While most people visiting Jordan are familiar with Petra, there is much more in Jordan to see and do — from hiking oak forests in the north, to enjoying a sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Amman, to snorkeling in the Red Sea in the south. Traveling to a new destination raises a lot of questions. Here are some answers to help you properly prepare for your Jordan journey, adapt to the culture and maneuver your way around.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the sense of security you will find in Jordan - it is one of the safest places to travel in the world. Jordan maintains good relations with ALL of its neighbours and is truly an oasis of peace in this region. The country is fairly liberal, westernised, and alcohol is freely available.
How should I dress?
When planning your clothing needs (particularly women), remember that you will be travelling in a Muslim country, albeit not a very conservative one. Too much body should not be displayed. Women and men can wear shorts, though it’s preferable for women to avoid wearing them while walking in Amman’s city centre or when you are visiting country areas away from the main tourist sites. By following the above guidelines, you will feel more relaxed. Make sure you bring with you comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun block. The weather is usually warm in summer, but winters can be very cold, evenings are cool year round, so bring adequate warm clothing with you. If you were sleeping in the desert then you would need a warm sweater and jacket even in summer.
What To Wear When Traveling To Jordan?
You’ve been counting down the days until you embark on your epic Jordan tour. The time has finally arrived that many dread…it’s time to pack. You are only visiting for a week and you want to maximize your packing space. We hear you; it’s not an easy task. The question rolling around in your head is, “What is appropriate to wear in an Islamic, Middle Eastern country?”
Not to fear, we have some tips for you.
Guidelines to keep in mind:
While Jordan is a progressive Muslim country, it is still conservative at heart. The general rule of thumb, for women, is the less skin showing the less attention you will draw to yourself (it really is for your benefit). Tightness, on the other hand, is not as much of a faux pas as showing skin in this culture.
Also consider the nature of your travel. While it’s not extreme adventure tourism, you will be doing quite a lot of walking, hiking and possibly some climbing depending on your itinerary and daring spirit. Other possible scenarios include mounting and dismounting camels or donkeys, sleeping in goat hair tents, and getting your hands dirty as you harvest olives or tomatoes alongside locals.
Tips for women:
Jordanian women dress very fashionably in urban parts of the country. It is common to see covered women wearing tight skirts and dresses over leggings. By contrast, in small villages or conservative areas, many women wear a long coat/dress which covers any hint of their figure.
Pack a few thin cotton long-sleeve shirts. It’s ok for tourists to wear short-sleeves, but you may feel more comfortable covering most of your arms and it shows respect for the local culture.
Avoid shirts that reveal too much of your chest or back. Cleavage is a big no-no here. Tuck a scarf in your purse or backpack in case you end up in a more conservative area of town and want to throw it around your shoulders. If you plan on entering a mosque at anytime during your stay a scarf may come in handy as you might be required to cover your head.
As mentioned above, it is always best to opt for long pants. In the hot summer months go for a thin cotton blend instead of jeans.
If your itinerary includes a beach you’ll want to bring a swimsuit. At a resort anything goes, but at a public beach you may want to choose a modest suit. The more skin showing the more looks you will get, in which case some women may be more comfortable wearing a t-shirt and shorts over their suit. Local ladies who swim will be fully covered.
Tips for men:
It’s a little less tricky for you. T-shirts and a couple pairs of long pants should be just fine. In the recent years young men and boys have begun to wear shorts, however most men still wear long pants. Depending on the time of year you may want to throw in a hat to keep the sun away, or just buy a traditional Bedouin head scarf when you arrive.
Both ladies & gentlemen:
It’s a great idea to pack layers. During the fall and winter seasons it can go from hot to cold in an instant if you find yourself in the shade as well as in the evenings.
Bring a good pair of walking shoes if not two. The streets of Jordan are dustier and slightly dirtier than you are probably used to. In addition, you will be off the asphalt path in most of the places you are walking. In the spring and summer months, many tourists like to walk around in open toed shoes or sandals, however, it is advised to wear something closed toed.
Recommended clothing:
Lightweight cottons and linens are advised during the summer between May and September while travelling to Jordan. Warm clothes are necessary for winter and cool summer evenings. Rainwear may be needed from November to April. It is important to remember that Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, albeit not a very conservative one. Revealing clothing is not appropriate outside tourist towns/sites and conservative clothing is advisable for both men and women in downtown Amman and in rural areas. Evenings can be cool in summer, so a sweater or a shawl is advisable. Make sure you bring with you comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun block.
What should I pack?
This depends largely on the season and the activities you’ll be doing. As Jordan has a desert climate, expect high temperatures and a lot of sunshine in the summer; comfortable temps and some rain in the spring and fall; cold weather, shorter days, and much more rain (and occasionally snow) in the winter. The best way to prepare is to bring breathable layers (natural fabrics are recommended) that can be added and removed throughout the day with the changing conditions. If you will be hiking, be sure to pack appropriate footwear. And of course, you’ll need sunscreen and a hat. If you’ll be spending time in Amman, don’t forget to bring along clothing that you’d wear in a city. Many locals in Amman are well-dressed and some restaurants enforce a dress code, so you will certainly be out of place (and maybe not allowed in) if you try to attend a nice rooftop dinner in your hiking gear.
Do women have to wear hijab?
No, hijab are not required in Jordan — unless entering a mosque, which you are not likely to be allowed to do unless you are Muslim. While you will see many women wearing hijab in Jordan, there are also plenty of women who do not wear them. That being said, you will notice that for the most part (outside of the international bars and restaurants), women dress conservatively, with chest, shoulders, and legs covered.
Is there any special advice for women travelers while visiting Jordan?
There are many touristic areas in Jordan where special concerns are not necessary; however, in less touristic places, relatively modest dress is recommended. Women should avoid very short and tight clothing; keep their shoulders and knees covered. For instance, wearing shorts is not very common among Jordanians. Dressing with relative modesty is a way of respecting the local culture.
When is the best time to travel to Jordan?
In the first half of the year, the peak season usually starts in mid February and continues till the end of May. It starts again in September and continues till the end of November. These are the times where the weather is at its best, but it is worth noting that weather patterns are inconsistent, so it is possible to have perfect weather throughout the year, as most regions record less than 30 days of rain per year. The summer is hot, but nowhere as hot as the gulf countries, so is bearable.
Is Jordan expensive?
It depends. If you are on a budget, you can find affordable local meals — like a falafel sandwich — for a couple dinars or less, and stay in budget accommodations, like hostels in Amman and Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum for around $20-30USD per night. If you’d prefer more upscale dining options and creature comforts, you will find an array of restaurant options with extensive local and international menus in Amman. Luxury hotels in Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, and Aqaba run around $100-$300USD+ per night. There are mid-range options and lovely boutique hotels as well, for around $100USD per night. Whether you are traveling on a budget or planning to indulge, keep in mind that the typical cost per day for a tour is about $125-300USD per person.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
In the main cities and most hotels throughout the country, credit cards are generally accepted. However, you are likely to find that Bedouin camps, smaller shops, and restaurants are cash only. It is recommended that you keep cash on you, so you don’t find yourself out in the desert, far from an ATM!
Do I Have To Tip?
Tipping is not compulsory, but is expected. If you were satisfied with the services of your driver or guide then it would be a nice way to show them your appreciation. Most restaurants add a service charge to your bill, but if not a tip is appropriate there as well.
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.
