From the stunning Wadi Rum to the captivating Petra and the Dead Sea, Jordan is an adventure like no other! However, before you set off, a little extra preparation is needed when planning your trip to Jordan. Check out the top 5 things you need to do before flying to Jordan to ensure an unforgettable trip!

1.Purchase the Jordan Pass

I'm usually not a fan of tourist passes or cards when travelling abroad, but the Jordan Pass surprised me in a good way. The pass may seem a bit pricey at first, but it covers your entry visa costs and includes a must-visit to Petra. Additionally, it grants you free access to numerous other attractions and provides a discount for the Wadi Rum train ride and the Jesus Baptism site, should they catch your interest.

The Jordan Pass can only be purchased in advance through the official Jordan Pass website, which you can find here. For a comprehensive list of all the places you can visit for free with the Jordan Pass, check out this link. Once you've obtained the pass, be sure to print it out (make two copies, just in case you misplace the first one). Not all sites have mobile scanners yet, so a printed copy is required for entry.

Stay tuned for the complete itinerary of my road trip to Jordan, coming soon! Don't forget to subscribe or follow me on social media for updates!

2.Get an eSIM or purchase a SIM Card at the Airport upon arrival

I mean you could definitely get a few paper maps of Jordan like in the 90s or try and rely on non-existing public Wi-Fi but let's be honest, having a dependable internet connection makes everything so much easier. Ever since my trip to Mexico, I've completely fallen in love with eSIM cards! It's a breeze—just visit their website, purchase the appropriate eSIM card for your destination country, choose the amount of data and validity you would like and voila... You'll receive a QR code via email with a step-by-step guide on how to activate your SIM upon arrival.

However, do keep in mind that not all cell phones are compatible with eSIMs. To ensure compatibility, make sure to check if your phone is listed here before making a purchase.

For a trip to Jordan, I highly recommend either Simoptions or Mobimatter , especially if you're planning to visit Israel as well. These providers offer longer card validity of up to a month if needed.

If eSIM is not an option for your phone or if you prefer a more budget-friendly approach to data while abroad, simply purchase a local SIM card upon landing at the airport. You'll find the relevant stands conveniently located just outside the arrival's terminal. In case you arrive on a late flight, you can also buy a SIM card in Amman city center.

Although eSIMs may be slightly more expensive than traditional SIM cards, I still prefer them. The ability to activate the eSIM upon arrival without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card is a game-changer. Not to mention the language barrier you might encounter when purchasing a physical one! Plus, you'll have your internet connection ready to go the moment you step foot in your destination country. It is also especially convenient if your phone only has one SIM card slot. eSIMs allow you to keep your regular SIM card in place without the need for removal, thanks to the electronic nature of eSIMs.

3.Rent a Car

If you want to make the most of your trip to Jordan, booking a rental car is a must do before visiting Jordan! There are buses that will take you to and from the main attractions, or you could also rent a driver with a car for the entire duration of your stay in Jordan (the second-best option if you don’t drive) but having your own car is a completely different story. Fortunately, roads are in very good condition. The pictures below show the road that leads to the Wadi Rum Desert and the Dead Sea Road, that's what you can expect when it comes to road conditions. Car rental prices in Jordan are quite affordable, even petrol is reasonably priced. However, I strongly advise against driving in Amman, especially during peak hours (which we discovered to be after 6:00 PM until very late at night). Traffic can be chaotic, with few driving rules in place. Amman is for sure one of the busiest cities I have seen in a very long time and there are no driving rules at all (well there are but you know…) so get ready for that! I had read a few blog posts while planning my trip and decided to just pick up our rental car only after leaving Amman and got a taxi to the city instead on arrival (taxi fare from the airport to our hotel in the city center was around 20 JOD, quite reasonable).

For car rental I have recently found some amazon deals on Discovery Cars and Economy Car Rental so be sure to check them out if you're considering renting a car.

For those who don't drive, Jett (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation Company) is an excellent option. Link to the official website here. Jett are local tourist buses which will take you from Amman to Petra in about 3 hours for 10 JOD as well as to other destinations in Jordan. According to other tourists I spoke with, the buses are comfortable and reliable. This option is perfect if you're on a budget and mainly interested in visiting the major attractions of Jordan, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba.

If you are considering a private driver, then I would suggest contacting your hotel in advance and see what they offer. While it may be a bit more expensive, it can provide a similar level of freedom as renting a car. However, my top choice and recommendation for you remains the first... Go ahead and rent a car!

4.Embrace the Art of Bargaining - It's a Must!

As in other countries around the world, you'll quickly realise the importance of bargaining when visiting Jordan. Don’t worry it will become second nature after the first day! One thing you will notice straight away is that most of the small shops you will visit don’t have prices displayed so be prepared for some negotiation. Start by asking for the price and, if you feel it's too high, don't hesitate to suggest a lower, fairer price. With a little back-and-forth, you can often get the item at a more reasonable cost. It's common for shopkeepers to initially quote inflated prices to tourists. Remember you are seen as a walking cash machine!

If you're planning to stay overnight in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, make sure to contact them in advance to discuss activities and prices. Keep in mind that prices might change when it's time to pay (yes it happened to us), so it's a good idea to take screenshots of the previously agreed prices and also schedule of activities. The Bedouins are friendly and accommodating but remember that tourism is their main source of income, and price flexibility is part of their culture. Be kind, explain your concerns (show your written proof of the initially agreed price), and everything will work out fine.

5.For all ladies out there show respect for the local culture and go buy some clothes if needed. Jordan is a Muslim country!

When travelling to a foreign country, it's crucial to prioritise respect for the local culture. I perfectly understand that as a female it may be challenging to adjust to the idea of covering our heads when entering a mosque or refraining from wearing short or sleeveless tops and t-shirts. However, it's important to acknowledge that we are guests in a different country and should embrace and respect the local customs and traditions. Therefore, take a good look at your wardrobe and ensure you have appropriate attire for your trip. Pack some stylish, long summer trousers and modest t-shirts.

Now that you know the 5 things you must do before visit Jordan... Happy travel al!