Jordan Travel Tips

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About Jordan

The official language of Jordan is Arabic.
English is widely spoken, especially in the cities, and many Jordanians have travelled or been educated abroad. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken to a lesser extent.

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, or "JD", which is divided into 1000 fils.

American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted, while Access and Diners Club have more limited use. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability.

Tipping is never required but always appreciated.
In hotels and restaurants, 10% may be added to the bill, but a small tip for the waiters is appropriate. For hotel bellmen and porters, ½ or 1 JOD, or US $1 is customary.
In taxis, pay the nearest round figure to the price on the meter.
Visitors would normally consider tipping their guide, driver on tours, hotel staff, and waiters in restaurants. However, tips for portage in airports and hotels are always covered by our staff.

Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected.
Revealing clothing is never appropriate and conservative clothing is advisable for both men and women in downtown Amman and in rural areas.
Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable in hotel pools or beaches.
Evenings can be cool in summer, so a sweater or a shawl is advisable.

No vaccinations are needed for visits to Jordan.
During your stay, it is preferable to drink only bottled water, although it is fine to shower and brush your teeth using tap water.

For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and requires rounded two prong wall plugs.

If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this.
Film is readily available in all tourist areas.
It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag.

All nationalities require tourist visas for Jordan. A visa can be obtained at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport for most nationalities, note that payment must be in local currency.
Group visas can be arranged free of charge for groups of five or more persons arriving together and staying in Jordan a minimum of 2 nights, provided you send us a visa list with full passport details prior to group arrival.

Jordan is a shoppers' paradise offering hand-blown glassware, inlaid boxes, silver, gold, jewellery, brass, copper, carpets, antiques, leather wear, spices, perfumes, alabaster, embroidered covers, wall hangings and furniture.
It is prohibited to export any ancient artefacts. Be careful when investing in "genuine antiques" which in many cases are excellent forgeries.