Jordan travel FAQ: everything first-time visitors ask

Jordan is among the safest countries in the region. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main concerns are: scammers at Petra and Wadi Rum (over-eager guides, donkey-ride hustles), occasional regional travel advisories near the Syrian/Iraqi borders (avoid border areas), and dehydration in desert heat. Solo female travelers report Jordan as one of the more comfortable Middle East countries.

Jordan is moderately priced for the region. Budget travelers manage on $50-80/day. Mid-range travelers $130-220/day with comfortable hotels, Petra entry (50 JD), Wadi Rum camp (60-120 JD/night), and rental car. The Jordan Pass (70-80 JD) covers Petra and 40+ sites – essential value.

March to May and September to November are the unambiguous sweet spots – mild temperatures, blue skies, manageable crowds. June-August brings extreme heat in Petra and Wadi Rum (40C+) and the Dead Sea. December-February is cool and pleasant in lowland Petra/Wadi Rum but cold (snow possible) at Amman elevation.

Seven to ten days covers Jordan beautifully – 2 days Amman + Jerash, 2-3 days Petra, 2 days Wadi Rum (with overnight in a desert camp), 1-2 days Dead Sea, plus buffer for travel. Twelve days lets you add Aqaba on the Red Sea or a deeper desert experience.

Most travelers can buy a visa on arrival (40 JD / $56) or get the Jordan Pass which includes visa fee + Petra entry. The Jordan Pass is the right buy if you stay 3+ nights – buy online at jordanpass.jo before flying.

Tap water is technically treated in Amman but most travelers and many locals drink bottled water. Bottled water is widely available for 0.50-1 JD. Brushing teeth with tap water is fine. In rural areas (Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana), stick to bottled.

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourism, hotels, and major restaurants. Outside tourist areas, English drops off. Bedouin guides at Wadi Rum and Petra speak good English. Learning ‘shukran’ (thank you) and ‘as-salaam alaykum’ (hello) is appreciated.

Jordanian food is excellent – mansaf (lamb in fermented yogurt, the national dish), maqluba (upside-down rice pot), falafel, hummus, fattoush. Don’t miss: Hashem (Amman’s iconic falafel since 1952), Sufra (modern Jordanian), and a proper Bedouin zarb (underground-roasted lamb) at a Wadi Rum camp.

Jordan is exceptionally beginner-friendly Middle East. Tourism infrastructure is mature, English is sufficient, costs are predictable, and the country is small enough to circuit easily. The main learning curve is the haggling culture and the persistent attention solo female travelers may receive.

Don’t enter Petra at midday without water and sun protection (no shade). Don’t ride donkeys/horses at Petra without checking with animal-welfare advocacy groups. Don’t wear shorts at religious sites. Don’t take photos of women, military, or border areas without permission. Don’t drink alcohol publicly outside hotels.