Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country.  If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured.  In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance.  Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance.  For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Speak with your Pilgrim Tours Representative or your Group Leader for travel Insurance options.
 

Visa & Passport Information
US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Jordan. Make two photocopies of your passport.  Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original.   

Jordan: U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Jordan. Visas can be handled by Pilgrim Tours at the border crossing or port dock or by the traveler on location. Border taxes for entry and departure from Jordan are collected on location at the border crossing if not previously collected by Pilgrim Tours.
Review all your past and present documentation sent by Pilgrim Tours, to verify if the visa for Jordan has already been secured. Non U. S. Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.  

Health Certificate
None required, but contact health authorities for latest information. Modern medical services are readily available in Jordan's larger cities. Most doctors speak English fluently. Pharmacies can provide medication for minor aliments, but travelers should carry their own prescription medication. Check with your doctor about any necessary immunizations he may suggest. Try to avoid drinking the tap water in all countries visited.

Languages Spoken
The official language of Jordan is Arabic.  English is widely spoken, especially in the cities, and many Jordanians have traveled or been educated abroad. 

Currency
The currency is Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD); it is divided into 100 piasters or 1000 fils. Check the travel section of your newspaper or the internet for the most recent exchange rates. (www.xe.com)
Currency may be exchanged at any bank and most hotels.  There are no restrictions on the import and export of Jordanian or foreign currency. ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout Jordan.  However, in smaller towns, ATM cards, travelers' checks and credits cards may not be accepted.  Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in Jordanian Dinar - NOT US DOLLARS.  

Please Note:  We suggest you call your bank and/or credit card company before you leave to let them know you will be out of the country and using your ATM card or credit card.

Voltage
Electricity is 200 volts, 50 cycles.  You will need to bring along the necessary converters to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.

Water
Potable water is a precious resource in Jordan. However, hotels rated three-star or better have their own water filtering systems (their water is considered safe to drink) and bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Medication
If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency.  Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost.

Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera).  A total dimension of the bag to be checked on the airplane is not to exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 lbs.  Carry-on luggage is not to exceed a 45-inch dimension (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 25 lbs, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Be sure your luggage is clearly marked on the inside and outside.  If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the luggage tags provided along with your own.

Note:  Due to recent changes in baggage allowance in the industry we advise checking with your airlines before you depart to see if there has been a change in their regulations.

Time Zone
Jordan local time is seven hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time. From October through March, Jordan is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The rest of the year, Jordan is three hours ahead of GMT.

Climate
The weather in Jordan is pleasurable for travel throughout the year. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with temperatures averaging approximately 25C (75 F). During the spring, the most beautiful season in Jordan, fields and mountains are coated with rich greenery and exquisite wildflowers. In autumn, the weather is mild and pleasant. July and August are hot and dry, but not restrictive of tourist activities. The valleys and Aqaba are ideal winter resorts, with temperatures averaging 16-22 C (66-72 F) between November and April. Rainfall is a rare occurrence in Aqaba as well as in the desert areas of Jordan. 

Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.  In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily. 

When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short.  Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them. 

Check-in time for international flights is normally three hours prior to departure.  When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification of travelers flying to Jordan. If already secured, you will be given your visa to enter Jordan upon arrival at the airport in Amman by our Pilgrim Tours representative. 

Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry. 

In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages.  Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water. 

What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion.  Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary.  Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings. 

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) is easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella. The above climate listings will allow you to plan accordingly for Jordan.  

Women should always dress modestly in Muslim countries.  It is an affront to the Muslims for women to be showing bare shoulders and legs.  Women should also pack a lightweight scarf for covering their heads only if entering a mosque or other religious locations which requires this.  Both men and women will need to remove their shoes before entering a mosque as well.  Also, be sure to cover shoulders.   

Swimming attire should only be worn around swimming pools or beaches and not in public places. 

Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage.  Never pack these items in your checked luggage. 

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.  A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes. 

Do not over-pack.  Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. 

If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack.  Put half of your items in your companion's luggage and vice-versa.  This will ease the frustration of lost luggage. 

Take along a small backpack.  When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen.  It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs. 

Don't forget these travel sized necessities:  sewing kit, first-aid kid, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic "zip-locking" bags (for storing open bottles and containers). 

Purchase your film and batteries in the US.  Remember to bring extra for your video camera. 

Tipping
It is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides and drivers. When traveling on our tour program, you should give $1.00 per day hotel staff to the guide at the beginning of the tour.  The guide will then pay the appropriate tips to the baggage handlers and restaurant staff.  Please expect to tip your guide $5.00 per day and your driver $3.00 per day (amounts are per person). A 15% tip is the average in lunch restaurants that are not part of the tour package. While tipping is not mandatory for taxi drivers, some visitors choose to do so anyhow. Remember that a tip or gratuity is earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner. 

Meals

For meals that are not included, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range you are interested in).   

Eating well and heartily is part of the Jordanian traditions, and there are many fine restaurants that offer a wide selection of authentic Arabic food at reasonable prices.

Hotels offer a mixed menu of Arabic and continental cuisine. Dishes to try are the national dish, Mansaf, a whole stewed lamb with cooked yogurt sauce served on a bed of rice. Another dish is Musakhan, which is made with chicken, onions, olive oil, pine seeds and seasoning. Cooked in an oven on a thick loaf of Arabic bread; Maglouba, a meat or fish and vegetable stew served with rice; and of course, the basic Shish Kabab, pieces of lamb, marinated chicken and patties of minced and spiced lamb meat all cooked over a charcoal fire with onions and tomatoes. 

Jordanian Arabic coffee is strong and served in tiny cups; it is often flavored with cardamom.  Don't try to drink the last mouthful, as it will be full of coffee grounds.  Shake the cup to indicate that you do not want a refill.  Turkish coffee is also common, and American coffee is available in the cities.  Decaffeinated coffee is offered in the larger hotels. 

Tea is served in small glasses and is usually very sweet.  Tea with fresh mint makes a refreshing variation.
 

Shopping
Check with your group leader or the front desk for the best shopping areas.  Specify that you are interested in purchasing items that are known for their local and cultural appeal.   

In Jordan

Be sure to carry your passport with you at all times. 

Show respect for the religious observances throughout the country - do not eat or drink in or around religious shrines.  Remove your shoes before entering a mosque. 

Because of the large amount of religious sites throughout the country, the Bible could well be the best guidebook for the nation - bring one along. 

Carry bottled water with you when touring.  Remember, you will be in the desert at times and dehydration can become a serious problem. 

Women should never travel alone outside the main tourist areas at night.  They should also ignore any rude remarks directed at them and avoid eye contact with men. 

Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people and do not photograph anything with military significance or remotely connected with the government in Jordan. 

Do not pass food (even if it's wrapped or in a container) with your left hand. 

If you plan on hiring a taxi, agree on the price before getting in.

Pilgrim Tours would like to say thank you for traveling with us; we appreciate your business!!!