General Information     Entry & Exit Formalities   

U s e f u l   I n f o r m a t i o n 
General

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The Hashemites

His Majesty King Abdullah II is the 43rd generation direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.  King Abdullah assumed his constitutional powers as King of the Hashmite Kingdom of Jordan on February 7, 1999, the day his father the late King Hussein, passed away.  Following in his late father’s footsteps, king Abdullah has placed great emphasis on improving Jordan’s economy and streamlining the government, which will lay the foundations to allow Jordan to enter the next century with confidence.

Climate:

Jordan is blessed with Mediterranean climate for pleasurable year – round travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around 23 C (73 F). Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, and autumn is equally mild and August is hot and dry but not oppressive.

 

Clothing:  

Even in summer, evening can be cool, so a sweeter or shawl is advisable.  Winter can be extremely cold, especially in Amman and the east; you will need a raincoat. Walking shoes are advisable since Petra and most of the archeological sites are unpaved sandy.

Electricity:

The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and requires rounded two-prong wall plugs. Visitors from the USA will need a transformer, most hotels can provide one.

The Currency:

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol D. The dinar is divided into 100 piasters (Pronounced Piasters) or 1000 fils (“fills”).  The local currency is Jordanian Dinar symbol D, which is often called “JD”.  

Cultural Consideration

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 appreciate, and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in downtown Amman and outside the cities.
 

Short are rarely worn by either sex, and world be out of place in the downtown area.  Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable at hotels pools. Public displays of affection are rate; however, it is not considered unusual for friends, to hold hand, regardless of their gender.

Public Holidays

Government offices, banks, businesses, and many shops are closed all day on the following holidays:

Please be informed that there are additional public holidays whose dates are not fixed but are nevertheless celebrated in Jordan. These include Easter (celebrated in spring) and the following Islamic holidays, which are based on the lunar calendar.

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