Quick Guide to 8 Days in Jordan During Ramadan

Jordan during Ramadan post-Covid is a unique experience. The streets in the middle of the day are slow but as night hits, you can see the country come alive. I read up on visiting Jordan during Ramadan but it was far different from what I had experienced. I am here to share what I went through during this time that I wish I had known before I arrived. 

Visa

Visas upon arrival are required for all US citizens. The visa currently costs 40 JD ($56.50 USD) for a single entry, 60 JD ($85 USD) for two entries, and 120 JD ($170 USD) for a multiple entry visa. Credit/Debit cards are acceptable. ATMs are also accessible prior to immigration. To save the visa headache, I recommend purchasing the Jordan Pass.

What is the Jordan Pass?

The Jordan Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass that allows travelers to visit famous attractions for free upon paying for the all-in-one pass. The pass includes free entry to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash, plus 40+ other sites, and even waives the entry visa fee if the Jordan Pass was purchased prior to arrival with a minimal stay of three nights (4 days) in Jordan. I purchased the Jordan Wanderer for 70JDs ($99 USD). Considering that the single visa entry is 60JDs, you will get a lot from this pass. A single ticket to Petra for one night in Jordan is 50JD ($70 USD) and Wadi Rum is 5JD ($7USD). The highest level of Jordan Pass is the Jordan Expert for 80JDs ($113 USD). This pass is superior as it allows 3 consecutive visits to Petra. 

Getting Around:

Jordan is a hilly country filled with a variety of landscapes. While there are numerous tours to choose from and an abundance of taxi drivers outside hotels and famous attractions, I recommend hiring a private driver to take you wherever you want to go. The country is extremely hilly and attractions are not in close proximity to one other. Walking around Jordan is challenging and by hiring a private driver, you will have someone waiting for you to take you to your next destination. Hiring a private driver can be anywhere from 150 to 200 per person/per day including hotels or $100 for transportation only. I typically find my drivers reading forums but due to the last-minute getaway, I had to hire a local travel coordinator to plan and organize my trip. I would not recommend hiring a travel coordinator because I was not in control of my own trip and it cost way more than finding a driver on your own. 

Language:

The national language in Jordan is Arabic. I do not speak Arabic but Google Translate and gestures came in handy, especially in areas with few tourists. If you hire a driver or guide, they can also help to communicate with you. 

Iftar:

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. In Jordan in April, it was around 4am to 7pm. When the fast ends, you can hear prayers over the intercom that is blasted throughout the country. The meal at this time is called Iftar. Many women often spend hours cooking in the kitchen for their families prior to Iftar. If you are able to enjoy an Iftar meal with locals, I say take it. I was able to break fast with a local family while in Jordan. Many other locals also rush to break fast at restaurants and cafes. During this time, it is encouraged that tourists do not dine at restaurants to allow locals to sate their appetite. 

Currency:

In Jordan, the local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Cash is widely used so make sure that you take out enough cash for your trip. ATMs are located throughout the country. Most ATMs will have an English option unless you are away from the touristy area at a random ATM. I recommend using the ATMs inside of the bank to ensure you are not scammed. US dollars (USD) can also be used in some areas. The JOD currency is strong because of its union with the USD, but you cannot go far with the US dollar. 

As of June 2023, the currency is as follows:

• $1USD=$0.71 JOD
• $1CAN=$0.53 JOD
• $1AUS=$0.48 JOD
• €1=$0.76 JOD
• £1=$0.89 JOD
• ¥1=$0.0051 JOD

Hotels:

There are a lot of cheap and affordable hotel options located throughout Jordan. Most of the hotels I stayed at were about $45 a night and it was located in the middle of all the action. The most expensive accommodation was located in Petra and Wadi Rum. I stayed at the Silk Road Hotel in Petra for about $100 a night. We initially were supposed to stay at the Seven Wonders Luxury Camp in Little Petra but there was an issue with our booking. When in Jordan, it is a must to stay in a dome hotel. The best place to enjoy a dome hotel is in Wadi Rum. There are so many beautiful domes there. Our tour coordinator booked us a mediocre hotel so I recommend looking through photographs to find what best works for you. We did not like any of the rooms we stayed at but thankful that they were in the middle of everything. 

Itinerary:

Click on the date for the full itinerary.

Expenses for 8 Days: