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Jordan
Visit Jordan, an Arab kingdom in western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. The Dead Sea is situated along its western borders and the country has a short 26-kilometer (16 mi) coastline on the Red Sea in its extreme south-west, but is otherwise landlocked. Jordan's capital city, Amman, is the country's economic, political and cultural center. Since the Palaeolithic period, Jordan has been inhabited by humans and three stable kingdoms evolved at the end of the Bronze Age: Ammon, Moab and Edom. Subsequent rulers included the Nabataean Kingdom, the Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. Its rich heritage and history offers fantastic opportunities to explore traces of biblical tribes, Roman legions, Christian crusaders and Islamic caliphates. Situated in Jordan is the legendary site of Petra, with magnificent tombs and glorious temples showcasing a fraction of the country’s complex and intricate past.
Upcoming Departures
Visa:
A visa is not required to enter Jordan and you are able to visit for up to 3 months, receiving a visa on arrival if you carry a UK or USA passport.
Currency:
Jordanian dinar.
Packing advice:
It is usual for the majority of women (locals and tourists) to respect the Jordanian culture and to cover up. To avoid unwanted attention, female travellers should wear loose clothing that covers arms, legs, chest, and the nape of the neck. Wearing T-shirts, shorts, and leggings can be regarded as sexualised clothing, so it is better to avoid them. Winter temperatures are pretty cool across the country, so pack accordingly. It can get very hot in the summer months, so bear this in mind when selecting items for your suitcase.
Cultural differences:
If offered something, it is thought to be polite to refuse a few times before accepting. If you genuinely don’t want to accept, one socially acceptable way of declining is with a big smile and right hand over your heart saying, "shukran shukran", which means "thank you, thank you".
Public displays of affection between a man and a woman, such as holding hands or kissing, are not recommended, even if the couple is married. While it's more common to see couples holding hands these days, a kiss on the lips is still considered something that is best kept for behind closed doors.
Tip for male travellers:
A woman could place a hand on her heart when greeting you, she would prefer to not shake hands with a strange man who is not a member of her family.
Language:
Arabic.
Tipping:
It is commonplace to add a tip for good service and up to 10% is acceptable. Andante Travels will take care of gratuities to restaurant staff, local guides and drivers.
