Jordan Travel Tips: 9 Things Every Solo Female Traveler Should Know
As a solo female traveler who spent 8 incredible days on a G Adventures Active Jordan trip, I can’t wait to share my Jordan travel tips on how welcoming and surprisingly safe Jordan truly is.
From the warm smiles of Amman to the endless desert stars in Wadi Rum, this country exceeded all my expectations. It’s important for you to know that Jordan is safe to travel to and happens to be one of the safest countries in the Middle East to travel to.
Jordanian hospitality is famous – strangers freely invite you for tea as if you’re family.
By respecting local customs and doing a bit of homework, you’ll travel confidently.
Here are 9 essential Jordan travel tips (especially for solo and female travelers) — each with practical advice, cultural insights, on solo travel in Jordan, Jordan travel tips, and what to know before visiting Jordan.
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1. Cultural Norms & Dress: Modesty Goes a Long Way
Jordanian society values modesty and respect. Both men and women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees when in public
While Western clothes are generally okay, you’ll blend in and earn goodwill by wearing loose, light fabrics over arms, ankles. Avoid low-cut tops, and just be mindful of who you are around.
Save the bikinis for hotel pools or the Dead Sea resort beach. A lightweight scarf is a handy extra: it can serve as a shawl in churches or mosques, or a sun shield during desert hikes.
When interacting, remember basic etiquette: greet with “As-salamu ʿalaykum” (“Peace be upon you”) to share friendliness, “Shu-Kran” to say thank you, and acknowledge others’ kindness.
I had read somewhere that handshakes between genders can be sensitive. I generally noticed that folks seemed to stick out their hand and shake mine before I even had the chance to really realize what was going on.
Jordanians love to offer tea or invite guests home; it’s polite to accept or at least exchange pleasantries. These small gestures of respect will open doors (and hearts) on your trip. Everywhere we went on my G-Adventures trip, I noticed people doing this, and it was so humbling.
I’ve created a free “Jordan Packing List for Solo Women Travelers” – a handy checklist of everything you’ll need.
2. When to Visit: Best Seasons and Weather
Jordan’s climate varies: hot desert heat in summer and cool rain in winter.
The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November)
This is when days are warm-but-not-scorching.
The weather is mild enough to comfortably explore outdoor wonders like Petra and Wadi Rum
Summer temperatures (June–August) can exceed 40°C (104°F) in the desert, making long hikes challenging.
Winter rains can cause flash floods, so if you go in December–February, pack waterproof layers and monitor local weather.
I visited in early April and found perfect balance: warm days in Amman and cool nights in the desert.
Whenever you go, pack layers (desert days, chilly nights) and lots of sunscreen. Drinking lemonade or mint tea is a great way to cool off.
Note that Ramadan and other holidays can affect schedules: stores may close during the day for fasting families and reopen late. It’s part of the cultural experience, but plan accordingly.
3. Getting Around: Transportation Tips in Jordan
My suggestion for a fast and efficient airport pickup is to schedule a Welcome Pickups driver to come and pick you up! I did this when a few days prior to my departure and was pleasantly surprised when they were right there waiting on me!
Transportation in Jordan is straightforward but requires a bit of planning.
In Amman, you’ll see yellow metered taxis everywhere.
Always insist the driver uses the meter (they should) and don’t be shy about double-checking the fare, especially after 11 pm when meters are often turned off.
If they refuse the meter, politely ask for the “Addad” (rough estimate) or simply try another cab.
Taxi drivers usually speak some English and know the city well.
Taxis in Amman
- For inner-city travel in Amman, Careem works well.
- Fares are reasonable (2–3 JOD per short ride) and you can often pay by card– which is what I did from the airport!
- Note: Wi-Fi/Google Maps can be patchy in remote areas, so having an eSIM or local SIM helps.
- I use HolaFly eSim when I can
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).
4. Money Matters & Tipping
The currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Keep some cash on hand: Amman and major sites have ATMs and credit-card acceptance, but small shops and rural markets usually require dinars.
ATMs are plentiful in cities, but make sure your bank won’t charge hefty foreign fees. By law, businesses in Jordan often list prices in JOD, USD, or EUR; cash tips in either local or major foreign currencies (notes only) are okay.
Tipping isn’t obligatory but it’s appreciated as a sign of thanks.
A good rule of thumb: leave about 10% of the bill at restaurants. Bellhops and porters usually get 1–2 JOD per bag, and hotel staff 1–2 JOD per day.
Small coins (fils) aren’t worth carrying, and in fast transactions, you might end up short 0.2 JOD (they’ll say “Don’t worry about the 200 fils” – it’s normal).
Carry some small bills (1s and 5s) for tips and minor purchases.
I pulled approximately 200.00USD out from the ATM when I got there. At all costs avoid currency exchange, when I asked the rates were bonkers at the airport!
5. Language Basics & Key Phrases
The official language is Arabic, but don’t worry – English is widely spoken throughout the country.
All your tour guides, most hotel staff, and many shopkeepers will understand English. Still, learning a few words shows respect and can enrich your interactions.
Here are some handy basics:
- Marhaba (مرحبا) – Hello
- As-salamu ʿalaykum (السلام عليكم) – Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- Afwan (عفواً) – You’re welcome / Excuse me / Sorry
- Naam (نعم) / La (لا) – Yes / No
- Inshallah (إن شاء الله) – “God willing” (used a lot to mean “hopefully” or “maybe”)
Many Jordanians will appreciate even broken Arabic. If someone’s helped you, a simple “shukran” brightens their day. Use “min faḍlak” (please, to a man) or “min faḍlik” (to a woman) when asking for something politely.
Even showing the local alphabet (numbers are the same digits we use) helps avoid confusion when reading signs. In shops, numbers might be pronounced differently (“three” sounds like “telaat”), but you’ll manage with gestures like I did!
6. Food & Drink: Must-Try Cuisine (and Water Tips)
Jordan is a food-lover’s paradise – expect feasts, not fast food. I learned that food is also a love language in Jordan!
Meals often start with a mezze spread of hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, olives , stuffed vine leaves (warak enab), and muhammara (red pepper dip).
Don’t miss mansaf, the national dish: tender lamb cooked in fermented yogurt and served over rice or bulgur. Try zarb, a Bedouin specialty (meat and veggies slow-baked underground), and sweet treats like baklava and knafeh (cheesy pastry soaked in syrup)
Sharing food is part of the joy – expect to eat with your right hand and dip bread for more.
Food hygiene in Jordan is generally good. Restaurants and stalls serving hot dishes (grilled meats, falafel) are usually safe. As a rule, go where there are lines of local diners – that means it’s fresh and popular. If you see raw salads or meat platters sitting out in the heat, eat with caution – better to choose cooked items.
Tap water is not considered safe to drink in Jordan. Stick to bottled water (widely available) for drinking and brushing teeth.
That being said, public bathrooms and bottled water helped me stay healthy throughout the trip. Try local juices and nectars (grape juice, pomegranate drink) and of course, mint lemonade, a refreshing specialty (there is a man in Dana that made the best Mint Lemonade!)
Finally, embrace the pace of meals: Jordanians linger over food and conversation. It’s polite to refuse a second helping a couple of times before really saying no. Saying “Bil hana wa shifa” after a meal means “Enjoy your meal” and is a nice local touch.
7. Is Jordan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
If you’ve heard worries about “female travel to the Middle East,” Jordan is a great place to start. In my experience and as many other travel writers and bloggers note, Jordan is peaceful and welcoming, even for solo women.
There are no active conflicts or war zones; the military presence you see contributes to overall stability.
Women in cities often dress Western and drive cars, so you won’t feel out of place if you look like a typical tourist.
That said, unwanted attention (like stares or catcalls) can happen, especially in conservative areas. My rule of thumb: stay confident, smile, and assert your boundaries. If someone bothers you, a firm “No, thank you” in English works, and locals will back you up if needed.
This was evident after one young lady in our group had a young man make unwanted advances while we were in Jerash, and the man running security for the guys selling juice hunted the kid down after looking at security camera footage. They wanted her to feel safe, and they were mad anyone would do that.
Jordan Solo Travel Tips for Safety
- Always keep a scanned copy of your passport,
- Check in with someone back home each day.
- Register your travel plans with your embassy if you feel it’s needed.
- Stick to main roads at night, and let taxi drivers know if you’re uncomfortable (they’re usually very helpful).
- Budget some travel insurance into your plans (medical evacuation is expensive worldwide).
- By observing normal cautions (lock your hotel door, carry just needed cash, etc.)
Jordan felt even safer than many big Western cities I’ve visited. So go ahead – wander the souks of Amman or trek the Siq in Petra – just as other guides and bloggers advise: travel smart, but don’t let fear stop you!!
8. Visas and the Jordan Pass: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Visas for Jordan
One of my biggest Jordan Travel Tips Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at Jordanian airports for around 40 JD (~56 USD).
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Visas are also available at most land border crossings, except Wadi Araba/South Border or Allenby/King Hussein Bridge – check with your tour operator if crossing there.
When I landed I found it incredibly easy to figure out where and what line I needed to be in. You’ll see signs directing you to the Visa desk. It took all of 5 minutes and then I was off to get my passport stamped.
- Transit Visa: Free for stays under 24 hours. Inform passport control that you are in transit.
- Single Entry Visa: Valid for up to one month. 40 JD.
- Double Entry Visa: Valid for 3 months. 60 JD. Must be obtained in advance.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for 6 months. 120 JD. Must be obtained in advance.
The Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass is a prepaid package covering entry to over 40 attractions and waiving the 40 JD visa fee if purchased before arrival and you stay at least 3 days (2 nights). It simplifies sightseeing and saves money, especially if visiting Petra.
| Pass Type | Petra Entry | Cost (JD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Wanderer | 1 day | 70 JD |
| Jordan Explorer | 2 consecutive days | 75 JD |
| Jordan Expert | 3 consecutive days | 80 JD |
9. Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
Even seasoned travelers slip up! Here are pitfalls to avoid:
- Underpacking / Overpacking: Forgetting layers or modest clothing is common. Conversely, don’t lug too much – laundry is available in most hotels. I regret not packing enough layers, an extra sweater would have been wonderful!
- Ignoring Cultural Etiquette: Skipping cultural research (e.g. not covering up, refusing tea) can offend. A little respect goes far.
- Skipping VAT Refund: Keep receipts from big purchases – you can get tax back at airport.
- Haggling Wrongly: Fixed prices in stores are normal; only bargain in markets or on taxis when appropriate. Remember Haggling is not a skill to be proud of
- Assuming Everything’s Cashless: Outside Amman, ATMs and card readers may be scarce. Always carry some dinars.
- Not Drinking Water: Dehydration happens fast in the desert heat. Drink bottled water regularly. Our group guide made sure we always had water on us!
- Ignoring Weather: Not checking forecasts – summer heat or winter rains – can ruin plans.
- Missing Travel Insurance: Jordan is safe, but insurance protects you from medical or trip hiccups.
What to Pack: Essentials
You’ll want to pack for varied terrain and weather. Some basics:
- Modest Clothing: Long-sleeved tops and long skirts/pants or a light scarf to cover shoulders (especially for women.
- Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for Petra and trails. (Tevas or other durable sandals are great for hot days.
- Layers: Evenings can be cool, especially in deserts. Bring a sweater or lightweight jacket.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen – shade is rare at sites like the Dead Sea and Petratwinperspectives.co.uk.
- Swimsuit: For the Dead Sea or hotel pools (and a dark one for Dead Sea mud baths as locals recommend).
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; bottled water is plentiful, but a refillable bottle saves plastic.
- Travel Adapter: Jordan uses Type C/G sockets (230V).
- Toiletries: Jordan has very good pharmacies. Some people pack toilet paper or tissues just in case– I swear by this because after one bad trip in Vietnam, I was like NEVER AGAIN!
- Daypack: For hikes and day trips.
Pro Tip: I’ve created a free “Jordan Packing List for Solo Women Travelers” – a handy checklist of everything you’ll need.
By being aware of these, you can focus on enjoying the adventure, not fix minor hassles.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Jordan truly enchanted me – from staring out into the Dead Sea at sunset to stargazing in Wadi Rum – and I came home empowered by the experience. As you prepare for your own journey, remember these Jordan travel tips: respect local culture, plan for the seasons, and stay open to surprises. You’ll find that first-time travel in Jordan (even as a solo woman in the Middle East) can be life-changing.
Ready to be inspired?
Check out my blog post about Travel Photography: 20 Photos to Make You Book Your Trip to Jordan for a visual tour of this magical country.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment in Jordan!
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