Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Jerash, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Getting There
- Jerash is 50km north of Amman (1 hour by car). Public minibuses from Amman's Tabarbour station every 30 minutes (JOD 1)
- Most visitors use Jerash as a day trip from Amman, but staying overnight gives you sunrise access to the ruins
- Queen Alia International Airport is 1.5 hours south. Rental cars are available at the airport from JOD 20/day
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe but bottled is cheap and widely available
- Jordan is very safe for travelers. Jordanians are famously friendly and helpful to visitors
- Main risk is heat — the ruins have minimal shade. Carry water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen
Getting Around
- Jerash town is walkable — the ruins, modern souq, and restaurants are within 15 minutes on foot
- For Ajloun and Umm Qais, you need a car or arranged taxi. Public transport exists but is infrequent
- Rent a car in Amman for maximum flexibility in northern Jordan. Roads are good and well-signed
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM: Zain or Orange, JOD 5–10 for 10GB. Available at Queen Alia airport
- WiFi at most hotels and restaurants. Signal is good throughout northern Jordan
- Download offline maps for remote areas like Pella and the Jordan Valley road
Money
- Jordanian Dinar is pegged near the USD (1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD). It's a high-value currency — don't confuse dinars with dollars
- Cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Cash essential for minibuses, street food, and small shops
- ATMs available in Jerash centre and Amman. Carry cash for day trips to remote sites
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes — the ruins cover a large area with uneven stone surfaces
- Sun protection is essential: hat, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses. There's very little shade at the ruins
- Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) for visiting mosques and out of respect in smaller towns
Cultural tips
Respect
Jordan is a moderate Muslim country. Dress modestly in public (cover shoulders and knees). Alcohol is available in restaurants and hotels but avoid drinking visibly in the street.
Hospitality
Jordanians are incredibly hospitable — you'll be invited for tea, coffee, and meals. Accepting is a sign of respect and the connection is genuine. Refusing multiple times is the polite way to decline.
Photography
Ask before photographing people, especially women and children. Ruins and landscapes are fair game. Military and government buildings should never be photographed.
Tea & Coffee
Arabic coffee (qahwa) is served bitter and strong in small cups. Turkish-style coffee with cardamom is common. Tea (chai) is sweet and served constantly. Accepting tea is the Jordanian handshake.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. 10% at restaurants, JOD 1–2 for tour guides, small change for porters. Taxi drivers don't expect tips but rounding up is polite.
