(Last updated: 19 Jan 2012)

Visas

Visas can be obtained for most nationalities, including Australian, on arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport. For longer stays a Resident Permit may be required and to work in Jordan a Work Permit is required from the Ministry of Labour.

Climate

Jordan’s climate varies significantly between summer and winter. The summer temperature is pleasant during the day with relatively cool nights. In winter the temperature is cold and at times freezing, with considerable amounts of rainfall occurring.

There are also differences between the climate on the coast at Aqaba, the Dead Sea, and the northern heights.

For weather details in Jordan, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is the main airport in Amman located some 30km to the south of the capital, Amman.

An airport tax is levied on all travellers and included in the price of airline tickets.

Airport taxis are available from QAIA with a transfer to Amman taking around 40 minutes. Taxis are available on exit from the airport terminal.

Airport buses also connect QAIA to Amman, departing every 20 minutes during peak hours. Airport buses from Amman to QAIA depart from Abdali bus station and select hotels in Amman.

Passengers using QAIA for international departures are requested to check-in two hours prior to departure.

Ground transport

Transport in Jordan is mainly by road with two major highways linking the country from north to south. Limited rail travel is possible. Regional cities are serviced by bus and surface taxis. City taxis service the Greater Amman Municipality along with local buses.

Hotels

A wide variety of hotels are available in Amman and in all the tourist areas around Jordan. Five-star hotels including the Four Seasons Hotel and Sheraton Hotel are located in Amman with a good variety of four and three-star hotels located across the country.

Security and health

Australians planning to travel to, or who are in the Middle East, are urged to exercise care and monitor developments that may affect their safety through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) current general travel advice and bulletins.

Specific travel advice on Jordan is also available at DFAT. Individuals should take sensible precautions and ensure that travel documentation, including passports and any necessary visas, for themselves and their dependents are valid and up-to-date.

Health

Vaccinations are not required unless you are travelling from an infected location.

Bottled water is recommended and all fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly.

There is an abundance of doctors in Jordan and medical facilities are good. The Jordanian Health Information website provides contact details and information on doctors and hospitals in Jordan.

Tipping

Tips of 10 per cent are generaly expected in Jordan especially when the 10 per cent service charge is not included in the bill.

Time zones and time differences

Jordan is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving is from the last Friday in April to the last Friday in October.

To find out the current time in Amman, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Jordan's country code is 962.

For calls to Jordan from Australia dial: 0011 + 962 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Jordan to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Business hours are generally 8.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Businesses observe a one to two hour lunch break from 1.00pm to 3.00pm.

Banks are open daily, except Friday and Saturday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
February 5 – Prophet's Birthday
May 1 – Labour Day
May 25 – Independence Day
June 9 – King Abdullah’s accession to the throne
June 16 – Al Isra’ wal Miraj
August 19 – Eid-al-Fitr
October 26 – Eid-al-Adha
November 15 – Muharram/New Year
December 25 – Christmas Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and is effectively pegged to the US dollar at 0.71 JOD per dollar.

1 JOD is equivalent to 1000 fils.

Electricity and water

Jordan’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The two-pin continental plugs are the most common.

Dining

Jordan has a wide variety of good local and international restaurants, ranging from French, Italian and Mexican to Spanish, with the most popular cuisine being Lebanese. The cost of a meal in such restaurants varies between JOD15–JOD25 per person. Alcohol is available in most restaurants around Jordan. Fast food chains including McDonald’s, Burger King and Pizza Hut are also available in Amman. Good restaurants will expect a tip of 10 per cent if service charge is not included.

Tourist attractions

Visit the official site of Jordan Tourism board www.visitjordan.com