Jordan Country Overview
Jordan is a state in the Middle East. The capital is Amman.
Shared borders in the north with Syria, in the northeast with Iraq, in the south and east with Saudi Arabia, in the west with Israel and Palestine. A small section of the southern border of the country is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea.
Most of the country is occupied by rocky and sandy deserts, framed by low mountains and plateaus up to 1500 m high. Only a small area in the north-west of the country (the Ghor or El-Gor depression), as well as a narrow strip along the Dead Sea, are suitable for agriculture.
In the central and southern regions, deserts and mountainous semi-deserts predominate, in which small oases are occasionally found. The highest point of the country – the city of Jebel Ram (1754 m) is located in the south of the country, the lowest – on the coast of the Dead Sea (about 400 m below sea level). The total area of the country is about 89.2 thousand square meters. km. 90% of the country’s territory is desert.
The climate is subtropical Mediterranean and sharply continental, very dry. Average temperatures in January are from +8 C to +14 C, in July from +24 C to +30 C (with average daily temperatures around +40 C). At the same time, regardless of the time of year, the difference between day and night temperatures can reach 30-40 C, so it can be quite cool at night. Precipitation falls from 100 to 700 mm. in year.
The best time to visit Jordan is spring and autumn. In the south of the country, in the Gulf of Aqaba, due to the special microclimate, the weather conditions are milder, so this region is accessible for visiting all year round. The water temperature in the Red and Dead Seas does not fall below 21 C all year round.
According to Commit4fitness, Jordan is an Arab state, a significant part of which is located in the semi-desert. Here is the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point of the state. Warm and dry weather prevails on the territory of this country.
Each person who is lucky enough to get to Jordan becomes a contemplator of two of the eight wonders of the world. This is the Dead Sea and of course the wonder city of Petra. Both are so amazing that they will make your stay in this beautiful country unforgettable. The hospitable sun always shines here, and the people are responsive and kind.
Jordan has a visa regime. For citizens of Russia, obtaining a visa is possible upon arrival in the country at any border point, or at the airport without any problems. If the tourist has been in the country for more than 48 hours, then a fee of 5 dinars is charged upon departure. This fee applies even for stays of less than 48 hours if the tourist entered through the Aqaba Free Trade Zone. You can buy tours to Jordan from us, as we are the largest tour operator in Jordan.
The import of currency into the country is not limited, the export of imported currency is also not limited, but the export of the national currency is allowed no more than 300 dinars. The import of cigarettes into the country is allowed, but you will be able to avoid the duty if you take no more than 200 pieces with you, but you can only take up to 1 bottle of alcohol. It is allowed to import souvenirs and gifts in the amount of not more than $ 150, perfumes for personal use. Import of weapons, drugs is prohibited. You can send and receive a fax at the Central Post Office in Amman, at the central post offices of large cities and at the corresponding branches of most local hotels. Telegrams can be sent from any post office.
There are two cellular operators in Jordan – FastLink (a somewhat larger coverage area) and MobilCom. Mobile phone numbers usually start with “079”. Local calls cost about 0.1 dinars per minute, a minute of conversation with Moscow – about 0.7 dinars, incoming calls are free, so it is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a local operator. When calling a mobile phone, the caller is charged the same as for a long distance call, and in some hotels, a call to a mobile phone may even be billed at an international rate. In addition, most hotels charge a minimum of 3 minutes. conversation, regardless of its actual duration.
Interesting facts
Museums in Amman that you need to visit are the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, the National Museum of Art.
Painted chickens are sold at the market on the eve of Passover in the center of Amman.
New Year’s holiday in Jordan is a great opportunity to enjoy the warm weather, sandy beaches and visit various excursions. During the New Year season, Jordan opens up additional opportunities for every tourist.
Jordan is the most stable and secure Arab country in the Middle East. There is almost no crime, police patrols are often found on the streets of cities, but due to the great influence of tribal traditions, the Jordanians themselves maintain order in their village, so there are usually no difficulties in this matter. There are also no interfaith conflicts.
There are no restrictions on movement within the country. If you have a visa, no additional permits are required to move around the country.
Muslim holidays are celebrated according to the lunar calendar, which is 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian. The official days off are Friday and Saturday, some institutions are closed on Sunday (museums – and on Tuesday). Religious holidays such as Eid al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast, 3 days), Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast – 3 days), Mawlid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Birthday), Ras al-Sana (Muslim New Year), etc. etc. are also non-working. In addition, one should pay attention to the fact that on holidays a large number of the local population rushes to Aqaba and the Dead Sea, which is why hotels often do not have enough free places, and the roads are clogged with vehicles. Besides,
Jordan is a Muslim country, so many traditions and customs have a religious connotation, although less prominent than in most other Islamic countries. Jordanians are naturally very friendly and hospitable, but somewhat slow and forgetful. Even if a guest unknowingly shows frank faux pas, the locals will always explain everything with pleasure and without unnecessary emotions.
During the Muslim fast in the month of Ramadan, the renunciation of all worldly things continues from dawn to dusk. Foreigners are also advised to exercise restraint during fasting, especially in public places.
Jordanian dinar (JOD), equal to 100 piastres and 1000 fils. In circulation are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins of 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 100 dinars. Fils are almost out of use, but 5, 10, 25, 100, 250 and 500 fils coins still have limited circulation.
Banks are open from 08.30 to 12.30 and from 15.30 to 17.30 from Saturday to Thursday (the ticket office usually closes at 12.30). During Ramadan, most banks are open only from 08.30 to 10.00, although some large banks are open in the afternoon.
Payment for goods and services usually takes place in dinars, foreign currency is almost never accepted for payment. Money can be exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks and specialized exchange offices. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted only in major tourist centers, hotels, ticket offices and large stores (American Express and Visa are the most common – they are accepted almost everywhere, Dinners Club is less widespread, cashing MasterCard cards is also often difficult, so they are better do not use). In the interior of the country, it is almost impossible to pay with credit cards. British Bank of the Middle East accepts Eurocheques.