8 Things to Know Before Visiting Jordan

Jordan travel guide

Planning the perfect getaway is exhilarating, but Jordan is a destination that rewards the well-prepared. While its beauty is undeniable, navigating the logistics of the Kingdom requires a bit of 'insider' knowledge to truly get it right. To ensure your trip is as smooth as the sands of Wadi Rum, I’ve put together this essential pre-departure guide, packed with the practical tips and local insights you’ll need before you touch down in Amman. 

Heads up: this page may include affiliate links. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. I only recommend tools I have personally vetted.

👉 Where I stayed:

• Wadi Rum desert: Star Walk Camp & Tours 🅱️ Booking 🔗🦉Tripadvisor🔗
• Aqaba: Al-Naher Al-Khaled Hotel 🅱️ Booking 🔗🦉 Tripadvisor🔗
• Wadi Musa: Majido Hotel 🅱️ Booking 🔗
• Dana: Hobbit village 🅱️ Booking 🔗
• Amman: The Sydney Hotel 🅱️ Booking 🔗🦉 Tripadvisor🔗

1. Jordan Visa requirements 

Navigating entry requirements in Jordan is surprisingly simple if you plan ahead. While a valid passport is a baseline requirement for everyone, most travelers should opt for the Jordan Pass instead of a traditional visa. By purchasing this pass before your trip, the 40 JOD entry visa fee is waived at the border, provided you stay for at least three nights.

The pass comes in three versions—the Wanderer, Discoverer, and Expert—differentiated by how many days you wish to spend at Petra. Since it also includes admission to 40+ other attractions, it is the most cost-effective way for global explorers to experience the country. Without it, you will need to apply and pay for a visa upon arrival at the airport or land borders.

👉 You can purchase the Jordan Pass here🔗.

2. SIM Card for Jordan 

I highly suggest getting a local SIM card once you arrive at the airport, as wifi will be available only in the hotels, and some tourist restaurants. I purchased Umniah as a local provider, which I recommend as internet connection was always available (except in the desert and very remote places).

Alternately, if your smartphone is abilited, eSIM is an option, which tends to be more expensive, but saves you time in the airport. 

👉 You can purchase the eSIM on Airalo🔗.

3. Money

Jordan's local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). To get an idea of the costs, I paid a double room on average 30 JOD and a meal costs 5-10€ per person.

👉 I exchanged Euros in the first city I crossed, in a local bank (they are easy to find on Google). ATMs are also very common.

⚠️ Credit cards are not widely accepted, all meals and most accommodation required us to pay in cash only. 

4. Transportation and Logistics

🚌 Public transportation in Jordan tends to be limited, you can't rely on them to visit the whole country.

🚗 Renting a car is the best way to go. Driving is not complicated, since all roads are paved.

⚠️ Some things to know before arriving:

• The roads are paved but it takes a while to move across the country, as highways aren't common.
• Google Maps underrates the journey time.
• I advise against long drives at night for safety reasons
• Driving in the cities is a bit messy, due to the traffic 

👉 You can rent ahead on the Rentalcars🔗 website.

5. Accommodation

Jordan’s lodging scene is incredibly versatile, catering to both luxury seekers and budget-conscious backpackers. While you’ll find opulent international hotel chains in Amman and Aqaba, there is also a wealth of boutique guesthouses and affordable hostels that offer incredible hospitality without the hefty price tag. No matter your budget, the legendary Jordanian hospitality remains a constant.

👉 I booked all my hotels on Booking🔗, spending more or less 30 JOD (38 €) for a double room. I picked very simple and essential places. One exception is the Wadi Rum desert, where we spent 15 JOD (20 €) for two nights.

6. Language

While Arabic is the official language, you’ll find that English is remarkably widespread across Jordan. In major cities like Amman and at all the main tourist sites, most locals speak English fluently, making it incredibly easy to navigate, shop, and ask for directions without a language barrier.

7. Local Customs

Jordanians are the best people, as they are very welcoming and warm towards tourists. In Petra, they were a bit excessive in selling you stuff, but besides here people were very kind and genuinely curious about us (Italians).

Jordan is a Muslim country, therefore both women and men should dress modestly. Women don't have to wear the hijab (although all the locals wear it), and the "western" female bathing suits don't really exist here.

⚠️ In my experience is fine to wear our bathing suits on tourist beaches (for example on the Dead Sea or in Aqaba), but I avoided the public beaches, as it would have felt out of place among the locals. 

8. Safety 

Is Jordan safe for tourists? I never felt in danger whatsoever during my time here. I wasn't worried about carrying my expensive camera with me, both during the day and at night. I wouldn't have long drives during the night, simply because the rural areas are very poor. Overall it is perceivable that this country is poor (modest houses and cars), but it doesn't feel dangerous, as small-scale crimes don't occur.

9. Weather

• Peak Seasons (Spring & Autumn): For the most comfortable experience, aim for March to May or September to November. These months offer the "Goldilocks" climate—perfect for hiking through Petra without the summer heat or winter chill.
• Summer Heat (June – August): Be prepared for intense sun. While the desert regions hover between 26–29°C (78–84°F), the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea can soar to a scorching 38–39°C (100–102°F).
• Winter Chill (December – February): Contrary to popular belief, Jordan gets quite cold! High-altitude areas like Amman see temperatures between 9–13°C (48–55°F), though the desert stays slightly milder at 19–22°C (66–71°F).
• Rainfall: Rain is rare but mostly occurs between November and April, with the highest chances in the peak of winter (December–February).
  

✨ I visited at the end of February and found the weather absolutely lovely. During the day, it was a pleasant 22°C (71°F)—ideal for walking—while the evenings cooled down to around 12°C (53°F), perfect for a cozy light jacket.

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