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Jordan Wiki - Facts About Jordan
Jordan FAQ or Q&A
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Jordan
In the Jordan Wiki I put together a list of questions I keep getting from friends and strangers by email or on various travel forums. As always, I try to answer these questions to the best of my knowledge.
Sometimes it's easy, sometimes I have to go on a fact-finding mission - which I do enjoy because it helps me to discover new and interesting facts and figures about Jordan.
So, please, keep asking!
This list of Questions & Answers will keep growing so I recommend you to come back regulary to check out what's new. Bookmarking this page or subscribing to the RSS-feed will make it super easy to follow my updates.
Click on the questions and you will be taken to the answers:
Where is Jordan?
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is in the Middle East, sharing borders with Syria, Israel, Palestine (West Bank), Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Is Jordan safe to travel?
Yes, public safety in Jordan is very good, actually much better than in most cities in the West.
When is the best time to visit Jordan?
In terms of the weather, the best time to come to Jordan is Spring and Autumn. Summer is very hot and dry and in wintertime there is a slight risk that you are not able to visit some sites because of the occasional extreme weather conditions.
If you fly to Jordan from overseas to visit Petra and can't get there because of heavy snowing... well, I would be very disappointed.
Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't come in the wintertime, just be prepared and make your plans flexible. These extreme conditions usually don't last more than a couple of days.
More about the weather in Jordan 
Public and religious holidays are also worth taking into consideration when planning your visit to Jordan.
More about holidays in Jordan
Should I travel to Jordan during Ramadan?
What clothes to wear in Jordan?
Two key factors to keep in mind:
1) The weather: most of the year it is hot or at least warm. However, there can be significant differences in the temperature due to the elevation.
2) Local dress code: Jordan is a moderate Muslim country where most of the people dress modestly. Women are more covered up than men but even men don't wear shorts in Jordan, only at the beach.
Layering is usually a good idea. Bring light weight, long, loose pants and/or skirts, short and long sleeve tops of quick drying material so that it's easy to hand wash them.
A pullover or sweater will be useful even in summer as many buildings and vehicles are air-conditioned so you can catch cold easily in the summer heat if you are not careful.
In winter bring a jacket, a fleece, hat, gloves and warm underwear, especially if you plan to sleep in the desert. A light rain jacket with hood is enough in spring and autumn.
Wear sunglasses and use sunhats or scarfs to prevent sun stroke.
Do I need visa to Jordan?
Yes, most nationals need a visa to enter Jordan but it is easy to pick up at the borders. Alternatively you can obtain a visa beforehand from the Jordanian Consulate in your country of residence.
More details
Do they speak English in Jordan?
Arabic is the official language, but most people involved in tourism speak English. Doctors and pharmacists also speak English.
Street, office and shop names as well as traffic signs are usually written in both languages.
What currency shall I bring: USD or Euro? What about credit cards?
Both USD and EUR are OK to bring, as well as other major currencies like GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD or JPY. Also, the currencies of other Arabic countries can be exchanged in Jordan.
The JOD-USD exchange rate is fixed: you get JOD 0.70 for USD 1. Rates for other currencies change daily. Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and currency exchange offices and you will find ATM's and banks in the cities.
More and more hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards and VISA seems to be more widely accepted than MasterCard.
More about Jordanian money
Can I buy alcohol in Jordan?
Yes, but only in licensed liquor stores, hotels with 4-stars and above and in certain restaurants.
What small present shall I bring for my Jordanian hosts?
If you don't know your hosts already, here are some general advices:
As people in Jordan have many kids, the easiest things to bring are sweets that are easy to share: assorted candies and small chocolate bars, etc.
The grown ups also have a sweet thooth so sweets are really ideal.
However, make sure they don't contain anything that is 'haram' or 'forbidden' for Muslims: alcohol or pork ingredients. (For example, the HARIBO gummy bears and similar jelly products include pork gelatine, except the ones that are made in Turkey.)
Arab men also love perfumes, cigarettes.
More Jordan Wiki to come soon!
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