In the south and east there is a continental desert climate with hot summers and little rainfall, while in the highlands there is a moderately warm zone, which sometimes makes extensive snowfall possible in winter. In the Jordan Rift there is a subtropical climate with high temperatures. In order to avoid the heat of summer and the cold of winter, spring or autumn is particularly suitable for a trip to Jordan.
All about money
Currency
The legal tender is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 euro is roughly equivalent to 0.8 Jordanian dinars.
Money
An exchange of money before departure is not necessary and also not advisable, as the courses in Europe are quite expensive and you can easily exchange money in banks or exchange offices. The cheapest rates for exchanging money are usually available in private exchange offices. You can also get the local currency when withdrawing from ATMs. These can be found in all major cities, at the airport and in most of the country’s hotels. A credit card is particularly suitable for this. EC cards are also accepted if they have the Maestro or Cirrus symbol.
Cashless payment, on the other hand, is not widespread in Jordan. In larger hotels, as well as shops and restaurants, credit cards are usually accepted as a method of payment.
Banks
Banks are usually open from 8: 30 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Tip
Tipping has a long tradition in Jordan and is often seen as an appreciation for a performance. So if you are satisfied with the work of a waitress, porter, tour guide or taxi driver, you can give them a small tip. There is no fixed percentage.
Other essential information
Time difference
Time difference to CET: + 2h – ie in Jordan it is always two hours later than in Austria, Germany or Switzerland.
Electrical current
The mains voltage in Jordan is 230 volts and 50 Hz. Alternating current. European round plugs are widespread, adapters are mostly not necessary.
