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Despite its turbulent history, Jordan today is a safe, stable country that’s easy to navigate, making a vacation in Jordan a good introduction to the Middle East. The country offers you natural wonders, too, including the salt-crusted shores of the Dead Sea, coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Wadi Rum desert, where monumental rock formations tower over deep-red sands.


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Suggested tours for Jordan
These tours give you a starting point for what your trip to Jordan could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Jordan, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Our detailed brochures feature trip ideas and travel experiences recommended by our specialists.

Useful information for planning your vacation in Jordan
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Timezone
UTC +2 to UTC +3 -
Flight time
12 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Amman)
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Arabic is the official language of Jordan. Jordanian Arabic is quite close to Egyptian Arabic, which is the most widely understood. Most other Jordanians will be able to communicate effectively in English — the exception being some of the Bedouins in places like Wadi Rum.
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Jordanian food is typically Arabian in style with the Lebanese influence dominating in particular as well as one or two traditional local dishes. The most common form of meal starts with mezze (mixed starters, predominantly non-meat dishes) followed by hot, meat-based dishes, all accompanied by lots of delicious, fresh-baked flat bread. For a quick snack, you should try shwarma. This is thinly sliced compacted meat (normally lamb, sometimes chicken) shaved into a flat bread pocket and garnished with a garlic sauce before being wrapped tightly for easy eating.
As well as traditional Arabic coffee, tea and fruit juice, Jordan also produces its own wines, the best of which are pretty decent, and brews a couple of beers under license, the most common being Amstel. The local spirit is araq, a triple-distilled vine alcohol flavored with aniseed.
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Tipping is an accepted part of life in Jordan and will be expected by drivers, guides and other people who look after you or offer you some service during your trip. That having been said there is not the same request for tips at every turn that you encounter in some of the other countries of the region. In upmarket restaurants a tip of 10% is normally expected, whilst in smaller and cheaper establishments anything from 500 fils — JD 1 is about right.
Ultimately, these suggestions are nothing more than guidelines and tipping is discretionary, but it is also an accepted part of culture.
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Jordan's currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). There are 1000 fils in a dinar, and there is an informal denomination of a piastre which is 10 fils. Credit cards are widely accepted, although in remote rural areas and the desert you might struggle with them. There are ATMs in all towns and cities of any size.
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Whilst Jordan is a Muslim country, it is one of the more secular ones in the Middle East but it is still important to respect Muslim social customs. Dress does not have to be as conservative as in some countries in the region, but care should still be taken. As a general rule you should dress more conservatively in the towns and cities than on days when you are sightseeing away from urban areas. For these days, both sexes can wear shorts and t-shirts weather-permitting, although keeping the shoulders covered is sensible for reasons of sunburn as much as respect for local customs.
Do not photograph anything to do with the military or government buildings — also avoid photographing bridges and canals or anything that could be construed as having strategic significance. Ask people if they mind before photographing them.
During Ramadan do not eat, drink or smoke in public.
Jordan in pictures
Our expert guides to traveling in Jordan
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Jordan. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Jordan at its best.
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My travels in Jordan 2018
Your trip to Jordan could involve the monumental tombs of Petra, the sere desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and a visit to the cosmopolitan capital city of Amman. Get inspired by footage from Nick’s recent visit.
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Explore the mysteries of Petra Explore the mysteries of Petra
Explore the mysteries of Petra
A hidden city that’s carved into sandstone cliffs, Petra was one of the wonders of the ancient world. Jordan specialist Nick offers a guide to the history and important sites in this vast city.
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Family vacations in Jordan Family vacations in Jordan
Family vacations in Jordan
If you're planning a tailor-made family vacation in Jordan, why not release your inner Indiana Jones on a trip to Petra, where Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed.
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The King's Highway in Jordan The King's Highway in Jordan
The King's Highway in Jordan
Traveling the Kings' Highway in Jordan means seeing 5,000 years of history. Visit sites of the Holy Land, the churches at Madaba and Mount Nebo, the castles of Kerak and Shawbak, as well as the ancient city of Petra.
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Amman for more than one night Amman for more than one night
Amman for more than one night
Jordan’s capital city is much more than just a rest stop on your way to the country’s many ancient sites. It invites you to explore the Roman amphitheater, take a cooking class in a family kitchen and see the oldest known human statues.
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How to pack for the Middle East How to pack for the Middle East
How to pack for the Middle East
First-time visitors can find it tricky to pack for the Middle East. Specialist and one-time resident Talia offers packing advice for handling the dramatic swings in temperature, the wide variety of terrains and the conservative culture.
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Jordan and Egypt: Petra to Giza and Luxor Jordan and Egypt: Petra to Giza and Luxor
Jordan and Egypt: Petra to Giza and Luxor
In the sunbaked desert of Egypt and a hidden wadi in Jordan, ancient empires built enormous stone edifices that still stand thousands of years later. Middle East specialist Albert discusses the best way to see both countries on one trip.
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Explore ancient cities of Europe and the Middle East Explore ancient cities of Europe and the Middle East
Explore ancient cities of Europe and the Middle East
From the pyramids and the Parthenon to the Colosseum and Diocletian’s Palace, the remnants of ancient empires still define modern Europe and the Middle East. Our specialists suggest the best way to explore these not-so-hidden roots from Amman to Athens.
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Guide to Jerusalem Guide to Jerusalem
Guide to Jerusalem
Easily combinable with an itinerary to Jordan, and fascinating enough to merit a trip in its own right, the enthralling sights and monuments of Jerusalem are certain to charm you. History has never seemed so alive.
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