JO
Jordan
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia. Jordan is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, and both Israel and Palestine (West Bank) to the west. The Jordan River, flowing into the Dead Sea, is located along the country's western border within the Jordan Rift Valley. Jordan has a small coastline along the Red Sea in its southwest, separated by the Gulf of Aqaba from Egypt. Amman is the country's capital and largest city, as well as the most populous city in the Levant.
Photo: xorge · CC BY-SA 2.0
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- Capital
- Amman
- Currency
- JOD
- Population
- 10,428,241
- Coordinates
- 31.2000, 36.5000
Traveler Guide
Travel & Tourism Guide for Jordan
Jordan combines the rose-red Nabataean city of Petra, the Martian desert valleys of Wadi Rum, the therapeutic mineral waters of the Dead Sea, Greco-Roman Jerash, and the welcoming seven-hilled capital of Amman.
Best Time to Visit & Climate
March to May (Spring) & September to November (Autumn)
Comfortable daytime temperatures (18°C–27°C) ideal for hiking Petra's trails, camping in Wadi Rum, and exploring Roman ruins.
Key Traveler Essentials
- Currency: JOD
- Language: Arabic (official); English widely spoken across tourism and hospitality
- Emergency: 911 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Civil Defense)
- Power Plugs: Type C, D, F, G & J (230V, 50Hz)
Top Attractions & Highlights
Petra Archaeological Park
Ancient Nabataean capital carved directly into rose-colored sandstone cliffs, approached through the dramatic 1.2 km Siq gorge.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Towering sandstone mountains, natural rock bridges, prehistoric petroglyphs, and Bedouin stargazing camps.
The Dead Sea & Ma'in Hot Springs
Earth's lowest elevation on land (-430m), famous for hypersaline buoyant waters and mineral-rich mud.
Amman Citadel & Roman Jerash
Hilltop Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace in Amman alongside the colonnaded streets and oval forum of Jerash.
Getting Around & Transport
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) serves Amman with 24/7 Airport Express buses. JETT luxury coaches, ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem), and self-drive rental cars along the King's and Desert Highways connect major sights.
- Sariyah Airport Express buses run every 30–60 minutes between Queen Alia Airport (AMM) and Amman.
- JETT tourist coaches offer daily scheduled routes linking Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea.
- Uber and Careem along with yellow metered taxis operate throughout Amman.
- Renting a car is safe and straightforward for driving the scenic King's Highway from Amman to Madaba, Karak, Petra, and Aqaba.
Essential Tips & Local Etiquette
Purchase the Jordan Pass Before Arrival
Buying the official Jordan Pass online before arrival waives tourist visa fees (when staying 3+ nights) and includes entry to Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and Amman Citadel.
Currency Value Awareness
Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is a high-value currency (1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD); check prices carefully when budgeting.
Footwear for Petra
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with grip for walking the 8–12 km round trip between the Visitor Center, Treasury, and Monastery.
Budget, Logistics & Entry Planning for Jordan
Daily Budget & JOD Currency Strategy
Official transactions across Jordan are conducted in JOD. Balance your travel budget between international bank cards for hotels and intercity transport and local JOD cash for municipal transit, markets, and daily dining in Amman.
Gateway Arrival & Urban Infrastructure
Jordan has a population of approximately 10,428,241, with Amman serving as the primary administrative and international aviation hub operating on the UTC time zone.
Safety Preparedness & Official Emergency Contacts
Store Jordan's verified emergency dispatch numbers (911 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Civil Defense)) in your phone prior to departure, and keep digital copies of your passport, entry documentation, and accommodation address in Amman.
Seasonal Scheduling & Peak Booking Windows
Optimal weather conditions align with March to May (Spring) & September to November (Autumn). When visiting Jordan during national holidays or peak seasonal windows, confirm accommodation and intercity transit reservations several weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Jordan
What is the official currency in Jordan and how should I plan payments?
The official currency of Jordan is JOD. Use the interactive currency converter on this page to benchmark daily costs against USD, EUR, GBP, and regional currencies, and carry local cash alongside bank cards.
What are the official emergency numbers in Jordan?
Verified emergency dispatch numbers in Jordan are: 911 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Civil Defense). These lines connect travelers to local police, medical ambulance, and fire rescue services.
When is the best time of year to visit Jordan and Amman?
The most favorable travel window for Jordan is March to May (Spring) & September to November (Autumn), when ambient temperatures and daylight hours best support sightseeing in Amman and regional nature reserves.
How do travelers get between Amman and regional cities in Jordan?
Amman functions as the primary transport hub connecting regional cities via intercity highway coaches, rail corridors where available, private transfers, or domestic flights. Select any city guide below for specific airport and ground transit details.
Travel Essentials & Currency
Currency & Travel Essentials for Jordan
Quick currency calculator and emergency hotline guide for a hassle-free trip to Jordan.
Quick Currency Calculator
Official national currency is JOD. Calculate exchange conversions below:
* Exchange rates are indicative and subject to market rates and banking fees.
Emergency & Payment Tips
911 (Unified Emergency: Police, Ambulance & Civil Defense)
(Police, Ambulance & Fire Rescue — toll-free 24/7 service)Payment & Banking Guidelines:
- 💳 Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and digital wallets (Apple Pay) are widely accepted across hotels and retailers.
- 💵 Cash: Keep small cash bills handy for local souqs, small taxis, and casual tipping.
- 🏧 ATMs: ATMs are readily available throughout international airports, metro stations, and shopping malls.
