A tourist guide to Jordan. Tips for tourists in Jordan How women dress in Jordan

For a trip to Jordan, you need to be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
Check-in for the flight starts 2 hours before ends 40 minutes before departure! Those who didn't have time are late!

If a passenger does not arrive for check-in on time, the airline has the right not to accept him on board the aircraft.

If you were not given documents in our office, You need to find a representative with a “Receiving Operator” sign, from whom you can present a package of documents (air tickets, voucher, insurance) by presenting your passport, after which you go through registration yourself.

Package of documents:

• foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip);
• if your child is included in your passport without a photo and he is already 5 years old, you must paste the photo
• if a child under 16 years of age is flying with you - a notarized permission to travel abroad for the child from each parent not participating in the trip and the child’s birth certificate;
• child's birth certificate;
• voucher
• insurance policy
• air ticket
• if necessary, power of attorney for the child
• certificate from the bank (for export of more than 10,000 euros per person)
• International driving license (if you plan to rent a car)

The flight to Jordan is approximately 3 hours.

Free baggage allowance on charter flights to Jordan, not including the weight of hand luggage, is no more than 20 kg per 1 passenger seat!

Hand luggage weight should not exceed 5 kg per 1 passenger seat; maximum dimensions – 55x40x20 cm For any baggage that exceeds the established norms for free baggage transportation, payment is made at the appropriate baggage rate.

Visa.

A visa can be obtained upon arrival in Jordan. The cost of a visa at the airport is 10 Jordanian dinars. Visa - issued at the Jordanian Embassy within 1-2 days. A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months) and 1 photo are required. The cost of a single-entry visa is 15 US dollars.

Political system: a constitutional monarchy.

Population: 6,053,193 people. Almost all Jordanians are ethnic Arabs. Ethnic minorities include Circassians, Chechens and Armenians.

Religion: Islam (Sunni). About 95% of Jordanians practice Sunni Islam, and 5% are Christians, mainly adherents of the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

Official language: Arabic, the second language in the country is English.

Currency: The monetary unit is the dinar (JOD) consisting of fils. 1 JD = 1.71 USD. Banknotes: 20; 10; 5; 1; 0.5 dinars. Coins: 1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 10, 5 fils. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Transport: Air and land communications with the outside world have been developed. Queen Alia International Airport, home to the national airline Royal Jordanian, is located 35 km south of Amman. The second most important local airport is located in Aqaba, which is also a tourism center. Travel within the country is by shuttle buses and passenger taxis.

Electricity: Mains voltage – 220 volts.

Airport taxes and customs: When leaving the country at all border points except the airport, foreigners are charged a fee of 5 dinars. The customs regime is generally liberal. The import of a number of high-demand goods (tobacco products, alcohol, electrical equipment, etc.) is limited, including a duty on excess quantities. When exporting antiques and antiques, a special permit from the Department of Antiquities is required. The export of any types of corals and products made from them is prohibited.

Sanitary and epidemiological situation generally favorable. Presentation of a vaccination certificate upon entry into the country is not required.

Telephone: Jordan's international code is 962. Ambulance 199, 191.

Purchases: People come to Jordan specifically for shopping, because here you can buy both modern goods and traditional handicrafts. Walking through the souks and shops of Jordan is not only great fun, but also a great way to interact with the locals.

National holidays: During public holidays, banks, government agencies and many shops close for the whole day:
January 1 - New Year;
January 30 is the birthday of King Abdullah II;
May 1 - Labor Day;
May 25 - Independence Day;
November 14 - King Hussein's birthday;
December 25 – Christmas.

Kitchen: Jordanian cuisine belongs to the Arab culinary tradition, but remains unique in its own way. Any honorable guest is greeted with a richly laid table.

Breathtaking historical and biblical sites, stunning desert landscapes, the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Petra and incomparable oriental hospitality will make your holiday in Jordan unforgettable. However, before you go on any trip, you need to carefully prepare for it. the site has compiled a list of the most important items that will certainly come in handy on a trip to Jordan.

Sunscreens

For tourists whose skin is very sensitive to the southern sun, the question “Hthen take it with you to Jordan?usually involves a lot of sunscreen. But, according to experienced tourists, there is no need to worry here. The country has excellent comfortable weather all year round. Even in October, at the peak of the heat, there is no need to apply sunscreen with a protection level of 100 SPF. Your standard product is quite sufficient. Plus, drink more water and stay in the shade.

And from home, take a couple of extra T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts with you. On the shores of the Dead Sea, healing mud is an excellent way to protect your skin from burning.

How to dress on a trip

When choosing a wardrobe for a trip to Jordan, there are two important factors to consider:

1. Jordan is a country with a hot climate.
2. Jordan is a Muslim country.

You should respect the conservative culture and choose the clothes you wear carefully. The rules here are not as strict as those in neighboring countries, but nevertheless, they must be followed. Appearing in public with bare shoulders or legs is unacceptable in most regions of the kingdom. On the other hand, you don’t need a hijab - the locals are fine with women with uncovered heads.

In nightclubs you will find that local fashion is not much different from Western fashion. However, it is prohibited to appear on the street in the same outfits. Especially girls.

For evening events, pants and long sleeve shirts will be required.

White clothes are not the best option as they can become dirty and dusty in a matter of minutes. Please note that it is inappropriate to wear camouflage-colored clothing with bright prints.

What to take with you to Jordan for women

Although Jordanian cities are distinguished by modern morals, and the fair sex wears makeup, their image still remains modest and conservative. Ladies do not allow themselves to appear in public places without first hiding their legs, arms and hair from prying eyes. To conform to the norm, wear maxi skirts or pants. Even the slightest hint of exposed thighs or stomach can cause trouble, so avoid short shorts, tops, miniskirts or dresses. The exception is your hotel's poolside lounge area.

Please note that topless sunbathing is illegal. When going on excursions to religious sites, take care of clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. There is no special dress code in entertainment venues, but even here it is better to show respect for local traditions and views.

Representatives of the stronger sex can feel more relaxed here. Of course, appearing in public places in swimming trunks is indecent. However, they won’t execute you for wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Despite the relative freedom, it is advisable to leave revealing outfits for the beaches, and go out “in public” in trousers and a shirt.

What shoes to prepare

Petra and the Dead Sea are popular, but far from the only destinations attractive to tourists. For walking you will need comfortable shoes. Gladiator sandals and trekking shoes are a great choice for urban adventures. But in the desert you will need a really strong pair of boots. It's best to explore ancient Petra, where giant carved buildings seem to emerge from the mountains, or wander the many hills in light sports shoes. For dinner at a restaurant, closed-toe shoes or sandals are useful.

Important nuances

You can’t get by without cash in a taxi, at the market, or even in a museum. Immediately upon arrival, exchange an amount sufficient for at least the next couple of days. This can be done in city banks. Surprisingly, some establishments in Amman still do not accept credit cards.

Smartphones are needed not so much for communication as for finding useful information. If you get lost or want to find this or that object without a guide, technology will help out. There is no need to buy a Jordanian SIM card - there are plenty of places around that provide free Wi-Fi. For many tourists, the phone replaces the camera. If your camera is too big, then feel free to leave it at home - a compact gadget with a good camera will cope with the task with a bang.

Advice. Train yourself to always take photographs of tickets, receipts, checks and other documents, the loss of which may cause inconvenience.

The charm of Jordan is tempting: dive into the healing Dead Sea, explore the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea, explore the world of historical monuments. Don't forget to feast on delicious Jordanian dishes and enjoy the colorful culture of the Middle East. Have an unforgettable experience!

The Kingdom of Jordan is a beach holiday and treatment on the coasts of the Red and Dead Seas, the rock city of Petra and the entertainment of the Aqaba resort, excursion tours all year round and the best hotels in the Middle East. Everything about Jordan: map, photos, weather and reviews from tourists.

• Last minute tours Worldwide

The Kingdom of Jordan is equal to Israel plus visa formalities minus sectarian strife. The constants of this equation are a rich “excursion”, the Dead Sea, diving, snorkeling and the vast expanses of the Wadi Rum desert. A country with a thousand-year history - the cradle of civilization, one of the main cultural centers in the Middle East - is actively developing its tourism potential.

Regions and resorts of Jordan

The capital of the ancient state is Amman, unexpectedly modern and dynamic. Moreover, his age “according to the passport” is very impressive: already in the 13th century BC. e. it was known as Rabbath-Ammon, the center of the kingdom of Ammon. But today only a few Greco-Roman monuments, concentrated in the Old Town, remind us of distant times, and they are unlikely to be enough to satisfy fans of the historical “excursion”.

It’s worth going to Amman to feel the rhythm of life in a modern Arab metropolis with business centers, shopping malls, restaurants and art galleries that have grown up in the middle of poor neighborhoods.

Time difference from Moscow

no in winter −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

The climate in the country is subtropical Mediterranean, sharply continental, very dry. Average temperatures in January are +8...+14 °C, in July +24...+30 °C (with average daytime temperatures of about +35 °C). The most favorable time to visit Jordan is spring and autumn. In the north it rains from November to March.

The Dead Sea and Aqaba are usually warm and you can swim all year round. The water temperature in the Red and Dead Seas does not drop below +21 °C all year round. Summer nights in these places are warm. At the same time, in most central regions of the country it is quite cool at night: tourists need to take long sleeves and trousers with them when traveling there.

Maps of Jordan

Visa and customs

Citizens of Russia and CIS countries, except Moldova, receive a visa upon arrival in the country. In addition, it is worth taking out a health insurance policy in advance for the entire duration of the trip.

You can import up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 200 g of tobacco duty-free into Jordan; 1 liter of alcohol; perfumes, cosmetics and jewelry for personal use. When importing luxury goods, you must fill out a special declaration and pay a fee. Hand luggage and personal items are not subject to duties, as are gifts and souvenirs worth up to 150 USD. The import of foreign (except Israeli) and national currencies is not limited; amounts over 10,000 JOD must be declared. You can also export foreign currency without restrictions; the limit for national currency is 300 JOD. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Seeds, seedlings, vegetables and fruits are subject to mandatory declaration.

Pets are allowed in only if they have an international veterinary certificate and documents confirming vaccination against rabies. Drugs, ammunition, poisons, weapons without the appropriate permit and psychotropic substances without a doctor's prescription are prohibited for import, as well as items or materials that can offend the religious feelings of Muslims (according to eyewitnesses, even the Bible or Torah can be taken away).

It is prohibited to export from Jordan unprocessed corals, stuffed animals, any ivory products, as well as specimens of fauna and flora obtained from the Red Sea. When importing and exporting antiques, you must have a receipt issued by the seller.

Tax free

Consumer goods in Jordan are subject to tax of up to 16%. The TAGI Tax Free system operates for foreign tourists: by making purchases in stores with the appropriate logo, you can return the sales tax in full or in part (the minimum refundable amount is 362 JOD, rates for purchased items are indicated in the sales receipt).

The store will need to fill out a special form with information about the product and the buyer’s passport data, and then within 70 days it will be stamped at customs and presented along with purchases, a passport and a sales receipt at the airport counter. When filing a refund, you can receive cash right on the spot, but if the tax amount exceeds 500 JOD, you will have to wait for the transfer to your bank account.

• What documents are needed to travel to Jordan with a child?

How to get to Jordan

Jordan's main international airport is located in the vicinity of Amman and is named after Queen Alia. Direct flights from Moscow are offered by Royal Jordanian (530 USD one way) and Es Seven (421 USD), all departing from Domodedovo, duration - 4.5 hours. Northern Wind charters are cheaper and faster: from 235 USD one way with departure from Sheremetyevo, time in the air - 4 hours.

The lowest prices for connecting flights are with Aegean Airlines: from 200 USD one way, 13 hours with a transfer in Athens. Qatar Airlines flies via Doha for 495 USD one way and 11 hours 35 minutes, Aeroflot and Tarom - via Bucharest for 530 USD and 19 hours.

If you are planning a seaside holiday, you can fly straight to Aqaba, where the second Jordanian international airport, named after King Hussein, is based. Northern Wind charters fly here from Moscow: tickets start from 230 USD one way, you will spend about 5 hours in the air. St. Petersburg residents will need to make 2 transfers: “Es Seven” and “Royal Jordanian” are transported through the Russian and Jordanian capitals in 11 hours and 352 USD in one direction.

From airport to city

The center of Amman is delivered by shuttle buses that run once every half hour between the airport and the Northern Bus Station (travel is about 5 JOD), as well as taxis (39-50 JOD, more expensive at night). Transfers from Aqaba airport are most often provided by hotels, but you can also use the services of taxi drivers (15-18 JOD).

Search for flights to Jordan

Transport

National carrier Royal Jordanian operates regular direct flights from Amman to Aqaba, starting from JOD 67 one way and lasting 55 minutes. There are no other domestic flights in the country, but intercity bus service is well established. Jett transport runs between major settlements (office website in English), tickets can be purchased at bus station ticket offices (preferably a few hours before departure) or by phone.

You can only travel between small towns by private buses: their network of routes is more extensive, tickets are cheap, but there is no schedule, and traveling in perpetually crowded cabins without air conditioning is hardly a pleasure for passengers. The railway is still idle: trains used to run regularly from Amman to Damascus via Ez-Zarqa, but due to the civil war in Syria they were canceled.

Public transport within cities

The structure of public transport is more or less orderly only in the capital: in other settlements the traffic is chaotic. You can travel within cities by buses, minibuses and “services” - 5-7-seater cars that depart along a given route as the cabin fills up.

Navigation on the Jordanian streets is extremely confusing: the names of stops and destinations are indicated in Arabic, so you cannot do without a good map and the help of local residents (of course, very conditional - only a few understand English).

The fare is paid directly to the driver, a half-hour trip around the capital costs an average of 0.50 JOD, you can get to the suburbs for 1.50-3 JOD (in “services” you will have to pay twice as much). In Amman, public transport runs quite frequently, while in the outback there is a risk of being stuck at a stop for half a day.

Taxis are ubiquitous; most capital cars are equipped with meters and air conditioning. Taxis can be caught on the street, called by phone or found at special parking lots. The average landing cost is 0.3 JOD, each km is 0.50 JOD, at night rates double. The amount on the counter can be indicated in pre-inflationary fils: for example, 700 fils is 0.70 JOD. It is worth having small coins in your pocket (taxi drivers often do not give change), and if the price is too high, feel free to bargain without succumbing to the tricks of cunning drivers.

Views of Jordan

Rent a Car

The country has both international and small local rental companies. To rent a car, you will need an international driving license and a credit card (only for short stays in the country). Depending on the class of the car, a deposit of 150 to 500 USD is blocked on the card. It is somewhat cheaper to rent a car through a travel agency than directly.

Renting a standard car costs from 60 JOD, a premium model - from 90 JOD, a minivan - from 150 JOD per day. The cost of gasoline in Jordan is 0.94-0.98 JOD per 1 liter.

Rented vehicles are distinguished from other vehicles by green license plates. Travel company cars have the same number plates. Driving a rented car outside of Jordan is prohibited. Traffic in the country is on the right. In Amman and Irbid, traffic is crazy: the streets are congested, traffic jams are huge, and drivers are generally polite, but not too careful. Most central parking lots are paid, marked with special signs or blue and white markings (after 19:00 and on weekends, parking is usually free). You can also leave your car near shopping centers, supermarkets and residential buildings, if there are no prohibitory signs nearby: most likely you won’t have to pay.

Inscriptions on road signs are in Arabic and English. There are also special brown tourist road signs showing the direction and directions to popular attractions.

In the event of an accident due to the fault of a tourist, the deposit from his card is paid to the police (according to the traffic law of the Kingdom of Jordan). If the amount of damage exceeds the amount of the deposit, all necessary expenses for repairing the car are paid by the person responsible for the accident. The police are polite with tourists: the main thing is to behave appropriately in response.

Communication and Wi-Fi

The mobile communications network covers the territory of the capital, major cities and resorts. The main Jordanian operators are Zain, Orange and Umniah. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at branded kiosks at airports, shopping centers and supermarkets. To connect, you need to present your passport and fill out a form; it is better to ask the seller to activate the SIM card; the balance is replenished using scratch cards.

Orange has packages starting from 6 JOD per week (1 GB of mobile data, 60 minutes of free calls and unlimited SMS to local numbers). Negotiations with Russia cost 0.35 JOD per minute.

You can also call home from pay phones that accept cards with a face value of 1-20 JOD. They are sold at newsstands and post offices, but international communications are quite expensive.

Internet access is provided in most large hotels (this pleasure costs 10 JOD per day) and numerous Internet cafes open in Amman and at resorts (connection hour - 2-3 JOD). Wi-Fi is also available in catering establishments, but most often it is paid (on average 5 JOD per hour) and at low speed. A pleasant exception is some coffee shops and eateries where you can go online for free. And in order to constantly stay online, it is better to connect a SIM card from one of the operators.

Jordan Hotels

Aqaba hotels are located both in the city itself and in the suburb of Tala Bay. Fashionable “fives” were lined up on the first coastline, and comfortable “fours” and “three rubles” a little further away. There are fewer hotels in the Dead Sea, but they contain the entire resort infrastructure: from restaurants and entertainment centers to spas with treatments based on natural ingredients.

The voltage in the Jordanian electrical network is 230 V, the sockets are both familiar European (types C and F) and three-pin, for which an adapter is needed.

Police - 192, traffic police - 843-402, ambulance - 193, fire service (Amman) - 462-20-90, single emergency phone number - 196.

City codes: Amman - 6, Aqaba - 3.

Beaches of Jordan

Pilgrimage

The Holy Land - a Middle Eastern territory between the Mediterranean, Red and Dead Seas, Lake Kinneret and the Jordan River - is a very special place for Christians, Muslims and Jews. It was here that the main events described in the holy books of three world religions took place, it was here that the earthly journey of Christ began and ended. Once united, ancient Palestine is today divided into several states: Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan are full of reminders of a great past.

Thousands of pilgrims annually strive to visit the Holy Land, venerate the shrines and gain a unique spiritual experience. Most routes cover several countries at once, but Jordan deserves a separate visit. To begin the pilgrimage, Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time, and at the site where the Church of Our Lady of Anjar stands today, Christ and Mary stopped on their way from the Sea of ​​Galilee to Jerusalem. The Savior was baptized in the Jordan River, and if the entrance to the symbolic bath on the Israeli bank is paid, then from the Jordanian bank you can plunge into the sacred waters completely freely.

Shopping

From Jordan you can bring Madaba woven rugs, bottles with multi-colored sand from Petra (it is better to buy them in Petra itself - there is natural sand of different colors from the canyons of the rock city, and not artificially colored, as in most other places), crafts from olive wood, ceramics and copper utensils, jewelry, Bedouin black silver jewelry and much more. Jordanian cosmetics based on Dead Sea products are very popular.

Incredible, but true: traditional “eastern” bargaining is practically absent in Jordan. Prices, if they are lowered, are not by much and mostly by Bedouin boys selling souvenirs in Petra. In shops and stores, sellers behave extremely attentively, politely and always with dignity: no one allows themselves to grab sleeves or other Middle Eastern attributes.

Friday is a public holiday in Jordan. Christian-owned shops may also be closed on Sunday. There is no uniform operating schedule for retail outlets: each owner determines it himself.

If a tourist suddenly becomes obsessed with the idea of ​​personally collecting dirt directly from the shore of the Dead Sea, you can ask one of the staff at a coastal hotel to help in searching for it on the shore. The service will cost 1-3 JOD, depending on the difficulties associated with its provision and the amount of goods obtained. The best mud is “radically black” and can be transported in several nested plastic bags. We advise you not to engage in independent “dirt-searching” activities.

Cuisine and restaurants of Jordan

Jordanian cuisine is generally faithful to Arab culinary traditions, but has many characteristic features. Contrary to popular belief, local dishes are not as hot and spicy as people usually think. But everywhere, mint, various greens and herbs, lemons, onions, pickled olives, and pine nuts are added to food. Popular appetizers include salads, stews, pastries with various fillings, as well as dishes made from finely pureed peas and herbs - falafel and hummus.

In addition to various types of pita bread and “ragyf” bread, “kmazh” flatbreads are popular in the country, which are often used as a kind of “edible spoons”. Meat dishes - most often chicken, lamb or veal with rice or potatoes. Traditional side dishes are different types of salads and stews.

The sweets here are considered some of the best in the Arab world. These are cookies sprinkled with sesame seeds, “baklava” (baklava) with pistachios, the famous “kanaf” with cheese, “kataef” pies, “javafa” guava dessert, excellent ice cream, candied fruit.

Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at any time except the month of Muslim fasting. Among the local strong drinks, it is worth trying “arak” with the smell and taste of anise, it is diluted with water. The wines are also quite good. Beer is offered in many cafes and restaurants (but not all) and sold in specialized stores.

Street food like shawarma or mixed fruits costs 2-3 JOD. Lunch in a mid-range cafe in the capital costs 7-10 JOD, dinner in an Aqaba restaurant costs 20-30 JOD for two, excluding alcohol.

The best Jordanian eateries are concentrated in Amman: spacious, decorated with oriental flavor, they offer all kinds of national dishes prepared by talented chefs. For the most demanding gourmets, gourmet restaurants with equally high prices are open. In the neighborhood there are more affordable pizzerias, steakhouses, coffee shops, gelaterias and chain eateries, so there will be no problems with the usual European food. In the vicinity of Jerash, Arabic cafes are notable, where vegetables and bread are baked on stones in huge traditional ovens. The pride of Aqaba is its fish restaurants, popular not only among tourists, but also among local residents.

Guides in Jordan

Entertainment and attractions in Jordan

Christian pilgrims and people interested in the history of the first centuries of Christianity should visit the sights of Madaba and its surroundings: Madaba itself, the Moses memorial on Mount Nebo, the site of the Baptism of Jesus in Tel al-Harrar, as well as many other historical places. And tourists interested in the history of the Crusades should definitely visit the Crusader castle in Karak, the walls of which remember the era of Salah-ed-Din.

On the road from Petra to Aqaba, you can visit the Wadi Rum desert to enjoy unique landscapes that are not similar to anywhere else on the planet.

Anyone who is interested in the history of the Arab Caliphate should not miss a unique monument of that era - the medieval baths of Qasr Amr, decorated with frescoes with images of people and animals.

Fans of active recreation will not be bored in Jordan. You can rent an SUV and travel from the north to the south of the country, visiting biblical cities and legionary fortresses. Or, as part of a caravan, cross the central highlands and the desert in the east of the country in a week, stopping in a new place every night. These same routes can be covered by a World War I train that runs along the very edge of the desert. In addition, you can fly in a hot air balloon or paraglider over the Wadi Rum desert, play paintball or golf, ride horses or go hiking in the mountains.

• Is it possible to combine Egypt, Jordan and Israel in one tour?
• Treat yourself with healing mud and thermal waters at the first-class Ashtar balneological complex, 70 km from Amman.
• Capture the moment the rocks surrounding Aqaba change color.

Holidays and Events

Western New Year in Jordan is celebrated on January 1: tourists from all over the world flock to the shores of the Red and Dead Seas for the winter holidays. The Muslim equivalent is Ras al-Sana: the beginning of the first lunar month of Muharram and a reason for celebrations throughout the country. January 15 is the Day of the Tree, or rather the palm tree, revered in the Middle East since biblical times: the Virgin Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus under the palm tree, and at the beginning of winter, Jordanians actively plant new trees to the delight of environmentalists.

People in Jordan love sports: on fine spring days they organize the Dead Sea Ultramarathon under the patronage of the royal family, and also a prestigious car rally in the vicinity of Jerash.

In February, a traditional arts festival dedicated to Bedouin culture is held in Aqaba, in March-April in Amman there is an International Theater Festival, turning the capital into a grandiose stage, and at the end of summer in Jerash there is an arts festival with concerts and fairs against the backdrop of ruins. Twice a year the kings are congratulated on their birthday: January 30 - Abdullah, November 14 - Hussein.

March 21 - Mother's Day, May 25 - Independence Day, June 10 - Army Day with large-scale parades in the presence of crowned heads. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of fasting, which is obligatory in the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha symbolizes absolute faith in the Almighty. And on December 25, Catholic families gather at the festive table in honor of the Nativity of Christ: it cannot be otherwise in the Holy Land.

Impressions of Jordan. As well as advice for those who want to visit this country.

More than a year has passed since I visited Jordan (since November 2005), but I still remember this country with admiration and respect.
Jordan was chosen for travel for several reasons:
1) There is something to see: the city of Petra, which can confidently be called the Wonder of the World, the Wadi Rum desert, the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ, Roman cities and other attractions.
2) A bright contrast in everything, compared to Russia (religion, customs, people).
3) Red Sea.
4) Dead Sea.
5) Quite an exotic country that few people have visited.
6) Safe country.

The individual tour consisted of three stops: the Dead sea spa hotel **** on the Dead Sea (3 days), then the Silk Way hotel*** in Petra (2 days), and the Aquamarina2 hotel*** in Aqaba, on the Red Sea coast (10 days). The living conditions in the hotel *** are normal, in the hotel **** they are good. I had nothing to complain about.
The price of the trip (38 thousand rubles) included the Moscow-Amman-Moscow flight, accommodation and breakfasts in hotels, transfer (car with driver) from hotel to hotel, as well as excursions planned in an individual tour (all described in in this story, except for the Wadi Rum desert). Tickets for the excursions were purchased independently. Prices are low (1-5 dinars, 1 dinar is equal to approximately 30 rubles). Only Petra and the Wadi Rum desert are expensive, but it’s worth it.

1. Country. People.
Jordan is considered a safe country, with a low crime rate, in contrast to its “violent neighbors”, with whom it manages to maintain friendly relations. Let me remind you: Jordan borders Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
Egypt is nearby, its cities (like those of Israel) are clearly visible on the other side of the Red Sea Gulf. However, the lawlessness (theft, begging, harassment, etc.) that vacationers in modern Egypt talk about is completely inapplicable to Jordan. But everything is in order.
Probably the main thing that determines the appearance of a country and the mentality of its inhabitants is religion. Jordan is Islam, and that says it all. Tourists coming to this country must understand that any behavior that goes beyond the bounds of local decency, even on their part, will be strictly condemned. It is not advisable for a woman to appear alone, to walk the streets of the city in short skirts, with open arms. Otherwise, you can pass for a prostitute. By the way, girls of easy virtue met by chance one day, on the beach of the Aquamarina hotels, Russian and Ukrainian. They looked cheerful.
Men should better not drink alcohol on the street, in front of everyone, as this may offend local residents. And, what is very important, try to ensure that the time of your trip does not coincide with the Muslim fast, during which it is forbidden to eat, drink and have fun during daylight hours.
The Jordanians seemed to me to be modest and intelligent people. Of course, a woman without a covered head cannot cause indifference, but no one grabbed my hands. On the contrary, they were afraid to accidentally touch. For example, when they helped me get into the car, and under other circumstances.
One day I had to ride on a local bus that picked me up on the highway when returning from the desert to Aqaba. The passengers rode in silence the entire way; no one even began to whisper. After a while, an Arab girl sitting by the window next to me, all wrapped in black, stood up and politely asked in good English if I was getting off at the next stop. I was very surprised.
In one of the shops I met a Russian woman who married a Jordanian, we chatted a little. She lives in abundance and is happy with life. She said, in particular, that in Jordan the level of education of women is growing, now one of the advantages of a bride is that she has a higher education (at least in the future).
Every Jordanian taxi driver speaks English so well that any of ours would be jealous. In addition, Jordanians speak French and German quite well. Please note that in Jordan, a woman is supposed to sit in the back seat of a car, and Arabs are jealous of this. The drivers are very punctual, polite, and pleasant to talk to. There is only one thing - Jordanians do not like Jews. It’s better to say that he’s Russian, they’ll immediately start smiling, nodding their heads and saying something like “Russia from Very Good Country, Putin from Very Good President.” In Jordan they treat our country with great respect.
The people in Jordan are hospitable and grateful. You go into a store and they’ll treat you to tea with lemon balm, just like that, even if you don’t buy anything, but just say again that you’re from Russia (especially since they always ask where you’re from).
I took with me several nesting dolls and stone souvenirs and gave them to the drivers who took me on excursions. In return, she received gifts in return, although she did not count on them at all.

2. Dead Sea.
For those who have never been to the Dead Sea, I advise you to devote several days to it, or better yet, evenings. You won’t be able to splash around in the Dead Sea for long, and there is no entertainment on the coast other than sunbathing. During the day, the best way to spend time is on excursions.
On the territory of the Dead sea spa hotel it is quiet, calm, the age of the vacationers is approximately 40-50 years. Mostly, tourists come for treatment. The restaurant serves delicious food (buffet). The hotel is decent and beautiful. The service is normal. Compared to Israel, vacationing at the Dead Sea is somewhat cheaper.
You have to be careful in the sea; salt that gets into your eyes stings unbearably. In the first days, if you are careless, you can scratch all your feet by stepping and falling on sharp salt stones at the bottom. The stones mainly lie closer to the shore, when entering the sea. And at the depths there is healing mud. Tourists happily cover themselves with this mud from head to toe. By the way, the blacker the dirt, the better. And it’s not so easy to get it: you can’t dive, and it’s almost impossible to stand, since the water pushes you to the surface.
But after a while you will get used to it and enjoy it, swinging in the warm sea water in the evenings, admiring the stars in the sky, the lights of Israel on the horizon, and realizing that you are at the lowest point on the planet, and your body is rejuvenating under the influence of healing minerals. An unforgettable experience.
From the hotel it is convenient and close to go on excursions such as the Roman cities of Um Qais and Jerash (1 day) and to holy places - to the site of the baptism of Christ, Mount Nebo, to Madaba (1 day).
In general, going on excursions in an individually assigned car with a driver is much more convenient and comfortable than with a group on a bus, given the fact that there are practically no Russian guides in Jordan.
The first tour of Roman cities is very impressive. The cities are well preserved, there are few tourists, so you get the feeling that you are going back in time, walking along the huge streets with typical Roman columns. I advise you to watch Um Qais first, and then Jerash. On the way you can pass through the capital of Jordan, Amman, a very modern city. Many women here walk around without headscarves or burqas and drive cars. Such “immodesty” is not observed in any other city in Jordan. The so-called “rich quarter” in Amman amazes with houses that look like oriental palaces.
The excursion to the holy places is interesting, I recommend visiting it. The territory of modern Jordan is the former Palestine where Jesus Christ walked. He was baptized, as is known, on the Jordan River, after which the country is named. By the way, Jordanians respect the Christian faith, as I understand from the behavior of the locals. Christian churches, the baptismal site itself, are kept clean, and restoration work is underway on Christian monuments.
The site of the baptism of Jesus Christ is surprisingly quiet: there are no traders, only small groups of tourists wander in occasionally. Border guards will meet you at the Jordan River (it’s a stone’s throw from Israel). They look with curiosity rather than caution. I gave one of the border guards a 10 ruble coin. with the image of a Soviet soldier in a helmet. The Jordanian was nervous at first, he wanted to return it, he thought it was a bribe. But the guide explained to him that this was a gift and had virtually no monetary value :) In the end, the border guard was pleased and even took a photo with me :)
After the baptismal site, they are taken along a “serpentine road” to Mount Nebo, from which, according to legend, the prophet Moses saw the Promised Land. Indeed, from the top of the mountain the view is magnificent; in clear weather you can even see Jerusalem. After the mountain - to Madaba, the so-called “city of mosaics”. The tour itself of museums and temples with mosaic floors and walls did not impress me, but considering that Madaba is part of a general tour of holy places, time is not a waste. In Madaba you can take a short walk around the city and look at Jordan, so to speak, from the inside. Narrow deserted streets, where from time to time you come across open shoe and sewing workshops, just like in ancient times. Local residents look at foreign tourists with interest, but do not allow themselves anything unnecessary, not even exclamations.

3. Petra
On the way to Petra, the driver, on his own initiative, just like that, disinterestedly, brought Shobak crusaders to the castle. A walk around the castle is free, so the inside is not very clean and well maintained. But still it impresses with its preserved beauty.
Petra is the pride of Jordan. Probably the same as the Kremlin for Moscow. Petra is a city in the rocks, which was built by the Nabateans and then conquered by the Romans. The city remained lost until 1812. You can admire it for a long time, but you won’t understand if you don’t see it. I think that you need to devote 2 full days to Petra, and the entrance ticket for 2 days is sold at a big discount. There is no way you can see all the sights in one day; there will still be a feeling of unsaidness. I met a Russian woman who came to Jordan for the second time with her children only to go through Petra to the end. Petra leaves no one indifferent. In one of the Indiana Jones films, the main character finds the grail in a wonderful temple, which shockingly reveals itself at the exit from a dark gorge. The footage was filmed in Petra, this is its beginning. But there is still a lot of interesting things in Petra. You can climb a mountain with a thousand steps and, standing at the top, admire this ancient city. You can walk, admiring the beauty of the temples, tombs, and palaces carved into the mountains. No wonder Petra is visited by crowds of tourists from all over the world.
Trade is very active in Petra. The Bedouins living here offer tourists their services - camel and donkey riding, as well as goods - various crafts and jewelry. It seems that they have everything at the same price, you can hear shouts everywhere “Uan dinar! One dinar!” (One dinar). But I didn’t see any beggars demanding money for free. I was impressed by one little disheveled girl sitting on the ground and, it seems, not yet able to even speak. She looked like a beggar, but for every coin she could choose colorful pebbles from the rocks of Petra, laid out in front of her. And I asked two boys to pose for my photo, and in return I gave them a coin. After some time, they caught up with me and gave me a small souvenir - a magnet with a picture of Petra, and invited me to treat myself to tea, which was again very pleasant.
Advice to ladies: under no circumstances (!) wear heels to Petra. Only comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers. Get ready for a long walk. After all, you will want to climb the mountains, to the place of sacrifices, to the Monastery. Don't take too many heavy things with you. The main thing is comfortable shoes and clothes, a camera, a guidebook, money (to have lunch, buy water, maybe souvenirs).
In general, the souvenirs that were sold in Petra did not interest me very much. For some reason I bought a necklace made of camel bone, but never wore it (it has a specific smell).
There is a tour “Petra at Night” (ticket costs 12 dinars), starts late in the evening, the path goes along the gorge to the facade of the Treasury in Petra. Very romantic! I won’t tell you the details, otherwise I’ll reveal all the secrets. Let me just say that the guides speak English. But this is not the main thing, the most memorable thing is the impressions of what you saw.
It is not necessary to take a Russian guide with you to Petra; you can get by with a guidebook by the author A. Kochneva. The book describes the route in detail, there is a map, it’s not difficult to figure it out. By the way, a wish to the author: if you make a new edition of the book, please include more diagrams and drawings.

Petra is a real wonder of the world. Go - you won't regret it.

4. Red Sea. Aqaba.
Aqaba is a port city on the Red Sea coast. Excellent hotels with high quality service have been built here. There are also paid beaches - clean, well-groomed, with good service. By the way, the Aquamarina hotel chain has its own beach, which is a platform made of concrete slabs; it is impossible to relax on it. There is not enough space, some “leftists” are hanging out, and even sports competitions are being held, against the backdrop of wild screams of fans. So it’s better for residents of the Aquamarina hotel chain to immediately look for a paid beach, it’s not far away, the cost is 6 dinars (about 180 rubles) per person per day. There is a closed area on the paid beach, there is all the necessary service and waiters.
The Red Sea speaks for itself. Clear water, colorful fish, all conditions for diving.
The city of Aqaba itself is clean, neat, with many shops, pastry shops, and cafes. You can walk even late in the evening and not be afraid to have dinner in local cafes.

5. Wadi Rum Desert
I advise thrill-seekers and romantics to spend the night in the Wadi Rum desert. Pink sand, rocks, open spaces... You can come to the desert from any city by taxi, buy a ticket at the entrance, choose a route. And then ride a jeep through the desert, stopping in the most interesting places, walking along a dune, admiring the sunset... Many people go to the desert just for the sake of the sunset. Truly an unforgettable sight. The whole desert, the whole sky is painted pink-red, and a huge white sun hangs above the rocks.. It feels like you are on Mars. The photos come out amazing.
Advice for those traveling to Wadi Rum: take a lot of warm clothes, especially for children. At night it is very, very cold, with a piercing wind.
Overnight stays for tourists are organized in Bedouin tents in the middle of the desert. Until the night, by the light of the fire, the Bedouins play national instruments, sing, and treat them to dinner and tea. And tourists of different nationalities sit around the fire and relax. Then everyone goes to bed. Of course, the conditions are not of a European hotel. The mattresses lie directly on the sand, but it's pink sand! The wind whistles through the holes in the tent, but the stars are visible! The blankets smell like camels, but this is the desert! This is how the Bedouins live and roam. Everything is for real. Just a few hours, but the impressions will last a lifetime.

6. Souvenirs
Many people bring handmade bottles of colored sand and jewelry as souvenirs. You can take spices, coffee, nuts (it’s better to buy at local markets) and, of course, sweets (from the confectionery shops themselves). Jordanian sweets are very tasty, unusual, they are sweet cookies, like baked candies.
If you go to Jordan, take a few nesting dolls with you, I assure you, there will be people to whom you will want to give them. And many will see this miracle for the first time.

That, in a nutshell, is all about Jordan. I had the brightest impressions of the trip, from the very first to the last day in this country.

First, you must decide on the currency. Jordan has its own national currency, the dinar, and upon arrival you will need to change money. Each resort has a sufficient number of banks and exchange offices where they can exchange the required amount for you without any problems. It is best to take dollars with you, as this is the most revered foreign currency in Jordan. Some cafes, restaurants and hotels may accept dollars from you, but they will be converted into dinars at an unfavorable rate for you. Bank cards are accepted everywhere, but it is better to always have cash in your pocket, and not just a card.

Jordan is located in the Middle East, so it is hot there. It may not be as hot as in a number of other Middle Eastern countries, but it is hot. You need to take summer clothes with you (preferably made of cotton, not synthetic). Sunglasses and a hat are required. If your plans include excursions or hiking, then you need to take comfortable shoes with thick soles (it is best if they are sports shoes). During the day it is hot in Jordan, but in the evening it can get cold (this is a feature of the Middle East). Therefore, a jacket or sweater will definitely not be superfluous. It is best to leave revealing outfits at home; you must understand where you are going and respect the local population and their traditions.

The main medications that you should take with you are antipyretic and painkillers. If you suffer from some chronic diseases, then you should not hope that you can buy the medicines you need on the spot; it is better to take everything with you (just before the trip, it is advisable to check whether this or that drug is on the list of prohibited import or export so that problems do not arise later). If you smoke, be sure to take cigarettes with you. In Jordan, the price of cigarettes is very high and attitudes towards smoking are generally negative. Otherwise, the list of things and items is the same as what you take with you on vacation to Turkey.

Regarding vaccinations, epidemiologically, Jordan can be called a safe country, and there are no mandatory vaccinations for tourists that must be done before traveling. Vaccinations are usually recommended for children, as they are more vulnerable to various diseases and infections. While in the country you just need to follow basic hygiene rules and nothing bad will happen to you. Before you eat, drink or go somewhere, think several times, and only then make a decision. The level of medicine in Jordan is no worse than in Europe, but the best clinics are located only in big cities and in this case certain problems may arise. All medicine is paid and the prices are prohibitively high; for a regular filling you need to pay from 50 euros (according to my observations in Moscow and St. Petersburg, prices are several times lower).

If you are interested in the issue of safety, then there is nothing to worry about; unpleasant moments can happen in any country, and it all depends on the attentiveness and caution of the tourists themselves. Just so you understand, Jordan is considered one of the safest in the Middle East. Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan is least susceptible to religious conflicts and the state government is doing everything to maintain stability in the country. There is a certain problem with refugees from neighboring countries, but the situation is not critical. The crime rate in the country is low. This is facilitated by the excellent training and work of local police officers, as well as established traditions. Most often, a tourist may encounter pickpocketing.

To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation, you should not take photographs of people or military installations without their permission. It is advisable to always have your passport with you and be sensitive to requests to present it. If you are planning to visit mosques, then first find out whether non-Muslims are allowed to enter there or not. Don't be surprised if a taxi driver asks a woman to sit in the back seat of the car. In Jordan, it is not customary for a woman to sit in the front seat.