Quick facts
- Capital: Amman. Main airport: Queen Alia International (AMM), 30 km south of the city.
- Languages: Arabic (Modern Standard and Levantine dialect). English widely spoken in tourism zones.
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 JOD = roughly 5.30 AED.
- Best flight time from Dubai: Early morning departures land mid-morning; return flights in late afternoon give a full day on ground.
- Flights: typically 2.5 hours direct.
Visa for UAE residents
UAE passport holders get a tourist visa on arrival for 30 days, or can pre-apply for an eVisa online. Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino nationals need to arrange a visa in advance through the Jordanian embassy in Abu Dhabi or apply online. British residents get 30 days on arrival. Most nationalities pay 40 JOD (around 210 AED) for a tourist visa.
When to visit
October to April is ideal. Summer heat in Petra and the Dead Sea is brutal (40°C+). March-April brings spring blooms in Wadi Rum and manageable crowds. Ramadan affects restaurant hours and energy levels; plan accordingly if travelling then.
Rough budget in AED (7 days, per person)
| Tier | Daily | 7-day total |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 250-350 | 1,750-2,450 |
| Mid-range | 400-600 | 2,800-4,200 |
| Comfort | 700-1,000 | 4,900-7,000 |
Budget covers hostels, street food, and local transport. Mid-range includes 3-star hotels and guided tours. Comfort adds resort stays and private guides.
Highlights
- Petra: carved rose-red city, one of the seven wonders. Budget a full day, start before dawn to beat crowds and heat.
- Wadi Rum: vast desert landscape, Bedouin camps, and jeep safaris. Overnight stays offer the best experience.
- Dead Sea: float in the lowest point on Earth, slather in mineral mud. Hotels line the western shore.
- Jerash: Roman ruins among olive groves, less crowded than Petra and genuinely impressive.
- Amman citadel and downtown: overlook the city, visit the archaeological museum, eat in the souks.
Local etiquette
Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas and when visiting religious sites (long trousers, covered shoulders). Tipping is customary: 10% at restaurants, small change for taxis and porters. Alcohol is legal and served in hotels and some restaurants, though public drinking is rare. Accept tea or coffee when offered; it's a social gesture.
Safety notes
Jordan is one of the safer countries in the region. Use official taxis or apps like Uber. Avoid the Syria border and southeast desert areas near Iraq. Street crime is rare in tourist zones.
Getting around
Rent a car (manual or automatic available, international licence required) or book private drivers and tours through hotels. Public buses exist but aren't reliable for tourists on tight schedules. Most do a 3-4 day loop: Amman to Jerash, then south to Petra via Karak Castle, finishing at the Dead Sea before flying out.
Best combined trip
Add Israel and Palestine (West Bank) for a 10-14 day Middle East journey covering religious and historical depth.
Common questions about Jordan
How many days do I need in Jordan?
Five to seven days is ideal. A 3-day minimum covers Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum but feels rushed. Seven days lets you add the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Karak Castle without sprinting. If you're flying a long way from the UAE, bank on 6 days minimum to justify the travel time.
Do I need a rental car or can I use tours?
Many travellers book packaged tours from Amman (group or private) to Petra and Wadi Rum rather than self-drive. It's more relaxed if you don't want to navigate unfamiliar roads. Private drivers cost 200-300 JOD per day (around 1,050-1,600 AED). Renting a compact car runs 40-60 JOD daily (210-320 AED) if you prefer independence.
Is it safe for women travelling alone?
Yes, relatively speaking. Dress conservatively, avoid walking alone late at night, and use registered taxis or Uber. Most harassment is catcalling rather than physical threat. Jordanian women travel unaccompanied routinely. Solo female travellers report Amman and Petra as straightforward. Wadi Rum Bedouin camps can feel isolating; book reputable operators.
Can I use my credit card everywhere or should I carry cash?
ATMs are plentiful in Amman and major towns; withdraw dinars to avoid poor exchange rates at currency exchanges. Hotels and tourist restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, but small eateries and souks want cash only. Carry a mix. Banks give better rates than airport exchanges, and some ATMs charge no fee for international cards.
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