Jordan Travel Tips
Jordan's public holidays1 January: Christian New Year
15 January: Tree Day
22 March: Arab League Day
1 May: Labour Day
25 May: Independence Day
10 June: Arab Renaissance Day, commemorating the Arab Revolt; also Army Day
11 August: King Hussein's accession to the throne
14 November: King Hussein's Birthday
25 December: Christmas Day
Jordan dos & don'ts
Jordan is a conservative country as far as female dress code is concerned. Women should avoid wearing tight clothes, sleeveless blouses, shorts, mini-skirts, and see-through materials, and refrain from exposing their back. Sexual harassment in Jordan is less common than in other parts of the Arab world, but there may be moments when women feel uncomfortable.
In Jordan you will certainly not be pressed anywhere near as much as in Egypt for what is known in Arabic as baqsheesh, but it is nonetheless a good idea to leave a small tip. The better hotels and restaurants may add 10-12 percent service charge to your bill but waiters do not always get this. Other establishments expect you to leave a tip for all staff or give something to those that worked for you most. Taxi-drivers are generally not tipped but it is customary to pay the nearest round figure to the price on the meter.
Jordan visas
All passport-holders require an entry visa. You can get this in advance from your nearest Jordanian consular authority or upon arrival at any border point (apart from the King Hussein Bridge between Jordan and the West Bank).
Tourist visas allow a stay of up to one month initially, though they can be extended for another two months. You will need to register at the nearest police station if you stay for more than two weeks in Jordan.
Travel health in Jordan
No vaccinations are required by the Jordanian government for entry to the country, unless you are travelling from an recognised infected area (for example, a yellow fever, cholera or smallpox zone). However, it is advisable to to be inoculated for hepatitis (gamma globulin), polio, tetanus and typhoid.
Jordan is one of the cleanest countries in the region, but it is advisable to take some precautions, such as sticking to bottled water, peeling fruit and avoiding salads and cold meats that have been sitting for a long time on hotel buffets.
Jordan money matters
Credit cards are acceptable in several hotels, restaurants and shops; the most widely accepted being American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard. ATMs (automatic cash machines) outside banks in Amman are generally limited to Jordanian bank account holders. However, some machines in the capital's more affluent areas are equipped to handle credit cards with international pin numbers.
Crime & security in Jordan
Jordan is a very safe country to travel in but obvious precautions should be taken; keep your money in a hotel safe if available and keep an eye on your belongings in public places. Report any lost belongings to the nearest police station and ask for a certificate of loss for insurance purposes. If you lose your passport you should also contact your embassy/consulate as soon as possible.
It is common wisdom that women travelling alone should stick to places where other people are present.