Need to Know
For more information, see Survival Guide
Currency
Languages
Visas
Money
Mobile Phones
Time
When to Go
High Season (Mar–May)
APerfect weather throughout Jordan with warm days and cool nights.
ANorthern Jordan is blanketed in wildflowers in April.
AReserve rooms in main tourist areas and expect higher rates.
Shoulder (Sep–Feb)
AThe best time to visit the Red Sea; prices in and around Aqaba rise accordingly.
ABitter nights in the desert with rain or snow curtail many activities, such as camping.
Low Season (Jun–Aug)
AThe desert in the middle of the summer is extreme. Temperatures throughout Jordan can be stifling.
APrices are at their best but many places close in the low season.
Useful Websites
Jordan Tourism Board (www.visitjordan.com) Excellent official website.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/jordan) Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more.
RSCN (www.rscn.org.jo) Online booking for accommodation and eco-adventures in nature reserves.
Bible Places (www.bibleplaces.com) Biblical sights in Jordan.
Important Numbers
| Jordan’s country code |  %962 |
| International access code | %00 |
| Ambulance, fire, police | %911 |
Exchange Rates
| Australia | A$1 | JD0.56 |
| Canada | C$1 | JD0.57 |
| Egypt | E£10 | JD0.40 |
| Europe | €1 | JD0.84 |
| Israel & Palestinian Territories | 1NIS | JD0.20 |
| Japan | ¥100 | JD0.64 |
| New Zealand | NZ$1 | JD0.51 |
| UK | £1 | JD0.92 |
| US | US$1 | JD0.71 |
For current exchange rates see www.xe.com.
Daily Costs
Budget: Less than JD40
AShared room in budget guesthouse: JD10–40
AStreet fare and local markets: under JD5
APublic transport: JD5
Midrange: JD40–120
ADouble room in midrange hotel: JD40–90
AEating in local restaurants: JD5–10
ACar hire: JD50
AEntry costs/unguided activities: JD10
Top End: More than JD120
ADouble room in five-star hotel: from JD90
ABuffet lunch/dinner: from JD15
A4WD car hire: JD120
AGuided activities: JD50
Opening Hours
Opening times vary widely across the country. Many sights, government departments and banks close earlier in winter and during Ramadan. The following opening hours are therefore a rough guide only. The official weekend in Jordan is Friday and Saturday, so expect curtailed hours on these days.
Banks 8am–3pm Sunday to Thursday
Restaurants noon–midnight daily
Cafes 9am–midnight daily
Bars and Clubs 9pm–1am daily
Shops 9am–8pm Saturday to Thursday; some close 2pm–4pm
Souqs 9am–8pm daily
Arriving in Jordan
Queen Alia International Airport (south of Amman) The Airport Express Bus (JD3) runs to Amman every 30 minutes (from 6.30am to 5pm); the night bus runs hourly (5pm to midnight). Taxis cost JD20 to downtown Amman (around 45 minutes). Car hire is available in the arrivals hall.
Ferry Terminal (south of Aqaba) A taxi costs JD8 and takes 20 minutes from the ferry terminal and border to the centre of town.
Wadi Araba (Yitzhak Rabin) Border A taxi from the border costs JD11 and takes 15 minutes to central Aqaba (JD50, two hours to Petra).
Getting Around
Public transport is limited to intercity buses and buses that serve the needs of local communities, making it hard for travellers to reach key destinations without time and patience.
Car Hiring a car is recommended, especially for visiting the Dead Sea, Eastern Desert and King’s Highway. Driving is on the right.
Private Minibus Some hotels in Amman, Madaba, Petra and Aqaba organise minibus shuttle services and/or tours to key tourist destinations, including Eastern Desert sights.
Taxi Many locals get around by shared taxi. Negotiating a half- or whole-day rate with a taxi driver is a useful alternative to car hire.
For much more on getting around, see Transport