About Jordan
Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
“Jordan has a strange, haunting beauty and a sense of timelessness. Dotted with the ruins of empires once great, it is the last resort of yesterday in the world of tomorrow. I love every inch of it.”
Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan… Here’s The Deal
Prepare to be amazed by a country full of treasures. A land famous for its history of great cultures and ancient civilizations, and a place blessed in natural beauty. From stunning mountain landscapes and prehistoric ruins, to spectacular deserts and corralled-filled seas, Jordan will attract and captivate you.
Jordan is Home to the Roman city of Jerash and the incredible Rose Red City of Petra; one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most marvelous sights you will ever see. Discover the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum and enjoy the therapeutic waters of the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea. Discover the liveliness of vibrant Amman; a multicultural city that offers a unique mix of old and new, traditional and modern.
A trip to Jordan involves a lot of wonderful things. Distinct Middle Eastern flavors combined with endless options of places to go to and things to see and do, make it the ideal travel destination. Get to know the Jordanian people, who are famed for their hospitality, kindness and warmth. Eat delicious Mediterranean food or sip mint tea at a cozy street side café. Whatever kind of vacation you desire, whether historical or cultural, action and adventure packed or just simply relaxation and rejuvenation, Jordan has it all.
GOVERNMENT
The current leader of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is His Majesty King Abdulla ll, who assumed his constitutional powers as monarch in February 1999, following the death of his father the Late King Hussein Bin Talal.
Jordan is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is the head of state, the chief executive, and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The King exercises his executive authority through the Council of Ministers. The cabinet, meanwhile, is responsible before the elected House of Deputies, which, along with the Senate, constitutes the legislative branch of the government. The judicial branch is a totally independent branch. Information courtesy of www.kinghussein.gov.jo
“I have found in my experience that expediency, whether it is practical or not, is an unreliable guide for behavior. Human behavior must be guided by a higher principle. Practicality has its place but only within a framework of values, which all men of good will share.”
WHY COME TO JORDAN? HERE ARE THE TOP REASONS
The unique attractions
The natural beauty
The amazing Eco lodges
The World Class spas and luxury escapes
The irresistible cuisine
The easy accessibility and affordability
The hospitable and generous people
The endless activities in Amman
The vibrant capital city offers visitors boundless options of activities and things to do. You can walk through one of Amman’s famous vegetable and food markets or explore a local museum. If you would like to shop for pottery items, silver and gold jewelry, handicrafts, shisha pipes and gifts, then you will love the treasures that await you at one of the many traditional bazaars or ‘Souks’ in downtown Amman. Get to know the famous pedestrian ‘Rainbow Street’ that has tempting eateries and cafes all around. Visit the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Jabal ElWebdeh and get to know more about the art scene in Amman, or stop at an Orthodox or Coptic Church or an old Jordanian mosque.
Amman also offers visitors night life experiences, as you can choose to party at a trendy club, visit a lounge bar or have a quiet drink at a traditional English pub. If you enjoy western style shopping malls, then the city has several malls that offer international brands, family eateries and coffee shops, cinema complexes and more.
JORDAN’S HISTORY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Currency
The Jordanian currency is the Jordanian Dinar(JOD), divided to 100 Piasters (Girsh) and 1000 Fils, a U.S. $ is almost 0.71 Jordanian Dinars (J.D.) Exchange offices and banks are available in all cities abundantly ; credit cards and U.S. dollar are accepted in many places.
Electricity
The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and requires rounded two-prong wall plugs. US travelers will require a transformer, offered by most hotels.
Language
Jordan’s official language is Arabic, However, English is frequently spoken within the country.
Religion
The state religion is Islam, as indicated in the constitution. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslims followed by Christians.
Tipping
Tipping is never required but always appreciated, especially by guides and drivers. In hotels and restaurants, a 10% to 15% service charge may be added to the bill.
Communications
Telephone services within Jordan are well- organized and dependable. Arabic and English telephone directories are widely available and international calls can be made from public and private phones,
Fax services can be found at most hotels and telegrams can be sent from post offices. Internet access is available at most hotels and internet cafes.
Time Zone
Jordan is three hours ahead of GMT during winter and summer (GMT+3), so you will need to set your watch according to the local time during your visit to Jordan.
Dress code
Although Jordan is a liberal country, it is always recommended to dress conservatively. When visiting any religious site, shoulders must be covered and shorts are not allowed. In the summer season, the mid-day sun tends to be quite hot, so it is advisable for visitors to wear protective clothing such as hats or head scarfs. Sunglasses and a high protection sunscreen are also highly recommended. Many Tours involve walking long distances and sometimes on uneven terrain, therefore, comfortable walking shoes are best.
Climate
Even though Jordan is mostly a desert country, the majority of the sites and population are located in the western part of the kingdom, which is mountainous between 700 and 1000 meters above sea level. Being close to the Mediterranean Sea, the weather is cold and wet in the winter and dry and hot in the summer.
Visa Regulation
For Non-restricted nationalities, individual travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival at the Kingdom for a fee of 40 Jordanian Dinars.
If you book your travel plans through a travel agent and you are staying more than 2 consecutive nights in Jordan, we might be able to arrange it for you, at no cost.
Please note the above is subject to change according to government regulations. Please contact us for the updated information.