Now, you’ve seen pictures of Jordan, heard about it through some friends, got a recommendation from your travel agent, or you simply just felt curious about this Arab country and thought to yourself “Okay! This is my next vacation destination! Let me buy a travel guide book”.
Sure, your travel book may tell you all about Petra and Jerash and even perhaps Amman, but does it really tell you about Amman? Like we can tell you? We say “NO”! However, before packing your bag you might want to check some of the information we have here to at least get a proper idea about how things will generally look and what might be needed.
So here’s a little bit of history…. Amman is the capital of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It was inhabited by several civilisations; starting 10050 BC in the Neolistic period, which was followed by Assyrians, Persians and Macedonians. During the rule of Ptolemy II Philadelphos in 285 – 247 BC the city was renamed to Philadelphia and became part of the Nabataean kingdom. The city flourished when a new road from Elath to Damascus ran through it.
When the Ghassanian’s took over control, the city was renamed to Amman, however, the city was afterwards destroyed by several earthquakes and natural disasters which led it to remain a village of ruins until the Circassians settled in 1887. The establishment of the Hejaz Railway in 1900 by the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II brought life back to Amman, the railway ran from Damascus (Syria) to Medina (KSA).
After the establishment of the HKJ in 1921, King Abdulla I opted to choose Amman as capital of the Kingdom.
Start with a visa?
Depending on your nationality, you can get a visa upon entry, if you are a holder of American, Australian, Canadian, GCC or EU nationality it is very straightforward. Entry visa is JD20 and you can obtain a multiple entry one for JD60. If you plan to cover other neighbouring countries during your visit to Jordan, it is advisable you obtain your visa to these countries prior to traveling. In all cases, please do check with our Jordanian embassy/consulate at your country in case the above changed for any reason. This might help: http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/embassies.shtml
Is it safe?
Of course! We are the one safe and stable haven in the Middle East. You can walk around at night in most areas and feel very secure. We use 911 for emergency too. Police are always around and ready to help, and at touristic areas you will often find Tourist Police who can assist you with anything. The phone number for Tourist Police in Amman is 06 - 4640151 (for non emergencies).
Set the date?
We have great weather! All four seasons! The best time to visit is Spring and Autumn. Summer time is quite hot during the day but bearable at night, and during spring and autumn nights are often chilly, so make sure you bring a sweater or two. The deserts are bitterly cold in the winter, so if you intend to go camping be well prepared for the desert frost! Check the activities you would like to do and decide accordingly. This of course can make lodging and flight expenses a little higher but it’s worth it. Of course, book your flight through our National Carrier, the one and only Royal Jordanian www.rj.com.
Exchange money?
Official currency is Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 JOD is divided into 1,000 fils, 1000 fills = 100 paisters (paisters are called "groush"). Exchange rate per JOD is around USD 1.4 and EUR 0.95. You can easily find exchange offices around Amman, at the airport or at your hotel! Just make sure you check the rate and ensure they do not charge you a hefty commission charge.
A place to crash?
Hotels are in abundance; they come in all shapes, sizes and stars! A lot of them have online booking facilities and you might want to explore your options while in the city.
When are public holidays?
Friday and Saturday is the official weekend in Jordan. Most businesses are closed on Fridays, but most retail stores are open seven days a week although on Friday some open after mid-day prayers. During the 2 major Muslim feasts (after Ramadan and the Hajj) most private companies, government offices and banks close 4 - 5 days.
Other public holidays:
New Years Day: January 1st
Labour Day: May 1st
Independence Day: May 25th
The Late King Hussein's Birthday: November 14th
Christmas Day: December 25th
During Ramadan: the holy month of fasting, alcohol is only sold at larger hotels. Eating/smoking/drinking in public is discouraged during daylight hours. Most stores and businesses are open from 9:00am - 2:00pm , retail stores open after breaking fast in the evening.
Business Hours?
Banks: 8:30am - 3:00pm
Government Offices: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Business Offices: 8:30am - 1:00pm & 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Shopping Centers: 10:00am - 10:00pm
Post Office: Sat - Thur. 8:00am - 5:00pm (most hotels offer postal services as well)
You’re here, how to get around?
Taxis (yellow/grey), Service (White, shared taxis that have specific routes), buses and rental cars are available. If you’re in a taxi make sure the driver sticks to the meter. The meter starts at JD 0.25 for yellow taxis and ranges between JD0.58 - JD1 depending on car for grey taxis. Service cars are for JD0.25. Night-rates apply.
Taxi from the airport to Amman city centre should not cost more than about 17 – 20 JD, make sure it’s a marked beige colour taxi that says Airport Taxi, and of course agree with the driver on the rate prior to getting in the taxi. Rates are written on slip inside car.
There is a train in Jordan, the Hejaz Railway and it runs twice a week between Amman and Damascus. The train departs Amman Thursday and Monday at 8:00am (although its quite a long ride, its a great cultural experience on a track that was built by Ottomans in the early 20th century) Due to current political situation in Syria, this train has now been halted till further notice.
Amman has a unique structure of roundabouts that can help you get just about anywhere check the info graph here. You can also find comprehensive maps available.
Eat, drink and be merry?
Eat plenty because we have fantastic food! Plenty of options for drinks; from the most amazing lemon-mint smoothies to alcoholic beverages. However, when it comes to mineral water, we have one advice “Do not drink tap water”. If you’re eating street food, check that place looks clean enough. Restaurants are mostly monitored heavily, still it’s advisable that you eat well cooked food especially on hot weather days.
Most restaurants have a 10% service charge added automatically to your bill, you may leave an additional tip if you find the service to be good, but remember to check if that service charge is added to your bill or not.
Random facts that you can throw around to your friends?
Jordan has over 6 million nationals; official religion is Islam, Arabic as first language. Going out nights (when Amman is “happening”) are Monday & Thursday. Internet access and wifi hotspots available in many coffee places. Electricity is 220V. We are hospitable; although rumour has it we don’t smile much (blatant lie!). We do not ride camels to work, or live in tents for that matter really. Traditional dish is called Mansaf, and you will be asked repeatedly if you have tried it. There are over 2.8 million people in Amman, and almost every one of us is willing to help you find your way around our amazing city!
Roaming on your cell phone can be quite expensive, if you are expecting calls or need to have a phone on you, you may want to buy pre-paid SIM cards from Zain Jordan, Orange Jordan, or Umniah which are sold at any kiosks at airport. Just make sure your phone is compatible and is unlocked to accept SIM cards from other phone companies.
Come with an open mind, an open heart, and a stomach ready for all the food!
If after you have read the above there is a question we haven’t answered, please visit our "Ask BeAmman Forum" and post your question. We will answer you promptly!
BeAmman Team
