Transport
Jordan has a modern road network of 6640 km (4126 mi), nearly
all of it paved. All major cities are linked by asphalt roads,
and small towns by oiled or dirt roads. In 1996 there were
an estimated 50 passenger vehicles for every 1000 inhabitants.
The only rail lines run from the Syrian border through Amman
to Ma'an, where branches run southeast to Saudi Arabia and
southwest to the port of Al' Aqabah, a total of 293 km (182
mi). The air terminal in Amman is served by Alia-Royal Jordanian
Airline and other international airlines.
Visa
Required by all except the following countries:
(a)Nationals of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, Syria and United Arab Emirates, provided holding
valid passports, for a maximum stay of 3 months.
(b)Transit passengers continuing their journey to another
country by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24
hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation
and not leaving the airport. Some nationalities may obtain
a 7-day transit visa upon arrival if travelling from a neighbouring
Arab country. Enquire at the Embassy (or Consular section
at Embassy) for details.
Passport
Passport valid for 6 months, is required by all.
Currency
The currency of Jordan is Dinar (JD) = 1000 fils. Notes are
in denominations of JD20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 fils. Coins
are in denominations of 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5 and
1 fils.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged easily in banks and bureaux
de change. Most hotels also provide exchange facilities. The
daily exchange rates are published in local newspapers.
Credit cards
American Express and Visa are widely accepted, whilst MasterCard
and Diners Club have more limited use. Check with your credit
card company for details of merchant acceptability and other
services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
Those issued by UK banks are accepted by licensed banks and
bureaux de change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Banking hours
0830-1230 and 1530-1730 Saturday to Thursday. Hours during
Ramadan are 0830-1000, although some banks open in the afternoon.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Jordan without incurring
customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco; 1 bottle
of wine or 1 bottle of spirits; a reasonable amount of perfume
for personal use; gifts up to the value of JD50 or the equivalent
to US$150, while the prohibited items are narcotics.
Getting There
Air:
The national airline is Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ). British
Airways operate several flights a week from London to Queen
Alia International airport in Amman. Other airlines serving
Jordan include Air France, Alitalia, Air Canada, Cyprus Airways,
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa Malaysia Airlines and
Olympic Airlines.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jordanians
are proud of their Arab culture, and hospitality here is a
matter of great importance. Visitors are made to feel very
welcome and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts and guides,
and keen to inform the tourists about their traditions and
culture. Islam always plays an important role in society and
it is essential that Muslim beliefs are respected.
Arabic coffee will normally be served continuously during
social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly
tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled.
A small gift is quite acceptable in return for hospitality.
Women are expected to dress modestly and beachwear must only
be worn on the beach or poolside.
Photography:
It is polite to ask permission to take photographs of people
and livestock, in some places photography is forbidden.
Tipping
10-12% service charge is generally added in hotels and restaurants
and extra tips are discretionary. Porters' and drivers' tips
are about 8%.
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