Jordan
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Located in the Middle East Jordan is covered mostly by the Arabian Desert. It borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south; Israel and the West Bank to the west; Iraq to the Northeast; and Syria to the North. Although it is squeezed between political hotspots such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, it is one of the safest countries to visit. Described as the most tourist friendly country in the Middle East, the people of Jordan are warm and friendly and will greet you with open arms regardless of your ethnicity.
Medical Tourism Fame
Jordan has invested a lot of money in order to become a hot spot for medical tourism in the Middle East. Little known and to the surprise of many Westerners, Jordan was ranked 1st in the Arabian region and 5th in the world by World Bank medical tourism experts as a medical tourism hub. Its claim to fame is that its private hospitals has treated over 250,000 foreign patients from around the world, and private investors and the government also sponsor top notch overseas medical training for doctors.
It is no surprise that Jordan is becoming the pinnacle of medical tourism in that region because the government has made it simple and fast to obtain a visa at the airport. A free shuttle service from the airport is available to some private hospitals, as well as airport staff who will aid medical tourists in making the proper connections.
The Joint Commission International (JCI) has accredited four hospitals and medical centers in Jordan; all located in the capital city of Amman. Popular procedures include dental, cancer treatments, kidney replacements, orthopedic procedures, neurological operations and heart surgeries. Although the facilities are state of the art, the cost of treatment is significantly lower than in the U.S.
Language
The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood amongst upper and middle class people.
Climate
The climate in Jordan is described as Mediterranean because of its extreme seasonal contrast the further inland you go. The rainy season occurs between November and March, and April to October is semi dry. The summer is hot and dry with an average temperature of 89.6oF (32oC) while winter temperature are anywhere from cool to freezing with January being the coldest month. The average temperature in the winter is 37.8oF (3.2oC). Much to the chagrin of many, during the month before and after the summer dry season intense windstorms occur that last a day or so. The best time to visit is either in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the temperature is not too extreme.
Visa / Entrance Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport (valid for at least 6 from the date entry) and a visa in order to travel to Jordan. A single entry visa can be obtained upon arrival at any point of entry except for the King Hussein Bridge at the Jordan/Israel border. Multiple entry visas must be obtained at the embassy. The cost for a tourist visa is $18 USD for a single entry visa and $34.35 USD for a multiple entry visa. If you want to extend your stay (maximum of 6 months) you must register at the police station by the 13th day of stay. Failure to do so will result in a fine of $2.10/day of overstay. In order to stay longer than six months you must submit to an HIV test.
Airlines Servicing this Destination
Jordan has three international airports:
- Queen Alia Airport (AMM) in Amman.
- Marka International (ADJ) located east of Amman.
- King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba located in the southern part of Jordan near Israel and on the coast of the Red Sea.
The following airlines have flights to Jordan:
- Royal Jordanian
- Delta
- Emirates
- Arkia Israeli Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air France
- Gulf Air
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- United
- American
- Air Arabia
- British Airways
- BMI British Midland
- Iberia
- Egyptair
- Jazeera Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Thai Airways International
- Turkish Airlines
- US Airways
Hotels
Along with its development in medical tourism, Jordan is also developing its fine dining and hotel options. Luxury hotels are sprouting up along the coast of the Dead Sea, Amman (the capital), Petra, and Aqaba. 5 star hotels (including resorts and spas) are comparatively inexpensive ranging from $97 to $220 USD per night. For the budget traveler, accommodations in Jordan are very cheap with private rooms ranging from $8 to $16 USD per person per night and mid range hotels start at $40 USD per night.
Currency
The currency of Jordan is the Dinar (JOD).
The exchange rate of U.S. dollars to Jordanian dinars is $1 USD to 0.71 JOD (exchange rate subject to change).
Communicating Home
The international access code for Jordan is 962.
Important area codes are:
Aqaba: 3
Amman: 6
In order to call Jordan from the U.S. or Canada you must dial 011 (exit code) then 962 (country code for Jordan), then the area code (1 digit), and then the phone number (usually 7 digits).
To call a cell phone in Jordan from the U.S. and Canada you must dial 011 + 962 + 7 + the eight digit phone number.
In order to call the U.S. from Jordan you must dial 00 + 1 + area code + phone number
Cyber-cafes are widely available in major cities and towns. Larger hotels and most private hospitals throughout the country offer Broadband Internet connection.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
U.S. Embassy in Amman: 962-6-590-6000
Sightseeing
Making up part of the historic Fertile Crescent, Jordan is a premier site for ancient and biblical architecture. Jordan has changed ruling hands many times throughout history from the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians to the (comparatively) more recent Ottoman, Roman, and the British, and each empire has left its mark on Jordan. The Nabatean civilization is responsible for the city of Petra, which is on par with Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat in terms of dramatic and well preserved lost cities. You can also visit Roman cities, Mosques, Crusader castles, and renowned Biblical sites including the fortress where John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod, the site on the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, and the mountain where Moses first discerned the Promised Land.
In terms of terrain, Jordan offers a variety including the lifeless Dead Sea (the world´s lowest point), the virgin blue and coral filled Gulf of Aqaba, and the modern and diverse city of Amman.
Shopping
One of the most sought after gifts to buy in Jordan are decorated sand bottles. It is advised to buy such bottles in Petra because the sand used is usually natural and will not fade as quickly. Kefiyas (large headscarves made of cotton in red and white or black and white), narghilas (water pipes or bongs), rugs, shisha tobacco, dresses (dishdashas or madrigas), ceramics, knives, and handmade local jewelry are also popular.
Amman has a broad range of shops and boutiques including the famous gold souk market and City Mall, which houses a variety of international stores and coffee shops. It also has a cinema, restaurants, and a family entertainment zone.
Nightlife and the Arts
A trip to Jordan is not complete without going to a restaurant or bar with world famous Arabian belly dancers circling the tables. Nightclubs and bars playing traditional Arabic music or American pop music are popular as well as British and Irish style pubs and beer gardens. Many of such bars are usually located in top hotels.
Note that in recent years it has been difficult for Western women to travel around Amman at night without the company of a man because there are many massage parlors where Eastern European women “service” local and foreign men, and frequently Western female travelers have been mistaken for these girls.
Jordan has much to offer in terms of fine arts. The Jordan Archaeological Museum houses collections dating back to prehistoric times up until the 15th century. The Roman Theater, built sometime between 138 and 161 CE, still hosts cultural and sporting events. The King Hussein Cultural Center offers musical events, exhibitions, plays, and lectures. Note that most of these events are in Arabic.
Jordan only has two English language newspaper: Jordan Times and The Star.
