Jordan Travel Guide

This travel guide for Jordan features the top places to visit, how to get there, safety, scams to watch out for, money matters logistics, and more to help plan your trip.

The information in this Travel Guide and the posts on Jordan are updated as of February 2023.

Top Attractions In Jordan

Petra Archeological Park

Petra’s Archeological Park is fascinating and definitely the highlight of Jordan. So much more than I ever expected. This ancient city and its labyrinth of temples and tombs, carved from the red sandstone, was the Nabatean’s capital in the 4th century AD.

These desert nomads were skilled in trade, stone carving, and managing and storing water, skills that enabled them to thrive and prosper in the middle of the desert. Awarded Heritage status in 1985, UNESCO describes Petra as, “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.”

The core city center of Petra is about 2.3 miles² (6 km²) and there’s a lot to see, so it’s best to spend 2-3 days to see its sites, like the Treasury, the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, the Great Temple, Sacrifice Point, the Carved Lion, and much more. See my post on the Petra Archeological Park to learn more.

Amman

Amman, Jordans’s capital, where you will likely fly into, makes a great base for a few days before heading to Petra. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, it’s cosmopolitan, safe, offers insights to Jordanian culture, and has some cool sites of its own.

As most of them are downtown, they’re walkable, or a short taxi ride away. One of the top sites is the 2nd century Roman theater (below) that’s in such great shape, it’s still used today.

The Citadal on the hill is another top site. Once the capital of the kingdom of Ammon, you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Hercules, an 8th century palace dating back to the Umayyad Caliphate, and an archeological museum. It also offers a great view of Amman as it overlooks the modern city.

Day Trips From Amman

Dead Sea

Amman also makes a good base for day trips, like a trip to soak in the Dead Sea, another one of the top things to do in Jordan. This tideless sea is the lowest point on earth, one of the most saline bodies of water on our planet, and a giant free spa.

Plan to spend some time floating in the water and basking in the mud. The minerals here reputedly rid the body of toxins.

Jerash

The ruins of the ancient city of Jerash, historically Gerasa, are another must-see in Jordan. This Roman city was one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities in the Near East in the 1st century BC, and is considered one the the largest and most well-preserved Roman cities outside Italy and in the world.

These ruins are surrounded by the modern city of Jerash, which provides an incredible perspective on life and history here.

Other Day Trips

You can also visit Mount Nebo, where biblical Moses saw the promised land of Canaan.

If you’re into hiking, visit the Dana Biosphere Reserve. With an area of 119 miles² (308 km²), it has 4 different bio-geographical zones and many hiking trails ranging from a few hours, to several days.

And last but not least, you can see an ancient map of the holy land designed into a mosaic floor in St George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Located in Madaba, it’s the oldest surviving original cartographic representation of the holy land in the world.

Wadi Rum

The protected desert area of Wadi Rum is a vast landscape of red sand, weathered sandstone and granite mountains, and natural arches. Located in southern Jordan, near the border of Saudi Arabia, its lunar beauty is not its only draw as, it’s also full of ancient petroglyphs, inscriptions, and some archeological remains.

Plan to spend an afternoon seeing the sites before heading to your Bedouin camp for a traditional dinner and music, then fall asleep in a tent under a zillion stars.

Jordan Travel Guide: Best Time To Visit

Weatherwise, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the most comfortable.

June, July, and August are very hot, while it gets quite cold in December and January.

Jordan Travel Guide: Languages

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in large cities and in tourist areas.

Jordan Travel Guide: Money Matters

Currency: The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), often called the “Jaydee”. Conversion rates as of January 1, 2024 were as follows.

• USD (1) = .71 JOD
• Euro (1) = .78 JOD
• CNY (1) = .10 JOD

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Small shops, however, will likely only accept cash. ATMs are easy to find in larger cities. Make sure to bring cash when visiting smaller ones.

Tipping: A tip of 10% for good service at a restaurant is appropriate. If already included in your bill, it’s still good to give your waiter or waitress another 5-10% as they likely will not get a portion of the billed amount. For tour guides, discuss the appropriate amount in advance when you book the service. Usually 5% per person for the guide and driver is appropriate.

For taxis, simply round to the nearest dollar amount.

Jordan Travel Guide: Safety

Jordan is relatively safe, but petty theft does occur. Take normal precautions, don’t carry much cash with you, and always be aware of your surroundings. Check for local scams noted below.

Political unrest and acts of terrorism are not common, but can happen. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and always be vigilant.

If staying solo in hostels/hotels/Airbnb’s in Petra, read reviews from past travelers thoroughly to make sure the owners are trustworthy. If they don’t have good reviews, pick another place. The owner at my hostel was trying to pick up solo female travelers which was very uncomfortable.

Trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right, look for alternatives.

Always check the latest situation on your government website. It’s also a good idea to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar with your country to be updated if an issue does arise.

Jordan Travel Guide: Scams

Jordan is safe and most of the people you run into are honest and trustworthy, but there are always a few trying to take advantage of tourists. Some of the known scams include the following:

• Some Jordanians are extremely flirtatious with females, using their exotic looks to con them into thinking it’s love and later requesting money. It’s ok to have fun and flirt back, but never be conned into sending money.
• Near the entrance of Petra, there will be horse and carriage drivers saying the ride is free with your ticket (which it is), but then demand a tip at the end of the ride. Negotiate in advance or simply walk.
• Make sure to only buy your entrance ticket from the ticket box at the Petra or Wadi Rim visitor center, never from locals.
• When booking tours at Wadi Rum, ask them to provide their certificate verifying that they can enter the protected area before booking.
• It’s best to book through your hotel/hostel or arrange your tour at the visitor center itself. If you’ve pre-arranged a guide and plan to meet them at the park, create a word or phrase that only the two of you know so you know you’re with the right guide.
• If taking a taxi, make sure to negotiate your price before you get in (ask a local if not sure). Also make sure it is per ride and not per person. Uber is an option here too, which provides the fee upfront.

Jordan Travel Guide: Getting Around

The best way to get around Jordan is to take local buses, use taxis, hire a driver, or drive yourself.

The bus is usually the least expensive option, and a good one for some added local culture. The downside to the bus is that they don’t always operate on a set schedule (except for main routes), they leave when full.

For taxis, you can use standard taxis, or download the Uber or Careem ride hailing apps. If you use a standard taxi, it’s always a good idea to check the price with the ride hailing apps first to make sure you are getting a fair price.

If you choose to self-drive, you must be 25 to rent a car in Jordan and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. This needs to be obtained from your home country before you arrive. Driving is done on the right and is safe for tourists with signs in both Arabic and English. The big cities can be very congested and watch for potholes. I’ve also read that police checkpoints may be set up at various locations around the country. If you are waves over by the police, follow their instructions and make sure to have all your paperwork with you at all times. Be careful if you chose to drive at night, however, as locals are sometimes known to drive with their lights off.

Amman to Petra

Bus is the most cost efficient way to travel between Amman and Petra. Jett Bus leaves Amman’s Abdali bus station, which is about 10 minutes from downtown, at 6:30AM (please arrive 30 minutes early). The air conditioned ride is about 3 hours, costs around $14 USD, and drops you near the Petra Park entrance. In peak season it’s also best to buy your ticket the day prior.

If you prefer a taxi, expect to pay a lot more, ranging from about 55 to 75 JOD ($75 to $100) or more each way.

Day Trips From Amman

Dead Sea: The most economical way to get to Amman Beach at the Dead Sea is by bus. It’s not direct, however, so a little complicated. Take it from Mujaharin bus station to Rame, then catch a taxi. The bus will cost less than $2 and a taxi around $6. Jett Bus also offers a bus from Abdali and the 7th circle to the Dead Sea and back for about 10 JOD ($14 USD). Taxi is another option, providing more flexibility in places to stop at the Dead Sea, but will be more expensive. Current prices on Careem are about 20 to 25 JOD ($28 to $35) each way (varies by final start and destination).

Jerash: Located about an hour from Amman, the most economical way to visit is to take the bus from the North Terminal Bus Station in Amman for 1 JD (about $1.5 USD). Current taxi rates on Careem are estimated at 18 to 21 JOD ($25 to $30). This, of course, varies by final starting destination.

Madaba: Jett Bus offers rides from Amman on Fridays and Sundays, stopping at Madaba, Mount Nebo and “Bethany beyond Jordan” for 15 JOD ($21). A taxi on Careem from Amman to Madaba is currently running about 12 to 15 JOD ($17 to $21) each way (depending on your final starting point).

Dana Biosphere Preserve and Mount Nebo: As these are both a little out of the way (about 2.5 hours each way) with not many public transport options (see the stop at Mount Nebo above under Madaba), so it’s best to book a tour or ask how to hire a driver at your hotel.

Petra to Wadi Rum

The best way to get from Petra to Wadi Rum is to take the Jett bus from Wadi Musa in Petra. It leaves at 5 PM and takes about 2.5 hours. The cost is 15 JOD ($21 USD), each way. There is also a local bus that you can book through your hotel, costing less, that leaves around 6 AM.

Visa Information For Jordan

Visa on arrival is available for US citizens, European citizens, and China for up to 60 days. See the Visa Policy of Jordan for more details or information on other countries.

Jordan Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs

Click the images, or copy, below for more detailed information on the top sites in Jordan.

Summary

If this travel guide has been useful in planning, or you’re just dreaming about visiting Jordan and have a question, add a comment below.

Safe Travels!

Julie

See my about me, to learn more about my philosophy on travel, and some of my solo adventures.

Note: All efforts are made to ensure the details in this travel guide to Jordan are accurate, but sometimes things change. Please contact me if you see an issue.