Nine Honest Things to Know Before Visiting Jordan for the First Time

I’m going to say the quiet part out loud: a lot of women want to visit Jordan… and then the safety spiral hits (which I talk about in this blog post)

I spent 8 days traveling through Jordan (Amman to Petra to Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea, plus the places most people skip like Dana and Umm Qais), and I went in safety-conscious. Not fearful. Just realistic. Now that I host group trips to Jordan

Jordan felt welcoming and grounded. People were kind in a way that didn’t feel performative. It felt like care.

If you’re planning your first trip, here are the 9 tips that actually mattered for me. There’s a lot of context here because that one week I spent in Jordan inspired me to host group trips to Jordan, so I often refer my group to my blog posts!

This Post Pairs Well With:

• Inside the Jordanian Kitchen That Changed How I Travel
• My Honest G Adventures Jordan Active Adventure Review: What 8 Days in Petra, Dana & Wadi Rum Are Really Like
• Is Jordan Safe for Tourists? A Thoughtful Look at Travel Safety in Jordan

1) Is Jordan safe for solo female travelers? My honest take

My experience: Yes, Jordan can feel very safe for solo female travelers when you travel smart and choose the style of trip that fits you.

What made the biggest difference for me:

• People paid attention. If you looked lost or uncomfortable, someone usually stepped in to help.
• Having guides helped. On a group trip, your logistics and boundaries are supported automatically.
• The vibe was protective, not predatory. Not perfect, but noticeably different than places where you feel constantly on guard.

Honestly, I feel much safer in Jordan than I do in the United States, but safety is a personal thing formed by perspective. I go over my thoughts on safety in Jordan in this post.

My safety rules that actually mattered

If solo logistics stress you out, choose a tour for the route-heavy parts

• Stay aware at night, especially in quiet areas
• Don’t wander remote areas alone without a clear plan
• Keep your hotel info saved offline (screenshots help)
• If you feel weird, leave. You don’t owe politeness

2) What to wear in Jordan as a woman (without overthinking it)

Jordan is not the place where you need to reinvent your entire wardrobe, but loose, covered basics make life easier.

My outfit formula:

• Loose hiking pants or linen pants
• Linen tops or breathable long sleeves
• Covered shoulders and knees most of the time
• Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk more than you think)

I wore a lot of hiking gear, loose-fit pants, and linen tops across the country, and it worked everywhere from city days to desert hikes.

Outfit Examples: What I wore in Jordan

Note that I don’t really go shopping that often, so I basically used what I had at home. I am a firm believer that you DO NOT need to go broke buying gear for hikes or for your travels. If someone pressures you otherwise, then I would stop following them.

Some of the stuff I am wearing in these photos I cannot find, so I have offered examples that I think are suitable.

Other honorable mentions:

I absolutely loved these hiking pants from Decathlon. I have several pairs of them. They are kind of a thin material, and they did catch on a few rocks, causing a hole to form. But I LOVE these pants.

A scarf helps for more than modesty

I bought a keffiyeh at a local co-op in Dana and used it constantly: sun protection, wind, dust, warmth at night, and “I’m trying to blend” energy. Also, it was just plain beautiful, and it’s quite thick!

Mini-moment: In Dana, a shepherd looked at how pale I was and basically adopted me for the afternoon. He took my keffiyeh, wrapped it around my head like a pro, and said, “You are white. Wear protection.” I laughed so hard. Also, he was right. I had no business not being SPF and sunproof!

3) Getting Around Jordan: How to Use Taxis (Especially in Amman)

Jordan doesn’t have the kind of public transportation system you might be used to in Europe. There aren’t seamless train routes connecting every major stop. So at some point, especially in Amman, you’ll likely use a taxi.

And honestly? It’s usually the easiest option.

Yellow Taxis in Amman

You’ll see yellow taxis everywhere in the capital. You can hail one from the street or ask your hotel to call one.

Here’s what actually matters:

• Always ask for the meter. Drivers are legally required to use it.
• If a driver refuses to turn it on, it’s completely acceptable to step out and grab another taxi.
• If they quote you a price before you get in, you can ask for the “Addad” which refers to the meter.

You don’t need to aggressively negotiate. Just calmly confirm the meter is running and you’re good.

Try to carry small bills if possible. Change can be limited, and sometimes you’ll be short a couple of hundred fils. Most drivers will wave it off, but it’s easier when you have smaller notes.

As a woman, it’s completely appropriate to sit in the back seat. No one will question that.

Tipping isn’t required. If a driver goes above and beyond, you can round up. But don’t feel pressure.

If Your Airport Pickup Forgets You (Like Mine Did)

Let’s talk about the thing nobody wants to think about.

If your airport pickup forgets you when you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, do not panic.

That happened to me (now for my group trips, I am on it and make sure that everyone gets picked up!)

Head straight out of the arrivals doors and walk to the official taxi stand. It’s clearly marked. There are attendants there who manage the taxis. You tell them where you’re going, and they assign you a driver.

You’re not negotiating with random people. It’s organized and straightforward.

I was tired and visibly stressed. The gentleman at the stand handled everything calmly, assigned a taxi, and within minutes, I was on my way.

The driver looked at me and said, “I’ve got you. We’ll get you to your hotel as soon as possible.”

That was my first real exhale in Jordan.

If you’d rather skip even that moment of stress, you can always pre-arrange a private airport transfer via Welcome Pickups in advance. Sometimes peace of mind is worth it.

Uber, Careem, and Ride Apps

Uber and Careem both operate in Amman and some larger cities. You’ll need to download the apps ahead of time.

Some travelers prefer them because:

• You see the fare estimate in advance
• You can track the route
• You can share your trip details

Careem is especially popular locally.

That said, I personally relied on taxis in Amman and group transport for the rest of my trip.

Group tour vs DIY logistics

I chose a tour because I’m normally the planner and I was tired. I wanted someone else to hold the map for once.

If you’re solo and safety-conscious, a group tour can be the best of both worlds:

• You get a built-in community without having to be “on” all the time
• You still experience Jordan deeply
• You’re not solving transport puzzles daily
• Transportation in Jordan is straightforward but requires a bit of planning.

Going Beyond Amman? Here’s What You Should Know

Thinking of venturing beyond Amman? You’re in for something special. Jordan has so much to offer outside the capital — ancient ruins, sweeping desert landscapes, and charming towns full of history and culture.

If you’re planning to explore more of the country, consider renting a car. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and reach places that can be tricky with public transport.

One thing I’ve learned? You can get between places surprisingly quickly, but don’t forget to build in some extra time. What looks like a short drive on the map might take longer, especially with winding mountain roads or unexpected stops (and trust me, there will be stops – the views are just too good).

Private Drivers or Transfers

Many travelers arrange private transfers between major stops like Petra and Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea and Amman.

This can be more expensive than renting a car, but it removes navigation stress.

If you’re splitting costs with a friend or partner, it can be very reasonable.

4. Tipping in Jordan: What’s Expected (Without Overthinking It)

Let’s be honest. Tipping in a new country is stressful.

Tipping in Jordan is appreciated, not mandatory.

Nothing bad will happen if you don’t tip. But in the tourism sector, especially, tips make a meaningful difference. Jordan isn’t like the U.S., where 20% feels automatic.

Tipping at restaurants in Jordan

Many restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically. Check your bill.

If it’s not included, 5–10% is generous and appropriate.

On casual meals during group travel, 1 JD per person is an easy, no-stress approach.

Tipping at Hotels in Jordan

Not required. Appreciated.

If someone carries your heavy luggage, 1 JD per bag is kind.
If you’re staying more than a night or two, 1–2 JD per day for housekeeping is thoughtful.

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t panic. This isn’t a make-or-break social rule.

Taxi Drivers in Jordan and tipping

Don’t overcomplicate this.

If your ride is 3.70 JD, give 4 JD.
If it’s 9.50 JD, give 10 JD.

That’s it.

Taxi drivers operate on thin margins, and rounding up is the simplest way to handle it.

How much to tip Tour Guides and Drivers in Jordan

This is where people start spiraling.

On my 8-day trip, we handled it the easiest way possible: we pooled money as a group at the end of the tour and tipped our guide and driver separately.

That removes daily awkwardness and ensures everyone contributes what feels comfortable.

When you arrive at places like Petra or Wadi Rum, you may also have local guides for specific segments. A small tip in the 1–5 JD range depending on time and depth is typical.

One honest note: the horse handlers at Petra expect tips. If you choose to ride, budget for it so you’re not surprised.

5. Food & Drink in Jordan: What to Expect (Especially for First-Timers)

Jordan feeds you. Generously.

Expect lamb. Expect chicken. Expect rice, bread, yogurt sauces, and big mezze spreads. If you’re in Wadi Rum, you’ll likely try zarb, a traditional Bedouin meal cooked underground. Smoky, tender, and usually meat-heavy. Read all about my time in Souf at a truly magical cooking experience!

Mansaf, the national dish, is lamb in a fermented yogurt sauce over rice. If you eat meat, try it once.

Vegetarian & Vegan Travelers

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll be absolutely fine.

Jordanian cuisine naturally includes:

• Hummus
• Falafel
• Ful (fava beans)
• Lentil soup
• Tabbouleh
• Baba ghanoush

Vegan is doable too, but double-check for yogurt and dairy, especially in sauces and desserts.

Outside Amman, menus get more traditional and meat-forward, so communicate dietary needs clearly.

Alcohol & Coffee & Tea

Alcohol is available in larger hotels, tourist restaurants, SOME* Dead Sea resorts, and parts of Amman. It’s not everywhere, especially in rural areas.

Coffee and tea culture is strong. Expect Arabic coffee and plenty of modern cafés in the capital. Sitting and lingering is part of the rhythm.

Water in Jordan

Drink bottled water. The region is under a water restriction and you’ll notice the big tanks on the houses and hotels.

A 1.5-liter bottle typically costs around 0.30–0.50 JOD, so staying hydrated won’t wreck your budget. Tap water isn’t recommended for visitors, so I stuck to bottled water the entire trip.

Always grab extra before desert days. The heat sneaks up on you.

9. Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make