Jordania

Arabic is Jordan's official language. Modern Standard Arabic appears on signs and menus alongside the Jordanian dialect spoken day to day. English is widely spoken in Amman, Petra, and other tourist areas, especially in hospitality jobs, but less so in smaller towns and rural areas. Arabic script reads right to left and looks very different from Latin letters, so signs outside the main tourist routes may only appear in Arabic — a translation app helps.

Local SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at Queen Alia International Airport and phone shops in Amman. Bring your passport, since registration is required for prepaid SIMs, a stricter rule than in many countries.

Tap water is treated in most cities, but many residents and hotels drink bottled water instead, which is cheap and widely available — a safe default for visitors too. Pharmacies are common in cities and well stocked, and many pharmacists speak English and can advise on minor ailments. No special vaccinations are required for entry, though it is worth checking with your doctor before travel, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.

Most Western passport holders, including from the US, UK, Canada, and EU countries, can get a visa on arrival at Jordan's airports and most land borders. The King Hussein Bridge crossing from the West Bank is an exception — it does not issue visas on arrival, so arrange one in advance if entering that way.

The Jordan Pass bundles the entry visa with prepaid admission to Petra and dozens of other sites. Buying it online before you arrive waives the standard visa fee for stays of three nights or longer, and is worth it for most visitors.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

Jordan is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly at religious sites and in conservative areas — shoulders and knees covered for both men and women; women may want to bring a scarf for mosque visits. Hotel pool and beach areas are more relaxed.

Greet people and hand over items with your right hand; the left hand is considered less polite for eating or exchanging things. Ask before photographing people, especially women, and avoid photographing military or government buildings.

Bargaining is expected in souks and with taxi drivers who don't use a meter, but fixed-price shops and restaurants do not expect haggling. During the holy month of Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours; eating or drinking in public during fasting hours is considered disrespectful, even for non-Muslims.

Friday is the main day of rest in Jordan; many shops and government offices close or open later than usual, while Saturday is often a working day. During the holy month of Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours and some sites adjust their opening times — plan around this if visiting during Ramadan.

• By bus: JETT operates comfortable long-distance coaches between Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and other major destinations — JETT sells tickets online and at its stations. Cheaper shared minibuses connect smaller towns but run on informal schedules.
• By car: Renting a car or hiring a driver is the most flexible way to see the country, since public transport between sites outside the main cities is limited. Roads connecting major destinations are in good condition.
• By air: A short domestic flight between Amman and Aqaba saves several hours compared to driving, useful if your time is limited.
• By taxi: Metered yellow taxis operate in Amman and other cities; ride-hailing apps such as Careem also work well and avoid fare negotiation.

Breakfast in Jordan is often a shared spread of flatbread, hummus, falafel, olives, and labneh. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day, while dinner tends to be lighter. Mansaf — lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce and served over rice — is the national dish and a centerpiece of celebrations and family gatherings.

Street food is easy to find in cities: falafel and shawarma stands are everywhere, and knafeh, a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup, is a popular sweet treat. Arabic coffee, flavored with cardamom, is a gesture of hospitality and often offered to guests; mint tea is another common drink throughout the day. Restaurants range from simple family-run spots to upscale dining in Amman, and eating out is generally affordable.

Petra, the rock-cut Nabatean city, and Wadi Rum, a desert of red sand and towering rock formations, are Jordan's two essential stops and anchor most itineraries. The Red Sea port of Aqaba pairs well with either, adding diving, snorkeling, and a beach stop.

The capital, Amman, holds a Roman theater and hilltop citadel and is worth a day or two on its own. North of the city, Jerash has one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere, Ajloun has a 12th-century Islamic castle in forested hills, and Salt is known for its Ottoman-era architecture. Further north, Umm Qais overlooks the Sea of Galilee from the ruins of ancient Gadara, near the regional hub of Irbid.

South of Amman, Madaba is known for its Byzantine mosaics, including the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land, and the hilltop crusader fortress at Al-Karak guards the old King's Highway. For hiking, Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, and Wadi Mujib offers a canyon trail that ends in a waterfall, a popular day trip from the Dead Sea.