Jordanians, just like their world-renound attractions, are wonderful

. People go out of their way to welcome you to their desert country, one that is rich in ancient history dating back to some of mankind’s earliest settlements. One does not have to travel far to see (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites and world treasures such as Petra, Jerash, Aqaba and the Dead Sea. There’s treasures all around—even a Roman coliseum in the center of Amman.

For the nu nomad, Jordan is agreeable. Sure public Internet access is not in abundance as, say, Thailand, but it’s there when you need it. If you rent an apartment, usually your manager will get you exactly what you need. And after you’ve done your work, you can explore daily life in a whole new light. Shop the old marketplaces for the day’s groceries, have a tea at any number of cafes, a beer or cocktail at one of the emerging, smartly styled, pubs and restaurants in Amman.

Jordanians are hard working, honest and accessible. Plan to spend some real time here, you won’t regret it.

Nomadic ratings

A : Very Good / B : Good / C : Just Okay / D : Poor / E : Very Poor

• Internet Access for the Nomad (ease in accessing it): C
• Internet Cost (from public to private service): C
• Accommodation Cost: B
• Eating Cost (restaurants and groceries): C
• Country’s Overall Affordability for the Nomad: B
• Transportation Access: B
• Transportation Cost: A

Basic Facts about Jordan

• Language:

  Arabic (English is widely understood.)

• Government:

  Constitutional Monarchy.

• Population:

  5.9 million (2.1 million in Amman).

• Climate:

  Hot and dry summers with cool evenings. Rain falls between November and March, while colder weather conditions occur in December/January.

• Geography:

  89,342 square kilometres.

• Neighboring Countries:

  Israel, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt (See map.)

• Money:

  The dinar (click here to convert your currency).

• Mobile Phone Frequencies:

  GSM 900/1800.

• Electricity:

  230v (50 cycles). They use four plug shapes “D”, “F”, “G” and “J”.

• Daylight Savings:

  begin March 28, 2007; ends October 26, 2007. (Current time.)

• Time Zone:

  GMT/UTC +3 hours.

• Country Code:

  962

  City Codes:

  Ajlon Phone Code 2, Amman Phone Code 6, Aqaba Phone Code 3, Balqa Phone Code 5, Irbid Phone Code 2, Jerash Phone Code 2, Karak Phone Code 3, Ma’an Phone Code 3, Madaba Phone Code 8, Mafraq Phone Code 2, Mobile Phone Code 7, Salt Phone Code 5, Tafila Phone Code 3, Um Alamad Phone Code 6, Zarqa Phone Code 9 .

  To Dial Out of the Country:

  00.

General Travel Information on Jordan

Jordan Visas and Visitation Limits:

Tourist Visa:

Single and multi-entry visas are granted for a stay of 2 months if obtained at an embassy or consulate (only 2 weeks if obtained at the airport). Visas may be extended up to 6 months at police stations. Multiple-entry visas are good for six months. Cost is JD10/$14 (single), JD20/$28 (multi).

Business Visa:

Three months.

For more information on Jordan visas, visit World Travel Guides and Visit Jordan.

Note:

Jordan now has an airport departure tax of JD20 ($28) on all international flights (but may be inclusive in your flight ticket).

Getting Around:

Bus

: Numerous, inexpensive, bus companies can get you to all major destinations as well as to the smallest of towns.

Planes

: STA Travel has some good bargains for your entry/departure flight. For domestic flights, Royal Jordanian and Jordan Aviation. Remember, Jordan is a small country and ground transportation, such as buses and

hired taxis

, are quite popular and very inexpensive. (Look for the white “shared taxis” for getting around town.)

Where to Stay:

Jordan offers a wide range of accommodations and pricing. You can stay in 5-star luxury ($500+/night), or in a Bedouin tent ($10/night). For NuNomad Guidelines on how to choose your nest, visit the NuNomad Blog.

Hot Tip

: If you wish to stay long-term in Jordan, specifically Amman, then check out the (non Web) notice board of classified ads at the well known Books@Cafe book store in Amman. Phone +962 6 4650 457.

Travel Insurance:

Don’t let your Middle East adventure be spoiled. Get Travel Insurance. See our article Coverage Comparison of Travel Insurance.

Mailing in Jordan:

Stamps may be purchased at newsstands. Postal stations and rates can be found at Jordan Post.

Essential information

• WiFi Hotspots:

  For a comprehensive list of free and paid for hotspot locations.

• Mobile Phone Providers/SIM Cards:

  CardCom Prepaid Mobile

• Internet Access via Mobile Phone

  : See NuNo Geek for GPRS info, or the Geekzone.com’s GPRS article, or Ross Barkman’s GPRS info page.

Internet and Telephone Communication

International Cell Phones:

While in Jordan the most economical way to place a call is to do so with your unlocked international cell phone, using a Jordanian SIM card. While SIM cards can be purchased at mobile phone stores (refill cards available at convince stores, tobacco stands and phone shops) we recommend buying one before you go. Telestial is a great source to get your prepaid SIM card delivered to your door before your departure. One of the more common SIM cards is the CardCom. Expect to pay in the vicinity of $59.00 US for this card. It comes with $11 US airtime credit. Currently CardCom cards do not support GPRS capability.

Internet cafés can be found in the tourist hotspots such as Amman, Aqaba and Petra town. Be aware that should you venture into the more rural areas of Jordan, your ability to be connected by internet or phone will be severely diminished. In Amman, the coolest place to nomad is at Books@Cafe book store/café/bar.

• For more information on International Cell Phone basics, read our article on Cell Phone Basics.
• For more information on the various methods of connecting to the Internet, visit our Connecting to WWW page.

International Calling

If you don’t have aSkype account yet, get one. You can use “telephony” service with any hi-speed Internet connection, which most Internet Cafés will have. Otherwise, you’ll have to use land-line systems. If you’re staying at a location where you want to use a land line, it may be most economical to purchase an international calling card. These can be purchased at many common locations throughout the country.