Jordan Travel Blog - All Tips, Highlights & Insiders

With our round trip through Jordan, we fulfilled a little dream. We traveled from Aqaba on the Red Sea to the Wadi Rum Desert and then on to the magical rock city of Petra. We then drove through the mountains to the Dead Sea, the capital city of Amman, and the beautiful Dana Biosphere Reserve in our rental car. We learned a lot in Jordan and would like to share our most important travel tips with you in the following article. This might help you plan and prepare for your trip to Jordan better. Have fun browsing!

What else you should know:

What else you should know:
1. When is the best time to travel to Jordan?
2. Is there anything I need to bear in mind when entering the country?
3. Is it easy to communicate in the country?
4. Is there a time difference in Jordan?
5. Can I easily withdraw cash in Jordan?
6. Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
7. Do I actually tip?
8. What do I need to bear in mind when booking a rental car?
9. Can I wear short clothing?
10. Do I need a power adapter for Jordan?
11. How much does a SIM card with data cost?
12. How safe is traveling through Jordan?
13. Are there any cultural pitfalls?
14. Do I need vaccinations?
15. What should I eat in Jordan?
Jordan travel guide for your planning

1. When is the best time to travel to Jordan?

You’ve been dying to travel to Jordan and are wondering when the best time to go actually is? Before our trip, we didn’t really think much about it and just wanted to go. And so it happened that we traveled to Jordan in the “worst” month: cold January. In the end, however, we were very lucky with the weather and were able to enjoy blue skies and sunshine almost every day.

Generally speaking, the best months for a trip are March/April to October/November. You should only travel to Jordan during the summer months if you can handle high temperatures. March, April, May, September, October, and November are ideal. During our trip in January, we experienced ice-cold nights in the desert, summery warm hours on the Red Sea, pleasant spring weather in Amman, and early summer temperatures in the rock city of Petra.

Jordan Travel Best Travel Time Tips Snow

2. Do I need to take anything into account when entering the country?

In principle, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance if you want to travel to Jordan. If you enter via Amman, you will have to pay a fee of 40 JD at the airport. However, entry into Aqaba is free. They only asked for our valid passport, and that was it. If you get the Jordan Pass online before your trip, this “entry fee” for Amman is already included, as well as other discounts and free entry to various attractions. More information here: Entry & Visa for Jordan.

3. Is it easy to communicate in the country?

We had no problems communicating with the locals. Everyone communicated with us in good English. Generally, people speak Arabic, and in certain regions, there are also various Bedouin dialects. Even though not everyone speaks English, there is always someone on site who will be happy to help you. Jordanians who work in tourism speak very good English. However, it is always an advantage if you know a few words of the local language.

4. Is there a time difference in Jordan?

Since March, Jordan has been one hour ahead of us (summer time). So, when it is 4 p.m. here in Germany, it is already 5 p.m. in Jordan. On the night of October 29th to October 30th, the clocks in Jordan will go back one hour, from 1 a.m. to midnight (standard time).

5. Can I easily withdraw cash in Jordan?

Yes and no! Generally, it is not a problem to get cash in Jordan. In the larger cities, you will always find a bank or ATM. However, if you want to travel to remote areas, you should withdraw cash from an ATM beforehand. Many gas stations, even in the Wadi Rum Desert, don’t accept credit cards, so you’ll always need some cash in your wallet. More on this here: Jordanian Currency – Everything about withdrawing money, credit cards, etc..

6. Is the Jordan Pass worth it?

It all depends on how much you want to see in the country. The Jordan Pass is for visitors who stay at least three nights in the country. With this pass, you get free entry to over 40 attractions, including the Rock City of Petra or the Wadi Rum Desert. You also save the visa fee of 40 JD if you enter via Amman and then present this pass. The Jordan Pass is available in 3 versions.

HIKER PASS for 70 JD (89€) includes 1 day in Petra, free entry to over 40 attractions, and a visa fee of 40 JD if you stay in the country for at least 3 nights. Book here.
EXPLORER PASS for 75 JD (96 €) including 2 days in Petra, free entry to over 40 attractions, and a visa fee of 40 JD if you stay at least 3 nights in the country | Book here.
EXPERT PASS for 80 JD (102 €) including 3 days in Petra, free entry to over 40 attractions, and a visa fee of 40 JD if you stay at least 3 nights in the country | Book here.

You can purchase the Jordan Pass online and save it on your smartphone or print it out. The QR code is usually scanned or stamped at the entrances to attractions. Your pass is activated with the first attraction and is then valid for 2 weeks. Please note: The pass is not transferable; you should always carry your passport with you in case you need to prove your identity. In total, you can save around €140 with the pass if you use it to its full potential.

7. Do you actually tip?

If you are satisfied with a service, you should also tip. 10% of the total price is appropriate here, just like in Germany. Tips are called “bakshich” in Jordan, and the usual amount is 0.5–2 JD. We usually gave the friendly employees at gas stations 0.5–1 JD and a taxi driver 3 JD. A private guide should be given between 3 and 5 JD, and for a short transfer and shuttle, 1 JD.

8. What do I need to consider when booking a rental car?

If you’re planning to explore the country with your own rental car, you should make sure you book with a “no excess” option and a fair “full/full” fuel policy. This has been our best option for years. Tire and glass protection should also be included in the price, as should unlimited liability insurance. You’ll also need a valid credit card when booking your rental car. In our travel credit card comparison, we present you with a really good card as well as alternatives. More on this topic here: Driving and rental cars in Jordan.

9. Can I wear shorts?

Yes, but it’s not appreciated. Shorts for men are considered ridiculous in Jordan. It’s best to get long, thin linen trousers for your trip to Jordan. As a woman, you should also avoid short backs, short dresses, and trousers. Don’t dress too provocatively or revealingly; that’s also frowned upon. On the beaches, it’s okay to go into the water in a swimsuit and swimming trunks. More on this here: Potato faux pas in Jordan.

10. Do I need a power adapter for Jordan?

You should also bring the appropriate power adapter for your trip. You’ll find Type C/F sockets, which we also use in Germany, as well as Type G sockets with 3 pins and Type G. So, if you have an adapter for these types of sockets, you’ll probably be able to charge your devices everywhere. We recommend this all-rounder adapter* for more than 224 countries. However, some accommodations also provided adapters.

11. How much does a SIM card with data cost?

If you want internet access while on the go, we recommend the Umniah SIM card. We bought the 14 GB card for 11 JD (14 €) directly at the airport in Aqaba. The employee set everything up for us, and after 2 minutes, we had internet on our smartphones. There are various packages (1 GB, 2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, etc.) to choose from. Prices at the airport are, of course, a bit more expensive. Other providers: Zain and Orange.

12. How safe is traveling through Jordan?

Jordan is located in the midst of the crisis zones of Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It’s no wonder that many travelers are worried and unsure whether they should even travel to this country. The country suffers greatly from the bad reputation of other countries, but maintains peaceful relations with neighboring regions. Actually, you don’t have to worry; the situation in the country is relatively stable.

In general, Jordan is one of the most stable and safest countries in the Arab world. Follow the basic rules, use common sense, and you’ll feel safe in this country. A detailed report on this topic can be found here: Safety in Jordan.

13. Are there any cultural faux pas?

Ohhhh yesssss! And you should familiarize yourself with Arab culture before your trip. As already mentioned, shorts are considered ridiculous for men. You should also be careful not to display affection in public. When entering a mosque, remember to take off your shoes beforehand. Respect that not everyone wants to be photographed, especially not without permission.

When eating, use your right hand; the left hand is considered “unclean.” You should never criticize the royal family or religion; it’s best not to even mention it, as lèse-majesté is forbidden. Most people have no understanding of atheism, by the way. Google “Jordanian faux pas” and you’re sure to find some useful information.

14. Do I need a vaccination?

No vaccinations are required to enter Jordan. You only need proof of yellow fever vaccination if you come from a yellow fever area or have been in transit through a yellow fever area for more than 12 hours. The same applies if you come from a polio area. Make sure your standard vaccinations are up to date to be on the safe side. It’s very important that you have international health insurance for the duration of your trip to Jordan. More on this here: Travel Insurance.

15. What should I eat in Jordan?

Do you love Middle Eastern and Arabic cuisine? Then Jordan is the place for you. We’re big fans of falafel, hummus, and pita bread. But you should also try lentil soup, mansaf (the national dish), shawarma, labneh, and kanafeh. Meat and fish lovers (especially along the Red Sea) will definitely not be disappointed here. Most dishes are served with rice and vegetables.

We stopped in small local restaurants every now and then and simply sampled our way through the menu. Tea is also an important part of the cuisine and social life. The locals drink many cups a day, preferably black tea with lots of sugar. But coffee is also consumed in Jordan. You can get the best insight into the local cuisine in the bustling markets (e.g. in Amman or Aqaba).

Jordan Travel Guide for your Planning

If you would like to learn more about the country and its people in addition to our articles about Jordan, we recommend the travel guide from Reise Know-How*. Over 400 pages of helpful information and plenty of inspiration are available here.