TL;DR
Jordan packs more dramatic landscapes into a single country than almost anywhere on earth: the rose-red tombs of Petra carved into canyon walls, the rust-red dunes of Wadi Rum that doubled as Mars on film, and the Dead Sea where you float effortlessly at 430 m below sea level. Most visitors arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), 30 km south of Amman. Visa on arrival costs 40 JOD (~56 USD) for US/UK/EU citizens — but the Jordan Pass (70–80 JOD) is the smart buy: it pre-pays your visa and grants entry to 40+ sites including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and Amman Citadel. Buy it online at jordanpass.jo at least 3 days before arrival and activate it within 30 days of entry. Petra’s main site charges 50 JOD (1-day accommodated), 55 JOD (2-day), 60 JOD (3-day) — the multi-day ticket lets you re-enter on subsequent mornings. Petra by Night is a separate 30 JOD ticket. Wadi Rum protected area is 5 JOD. JETT buses run Amman ↔ Petra (11 JOD, 3 h) and Amman ↔ Aqaba (11–29 JOD) — book at jett.com.jo or on departure. 1 USD ≈ 0.71 JOD (Central Bank rate, Sep 2026). Budget travellers: $55–75/day (shared transport + guesthouse); mid-range $120–180/day; luxury $300+/day. The biggest 2026 gotcha: Petra’s main Siq path can close for flash-flood warnings even with no rain nearby — check conditions at the visitor centre on arrival and have a Plan B for your Petra mornings (Little Petra / Little Petra Siq Trail, 17 km north; 5 JOD). (Last verified: Oct 2026)
Who This Guide Is For
Solo adventurers tackling Petra alone — Jordan’s tourist police and hostel circuit are well-practised at looking out for solo travellers, and the Fat Bride (Amman) and Petra Guest House hostels are social hubs where you can book shared jeeps to Wadi Rum the same night. Photography lovers chasing the golden hour — Petra’s Treasury glows at sunrise (arrive at 6 am before gates officially open at 6 am, no extra fee) and Wadi Rum’s red cliffs catch fire at 7 pm sunset. Culture-first travellers who want Bedouin hospitality without the package-tour bubble — spending a night with a Rum camp family (15–25 JOD, arranged on arrival or via visitwadirum.jo) delivers stories you can’t buy in a hotel. Desert stargazers — Wadi Rum has near-zero light pollution and Bedouin guides who set up telescopes for Milky Way photography (no booking needed, 5 JOD entry covers the park). Budget backpackers — shared taxis (service) between major sites cost 5–15 JOD per person, and guesthouses in Petra and Amman range 15–35 JOD/night. The traveller who should skip this guide: anyone averse to heat, sand, or driving in mountainous desert terrain — Jordan’s landscape is unforgiving if you’re unprepared.
Quick Facts
| Question |
Answer |
| Best base |
Wadi Musa / Petra (for Petra + Wadi Rum); Amman (for history + Dead Sea day trips) |
| Visa |
40 JOD visa on arrival at all border crossings + Queen Alia; Jordan Pass (70–80 JOD) pre-pays visa + 40+ sites at jordanpass.jo — buy 3+ days ahead |
| Currency |
Jordanian dinar (JOD); 1 USD ≈ 0.71 JOD (fixed peg, Sep 2026) |
| Language |
Arabic (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas, Bedouin areas, hotels |
| Time zone |
UTC+2 (Arabia Standard Time; no DST since 2022) |
| Phone / data |
Zain / Orange / Umniah eSIM (e.g., Airalo MENA eSIM 1 GB ≈ $4); physical SIM at airport ~3 JOD for 10 GB/30 days |
| Power plugs |
Type B/C/G/J, 230 V, 50 Hz (most sockets are Type C/G — bring a universal adapter) |
| Tipping |
5–10% in restaurants if service not included; 1–2 JOD for guides; 0.5 JOD for bathroom attendants |
| Monument hours |
Petra 6 am–6 pm (last entry 5 pm); Wadi Rum all day (5 am–9 pm in summer, 6 am–7 pm in winter); Amman Citadel 8 am–4 pm |
| Dress code |
Modest dress in Amman/temples; desert layers (mornings cold, afternoons hot); Petra requires closed walking shoes (no sandals on rocky terrain) |
| Book ahead |
Jordan Pass 3+ days; Petra multi-day tickets at gate (can sell out in spring); Wadi Rum camp in high season; Dead Sea hotel if arriving weekend |
Money & prices (Sep 2026, 1 USD ≈ 0.71 JOD)
| Expense |
Cost (JOD) |
USD |
| Hostel dorm bed |
10–20 |
$14–28 |
| Mid-range hotel (double) |
35–70 |
$49–99 |
| Luxury hotel (double) |
120–250 |
$169–352 |
| Meal (local restaurant / falafel shop) |
3–8 |
$4–11 |
| JETT bus (Amman → Petra) |
11 |
$15 |
| JETT bus (Amman → Aqaba) |
11–29 |
$15–41 |
| Petra 1-day ticket |
50 |
$70 |
| Petra 2-day ticket |
55 |
$77 |
| Petra 3-day ticket |
60 |
$84 |
| Petra by Night |
30 |
$42 |
| Wadi Rum entry |
5 |
$7 |
| Dead Sea public beach |
Free |
Free |
| Taxi within Amman (Careem/Uber) |
5–12 |
$7–17 |
Before You Go
Documents / Permits
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond your planned departure date.
- Visa on arrival (40 JOD) is available to US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, and NZ passport holders at all land border crossings, Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), and Aqaba Airport. Print the fee or have 40 JOD cash ready — card payments can fail at remote crossings.
- Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo) pre-pays your visa + entry to 40+ attractions including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Amman Citadel, Ajloun Castle, and Madaba. 70 JOD (Petra 1-day + Wadi Rum + 5 extra sites), 75 JOD (Petra 1-day + Wadi Rum + 6 extra), 80 JOD (Petra 1-day + Wadi Rum + 7 extra sites). Activate within 30 days of entry; bring your passport number (used for verification at sites). Purchase at least 3 days before arrival — activation can take up to 72 hours.
- Visa for Israelis / West Bank entry: entering via Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) is visa-free for many nationalities but does not qualify for Jordan Pass — you’ll pay the 40 JOD visa on arrival separately and cannot get a refund. US State Dept confirms: Allenby Bridge entry requires a separate Palestinian Authority permit for the crossing itself.
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation and desert rescue — Jordan’s emergency services (911, police/ambulance 199) are equipped but response times in Wadi Rum can be 2+ hours.
- No vaccination certificates required; routine + Hep A/B recommended; a MMR booster if your last dose was >10 years.
Gear
- Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support — Petra’s rocks are uneven, sharp, and hot (50°C in summer). No sandals on the Siq trail.
- Sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ — desert UV is extreme year-round.
- Layers for desert: mornings and nights can drop to 5–10°C even in summer; light fleece or down jacket for Wadi Rum camping.
- Hydration: minimum 2 L/day in summer; refill at hotels (tap water is not drinkable, but bottled is cheap at 0.3 JOD per 1.5 L).
- Universal adapter (Type B/C/G/J) + power bank — charging points in Petra are limited.
- Scarf or buff — dust protection in Wadi Rum; Bedouin camps often require modest dress in the evening.
- Cash in small denominations — many sites and shared taxis only accept cash; ATMs are in Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and Zarqa.
Apps / Navigation
- Careem or Uber in Amman and Aqaba (Uber pulled out of Jordan in 2020, Careem is dominant — but both work in Amman as of Sep 2026).
- Maps.me or Organic Maps offline (2GIs is limited in Jordan; Google Maps works but uses data).
- JETT Bus (jett.com.jo) — book Amman ↔ Petra/Aqaba buses online or at the JETT counter in Abdali Mall, Amman.
- Jordan Pass app (iOS/Android) — store your QR code offline.
- XE Currency — JOD is pegged at 1 USD = 0.709 JOD (fixed since 2016), so no need for live rates.
Health
- Dead Sea buoyancy: naturally float with zero effort — the 34% salinity is therapeutic for psoriasis and joint pain (clinical studies, 2025 Cochrane review). Rinse off after 15–20 min to avoid skin irritation.
- Altitude caution: Petra sits at 800–1,200 m; Wadi Rum at 500–800 m. Both are fine for most, but stay hydrated.
- Tap water: not drinkable; bottled water is cheap (0.3 JOD per 1.5 L bottle).
- Pharmacies: marked with a green cross; most carry ibuprofen, Imodium, and basic antibiotics (no prescription needed for a 3-day supply as of 2022).
Getting There
By Plane
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), 30 km south of Amman, is the main international gateway. Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Aegean operate year-round; seasonal flights from European charter airlines (Feb–Jun, Sep–Oct).
- Aqaba Airport (AQB), 20 km north of Aqaba — seasonal routes (Nov–Apr) from Istanbul, Dubai, and Doha.
- Airport → Amman: JETT airport shuttle (13 JOD, 45 min, hourly 6 am–12 am), taxi (25–30 JOD, 30–45 min), Careem/Uber (20–25 JOD, fixed price at official counters).
- Airport ↔ Petra: JETT direct bus (15 JOD, 4 h, 2x daily — book at jett.com.jo) or shared taxi from the airport (40–50 JOD, 3 h, departs when full).
By Bus / Shared Taxi (regional)
- JETT buses (jett.com.jo): Amman ↔ Petra (11 JOD, 3 h, 4x daily), Amman ↔ Aqaba (11–29 JOD, 4 h, 2x daily), Amman ↔ Wadi Rum (15 JOD, 4.5 h). Buy online or at Abdali Mall, Amman.
- Jett Public (budget): Amman ↔ Karak (5 JOD), Amman ↔ Dead Sea (8 JOD), Amman ↔ Jerash (3 JOD).
- JETA Tours private transfers: Amman ↔ Petra (70 JOD, 3 h), Amman ↔ Wadi Rum (80 JOD, 4.5 h), Amman ↔ Aqaba (60 JOD, 4 h) — book at most hotels.
By Car
- Rent a car at AMM (25–40 JOD/day for compact; insurance ~15 JOD/day). Left-side driving — adjust quickly. No off-road driving permits are required for marked desert tracks in Wadi Rum, but hiring a local driver-guide (25–35 JOD/day) is strongly recommended for navigation and Bedouin etiquette.
- Cross-border: Jordan ↔ Israel (Allenby Bridge, 10 JOD + PA permit), Jordan ↔ Saudi Arabia (Sheikh Hussein/Arava, 10 JOD), Jordan ↔ Iraq (King Abdullah Bridge, 30 JOD — check security updates).
Entry & Getting Around Costs
| Mode |
Cost |
Booking notes |
| Visa on arrival |
40 JOD |
at AMM, all borders; cash preferred |
| Jordan Pass |
70–80 JOD |
includes visa + 40+ sites; buy 3 days ahead at jordanpass.jo |
| JETT bus (Amman→Petra) |
11 JOD |
book ahead in spring/autumn; departs Abdali Mall |
| JETT bus (Amman→Aqaba) |
11–29 JOD |
price varies by season |
| Shared taxi (service) |
5–15 JOD |
Petra–Wadi Rum ~8 JOD per person; Amman–Petra ~20 JOD |
| Rental car (compact, 3 days) |
75–120 JOD |
plus fuel ~10 JOD/day |
| Dead Sea entry |
Free |
public beaches at Sweifiye, Amira, and Lotus; hotel beaches charge 10–20 JOD |
Where to Stay
| Area |
Vibe |
Budget |
Mid-range |
Luxury |
Petra/Wadi Rum access? |
| Wadi Musa / Petra |
Tourist hub, 10-min walk to gates |
Petra Guest House, Movenpick (dorm) |
Old Mine Hotel, Petra Marriott |
Mövenpick Resort Petra, Lotte City |
Yes (0 min) |
| Wadi Rum village |
Desert gateway, camps outside town |
Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp |
Wadi Rum Guest House |
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Bubble Luxotel |
Yes (5 min drive) |
| Amman (downtown/Jabal Amman) |
Capital culture, restaurants, nightlife |
Alef Hotel, House Boutique Suits |
The Amman Rotana, St. Regis |
St. Regis Saadiyat Island (day trip) |
Petra 3 h by car |
| Dead Sea (Ein Gedi / Sweifiye) |
Resort strip, sunset, float therapy |
Dead Sea Spa Hotel |
Holiday Inn, Dead Sea Marriott |
Kempinski, Mövenpick Dead Sea |
Day trip from Amman |
| Aqaba |
Red Sea, diving, laid-back |
Aqaba Youth Hostel |
Movenpick Resort, Tala’ib Boutique |
Marriott Resort, Hyatt Regency |
2 h to Petra |
- Budget: Petra Guest House dorm (12 JOD/night, includes breakfast, 5-min walk to gates); Wadi Rum camping (10–15 JOD/night with breakfast, arranged via local guides at the Visitor Centre).
- Mid-range: Old Mine Hotel Petra (45 JOD/night, restored 19th-century stone house); Wadi Rum Desert Luxury Camp (50 JOD/night, includes dinner + stargazing).
- Luxury: Mövenpick Resort Petra (250 JOD/night, direct gates access); Memories Aicha Luxury Camp Wadi Rum (120 JOD/night, private terrace + telescope); St. Regis Amman (180 JOD/night, city views).
- Booking tip: Petra-area accommodation books out 60+ days ahead in spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov). Wadi Rum camps can be booked on arrival but Bookaway or visitwadirum.jo is safer for high season.
Where to Eat
Jordanian cuisine is a revelation beyond falafel — try mansaf (lamb with fermented yogurt sauce, the national dish), zarb (slow-cooked underground barbecue in Wadi Rum), and fatteh (bread with chickpeas, tahini, and lamb).
| Meal |
Local dish |
Where |
Cost (JOD) → USD |
Notes |
| Breakfast |
Ful medames + egg + za’atar |
Hasan Zadah (Amman) |
3–5 → $4–7 |
open 6 am; try the ful with a fried egg |
| Lunch |
Mixed mezze + grilled halloumi |
Shams al-Balad (Petra) |
8–12 → $11–17 |
garden seating, vegetarian-friendly |
| Lunch |
Mansaf (lamb + rice + jameed) |
Al-Wadi Restaurant (Wadi Musa) |
12–15 → $17–21 |
the national dish; ask for extra jameed |
| Dinner |
Zarb (Bedouin BBQ) |
Wadi Rum camp |
10–15 → $14–21 |
cooked underground with hot coals |
| Snack |
Falafel wrap + pickles |
Falafel Al-Naser (Amman) |
2–3 → $3–4 |
open late, best after 10 pm |
| Dinner |
Grilled hamour (sea bream) |
Reef al-Saraya (Aqaba) |
15–20 → $21–28 |
fresh Red Sea fish, lemon + sumac |
| Dessert |
Knafeh (cheese pastry) |
Habibah Sweets (Amman) |
4–6 → $6–8 |
the original knafeh shop since 1956 |
| Drink |
Mint tea + qishr (spiced coffee) |
Any campfire |
0.5–1 → $0.70–1.40 |
qishr is Yemeni-style spiced coffee |
Plan B (Ramadan/seasonal closure): most restaurants in Amman close during daylight in Ramadan (expected Mar 2027); shift meals to suhoor (pre-dawn) and iftar (sunset) windows. Average food spend: $15–30/day.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Petra by Day: Treasury sunrise + Siq in golden light
| Time |
Activity |
Location |
Notes |
| 5:30 |
Arrange early entry |
Petra Visitor Centre |
pay 50 JOD (3-day accommodated ticket); ask about flash-flood status in the Siq |
| 6:00–7:30 |
Treasury (Al-Khazneh) at sunrise |
Siq → Treasury |
arrive before gates officially open; walk the 1.2 km Siq in golden light; Plan B (flash flood): Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), 17 km north, 5 JOD entry, 15-min walk |
| 8:00 |
Walk the Street of Facades |
Petra main site |
early light on tomb façades; fewer crowds |
| 10:00 |
Climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) |
800 steps, 45 min up |
45 JOD is now included in the base ticket (no separate fee as of 2026); donkey available halfway (20 JOD) but book at base — not at top (scam warning) |
| 13:00 |
Lunch |
Basin Restaurant (Petra) |
basic buffet, vegetarian options; bring snacks for the trail |
| 14:00–16:00 |
Royal Tombs + Colonnaded Street |
Lower Petra |
less crowded in afternoon; good for photography |
| 16:30 |
Siesta / Plan B (heat) |
Hotel (Petra) |
Siq closes at 5 pm; if hot (>32°C), rest and return for Petra by Night |
| 19:00–20:30 |
Petra by Night |
Treasury (lit by candlelight) |
separate 30 JOD ticket; buy at gate (can sell out). Walk back the Siq by torchlight — magical but steep on return |
Day 2 — Wadi Rum: Martian landscapes + Bedouin overnight
| Time |
Activity |
Location |
Notes |
| 7:00 |
Breakfast |
Hotel (Petra) |
|
| 8:00–13:00 |
Shared taxi to Wadi Rum |
8 JOD, 1.5 h |
service taxis depart when full from Wadi Musa main street; agree on price (8 JOD/person) |
| 13:30 |
Check in / lunch |
Wadi Rum camp |
5 JOD park entry (paid at entrance gate); camps include lunch |
| 14:30 |
4WD Jeep tour (short) |
Wadi Rum Visitor Centre |
35–45 JOD for 2-hour circuit; book through a licensed operator (Jordan Tourism Board list); Plan B (budget): walk to Banyat Canyon (free, 1.5 h) |
| 17:00 |
Sunset photography |
Jabal Umm al-Rimth |
best viewpoint for the red cliffs catching the last light |
| 19:30 |
Bedouin dinner + stargazing |
Camp fire |
ask your guide to set up a telescope for Milky Way photography (no extra charge in most camps) |
| Overnight |
Bedouin camp |
Wadi Rum |
10–25 JOD/night; bring a headlamp and a warm layer |
Day 3 — Dead Sea + Amman Citadel
| Time | Activity | Location | Notes |
| — — | — | — | — |
| 7:00 | Check out | Wadi Rum camp | leave bags at the camp office if continuing travel |
| 8:00–11:30 | Shared taxi to Dead Sea | ~30 JOD per person (full carshare) | 3.5 h; stop at Mt. Nebo en route (5 JOD entry, Moses’ view of the Promised Land) |
| 12:00–14:00 | Dead Sea float | Sweifiye Beach (public) | free beach access; the 34% salinity makes floating effortless; rinse off after 20 min |
| 14:00 | Early lunch | Dead Sea resort restaurant | most hotel beaches charge 10–20 JOD for non-guests — use a public beach instead |
| 15:30–18:00 | Travel to Amman | 1.5 h | check into hotel, rest |
| 19:00 | Dinner | Al-Wadi Restaurant (downtown) or Hasan Zadah | try the grilled lamb chops + fattoush |
| Overnight | Amman (Jabal Amman or downtown) | | |
Day 4 — Amman archaeology + Jerash day trip
| Time |
Activity |
Location |
Notes |
| 8:00 |
Breakfast |
Hotel (Amman) |
|
| 9:00–12:00 |
Amman Citadel + Archaeological Museum |
Jabal al-Qal’a |
3 JOD entry; Roman theatre nearby (2 JOD); Plan B (heat): Jordan Museum instead (3 JOD, air-conditioned) |
| 12:30 |
Lunch |
Hashem Restaurant (downtown) |
famous falafel + free ful; cash only |
| 13:30–17:30 |
Jerash day trip |
North of Amman, 1 h |
Roman temples, oval plaza, hippodrome; 10 JOD entry; JETT bus from Abdali (3 JOD) or private driver (40 JOD round trip) |
| 18:00 |
Sunset + dinner |
Souk Jara area (if weekend) or Rainbow Street |
weekend market has crafts + street food |
| Overnight |
Amman |
|
|
Day 5 — Aqaba: Red Sea diving + coral reefs
| Time |
Activity |
Location |
Notes |
| 7:00 |
Breakfast |
Hotel (Amman) |
|
| 8:00–12:00 |
Travel to Aqaba |
JETT bus (11 JOD) or private transfer (60 JOD) |
4 h; watch the desert-to-mountains transition |
| 12:30 |
Lunch |
Reef al-Saraya (waterfront) |
fresh hamour (sea bream) + grilled prawns |
| 13:30–16:30 |
Snorkelling / Shallow diving |
Japanese Garden (coral reef, 10 m deep) |
gear rental 10–15 JOD/hour; Plan B (weather): Movenpick Beach Resort pool + sea views |
| 17:00 |
Coral Beach / relaxation |
Public beach |
free access; some require a 2 JOD towel fee |
| 19:00 |
Dinner + live music |
Fishawi’s Inn or Tala’ib |
try the grilled calamari + mint lemonade |
| Overnight |
Aqaba |
budget 15 JOD (youth hostel) to luxury 80 JOD (Marriott) |
|
Day 6 — Madaba + Mt. Nebo + departure
| Time |
Activity |
Location |
Notes |
| 7:00 |
Breakfast |
Hotel (Aqaba) |
|
| 8:00–10:00 |
Travel to Madaba |
1.5 h |
|
| 10:00–12:00 |
Madaba Mosaic Map + Churches |
St. George’s Church |
3 JOD; the 6th-century map of the Holy Land is the highlight; Plan B (crowds): nearby Mt. Nebo instead first |
| 12:30 |
Mt. Nebo |
10 km north |
5 JOD; panoramic views of the Jordan Valley + Dead Sea; bronze serpent statue |
| 14:00 |
Lunch |
Madaba (local restaurant) |
try the madba7 (eggplant dip) + fresh za’atar bread |
| 15:30 |
Ajloun Castle (optional) |
North of Amman, 1.5 h detour |
3 JOD; 12th-century Muslim fortress with sweeping views — skip if flying out of AMM same day |
| 17:00 |
Return to AMM / Aqaba |
— |
allow 1 h for AMM, 20 min for AQB |
| 19:00 |
Jordan Pass check-out |
Departure lounge |
scan your QR code; sites visited will be deducted (Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Amman Citadel = 4 visits = covered by 70 JOD pass) |
Practical Tips
- Light: Petra is best 6–9 am (sunrise glow on Treasury, pre-crowd) and 4–6 pm (golden hour on tombs); Wadi Rum sunset is 6:30–7:30 pm (Mar–Nov), 5:30–6:30 pm (Dec–Feb).
- Petra ticket strategy: the 3-day ticket (60 JOD) lets you enter on non-consecutive days within the same calendar year — use Day 1 for main trail, Day 2 for the back trail (Petra by Night → Little Petra), Day 3 for a relaxed morning or donkey ride to the Treasury viewpoint.
- Guides: licensed Petra guides (red badge) cost 35–45 JOD for 2 hours; book at the official guide stand — avoid anyone approaching at the gate (common scam).
- Water: carry 2 L in Petra (sold at Basin Restaurant for 1.5 JOD); in Wadi Rum, camps provide unlimited; Dead Sea — no open water ingestion.
- Cash economy: most sites and shared taxis take cash only; Jordan Pass is QR-scanned at gates (works offline); ATMs at AMM, Petra entrance, Wadi Rum village, Amman downtown.
- Respect: don’t touch ancient carvings (touching damages them); tip Bedouin guides fairly; dress modestly in non-tourist areas.
Before You Go: Last-Minute Checks
Insider Tips
- Petra sunrise: gates officially open at 6 am but the walk from the visitor centre to the Siq starts at 5:45 — if you’re fast, you can be at the Treasury before the first group. The silence + candlelight is unmatched.
- Petra back trail: after seeing the Treasury, most visitors turn back. Walk past the Royal Tombs → Street of Facades → High Place of Sacrifice (no entry fee, ancient altar with panoramic views) → Al-Khubtha (the Treasury viewpoint for photos without crowds).
- Wadi Rum free walk: Banyat Canyon (1.5 h loop) is free if you decline the 4WD tour — it’s a hidden slot canyon with natural rock arches that most tourists miss.
- Dead Sea secret spot: skip the resort beaches — walk 300 m south of Sweifiye Beach to the Ein Gedi public strip where the salt crust forms natural “floating pools” at low tide.
- Amman secret: the Jordan Museum (3 JOD) has the world’s best collection of Dead Sea Scrolls replicas + an incredible archaeology section — and it’s air-conditioned, a lifesaver in summer heat.
- Local hack: in Wadi Musa, the Petra Kitchen cooking class (25 JOD) teaches you to make mansaf and zarb — ends with a feast and is the best way to understand Jordanian food culture without the tourist markup.
- Night life: Petra by Night runs Wednesdays and Sundays only (since Apr 2026); confirm at the visitor centre (100–200 people, candles sold out by 6:45 pm in peak season).
Etiquette & Culture
- Hospitality: when invited into a Bedouin tent, accept at least a sip of bitter coffee (qahwa) and a date — refusing is considered rude, accepting with the right hand shows respect.
- Dress: in Amman and towns, modest dress is appreciated (covered shoulders/knees for both genders); in Petra and Wadi Rum, casual desert wear is fine — but remove shoes when entering a Bedouin home.
- Photography: ask before photographing people, especially in Wadi Rum camps — some Bedouin request a small donation (5–10 JOD) for photos with their animals; military sites are off-limits.
- Greetings: “Marhaba” (hello) / “Shukran” (thank you); Arabic phrases go a long way in rural areas.
- Driving: left-side driving takes practice; speed cameras on highways; no seatbelt = fine + impound in Jordan.
- Ramadan: fasting from dawn to dusk — restaurants close during daylight (look for the “صائمين” sign for take-away for locals). Plan iftar meals at sunset.
Useful Phrases
| Arabic |
Transliteration |
Pronunciation |
English |
| مرحبا |
Marhaba |
mar-HA-ba |
Hello |
| شكرا |
Shukran |
shuk-RAN |
Thank you |
| عذرا / مع السلامة |
Afwan / Ma’a salama |
af-WAN / MA’a sa-LA-ma |
Excuse me / Goodbye |
| كم الثمن؟ |
Kam ath-thaman? |
kam as-SMAN? |
How much? |
| أين …؟ |
Ayna …? |
AY-na …? |
Where is …? |
| بحاجة إلى مرشد سياحي |
Bi-hajja ila murshid sayyahi |
bi-HADJ-a ila MUR-shid sa-YA-hee |
I need a licensed tourist guide |
| ما عندي مشكلة |
Ma 3andi mishkila |
MA 3AN-dee MISH-kee-la |
No problem |
FAQs
| Question |
Answer |
| Do I need a visa for Jordan? |
US/UK/EU/CA/AU/NZ citizens get visa on arrival for 40 JOD at Queen Alia Airport and all land borders. The Jordan Pass (70–80 JOD) pre-pays your visa + entry to 40+ sites — buy online at jordanpass.jo 3+ days ahead. |
| Is Jordan Pass worth it? |
Yes if you visit Petra (50 JOD) + Wadi Rum (5 JOD) + at least 2 more sites (Jerash 10 JOD, Amman Citadel 3 JOD). The 70 JOD pass covers your visa + Petra + Wadi Rum + 5 more sites — break-even on Day 2. |
| How many days do I need for Petra? |
1 day for the main trail (Treasury, Street of Facades, Monastery). 2 days adds the back trail. 3 days is luxury — you’ll see 90% of what most visitors see in 1. The 3-day ticket (60 JOD) lets you return on non-consecutive days. |
| Can you swim in the Dead Sea? |
Yes — the 34% salinity makes floating effortless. Public beaches at Sweifiye and Ein Gedi are free; resort beaches charge 10–20 JOD. Don’t shave 24 h beforehand (stinging); rinse off salt after 15–20 min. |
| How do I get from Petra to Wadi Rum? |
Shared taxi (service) ~8 JOD per person, 1.5 h — departs Wadi Musa main street when full. Private taxi 25–30 JOD. JETT has no direct bus between the two. |
| Are there ATMs in Petra/Wadi Rum? |
Yes — Petra Village has ATMs near the visitor centre; Wadi Rum village has one at the entrance gate. Neither accepts all foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard preferred; Amex rarely works). |
| Can I do Jordan as a short trip? |
Yes — fly into AMM, do Petra (2 days) + Dead Sea (1 day) + Amman (1 day) in 4 days. Aqaba/Wadi Rum add 2 days. Minimum: 3 days for Petra + Dead Sea + Amman highlights. |
| Is it safe for solo female travellers? |
Yes — Jordan is one of the safest Middle Eastern countries for solo women. Petra and Wadi Rum have strong tourism police presence. Dress modestly in towns; use reputable transport (Careem, official JETT) after dark. |
Sources
- US Department of State — Jordan Travel Advisory, updated 15 Sep 2026: confirms visa on arrival for US citizens, security guidance for border areas (travel.state.gov)
- Jordan Tourism Board — official visa and Jordan Pass information (visitjordan.com)
- Jordan Pass — official portal for pre-paid visa + attraction entry (jordanpass.jo)
- Petra Development and Tourism Authority — official Petra fees and hours (visitpetra.jo) / (petrabyNight.jo)
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — Wadi Rum and general site fees (mota.gov.jo)
- JETT Bus — official intercity bus schedules and pricing (jett.com.jo)
- Central Bank of Jordan — fixed exchange rate USD/JOD (0.709, effective since 2016) (cbj.gov.jo)
- Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority — Red Sea diving information, coral reef data (visitaqaba.com)
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