About Jordan
About Jordan
Jordan is a country with a rich history, culture and captivating sites that has a lot to offer its visitors. Jordan represents a diversity of landscapes and enchanting touristic sites, from natural and religious to historic and recreational. From the Rose Red City of Petra, recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to the Dead Sea, known as nature’s living miracle and the lowest point on earth, Jordan is a land of fascinating contrasts.
Traveling from the ever-changing Jordan Valley to the remote desert canyons, immense and still, you can explore the historic castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, or bathe in the soothing waters of the Red Sea. For more information on Jordan, please visit www.visitjordan.com.
Capital: Amman
King: Abdullah II ibn Alhussein of Jordan
Currency: Jordanian dinar
Population: 10.26 million (2021)
Official language: Arabic
Dialing code: +962
Location: Amman JO
Time Zone: +2:00 hours from UTC/GMT
Airport Code: AMM
General Information
Climate
Daytime weather is usually dry and sunny and evening temperatures are generally cold.
For the week of October 26th to 29th, 2022, the weather forecast indicates partly sunny days, with clouds with daily of 22°C and expected lows of 15°C.
Ground Transportation
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Taxis
Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan, even over substantial distances, such as the trip between Amman and Aqaba. The white-painted «service taxis» ride fixed routes and are shared. Private taxis are painted yellow; they can be taken from ranks outside hotels, or hailed in the street. (UBER service is also available in Jordan). Taxis from and to the airport cost around 20 JOD.
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Buses
Several companies offer charter buses and regular tours in a fleet of modern, air-conditioned coaches. For schedules please ask your hotel concierge.
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Car Rental
Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network, and renting a car can be a good way to see the country. A driving license valid in your country of origin is acceptable, provided you have held it for at least one year. Driving is on the right. Road, signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Brown signs are designed for tourists.
Currency
The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), US dollars are accepted at hotels, restaurants and large shops. There are no restrictions on the import and export of Jordanian or foreign currency
Exchange: Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and at most hotels.
The exchange rate is 0.708 Jordanian Dinar to the US Dollar.
ATM machines: ATM machines are available at the conference venue and are conveniently located in most hotels and around the city.
Credit cards: Major credit cards are widely used in Jordan and are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, including American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard. Please note that many smaller shops still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it’s essential for shopping in the local markets.
Banks are open from Sunday to Thursday, from 08:30 to 15:00.
Banks at Malls Opening Hours: Saturday - Thursday (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
Friday (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Business Hours
Most Jordanians work five days a week with Friday and Saturday off.
Governmental offices are open from 08:30 – 15:00; private businesses are open from 09:30 – 13:30, and again from 15:30 – 18:00.
Most private businesses observe Friday as a weekly holiday, while banks and government offices close on Friday and Saturday.
Language
The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken.
Electrical Current
The electrical power in Jordan is 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. For the comfort of visitors all hotels are equipped with hairdryers. If you live in a country with a different electrical power, please bring an adapter.