Q: Does the Jordan Pass really waive my tourist visa fee, and for how long is it valid?
A: Yes — if you buy the Jordan Pass online before arrival and stay in Jordan for at least three nights (four days), the single-entry tourist visa fee (about 40 JOD) is waived at the airport. Without that stay, you pay the 40 JOD visa. The Pass stays valid for one month from the first attraction you scan.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a private driver in Jordan, and is it worth it?
A: It is one of the most discussed topics in the forum. A private, English-speaking driver typically costs about 130–150 JOD per day for driver-only service, while a full loop from Amman through the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and back can run about 270–300 JOD. Most travellers say it is worth it for families and solo travellers.
Q: Is visiting Jordan in January or December too cold?
A: Not really — travellers confirm it is perfectly fine, just colder. Petra can feel very cold early morning and after sunset, so pack warm layers; daytime highs in Amman sit around 8–14°C. Winter is a genuinely pleasant, low-crowd time to travel to Jordan.
Q: How many days should I spend at Petra, and is Petra by Night worth it?
A: Forum veterans almost always recommend at least 1.5–2 days at Petra; there is more to see than most people expect. Petra by Night is widely described as magical but weather and crowd dependent — check the schedule and decide after your first day.
Q: How should I structure a first-time itinerary in Jordan?
A: The classic forum-approved route is: Amman (with Jerash and Ajloun day trips), down the King's Highway, then Petra, a full day and night in Wadi Rum, and finished at the Dead Sea. If finishing at Petra, note the JETT bus to Amman leaves once daily at about 17:00 and costs about 18 JOD.
Q: Should I self-drive or hire a driver?
A: Both work. Several forum travellers successfully drove themselves from the airport to Petra and Wadi Rum, while many others hired a private driver for at least part of the trip. If you drive, stay alert and use a 4x4 on desert tracks; a driver adds local knowledge and removes navigation stress.
Q: How much cash should I carry, for example at Petra or in the desert?
A: Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but cash is king at small stalls, Petra and Wadi Rum, and for drivers and guides. Carry a mix, with small dinar notes; plenty of Tom ATMs (Al-Itihad) are available in towns, and roughly 30–50 JOD covers entry extras, lunch, tips and small purchases for a day.
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