The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a unique country. Located in the heart of the Middle East. Jordan is an ancient country, but at the same time it is a modern state with a monarchical form of government, offering travelers diversity, security and traditional hospitality. Being part of the Holy Land, Jordan makes an indelible impression with the abundance of the rarest historical monuments and recreation in the resorts of the world-famous Dead and Red Seas.
Time: “Behind” from Moscow by 1 hour in winter and equal to Moscow in summer.
Flight time from Moscow to Amman is approximately 4.5 hours.
Climate: Jordan is one of the countries with a favorable Mediterranean climate, thanks to which the state remains attractive for tourists all year round. Rainfall can occur from November to April. The coolest month is January, the hottest is August.
Average temperatures in January are from + 6 C at night to + 18 + 21 C during the day, in July from + 19 C to 39 C.
Kitchen: Nothing compares to Arabic cuisine! Food is almost a cult in the East. When you find yourself in a restaurant, feel free to order mezze. This is a wide variety of snacks, which are quite enough to properly refresh yourself. In general, Jordanian cuisine is an integral part of the Arab culinary tradition, while having many of its own characteristics. The local cuisine is not as spicy and spicy as it is commonly believed. Mint, a variety of greens and herbs, lemons in all forms, onions, pickled olives, pine nuts, etc. are added to food everywhere. Food in restaurants and cafes is inexpensive and is not fraught with intestinal infections. Alcoholic drinks of local and foreign production can be purchased at any time, except for Ramadan – the month of Muslim fasting. Locally produced Amstel beer is very popular, as well as Jordanian wines, Israel and other neighboring countries. We advise you to try arak, a local strong drink diluted with water, as a result of which it acquires a thick milky color.
Religion: Jordan is a Muslim country, but there is no ban on other religions. The vast majority are Sunni Muslims, there are also Christian Arabs.
Language: Arabic, but many speak English, and some even speak Russian.
Visa: If tourists arrive at Amman Airport, having booked a tour through an operator, they are exempted from paying a visa on the spot. In this case, only the services of a representative at the airport are paid for obtaining a free visa: 25 USD per person (under 16 years old – free of charge). For groups of 6 people the service is free. Representative services include: assistance to tourists on arrival and departure, passing through all formalities and obtaining a visa. If you are arriving in Aqaba, you do not need a visa.
Currency: The national currency is the Jordanian dinar. Prices are indicated by a four-digit number. For example, if you see 5,350, it will mean 5 dinars and 350 fils (kopecks). The dinar is about one and a half times more expensive than the dollar. Banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins of 1/2 and 1/4 dinars are used in circulation. Payment is made in local currency, but US dollars are also readily accepted. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere.
Tipping: Tipping in Jordan is not required but is always greatly appreciated
. In hotels and restaurants you can simply add approximately 10% to the total bill.
Transport: The most convenient way to get around is by taxi. The white taxi is private, not very expensive, but be prepared for the fact that the driver will only speak Arabic, and other passengers will be added to your car along the way. The yellow taxi is official. It is also quite inexpensive, and much more reliable. You will be the only passenger. It is better to agree on the price in advance.
You can also rent a car. Right-hand traffic, like ours. Road signs are written in Arabic and English.
A driver’s license valid in your country of permanent residence, obtained at least one year ago, is accepted. When driving a car, you must comply with the speed limit. If you violate the rules of the road, you must unquestioningly obey the orders of the police to stop. It is not recommended to engage in polemics with police representatives. The fine is usually issued on the spot. Attempts to negotiate a reduction in the amount of the fine can have dire consequences.
Holidays: Weekends are Friday and Saturday, but Christian-owned shops may be closed on Sunday.
Major Holidays: New Year – January 1. King Abdullah II’s birthday is January 30th. Labor Day is May 1st. Independence Day – 25 May. The birthday of the last King Hussein is November 14th. Christmas – December 25th.
In Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, the dates of which change according to the Islamic lunar calendar, it is forbidden to smoke, eat and drink in public places during the daytime.
