First-time or returning visitor – these practical Jordan travel tips will help you navigate the country more smoothly, spend less, and experience more. Updated for 2026 travel.
Get the Jordan Pass Before You Fly
This is the single most impactful thing you can do before visiting Jordan. The Jordan Pass combines your visa fee waiver with free entry to 40+ attractions including Petra. Buying it before departure saves ~$60-80 compared to paying separately.
See our complete Jordan Pass guide and how to buy the Jordan Pass for step-by-step instructions.
Money and Payments
- Use ATMs in Amman to get Jordanian Dinars (JOD) before heading to smaller towns
- Wadi Musa (Petra town) has ATMs but they’re sometimes out of cash – arrive with enough JOD
- Wadi Rum camps are often cash only
- Always have some JOD cash for markets, street food, and small vendors
- Cards accepted at hotels, major restaurants, and tourist shops
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, tip drivers and guides, not obligatory but appreciated
SIM Card and Connectivity
Buy a local SIM card at Queen Alia Airport Amman on arrival (Zain, Orange, or Umniah). A tourist SIM with 10-20 GB data costs approximately JOD 5-10 and works well across most of Jordan. Benefits:
- Access your Jordan Pass offline if needed
- Google Maps navigation works well for driving in Jordan
- WhatsApp for booking tours and activities with local operators
Transport Tips
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility – driving in Jordan is straightforward, roads are good, and traffic outside Amman is light
- Take the scenic King’s Highway from Amman to Petra (not the Desert Highway) – slower but passes Madaba, Kerak Castle, and spectacular canyons – all Jordan Pass included
- JETT buses are reliable, comfortable, and cheap for Amman-Petra and Amman-Aqaba routes
- Local minibuses (service taxis) work for getting around cheaper
- Uber operates in Amman and is convenient there
Accommodation Tips
- Book Petra accommodation well in advance for spring (March-May) and October – these months fill quickly
- Staying in Wadi Musa (right next to Petra) allows 6 AM starts – crucial for beating crowds
- For Wadi Rum, pre-book a Bedouin overnight camp – they book up in peak season
- Amman has excellent accommodation at all price points; the Rainbow Street / Jabal Amman area is the most convenient for sightseeing
- AirBnB is available in Amman for apartment-style stays
Food and Dining
Jordanian cuisine is exceptional and affordable:
- Mansaf – Jordan’s national dish: lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) sauce, served on rice and flatbread – try it at least once
- Falafel and hummus – ubiquitous and delicious; Downtown Amman has legendary falafel shops
- Zarb – Bedouin underground barbecue served at Wadi Rum camps
- Knafeh – sweet cheese pastry dessert from Nablus, popular across Jordan
- Alcohol is available in Jordan (unlike some neighboring countries) at licensed restaurants, hotels, and specialist shops
Cultural Tips
- Dress modestly outside beach areas and tourist zones – cover shoulders and knees in cities and religious sites
- Remove shoes before entering mosques
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is disrespectful
- Photography: always ask before photographing local people; never photograph military installations or airports
- Jordanians are famously hospitable – accept tea or coffee offered at shops without feeling obligated to buy
- “Ahlan wa sahlan” (welcome) is used constantly – learn a few basic Arabic phrases and locals love it
Health and Safety
- Drink bottled water – tap water in Jordan is technically safe in cities but best avoided for drinking
- Apply sun protection year-round – UV is strong even in winter
- Petra hiking: wear proper footwear, bring plenty of water, and know your limits – the Monastery hike involves 800 steps
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended and cheap relative to medical costs
- Jordan’s standard of healthcare is good in Amman; adequate in tourist areas
Best Kept Secrets
- Wadi Mujib – Jordan’s Grand Canyon; the gorge walk through the canyon is spectacular (separate entry fee)
- Umm Qais (included in Jordan Pass) – spectacular Greco-Roman ruins with views most tourists completely miss
- Dana Village – a beautifully preserved historic village with excellent hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Aqaba Old Fort – a small but charming Ottoman-era fort right in central Aqaba
- As-Salt – a charming Ottoman-era hilltown near Amman with excellent local restaurants and no tourist crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What language do people speak in Jordan?
The official language is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by younger Jordanians. You can travel Jordan very comfortably without speaking Arabic, though learning a few phrases is appreciated.
Can I drink alcohol in Jordan?
Yes. Jordan is one of the more liberal countries in the region regarding alcohol. Licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels serve alcohol. Liquor stores (often called “cold stores”) exist in cities. Not all areas have alcohol available – small villages and conservative districts may not.
Is Jordan LGBTQ+ friendly?
Same-sex relations are not criminalized in Jordan (unlike some neighboring countries), but the country is socially conservative. Public displays of affection by any couple are frowned upon. LGBTQ+ travelers typically find Jordan manageable with standard discretion in public.
