FAQs

Question

When should I arrive to Jordan?

Answer

A number of guests will be arriving to Amman on August 31st. If you would like to participate in our planned excursions, plan to arrive on or prior to this date.

Question

Can you give me an overview of the itinerary?

Answer

We’ll begin our journey in Amman, spending the first day exploring the city. Next, we will make a quick stop at the River of Jordan prior to arriving at the Dead Sea, where we’ll stay for a night to enjoy its therapeutic waters and mineral-rich mud. From there, we’ll head to Petra, spending a few hours exploring this magnificent wonder before continuing to Aqaba on the same day. Following this adventure, we’ll check into our hotels in Aqaba and have the following day to rest, explore Aqaba, and enjoy the Red Sea. The next day, we will have a wedding pre-party to get the celebrations started. The wedding itself will take place in Aqaba, where Vatche grew up and his family resides. Aqaba is a small coastal city known for its beautiful resorts, with Ayla being one of the finest, serving as both the wedding venue and hotel for our stay.

Question

Will transportation be provided?

Answer

There will be buses available to transport us to all our pre-planned destinations (Dead Sea, Petra, and wedding day) as listed above. However, if you prefer more flexibility or will be traveling on different dates, you also have the option to rent a car.

Question

Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?

Answer

U.S. passport holders are required to purchase a visa to enter Jordan. Vatche recommends purchasing the Jordan Pass online before arrival, which not only includes the visa fee but also provides a discounted entry rate to Petra. Otherwise, travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or through an e-visa application, which do not include entry to Petra and may be subject to exchange fees. 🔗 Purchase the Jordan Pass here: https://www.jordanpass.jo/Contents/Prices.aspx Jordan Pass Benefits: • Cost: 70 Jordanian Dinars (JD) • Visa Fee (Included): Normally 50 JD • Entry to Petra: 20 JD (instead of the standard 50 JD) By getting the Jordan Pass, travelers save money and enjoy seamless entry to many of Jordan’s top attractions.

Question

What flights or airlines do you recommend?

Answer

Jordan’s national airline, Royal Jordanian, is a member of the OneWorld Alliance, offering reliable service and various flight options depending on your departure city. Vatche’s preferred route is flying from LAX to London Heathrow, followed by a connecting flight to Amman, Jordan. For premium travel, Emirates and Qatar Airways are among the top choices, known for their exceptional service, luxury, and in-flight dining. However, these airlines typically have long-haul routes with a 16-hour nonstop flight to their home hubs (Dubai or Doha) before a connecting flight to Amman. While the experience is top-tier, the extended journey may not be the most efficient option for travelers looking to minimize travel time. Another option is Lufthansa Airlines, which provides the option to make a single stop in Frankfurt, Germany. Royal Jordanian services the only direct flight from Amman to Aqaba, but be wary of a possible layover. Travelers may opt for ground transportation instead.

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

We kindly ask that you RSVP by July 1st.

Question

What is the currency of Jordan, and do they accept US dollars?

Answer

Official Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) Exchange Rate: 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD (Rates may vary) Some businesses, especially those in tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions, may accept U.S. dollars. However, it’s highly recommended to use Jordanian Dinars (JOD) for most transactions, as exchange rates can vary, and change may be given in local currency. Best Ways to Pay in Jordan: • Cash: Always handy for local markets, taxis, and small businesses. • Credit Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major stores. Visa & Mastercard are the most commonly used. • ATMs: Available throughout the country for withdrawing JOD. 💡 Tip: It’s best to carry some Jordanian Dinars for smaller purchases and tips, even if you plan to use a credit card for most expenses. Keep in mind, tipping is not mandatory but generally appreciated.

Question

Can you tell me about Jordan's culture?

Answer

Jordan is a country rich in history, from the sacred site where Jesus was baptized to the breathtaking ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also home to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where visitors can float effortlessly in its salty waters. Wadi Rum, with its striking orange sands and towering mountains, offers a glimpse into the Bedouin way of life, blending cultural heritage with stunning desert landscapes. While Jordan is a modernizing nation embracing many aspects of Western culture, it still holds onto its traditions. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, alongside Arabic, and many locals are multilingual. As a Muslim-majority country, Jordan is known for its respectful and welcoming attitude toward other religions, particularly Christianity. In terms of dress culture, Amman, the capital, reflects a more Westernized style, while villages maintain traditional clothing customs, with men wearing the thawb and women opting for the jelbab. While there is no strict dress code for tourists, it is recommended to dress more modestly outside of resorts out of respect for the local culture.