Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is understood by most people involved in the tourist industry and by middle to upper class Jordanians.
Currency: The official currency is the Dinar (JOD), which is divided into 100 piastres or 1,000 fils. Foreign currency and travelers cheques can be changed at any bank or moneychanger, although the latter will usually give a better rate of exchange. Banks are closed on Fridays. Better hotels will also exchange money.
American Express, Visa,
MasterCard and
Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards and can
be used at major hotels, restaurants and tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks. ATMs are available, though acceptance of foreign cards is limited.
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are the most common.
Communications: The international dialing code for Jordan is +962. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). Jordan has international direct dialing with most countries. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)3 for both Aqaba and Petra, and (0)6 for
Amman. Mobile phone companies have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. There are Internet cafes in Amman and most major towns.
Duty Free: Travelers to Jordan over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 200 grams of pipe tobacco; 1 liter of alcohol, 1 or 2 bottles of perfume and eau-de-
Cologne or lotion for personal use; and gifts to the value of JD50 or US$150. Restricted items include firearms, sporting guns and other weapons without prior approval from authorities of country of origin and destination country. Prohibited items include all narcotics and birds or bird products.
Tourist OfficeJordan Tourism Board, Amman: +962 (0)6 567 8294 or www.visitjordan.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 192 (Police); 193 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Embassy of Jordan,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 966 2664.
Embassy of Jordan,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7937 3685.
Embassy of Jordan,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 238 8090.
Embassy of Jordan,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6295 9951.
Embassy of Jordan,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 8615/2.
United States Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 590 6000.
British Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 590 9200.
Canadian Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 520 3300.
Australian Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 580 7000.
South
African Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 592 1194.
Irish Consulate, Amman: +962 (0)6 551 6807.
New
Zealand Consulate,
Ankara,
Turkey (also responsible for Jordan): +90 312 467 9054/6/8.
