First Time in Jordan? Essential Travel Tips for Beginners

Plugs and voltage

Jordan runs on 230V at 50Hz, so most European and UK chargers work fine. The country uses several socket types, mainly Type C, D, F, G and J, which is unusual. Bring a universal travel adapter so you are covered whichever plug a hotel has, and check that US 110V devices are dual voltage before plugging in.

Language basics

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely understood in Amman, Petra and tourist hotels. A few words go a long way:

• Marhaba means hello
• Shukran means thank you
• Min fadlak means please
• La and na'am mean no and yes
• Aywa is a casual yes

Jordanians are famously warm, so a greeting and a smile open doors everywhere.

What to pack

• Modest, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially for villages and religious sites
• A scarf for women to cover hair at mosques
• Sturdy walking shoes for Petra's long trails and Wadi Rum's sand
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for the strong desert sun
• A reusable water bottle, as tap water is best avoided
• A light jacket, since desert nights and winter days get cold

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is common in Amman cafes and hotels but patchy at Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. A local data plan is essential for maps, ride apps and translation. An eSIM is the simplest option as it activates before you land, with no need to find a shop or swap a physical SIM.

Quick tips

• Carry cash in dinars (JOD), as small shops, Bedouin camps and taxis rarely take cards
• Consider the Jordan Pass, which bundles your visa and entry to Petra and over 40 sites and usually saves money
• Agree taxi fares or insist on the meter before you set off in Amman
• Tip around 10 percent in restaurants and a dinar or two for helpful staff
• Friday is the holy day, so some shops and offices close or open late
• Dress respectfully at the Dead Sea and cover any cuts before swimming, as the salt stings
• Start Petra early, ideally at opening, to beat the heat and crowds
• Drink plenty of water, as the dry climate dehydrates you faster than you expect

Stay connected in Jordan

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you arrive, so maps, translation and last-minute bookings just work, with no roaming bills or hunting for a SIM card.