Jordan essential info
Jordan is best known for its true world wonder, the rose red city of Petra, carved from stone and long hidden in its desert canyon
Travel in Jordan: vital statistics
Capital of Jordan: Amman
Population of Jordan: 6.3 million
Languages in Jordan: Arabic. English is widely spoken
Time in Jordan: GMT+2 (Apr-Oct GMT+3)
International dialling code for Jordan: +962
Voltage in Jordan: 230V 50Hz AC
Visas for Jordan: Visas for Jordan
Money in Jordan: Jordan dinar (JD)
ATMs are widely available at or near the main sites. Tips of 10% are expected in better restaurants; elsewhere, rounding up bills is appreciated.
Jordan travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Jordan tourist board: Visit Jordan
When to go to Jordan
Climate and weather in Jordan Temperatures are largely dependent on altitude; Amman and the north tend to be cooler. Spring (March-June) and autumn (mid September-late November) bring pleasant temperatures and greenery. Summer (July-September) can be stiflingly hot, particularly in Wadi Rum and at the Dead Sea. Winter (December-February) can be chilly, though Aqaba remains balmy. Note that many ecotourism projects don't operate in winter.
Ramadan in Jordan During the ninth month of the Muslim calendar adherents must fast and not drink during daylight hours. Though visitors are not expected to follow suit, opening hours can become erratic.
International airports
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is 35km south of Amman.
Getting around in Jordan
Jordan's road network is modern and fairly well maintained. Car hire is a good way of getting around, though not all rental vehicles are in the first flush of youth and you'll need an International Driving Permit. Buses and minibuses are cheap and easy ways to get from town to town; serveeces (long-distance taxis) – though pricier – offer an convenient alternative. Domestic flights shuttle between Amman and Aqaba.
Jordan accommodation
Jordan has the full range of accommodation options, from campsites and hostels through simple lodges and family-run hotels to luxury hotels.
Jordan food & drink
Bread (khubez) is the bedrock – flat bread, used for scooping and dipping. Mezze – shared platters of appetisers – form the basis of most meals; simple dishes include the likes of hummus, olives and baba ghanouj (aubergine dip) or more elaborate treats such as kibbeh (wheat and lamb torpedoes) and warag aynab (stuffed vine leaves). Mansaf is a Bedouin feast dish comprising boiled lamb on rice. Coffee (qahwa) is ubiquitous; some decent Jordanian wines are available.
Health & safety in Jordan
Crime is rare in Jordan, even in Amman. Tap water is chlorinated and bottled water is widely available. Use high-factor sunscreen, wear head protection and drink plenty of water. Check with your GP or travel health clinic that you're up to date with your jabs.