PRE ARRIVAL BRIEFING
Please take the time to review this page. The information has been included to help you prepare for your visit and have a comfortable and safe stay while you are in Jordan. This briefing contains CARE specific safety and security details that you should follow. We ask that you ensure working communication device such as cell phone for the duration of visit.
It is advisable to print out this pre arrival document and carry it on you.
GETTING THERE
Visas
For U.S. citizens traveling into Jordan, a visa is required. You can purchase a visa at the airport in Jordan via the Immigration Desk. Visas cost approximately 40 Jordanian dinars ($56.42) and must be paid for in cash in Jordanian dinars. There will not be an ATM available before you get to immigration so if you plan to purchase your visa at the airport, please bring cash with you. For those visiting Petra, your Jordan Pass being purchased by us, will waive the visa fee. Proof of purchase will be provided to you before travel to show at immigration.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Visa ahead of time through a third-party vendor. A few options include:
WIFI is available in the Amman Airport and can be accessed for free via the “Airport free wifi” connection. All signs and notices in the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman are clearly marked in English. We will be at the exit of the airport awaiting your arrival.
If you are interested, you can view an interactive map of the arrival level of the Amman Airport here.
Customs
All visitors are entitled to 1 bottle of alcohol (1000ml maximum) and 500gms of tobacco duty free.
It is prohibited to import material banned in Jordan such as:
Of a politically or religiously sensitive nature in Jordan;
Offensive to Muslims;
Gambling paraphernalia
ARRIVAL & TRANSPORT
Security
Procedures at the immigration counter implies having a picture taken by immigration officials.
Luggage
In case of loss of luggage, a counter is situated near the luggage belt. You will have to arrange for the baggage claim at this counter yourself. The address to be used for delivery of missing luggage should be either the hotel you are staying at or the CARE address. In case they require a local telephone number you can provide the one indicated below under contacts.
Transport
When arriving by air to Queen Alia International Airport you are about 25 KM’s outside of Amman. An airport taxi will take you to Amman for about 25JDs. Check this with the driver and or the dispatcher before setting off. Do not use Uber or Careem at the airport.
At all times on your journey you should be wearing your seat belt and ensure all doors are locked.
Security Briefing
You will be going through an in-person security briefing within 24 hours of your arrival into Jordan.
NEED TO KNOW
Climate
Jordan has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. Jordan has a moderate climate, with four seasons. The hot summer months are between June and September and winter is cold between November and February. Spring is between March and May with pleasant weather during the day and slightly cold at night. Buildings are centrally heated or air-conditioned.
| Average June Conditions in Jordan | Temperature (Fahrenheit) | |
| High | Low | |
| Amman | 85 | 58 |
| Petra | 92 | 63 |
Required clothing
Lightweight cotton clothes are advised in the summer, with a sweater for cooler evenings, especially in the inland areas.
Wardrobe Tips
- Avoid recognizable designer/brands, or clothes with slogans or graphics
- Dark colors are recommended as light colors may get dirty in the field
- Loose fitting pants and modest tops with short or long sleeves
- All skirts and/or shorts should fall below the knees
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots that keep for feet fry and safe
- A cotton scarf is also recommended for women, and is required when entering mosques or religious sites
General Packing Tips
We will be traveling in buses and cars throughout Jordan so please try to pack light. The Crowne Plaza hotel has a laundry service should you wish to wash a few things mid-trip.
Below is a list of general items that you may want to consider bringing:
- Bug spray with DEET
- Hand sanitizers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat
- Energy plug converters: In Jordan the power sockets are type C, D, F, G and J. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You will need to purchase a power plug adapter and a voltage converter for all electronics you plan to use while in Jordan
- A light Jacket and/or sweaters for evenings may be needed
- Comfortable, closed toe walking shoes- especially for Petra as the ground is pebbled and rocky
- Cotton scarf & hair pins (and/or bobby pins)
Language and Culture
Most Jordanians speak Arabic and English. Jordanians are generally well dressed and smart casual is the normal attire on most social occasions.
Photography and Videography
- You must obtain official permission to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges or official facilities. Areas where photography is prohibited may not be clearly marked or defined.
- Photographers are advised to ask permission before taking photos of people.
Water Quality
Default with bottled water as there are concerns on the quality of tap water for drinking purposes. Many hotels will try and charge a high price for it and attempt to stop people bring bottles in from outside, do not be put off by this. In a desperate situation the water from the taps in Amman is probably safe.
Vaccinations
You do not require any vaccinations before visiting Jordan at the present time. There are mosquitoes but no Malaria so a repellent is advised. In accordance with recommendation from the Center for Disease Control, CDC, we advise that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. The CDC also recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines for travel to Jordan.
Currency exchange rates
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the official currency of Jordan. You will be able to exchange U.S. dollars (USD) to JOD at the airport. We recommend bringing bills marked 2005 or later, and in bills $100 or smaller. Rates below are as of 03/01/2018.
$1 USD = 0.71 JOD$20 USD = 14.18 JOD
Rates vary between banks, hotels and exchangers. Credit cards are widely accepted in Jordan. ATM and money exchange services are available all over Amman and in other cities as well. Exchangers open till late in the evening unlike banks which close at 15:00.
Communication Devices and Cell Phones
You are advised to contact your cell phone provider and confirm you are set up for international dialing and usage prior to departing for the trip. Phone and data service vary in reliability in Jordan. Your network provider should ‘enable’ your phone in advance of your departure. Please check with your provider in your home country about roaming in Jordan and the associated charges.
NICE TO KNOW
Transportation
Links between the major towns and cities are by good fast roads. However, driving in Jordan can be undisciplined and dangerous. There are various rental car services, foreigners can drive on most country driving licenses or an international license for up to three months. On the larger roads the police are active especially in respect to speed controls, if a highway patrol signals you to stop then you should, no other authority has the right to stop motorists. If you are involved in an accident, then you must stop and wait for the police to arrive. All CARE vehicles have a mobile phone in them when they leave Amman.
Within the Cities there are plenty of yellow taxis available for private hire. These usually have a meter in them and are reasonably priced. (You can cross Amman for around 3 JOD). Just make sure that the taxi has a counter and that the driver resets the counter before the trip.
If you are traveling outside of Amman for pleasure, please make sure to inform the office where you are going.
Tipping
The service and sales tax is usually included in your bills so any tipping above that is purely at your own discretion.
Modern conveniences
Clothing stores, movie theaters, local and imported food and Amman has large supermarkets and shopping malls.
Internet and mobile services
Available countrywide and are generally reliable with good international access. The code for an international line is 00. The code for an Amman number is 06 from within Jordan and 6 from outside. International calls from hotels are very expensive.
Electricity
The electricity supply throughout most of Jordan is reliable and cuts are infrequent. Power is supplied at 220 volts and 50 hertz which is suitable for equipment from most parts of Europe and Australia; a transformer may be required for equipment that is normally used in the United States. The plugs here are two prong and most systems do not have an earth connection.
PHRASEBOOK IN LOCAL LANGUAGE
This link will take you to useful Arabic phrases: http://www.linguanaut.com/english_arabic.htm
GENERAL SAFETY AND SECURITY CONTEXT
The security situation in Jordan is relatively good. Public order is generally good and criminality comparatively low. Since the beginning of 2011, protests have taken place in many parts of Jordan, especially on Fridays after noon prayers. Rapidly evolving regional developments continue to have an impact on local public opinion. Occasionally demonstrations may also occur in response to events in Gaza and the West Bank. There remains a general threat from terrorism in Jordan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. There have been a limited number of such attacks in the past few years
CURRENT MAIN THREATS (as of 3/20/2018)
Crime related insecurity: Rating – Low Risk
The most common form of crime. Another commonly reported crime involves either the theft of a vehicle or its contents. Most have involved what is commonly referred to as smash-and-grabs, where the perpetrator uses an object to smash a vehicle’s window and abscond with any valuables.
Violent crimes: Rating -Low Risk
The majority of the reported crimes were committed against Jordanians in tribal/family disputes. Violence at universities continues to be a problem.
Sexual harassment: Rating – Medium Risk
Including inappropriate physical contact, stalking, and indecent exposure, towards Western women. Many of the incidents have taken place in smaller towns, but several occurred within Amman.
Civil disturbances / Demonstrations: Rating – Medium Risk
They are likely to occur near large mosques, ministries, diplomatic missions, at major intersections and in downtown areas of Amman.
ENVIRONMENT RELATED THREATS
The Jordan River Valley, along western border, constitutes the northern section of the Great Rift Valley that forms the tectonic border of the African and Asian plates. Consequently, the region experiences regular seismic activity. None of the recent small-scale seismic tremors, including a 4.5 earthquake in the north on January 3, 2011, have caused significant damage. Larger earthquakes have damaged many archeological sites, but the last major earthquakes were in 1936 and 1927. Flash floods occur in the south, with little/no warning.
LOCAL LAWS, CUSTOMS, TRADITION AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AS THEY AFFECT NGOS
Summer wear: Women are encouraged to dress modestly in public and especially around places of worship. Do not expose excessive skin.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS BEST PRACTICES
- If you are not familiar with Amman and plan to go somewhere, take a map, a mobile, someone else and tell others where you are going and when you plan to be back
- Check the emergency exits on the floor of your hotel room and at restaurants you are at.
- If you are unsure about any official arrangements double-check with a CARE staff member
- Take your phone and be sure we have your number
- When carrying a purse, it is recommended to wear it over one’s neck and shoulder.
- Wallets and other valuables should be carried in front pockets and never in a backpack.
- Protect your personal information, banking records, personal identification numbers, and passwords.
- Jordanian police continue to warn the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATMs. In the event of an attempted robbery, it is strongly recommended that victims avoid escalating the situation by resisting.
CARE Personal Safety and Security Handbook