FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit Jordan?
Jordan is one of the safest countries on the world! The first thing you will notice when you arrive to Jordan is that the people are very warm and welcoming to tourists. You will be pleasantly surprised by the sense of security you will find in Jordan- it is one of the safest places to travel in the world. Jordan maintains good relations with ALL of its neighbours and is truly an oasis of peace in this region. The country is fairly liberal, westernised, and alcohol is freely available.
Can I extend my visit to other countries in the region?
Jordan Tours & Travel offers programs that combine visits to neighboring countries. It is very simple to arrange extensions to Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and The Holy Land. Border formalities are usually swift and trouble-free.
What time is it in Jordan?
We are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, or three hours ahead when we’re on Daylight Savings Time from April 10th to October 10th.
What’s the voltage?
The electricity is 220 volts, so bring along a transformer if you need one.
Do I have to Tip?
Tipping is not compulsory, but is expected. If you were satisfied with the services of your driver or guide then it would be a nice way to show them your appreciation. Most restaurants add a service charge to your bill, but if not a tip is appropriate there as well.
What about the food and drink?
Eating is the most popular national pastime hence the Jordanian cuisine is quite refined. Most hotels offer continental breakfast and buffet dinner with a choice of western and Arabic foods. Restaurants at sites usually offer traditional Arabic food or buffet lunches. In the major cities you’ll also find international restaurants, including McDonalds, Burger King and other healthy restaurants!
You are allowed to consume alcoholic drinks freely.
How can I keep in touch?
There country has an excellent telecommunications infrastructure including three mobile networks; you can even buy prepaid GSM cards. You will also find Internet facilities in major hotels and in the form of Internet cafés in virtually all cities. Besides Arabic newspapers, there is an excellent daily English-language newspaper, the Jordan Times. Major hotels also offer a wide variety of foreign newspapers and magazines.
How should I dress?
When planning your clothing needs (particularly women), remember that you will be travelling in a Muslim country, albeit not a very conservative one. Too much body should not be displayed. Women and men can wear shorts, though it’s preferable for women to avoid wearing them while walking in Amman’s city centre. By following above guidelines, you will feel more relaxed. Make sure you bring with you comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun block. The weather is usually warm in summer, but winters can be very cold, evenings are cool year round, so bring adequate warm clothing with you. If you were sleeping in the desert then you would need a warm sweater and Jacket even in summer.
What’s the official currency?
The Jordanian Dinar (JD) is divided into 1,000 fils, although many people refer to piasters. One piaster equals 10 fils, so there are 100 piasters in a dinar.
Notes: 5, 10 and 20 and 50 dinars.
Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 fils, 1/2 and 1 dinar.
US$1 = JD 0.708 (JD IS PEGGED TO THE US$)
You will get the best exchange rate at exchange shops and banks, although the banks at the borders and in the airports charge a small commission. If you carry travellers’ checks, you will be charged a commission ranging from JD 3 to JD 8 even at a bank, sometimes for each check, so carry larger denominations. Hotels will charge a premium for changing money, so try to avoid this. All Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, though some exchange shops remain open.
Do you issue flight tickets?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue inbound flight tickets, but these are available over the internet or through your local travel agent. We can however supply you with tickets originating in Amman to neighbouring countries or domestic flights.
What’s the procedure for organising my tour?
If you are interested in an independent tour, we recommend you first looked at our customised tours section for ideas and then let us know if you wish to modify any of the suggested itineraries according to your requirements. You can specify the sites you wish to visit and any other requirements such as hotel type on our contact form. We would then get back to you with a non-binding proposal within a short period of time.
If you wish to book a seat on one of our small group tours, please contact us for availability.
What are the hotels like?
Jordan has all kinds, from super luxurious 5* resorts to good quality value hotels (and a few bad ones too). You can depend on us to book you into the best value for your budget. We keep a constant check on the quality of our suppliers and their standard.
Is it dangerous to walk by night?
Jordan is a very safe country. But, excluding some charming corners, if you go for a walk after 7 p.m., the city is almost deserted!
Will my electric rasor function in Jordan?
The electricity in Jordan is 220 to 240 V AC, 50 Hz. Therefore, bring along an adaptor as well as a transformer if necessary, because it is sometimes hard to find in hotels.
Can we drink tap water at the hotel?
Standards of hygiene in Jordan are high and the main risk to visitors is exhaustion and heat, and of course the changing life style. Most of 4 or 5 stars hotels contain additional purification systems. But, whatever the technique used, it does not eliminate the slight percentage of chlorine in the water…Thus, most people drink bottled water; tap water is generally safe but salty and not particularly pleasant.