Travel Tips

Some Helpful Travel Tips

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Passport/Visa

A valid passport, with an expiry date at least 6 months after the conclusion of your holiday, is required to travel within Jordan.

Most visitors to Jordan can purchase a Tourist Visa upon arrival at any airport, port or border EXCEPT the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge border crossing which requires a pre-issued visa. Some nationalities require visas in advance. Please check on the following webpage www.visitjordan.com or your local Jordanian Embassy before travelling for any rules/restrictions relating to your nationality. The cost of one entry visa for all nationalities is currently JD40, but GO JORDAN can obtain a free visa for all its customers provided all passport details are sent prior arrival to the country. Our representative will meet our customers at the airport with a sign with their name prior immigration office and he will help with all necessary procedures.

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Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance. It should include health coverage.

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Health & Vaccinations

Although not essential, it is recommended to have Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations when travelling through the Middle East. Jordan has a high standard of health care and is relatively cheap in comparison to European countries and the US. Our doctors have been trained in English speaking countries and therefore any language barrier is negligible.

In summer months, the biggest issue is over-exposure to the sun. To avoid sunburn, sunstroke and/or dehydration, use a quality sunscreen, wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.

The water in Jordan is safe to drink however it is heavily chlorinated and therefore not particularly pleasant in taste. We suggest drinking bottled mineral water which is readily available and reasonably priced. Please only drink pasteurized milk.

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Accommodation

A large range of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels are available in all the major cities and towns of Jordan. Bed/Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board rates can be provided. We choose hotels which meet our exacting standards of service and cleanliness and provide value for money.

Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary needs (eg. diabetes) or allergies so that we may alert hotels, etc in advance of your arrival.

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Electricity

Electricity in Jordan is 220 volts and the outlets accept the European two-pin plug. Many of the hotels throughout Jordan will provide different power sockets in their rooms although it is always wise to carry at least one world-wide adapter with you.

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Check-in / Check-out Times

Generally check-in time at hotels is 15:00 with check-out at 12:00 noon. Earlier check-ins or later check-outs can be requested on your behalf however the decision will be by hotel management and dependent upon room availability at the time.

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Dining

Jordanian cuisine, while unique, is part of the Arabic culinary heritage. Food in the Arab world is more than simply a matter of nourishment. Feasting is a preoccupation and food is often the centerpiece of social activities. As a guest, be assured that vast platters of succulent and nutritious food will be made in honor of your visit. Dishes will satisfy even the most health conscious person as many are prepared with grain, cheese, yoghurt, fresh and dried fruits, and vegetables. Always ask about the ingredients if you have allergies as many dishes contain nuts and wheat.

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Climate

Jordan boasts a Mediterranean climate, ideal for year-round holidays and travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around 23oC (73oF). Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, while autumn is equally mild. July and August are hot and dry but not oppressive. Aqaba and the Jordan Valley (Dead Sea) are ideal winter resorts with temperatures averaging 16-22oC (61-72oF) during the coolers months between November and April. There is very little rain in the Aqaba area and in the desert.

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Clothing

Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected. Muslim women’s clothing often covers their legs, arms and hair. Western women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate, and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be out of place in the downtown Amman area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits for women are preferred, although two-pieces swimsuits are acceptable at hotel pools.

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Souvenirs

Please do not remove any rocks, pottery or other items from any of the historical/religious sites you visit. If interested in purchasing souvenirs, eg. mosaic work, traditional clothing, or jewelry, we recommend checking out the prices at several different locations before buying.

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Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated. In hotels and restaurants, 10% may be automatically added to the bill, but a small tip for the waiters is appropriate. For hotel bellmen and porters, 500 files – 1 JD (US$ 2) is customary; in taxis, add about 200 fils to the price of the meter. Unless included in your tour package, tipping of the guides and drivers is also appreciated – approx. 3 JD (US$5) per person per day.

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Currency

Don’t forget to carry enough money to cover the cost of meals not included in the trip costing, drinks, tipping and other incidentals including shopping and optional activities. Generally, US Dollars, Euro, British Pound (GBP), Canadian and Australian Dollars are widely accepted in Jordan.

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD) often referred to as the “JayDee”. There are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 JD notes. The Dinar is divided into 100 piasters (pronounced “pee-aster”) or 1,000 fils.

Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange agencies, and most hotels. There are also currency exchange facilities at Queen Alia International Airport within the terminal building. Street money-changers should be avoided whenever possible. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank.

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Credit Cards and Traveller’s Cheques

VISA and MasterCard (with American Express and Diners Club not quite as frequent) are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Small establishments may add a 4% bank surcharge.

Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged for cash at exchange shops although you should expect to pay a commission of up to 5% for doing so.

Please note that many smaller shops still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it is essential for shopping in the local Souqs. Whilst still limited, the number of automated teller machines (ATMs) is fast increasing in Jordan, however in popular areas such as Petra, machines can run out of money.

Western Union outlets can be found throughout Jordan, either as stand- alone companies or within banks.

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How Much Money Will I spend?

Getting into the spirit of your holiday is very important however Jordan is not a cheap destination. Depending upon the meals provided in your holiday package, you should budget around US$7-10 per day for a basic lunch (drinks extra) and US$15-20 per day for hearty meals at a higher quality restaurant (drinks extra). Bottled water is inexpensive – we provide free water inside our vehicles – but local supermarkets offer the best deal.

Don’t forget all the “must do’s” such as a camel ride, motorized water sports at the Red Sea or the many spa treatments at the Dead Sea, as well as souvenirs and travel books, etc. We would be happy to provide approximate costings for these items to help you budget.

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