Jordan Information

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdon of Jordan is located in the Middle East and borders Syria, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, Palestine, Israel, and Iraq. It is a small country of true ‘Biblical’ proportions. Jordan has always been at the heart of power struggles in the Middle-East since it lies at the crossroads of what Christians, Jews and Muslims call the Holy Land. Yet this is what attracts so many visitors. Jordan is home to cities that were thriving long before the birth of Christ. The capital of Jordan is Amman.

Time Zone – Jordan is GMT +2

Climate - Overall, Jordan is a desert country and as such, experiences typical desert weather. This means plenty of blazing sun, warm temperatures throughout the year and dust on just about everything. The hottest region of Jordan is the Jordan Valley, which regularly hits 40°C in the day during summer. But the clear night skies mean that much of this heat dissipates, leaving pleasantly cool sleeping conditions. The other main region of Jordan, the Plateau area, is warmer and drier throughout the year, with temperatures fluctuating between the lower 20s and the upper 30s (°C). Although 75 per cent of Jordan is considered a desert, receiving very little rainfall, areas such as Amman get consistent precipitation between November and March. So be sure to bring your raingear if you visit during the winter.

Population and Religion - The population of Jordan is 6.5 million and is mainly comprised of Arabs with smaller communities of Circassians, Armenians, and Chechens. About 70% of Jordan’s population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. Jordan is an Islamic State with the majority Sunni Muslim 92% and Christians 6%.

Languages - The official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken.

Currency - The currency in Jordan is called the dinar (JD). It is divided into 1,000 fils, and 10 fils equals 1 piaster.

Credit Cards - Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and large shops.

Banking Hours - All foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and currency exchange offices. Most hotels can also change money for you. ATMs can be found in most of the larger towns and all throughout Amman. Traveller’s cheques are accepted by banks and currency exchange offices. Banks are open Sat-Thurs 8:30-12:30 and some reopen in the afternoon from 15:30-17:30. Friday is a weekly holiday and banks are closed.

Petra

Passport and Entry Requirements – All foreigners must have a visa to enter Jordan. Visas are good for two weeks upon entry, but can easily be extended for up to three months at any local police station. The price of the visa for all nationalities is US$10 for a single entry. Always keep your passport with you when you move about.

Australian Embassy
41 Kayed Al Armouti Street
Abdoun, Amman, Jordan
City: Amman
Phone: +962 – 6 5807000
Fax: +962 – 6 5807001
Email: immigration.amman@dfat.gov.au
Office Hours: The Embassy is open for Consular, Australian Passports and general services from 8.30am to 4.00pm Sunday to Thursday except for public holidays.

New Zealand Consulate
Muabalain – AL-Quds St, Jwico’s Factory, Amman, Jordan
PO Box 5272, Amman 11183, Jordan
City: Amman
Phone: +962 6 420 5112
Fax: +962 6 420 5113
Website: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Embassies/1-NZ-representatives-overseas/0-embassies-list.php?country=Turkey&%3Bemb=1
Email: nz.consulate@jwico.comom

Health – No vaccinations required unless arriving from infected areas.

Duty Free - Visitors can import up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, as well as one litre of alcohol. Visitors under the age of 18 are not qualified for a duty-free allowance.

Voltage and Plugs - Jordan uses 200V, 50 Hz; with round two-pin plugs.

Phone & Internet - The country code in Jordan is 962.

Card phones are the most common way to call back home, and can be found in most cities and major tourist sites. Calling cards can be bought at many different kinds of shops. There are Internet cafés throughout the country with fast connections.

Safety and Dress – Jordan is a safe country. It’s important that you respect the local Islamic traditions. Women should always dress modestly and beachwear must only be worn at the beach or pool. Always ask permission before taking someone’s photograph, as in some areas it is forbidden.

Tipping – Most restaurants will add a small service charge to your bill. Otherwise it is considered polite to tip the waiter 10 per cent. Taxi drivers don’t expect to be tipped, but again, a 10 per cent tip will be greatly appreciated.

Medical Services – Jordan’s hospitals and clinics are up to international standards. There are excellent hospitals in the main towns and decent clinics in many villages. Most doctors in Jordan speak English, but the cost of medical care can be expensive. Visitors should make sure they have comprehensive medical insurance before leaving home.

Medical Emergency number: 193

Water - The tap water is not safe to drink in Jordan, so you should stick to bottled water which is readily available all over the country. As with all countries where the tap water is not drinkable, be cautious when consuming raw vegetables and salads, outside of hotels, that may have been washed in tap water.

Alcohol - Alcohol is widely available at bars and hotels across Jordan. During Ramadan, drinks are only available to visitors in their hotels. Alcohol can also be bought from supermarkets.

Food & Drink- Arabic cuisine is one of the most elaborate and sophisticated in the world. Food is an important part of the culture and is used to express hospitality and generosity. Do not be surprised if you are invited to share a meal in someone’s home. The local cuisine includes a dizzying array of savoury appetizers called mezzeh, aromatic breads, wonderful sweets soaked in honey, pistachios and other delicacies.

Entertainment - Jordan offers an amazing and diverse range of entertainment and activity options for all ages. Apart from the major historical and cultural landmarks, dating back many millennia, Jordan’s outdoor adventure options, Dead Sea mud baths and spas, Wadi Rum and Bedouin outings, camel rides and much more will keep you busy.

The Dead Sea

Shopping – For shoppers, Jordan offers a whole range of bargains including Bedouin rugs and tapestries, brass and copper goods, ceramics and embroidery. Other good buys include gold, silver and amber jewelry, rugs, wooden boxes, furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, leather items, olive wood items and copperware. In small shops, particularly, it is not unusual to be offered a cup of coffee or tea before getting down to business. Shopping hours are flexible. Some shops are open from 9:30-13:30 and 15:30-18:30. Others may be open long hours, from 8:00 20:00. Many shops close on Fridays, but the Suq does not. Earlier closings are in effect during the most of the month of Ramadan.

Public Holidays, Celebrations & Festivals:

• New Year’s Day: 1 January
• Muharram (Islamic New Year): 20 January
• King Abdullah II’s Birthday: 30 January
• Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet): 31 March
• Good Friday: date varies each year
• Easter Monday: date varies each year
• Labour Day: 1 May
• Independence Day: 25 May
• Army Day: 10 June
• Prophet’s Ascension: 11 August
• Ramadan: date varies each year
• Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): date varies each year
• King Hussein Remembrance Day: 14 November
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice): 20 December
• Christmas: 25 December