Jordan Where ancient cities rise from desert sandstone, and every night ends under a sky full of stars.

The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is one of the more strongly valued currencies in the world, worth considerably more than a US dollar or British pound per unit, which is the reverse of what many visitors expect after experiencing weaker currencies elsewhere in the region like Egypt or Turkey. A price that looks like a small number in Dinar can genuinely be more expensive than it first appears, so converting properly before assuming something is a bargain avoids a surprising bill.

The Dead Sea’s extreme salt concentration makes floating effortless but swallowing or splashing water in your eyes genuinely stings, so lying back rather than attempting to swim conventionally is the way almost everyone actually experiences it. Limiting exposure to around 15 to 20 minutes, avoiding shaving beforehand since the salt aggravates broken skin, and rinsing off promptly afterwards all make the experience considerably more comfortable.

The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the local currency, and ATMs are widely available in Amman and near major sites like Petra. Given its high relative value, withdrawing smaller amounts more frequently, rather than a large sum at once, is a sensible way to keep spending in perspective.

Arabic is the official language, and English is spoken confidently across the tourism industry in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum. Guides throughout the main tourist circuit operate comfortably in English regardless of the specific site.

Jordan operates on Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) in winter and observes daylight saving in summer, shifting to UTC+3. Early starts for Petra, particularly to beat both heat and crowds, are common, so adjusting to local time promptly on arrival is worth doing.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking anywhere in Jordan, including Amman. Bottled or filtered water is provided as standard at hotels and desert camps and should be your default throughout, particularly given how much walking and sun exposure a typical Jordan itinerary involves.

Cards are accepted at larger hotels and established restaurants in Amman, but markets, smaller vendors and desert camps in Wadi Rum typically expect cash. Dinar in small denominations covers day-to- day spending more comfortably than relying on cards outside the main hotels.

Tipping is customary across guiding, driving and hospitality, generally in more modest amounts than the near-constant tipping culture found in Egypt. Small cash given directly, particularly to Bedouin guides in Wadi Rum, is the standard and appreciated approach.

Jordan uses a mix of Type C, D, F, G and J sockets depending on the property, running at 230V. A universal adapter is worth packing given this genuine variation between hotels and desert camps.

Yes, vendors offering camel, horse and donkey rides along the Siq and near the Treasury are independent of your entrance ticket and will approach persistently, though a firm, polite decline is entirely sufficient and won’t cause offence. These rides are optional extras rather than a necessary part of visiting Petra, and walking the site on foot is both cheaper and generally more comfortable at your own pace.

Being offered tea at a Bedouin camp is a genuine gesture of hospitality rather than a sales tactic, and accepting at least one small glass, even briefly, is warmly received and considered good manners. Sitting and taking a few minutes to share conversation, rather than declining outright or rushing off, reflects the value Bedouin culture places on hospitality as a genuine social exchange.