More About Jordan
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Jordan has gained an outstanding reputation in the Middle East and Asia for being an exceptional destination for medical services. It combines the convenience of top quality healthcare facilities equipped with the cutting-edge medical technology and highly qualified professionals committed to International Standards of quality health care at a competitive price. Jordanian physicians, specialists, surgeons and nurses demonstrate the highest levels of expertise, professionalism and care. Jordan is a modern westernised, safe and stable country that is full of history and tourist attractions. Fast Facts about Jordan
Weather July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year, especially in Amman and the Jordan Valley, and in the desert areas, with temperatures over 97°F (36°C). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit with clear, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The winter months from November to April can be very cold, particularly in Amman, with snow, rain and wind, but there is little rainfall in the desert regions and in Aqaba, which makes a pleasant wintertime resort. About 75 percent of the country can be described as having a desert climate with very little annual rainfall. Time October - March: Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 hours (G.M.T. + 2) Clothing Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected. Muslim women's clothing often covers their arms, legs and hair. Western women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman (Downtown), and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be out of place in the downtown Amman area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable at hotel pools. Money The currency in Jordan is the dinar (JD) - it's known as the jay-dee among hip young locals - which is made up of 1000 fils. You will sometimes hear piastre or qirsh, which are both 10 fils (10 qirsh equals 100 fils). Often when a price is quoted the unit will be omitted, so if you're told that something is 25, it's a matter of working out whether it's 25 fils, 25 piastre or 25 dinars! Although it sounds confusing, most Jordanians wouldn't dream of ripping off a foreigner. Coins are 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 fils, and one dinar. Notes come in denominations of JD1, 5,10, 20 and 50. Try to change larger notes as often as possible at larger restaurants and when paying your hotel bill. Tipping Tips of 10% are generally expected in better restaurants. Elsewhere, rounding up the bill to the nearest 250 fils or with loose change is appreciated by underpaid staff, including taxi drivers. Hotels and restaurants in the midrange and, especially, top-end categories generally add on an automatic 10% service charge. ATMs It is possible to survive in Jordan almost entirely on cash advances, and ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. This is certainly the easiest way to travel if you remember your PIN. There are no local charges on credit card cash advances but the maximum daily withdrawal amount is around JD500, depending on your particular card. Visa is the most widely accepted card for cash advances and using ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs (eg Jordan National Bank and HSBC). Credit cards Most major credit cards are accepted at top-end hotels and restaurants, travel agencies, larger souvenir shops and bookshops. However, always be sure to ask if any commission is being added on top of your purchase price. This can sometimes be as much as 5%; if so, it may be better to get a cash advance and pay with the paper stuff. Moneychangers Generally, moneychangers offer slightly lower rates than banks for cash. In theory, they do not charge commission on travelers cheques but in practice many do, so shop around. Moneychanger offices are smaller and easier to use than banks, and are generally open daily until around 9pm. Always check the rates at banks or in the English-language newspapers before changing money. Visas The cost of one entry visa for all nationalities is JD 10 (around $14) for all nationalities and for multiple entries it is JD 20 (around $28). Groups of five persons or more arriving through a designated Jordanian tour operator are exempted from all visa charges. Departure taxes for non Jordanians are 5JD , around $7, from any border. Certain nationalities require an entry visa to be obtained prior to travel. It is recommended that you check with the Jordanian diplomatic mission in your country prior to travel to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for travel. Arrivals at Aqaba, either through the port, the airport or at the crossing from Israel or Saudi Arabia , are granted a free visa to Jordan . There is no obligation associated with this visa, provided that they leave the country within 1 month of arrival, and that they do not need to 'renew' their visa . Those holding an ASEZ visa, and wishing to stay longer than 1 month must extend it at the ASEZA office in Aqaba and not with their local police station as holders of a normal visa would do Visitors arriving to Jordan at any entry point other than Aqaba, are entitled to a free visa (i.e. arrival tax is exempt). However, they must report this to the authorities and must register with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) visa office in Aqaba within 48 hours of their arrival in Jordan . Those failing to register are liable to payment of the visa when they leave the Kingdom. All visitors, without a specific exemption, must pay the exit tax whether holding an ASEZ visa or not, and whenever leaving the country. Effective July 16, departure tax for Jordanians and non Jordanians departing the kingdom from any airport is JD 20. Any tickets issued after this date are inclusive of departure tax. Tickets issued prior to this date are subject to departure tax to be paid upon departure from any airport. |
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