Planning a trip to Jordan

[John*&*his*GG 2]

The Wadi Rum prices are steep...we paid 100JD for a jeep tour and a guide to take us up a mountian. It is really in the middle of nowhere and once you get there you are at the mercy and whatever price they charge there. It is basically driving through the dessert...you can get that on teh way to to Aqaba. i would recommend taking a bus down to Aqaba. Then walking around beach area. I would try to find a cheap hotel there. what does your other half do in Jordan? Can she ask her co-workers for help finding cheap hotel rooms. I got a nice room at the Tulip for around $100 on expedia.com. There is a small marine museum in Aqaba that is < 5JD per person. Also the public beach is ok. The hotel beaches are expensive ~ 20JD+ per person per day.

If we choose to not take any tours is it still worth going to Wadi Rum?

[MGoBlue 0]

If we choose to not take any tours is it still worth going to Wadi Rum?

There's nothing to see except for sand if you just arrive a the resthouse at wadi rum. You definitely have to drive a 4x4 (Land Cruiser) or you will get stuck in the sand if you attempt to go. You may be able to hire camels, but i am unsure about cost/availability. You also have to know where to drive to see anything of significance. I would definitely pass if you are not prepared to hire a 4x4 if I recall we drove for 20+ minutes via jeep to "see" anything (i.e. natural bridge). You should be able to see the mountains on the trip down to Aqaba.

Edited March 16, 2011 by MGoBlue

[Amanda & Raad 0]

Hi...I was in Jordan for my second time in September/October 2010. As I recall, unless the prices have gone up then the past 5 months, Petra was about 21 JD for non Jordanians. Like many have said, Aqaba is an amazing place and I would definitely recommend it. We found a furnished apartment for about 30 JD a day there and you can either take a taxi or your rental car for short drive...there is a small aquarium run by the University and it is pretty cheap to get in. And not far from the aquarium are several public beaches (before you reach KSA) where you can just walk out and go snorkeling. I brought my fins & mask with me so that would be extremely cheap and you can see some cool fish.

There is also Umm Qais, which is minimally priced, Pella (near the Jordan Valley) that is free, Jerash in the north, Ajloun Castle. There is an amusement park in Amman that is about 10JD where you can go and ride a ferris wheel and other small rides. I would also recommend going to the Dead Sea...you can pay a few JD to get in to I think it is called Amman Beach...they have large umbrellas, showers and outdoor grills...you can take sleeping mats and some food and sleep on the beach of the Dead Sea. Waking up to sunrise on the Dead Sea is amazing. You can also visit Bethany which is the spot where Jesus was Baptized and I think that may be around 10 JD for non Jordanians.

Although I haven't been...these places are on the itinerary when we go again this September. The Shomari Zoo/Preserve, Mt. Nebo (near the Dead Sea, where Moses was shown the promise land) and Madaba. I know there are some amazing mosaics preserved in Madaba.

There are lots of taxis and large buses that you can take to all of these locations for not much at all. I know when we were there it cost around 350 JD to rent a car for 3 weeks. But the first time I went we used public transportation. It is a bit of a hassle to wait at the bus stops, but at least they know where they are going and won't get lost! Of course I had a native Jordanian taking me around...I would say that really helps. My husband was able to go ahead of me some places and purchase tickets so that we could get the Jordanian rate. I remember at Ajloun Castle this past time I hate to really drum up what little Arabic I know to make sure they didn't suspect! Lol.

If you need any other information please let me know. I've been in Jordan a total of 6 weeks and going back for another 3 in September. We have friends and family there so if you need help just let me know!! I get excited about Jordan so I tend to ramble...excuse this long message!

[John*&*his*GG 2]

Does anyone off hand know the sales tax in Jordan?

[Amanda & Raad 0]

Does anyone off hand know the sales tax in Jordan?

There is not any sales tax unless possibly in the big hotels and maybe McDonalds...etc. But all the local shops, taxis, restaurants, sites to visit...the price is what they say it is, there is not tax added on. I think my husband told me that in Jordan if you own a business and it makes below a certain amount per year, they are not taxed by the government, therefore they do not charge you tax. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Happy travels.

[Nasturtium 500]

There is not any sales tax unless possibly in the big hotels and maybe McDonalds...etc. But all the local shops, taxis, restaurants, sites to visit...the price is what they say it is, there is not tax added on. I think my husband told me that in Jordan if you own a business and it makes below a certain amount per year, they are not taxed by the government, therefore they do not charge you tax. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Happy travels.

The tax is just included is all. Many countries do this.

[MGoBlue 0]

The tax is high on "western" themed establishements...hotels, fast food such as BK, McD, KFC, etc. It's like 15%. Other places you don't have to worry much. Food is cheap for the most part if you like Arabic food..Shawerma, hummus, foul, falafel, etc. At grocery stores, I would go to the mom and pop corner store, rather than Safeway, CTown, or Carrefour. Gas is the same price at all gas stations in the country. Pepsi/Coke usually is the same at all markets...except at restuaurants where it is more expensive. Same with juice. Buy bottled water by the liter which is around 30-50 Quirsh (which is around 50-70 cents US). At the hotels, food is very pricey so I would stay away if you can.

If you are buying any gifts from stores there, you can bargin. it is expected. Start a bit below 50% of the marked price and see where it goes from there.

Tipping is minimal as well. I dont' think I have ever tipped a taxi driver...or if I did I just rounded up to the nearst 1/2 dinar. There is no rule of thumb but maybe 10% is good...again rounding up to nearst 1/2 dinar.

How much longer before you go. it's been cold there last several days with rain coming down. There have also been protests, but more of sit in....with the police giving out water to the protesters. ;-)

[Nasturtium 500]

The tax is just included is all. Many countries do this.

Ammar says tax is around 16%+ now. It's on everything, but they tend to not give you receipts so you don't really realize it. Then places like safeway, etc include tax in the price and then charge additional tax on your total.

Businesses are taxed. Ammar's family owned a shop from the 1940s until a couple of years ago. Even though it was mostly closed for 4 years they were still charged tax.

[John*&*his*GG 2]

Oh ok I was just wondering what my hotel will cost total. It's gonna be 28 JD but they didn't say if that included any taxes or not. I'm leaving soon. I'll be there on the 10th.

[John*&*his*GG 2]

The tax is high on "western" themed establishements...hotels, fast food such as BK, McD, KFC, etc. It's like 15%. Other places you don't have to worry much. Food is cheap for the most part if you like Arabic food..Shawerma, hummus, foul, falafel, etc. At grocery stores, I would go to the mom and pop corner store, rather than Safeway, CTown, or Carrefour. Gas is the same price at all gas stations in the country. Pepsi/Coke usually is the same at all markets...except at restuaurants where it is more expensive. Same with juice. Buy bottled water by the liter which is around 30-50 Quirsh (which is around 50-70 cents US). At the hotels, food is very pricey so I would stay away if you can.

If you are buying any gifts from stores there, you can bargin. it is expected. Start a bit below 50% of the marked price and see where it goes from there.

Tipping is minimal as well. I dont' think I have ever tipped a taxi driver...or if I did I just rounded up to the nearst 1/2 dinar. There is no rule of thumb but maybe 10% is good...again rounding up to nearst 1/2 dinar.

How much longer before you go. it's been cold there last several days with rain coming down. There have also been protests, but more of sit in....with the police giving out water to the protesters. ;-)

haha it's been snowing here so weather wise i dont mind so much. I was a little worried about the protesting I saw that after I got my ticket. Is it avoidable or quite obvious?

[Jenna&Moe 8]

First off lol dont rent a car... Its pointless ur going for 9 days! The least ull get is 15 jd a day besides gas u might as well take a cab you wont nearly spend as much on a cab its superrr cheap having a car w/o knowing amman will just frustrate u... Take a bus where ever you go its super cheap too... And wayyyy less headache plys the road to aqaba wadi rum petra mount nebo etc isbpretty rocky... I took a bus to aqaba back in 08 for like 8jd both ways... And mecca mall=stay away lol just a bunch of kids hitting on girls, try shopping in city mall barakeh mall, all the shops in sweifiyeh (7amra st and wakalat st)... Bowling in the kempinski hotel ( they have pool, and ping pong tables too)... Btw bus info u can get at any hotel or by the 7th circle near tge safeway on the opposite side of the street... I would check out some cool cafes nit the chain ones (they suck, r very cliche, and too bright) id recommend mijana on rainbow street for smthin romantic, or cantaloupe also on rainbow st for smthin very chic w a bar and cigar collection, try the sanctuary at the sheriton hotel for a nice hookah with amazingggg decor and great backround music.... And for sure casper and gambinis for brunch (try the white pomogranite iced tea--- u can thnk me later) or good breakfast at pancakes and waffles in abdoun... Nyways i know u went already but just incase someone else had a similar question i thought id guve my opinion... I hope u enjoyed it jirdans beautiful... If anyone needs any jordan tips message me im more then willing to help... Especially cuz im an american-jirdanian native.... I kniw a good amount (ps iphone typing is hard!)