Organize your stay Jordan
Money Jordan
The currency is the Jordanian dinar, often abbreviated to JOD or JD (pronounced locally "dji-o-di" or "dji-di"). In this guide we have opted for the French abbreviation of DJ. There are bills of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 dinars. The currency is divided into qirsh or piastres. There are coins of 1 qirsh, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres.
Exchange rate: 1 € = 0.80 DJ and 1 DJ = 1.24 € (January 2022)
Budget & Tips Jordan
The average salary in Jordan is 678 DJ. Thus, the high exchange rate is compensated by a lower standard of living than in Europe.
Low budget: You should expect to pay a minimum of 35 DJ (approx. 43 €) per day, with a night in a dormitory or low-end hotel, travel by minibus and meals in popular snack bars or canteens.
Medium budget: a minimum of 70 D.J. (approx. 85 €) per day, with a night in a comfortable hotel, meals in restaurants and a rental car.
Big budget: a minimum of 150 DJs (approx. 180 €) per day, with a night in a luxury hotel, meals in the best restaurants and a car with an English-speaking driver.
Passport and visas Jordan
The tourist visa can be obtained on arrival by paying 40 DJ in local currency only. However, it is easiest to purchase the Jordan Pass before departure (www.jordanpass.jo) which includes the visa fee and entry to 40 sites and museums.
Restrictive measures apply with the Covid 19, which can be found at www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo. In particular, there is a form to fill out prior to boarding, also on the same site.
For a multiple-entry visa, you must apply directly to the Jordanian Consulate, 80 boulevard Maurice Barres in Neuilly-sur-Seine
Driver's license Jordan
To rent a car in Jordan, you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid French driving license
It is safer to also be in possession of an international driving license. To do so, you must make a pre-application online at www.permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr and attach a proof of identity, a proof of residence and a copy of your driver's license. You must then send the documents by mail to the address you provided when you pre-registered, attaching the certificate of submission of the online application, a passport photo that is less than 6 months old, an A5 envelope with 2 stamps and a registered letter sticker. The process is free of charge and the time required to obtain the permit varies between 15 days and 3 months. Only urgent requests for professional reasons are taken into account. You must then add a certificate from your employer and indicate the date of departure.
Health Jordan
There are no specific diseases in Jordan. There are no mosquitoes and malaria is not present. You will find below the recommendations of use concerning the viruses and bacteria circulating in the country.
Covid-19 : you will find the procedures to respect on the website www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo.
Rabies: rabies is present in the country. It is recommended to avoid contact with dogs and cats or any other mammal. In case of a bite, immediately contact a hospital or a doctor to receive an anti-rabies injection. Rabies is a deadly virus.
Water: Jordan has a dry climate and it can be very hot. Therefore, it is recommended to drink a lot to avoid dehydration. Drink only bottled or treated water (purification tablets or ozone treatment).
Mandatory vaccination Jordan
Jordan does not require any particular vaccine to enter its territory. However, it is recommended to have an up-to-date vaccination booklet. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and Covid-19 are recommended.
Security Jordan
Jordan is a very safe country, in fact it is the safest in this troubled region. Pickpocketing or theft from vehicles is rare. However, do not leave your valuables in plain sight. Roadside checks are extremely frequent. Therefore, always carry your papers with you if you rent a vehicle. Only if you drive at night will you be in potential danger, as animals may cross your path at any time.
Time difference Jordan
There is a 1 hour difference with France. Thus, when it is noon in Paris, it is 1pm in Amman. Jordan practices the summer/winter time change, but not on the same dates as France. Jordan switches to summer time on the last Friday of February and to winter time on the last Friday of October.
Spoken languages Jordan
Arabic is the official language of the country. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Road signs are usually translated into the Roman alphabet, which is not necessarily the case for store and restaurant signs.
Communication Jordan
Populated areas have good telephone coverage and you will find Internet in hotels and many tourist cafes and restaurants. However, if you are hiking in deserted areas, there is not always a connection. Be extra careful.
The WhatsApp application works in the country, but it is impossible to make calls with it
Electricity and measurements Jordan
Jordan uses the metric system. The electricity supplied is 220V-230V. The plugs are generally identical to those in France. However, in a few old-fashioned hotels, you will find three-pronged plugs. An adapter may be useful. In the most recent and luxurious hotels, you will find USB ports in the walls to recharge your electronic devices.
Luggage Jordan
The climate varies greatly from season to season. If you go between November and March, you should bring warm, waterproof clothing. This is the rainy season and it can even snow in the north. On the other hand, you will be warm in Aqaba and at the Dead Sea. A bathing suit is therefore essential. In the off-seasons (October and April), it is mild compared to France, and even hot in the south of the country. In summer, from May to September, light clothes, made of natural materials and loose fitting will be your best allies. In any case, bring a scarf or buy a keffiyeh on the spot, to protect yourself from the sun as well as the wind. Take a fleece or a good sweater if you stay in the desert. It gets cold as soon as the sun goes down. Slip on a good pair of hiking shoes, as you will be walking a lot in the dust and on the rocks. Your toiletry kit should include a high factor sunscreen, lip balm and a moisturizing body lotion. The air is very dry. And don't forget your medication and the prescription if you are on medication.
