JORDAN

Fun Facts From Globus Tours

• The Ain Ghazal site, situated near Amman, is said to have been first inhabited over 9,000 years ago.
• The national dish of Jordan is Mansaf, a large tray of rice with chunks of stewed lamb and in a yogurt sauce.
• The Dead Sea, in the northwest of Jordan, forms the lowest point on earth.

Attracting millions of visitors every year, Jordan is a land teeming with mystery and fascinating beauty. It has been home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements and possesses many of the world’s greatest relics. Due to its geographic location in the Middle East, it plays a vital role as a conduit for trade and communications between Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it a diverse and lively destination. Jordan is almost entirely landlocked, save for a small opening on the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba (Eliat), and is bordered by Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. From the Dead Sea to the “Jordanian Grand Canyon” of Wadi Mujib and the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, Jordan will captivate travelers seeking a world outside their own.

Similar to Israel, Jordan has propelled itself forward in today’s economy and is considered one of the most liberal and modern nations in the region, while still preserving its rich culture, history, and heritage. Since its independence from British administration in 1946, Jordan’s pragmatic rulers have successfully established Jordan as a competitive power in the Middle East. Jordan acceded into the World Trade Organization and signed trade agreements with the U.S. in 2000 and with Europe in 2001, making it a viable and prosperous country.

Petra, one of Jordan’s most alluring cities, is truly a sight to behold. It was made famous in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Stand in awe as you take in the ancient history by day and bask in the warm glow of the city’s lights by night.

Beyond the sights and sounds of Jordan, you will enjoy exquisite cuisine with Arab influence and distinction. This region is particularly known for its lamb and chicken, dairy products like yogurt and cream, unique herbs and spices, and bold hot beverages. Food and dining are a large part of the culture in Jordan, centered on hospitality and generosity, not to mention a wide array of flavors and experiences!

VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A visa for your visit to Jordan is necessary for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Jordan. In general, going through a visa service is more expensive but it offers convenience and peace of mind. If you choose to go this route, we recommend contacting Generations Visa Services (GenVisa), our preferred  partner for visa and passport services, at least 90 days prior to departure. GenVisa has a special website and toll-free number. Call 800.845.8968, email info@genvisa.com, or visit their below websites for additional information. Our travelers receive discounted prices and other special services:

• For Globus, visit: genvisa.com/globus
• For Cosmos, visit genvisa.com/cosmo 

All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expiration date carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry your passport with you at all times.

COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Jordan is 962. When calling to Jordan from overseas, dial your international access code (011 from the US/Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone numbers in Jordan are eight digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 962+# ### ####.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar.

Bank hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

1 JORDANIAN DINAR (JOD) = 100 Qirsh/Piastres (= 1000 Fils)

• Banknote denominations: JOD – 1, 5, 10, 20, 50
• Coin denominations: Qirsh/Piastres -0.50 (rare), 1, 2.50 (rare), 5, 10; JOD – 0.25 = 25 Qirsh/ Piastres (=250 Fils), 0.50 =50 Qirsh/Piastres (= 500 Fils)

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at Globusjourneys.com/Currency.

You may find that U.S. Dollars or Euro are accepted alongside local currency (Jordanian Dinar), but it is best to ask if other currencies are accepted before making a purchase. Many shops and restaurants will advertise pricing in US Dollars.

Many establishments have limited change, so it is important to keep 1 and 5 Dinar notes on hand. Bank machines give 20 and 50 Dinar notes for large transactions, so ask for change at the hotel.

Credit card acceptance throughout Jordan is inconsistent. Larger shops and restaurants may accept credit cards, but not all do. We recommend cash transactions in Jordan.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.

• The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is JOD 0.50-3 or US$ 0.50-3.50.
• An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately JOD 7-10 or UD$ 8-12.
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately JOD 14-26 or US$ 17-30.

Shopping specialties: hand-woven rugs and cushions, embroidered items/clothing, traditional pottery, glassware, silver jewelry embedded with semi-precious stones, Dead Sea spa products.

TIPPING

• For restaurants, a 10% service charge may be added to the bill, but it is still customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) for your waiter.
• For taxis, round up fares to the nearest figure on the meter.
• Tip hotel staff 1-2 JOD for service.
• Restroom attendants expect a small gratuity. Therefore we recommend you carry small denomination coins with you.

ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Outlets

Voltage for outlets is 220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, you will need a converter for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet, but these may not convert the voltage, so both devices are necessary Plugs in Jordan vary and can be types C, D, F, G, and J. Adapters similar to the ones below are recommended:

TEMPERATURES

To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Jordan.

To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close estimation.

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Mansaf (meat and rice served with yogurt), Musakhan (bread loaves with cooked minced onions and chicken), fresh vegetable platter, hummus, Moutabbal, Tabbouleh, vine leaves, Rocca salad, fried Kubbeh, spinach or cheese Fatayer, chicken wings, mixed grill (a selection of cubed meat, chicken, and minced meat: char-grilled).

FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Arabic (pronounced as):

Good morning: Sabah el khair, Good evening: Masaa el khair, Thank you: Shokrun, Please: Men Fadluck, Do you speak English?: Be’tetkalem englizi?, I don’t understand: Ana mosh fahem, Please write it down: Ekteb hali men fadlak, How much is this?: Bikam dah?, 1: Wahed, 2: Ethnein, 3: Thalàtha, 4: Arba’a, 5: Hamsà, 6: Seta, 7: Seba’a, 8: Thamània, 9: Tesa’a, 10: Ash’ra, 20: Eshreen, 30: Thalatheen, 40: Arbae’en, 50: Hamseen, 60: Seteen, 70: Sabèen, 80: Thamanen, 90: Tesa’een, 100: May’a, 150: May’a u hamseen, 200: Metein, Where is…?: Fain…?, Telephone: Telephone, Bathroom: Hammam, Bottled water: Maya maadaneya, Tea: Shaay, Coffee: Ahwa.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Additional country-specific information for US citizens can be found on the US Government’s website www.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions, passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, and more. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information, regulations, and requirements.