- If you are crossing the border from Israel, be prepared to pay an exit tax which is cheaper if you pay in groups so you could ask to pair up with someone else in the queue like I did.
- To cross the Jordan Valley and go to Amman (which is approximately a two-hour journey) it is worth booking a taxi in advance to avoid waiting long periods of time and risk not finding a taxi.
- Ask if you need wifi in Jordan just ask! Jordanians were very happy to share their wifi hotspots as there are some great data deals out there.
- Uber is seen as ‘illegal’, I’m not sure if it actually is so just mindful of local taxi drivers who feel their livelihoods are under threat by uber businesses.
- Tip your driver, for example, I used the same driver for Wadi Musa and Wadi Rum, these are hours apart but he stayed overnight and bought food etc..
- If going from Amman to Petra check the bus times! I found there was only one early morning bus and I needed my passport number to book a seat.
- Petra room only had one power socket so carrying an extension cable is a good idea.
- It’s easy to get an upset stomach in Jordan, so be careful of where you eat. It is best to ask the locals for recommendations.
- The Cash point wouldn’t allow large transactions on the same day so it may be worth exchanging money at the airport or in advance.
- Do not say anything negative about the King Abdullah of Jordan or the monarchy it could get you in trouble! I had a few slaps on the wrist for asking probing questions, I quickly picked up on the vibe that it was not acceptable to do so.
Lessons Learnt from Bedouin Life and Jordanians
- This lifestyle is a choice and Bedouins are very worldly people as they have a lot of foreign visitors come to Jordan, they are very well educated about world issues.
- I adored the simplicity of the Bedouin life – no bank accounts, good simple food, and appreciation all the simple things in life.
- One thing I really liked was that the Bedouins I spent time with ate in moderation even though they were very active so they could stay in good shape. Despite the delicious food, there was no overindulging.
- Bedouins face their fears and live taking risks, I loved this mentality.
- Be mindful you are entering Bedouin homes and personal spaces when you are in Petra and Wadi Rum.
- The refugee movement from neighboring countries – Palestine, Iraq and Syria affects Jordanians by raising their taxes.
- Many Jordanians go to Ukraine to study and can speak Ukrainian.
- Every taxi driver I met had a medical degree, the population is highly educated, but there is a shortage of high-level jobs.
I urge you to visit India . Its got more diversities than you can imagine