Travelling to Jordan is an unforgettable experience filled with historical marvels, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. It’s a wonderful and safe country to explore, despite its sometimes more volatile neighbours, giving it an unfair reputation of danger. In reality, it’s incredibly safe and welcoming, and we can’t recommend visiting more!
That being said – as with all countries – it’s always wise to stay informed and prepared. Here are some friendly, practical tips to help ensure your journey to Jordan is secure and stress-free.
Stay Updated with Travel Advisories
The very first thing you should do before you set off is check the latest travel advisories from your government’s foreign office. These web pages provide up-to-date information on safety conditions, entry requirements, and any potential travel disruptions.
This is where we start all our travel planning, and the last thing we check right before we leave.
For example, the UK currently advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria, but considers the rest of the country as good-to-go and to follow ‘normal’ levels of awareness.
Travel insurance is essential for any trip abroad. More below.
Health Precautions
Make sure you’re up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and to get their advice for Jordan.
Packing a basic first aid kit with essentials like plasters (band-aids), antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications is a good idea too. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!
Stay hydrated – drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.
Remember – depending on when you go, Jordan can get HOT, so make sure you bring (and use) plenty of sun protection on your trip.
Respect Local Customs
Understanding and respecting Jordan’s cultural norms is key to a smooth trip.
Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts in public places. There is no need for women to wear head coverings if this isn’t part of your usual attire, but with all Arabic/majority muslim countries we recommend keeping a light scarf in your bag just in case.
Being polite and respectful in your interactions with locals goes a long way in ensuring a positive experience.
Learning a few basic Arabic phrases is advised; Jordanians appreciate the effort and it can help you in everyday interactions. Here’s a few of the essential phrases you should know:
- Hello – مرحبا (Marhaba) – (mar-ha-ba)
- Goodbye – مع السلامة (Ma’a as-salama) – (ma-ah as-sa-la-ma)
- Thank you – شكراً (Shukran) – (shoo-krahn)
- Please – من فضلك (Min fadlak) for males – (min fad-lak), من فضلك (Min fadlik) for females – (min fad-lik)
- Yes – نعم (Na’am) – (na-am)
- No – لا (La) – (la)
- How much is this? – كم ثمن هذا؟ (Kam thaman hadha?) – (kam tha-man ha-dha)
- Excuse me/Sorry – عفواً (Afwan) – (af-wan)
- Where is the bathroom? – أين الحمام؟ (Ayna al-hammam?) – (ay-na al-ham-mam)
- Do you speak English? – هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatahaddath al-ingliziya?) – (hal ta-ta-had-dath al-in-gli-zi-ya)
Safe Transportation
Jordan has a reliable transportation network, but it’s important to stay cautious.
Using reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem can help you avoid sticky situations.
If you’re renting a car, drive cautiously – especially at night – and be aware of local driving habits. Driving in Jordan can be challenging due to different driving standards, stray animals, and unmarked roadworks. Ensure you have an international driving permit and your domestic driving licence.
Public buses and shared taxis are economical options, but ensure you know your route and stops in advance.
Stay Connected
Keep your loved ones informed about your travel plans and check in regularly. Buying a local SIM card upon arrival, or even setting up an eSIM before arrival, can help you stay connected and access maps and travel information easily. Most urban areas have good mobile coverage, but signal strength can vary in remote regions.
Secure Your Belongings
Crime rates in Jordan are low, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen. Be mindful of your belongings and stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites, and avoid displaying expensive items.
Use hotel safes for passports and other important documents.
Travel Insurance & Adventure Activities
Getting yourself comprehensive travel insurance before you set off on your trip is essential, especially if you’re interested in Jordan’s amazing range of outdoor activities.
Having insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen events. We use sites like Compare the Market to look for the best option that fits our budget/requirements. Double check that your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft or loss of belongings, as well as any adventurous activities you are planning on doing.
Be aware that safety standards of tour operators can vary, so choosing operators with good reviews and proper accreditation is always a good idea, and always check the weather forecast to avoid flash floods in wadis.
Emergency Contacts
Always familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers. The general emergency number in Jordan is 911.
Save the contact details of your embassy or consulate and keep them handy. Knowing who to contact in case of an emergency can make a significant difference and save on a lot of stress if you run into a tricky situation.
Solo Travel / Women’s Safety
If you’re travelling solo, particularly as a woman, take extra precautions. Here’s some tips to help you stay sage:
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and stay in well-reviewed accommodations.
- Use reputable transport services like Uber or Careem, and sit in the back seat of taxis.
- Join group tours for exploring remote areas
- Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, seek assistance.
We hope that by following these tips you can make your trip to Jordan safe and enjoyable. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way when travelling, and can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your memorable adventure. If you’re looking for the ultimate itinerary through Jordan, check out our post dedicated to all the highlights, tips and tricks you need for an unforgettable trip!
Enjoy your journey through this incredible country!
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