Jordan

Jordan is a country in the Middle East. The country is not too big and if you are really in hurry you can cross it - even with hitchhiking - from North to South on one day. The roads are not the best, but usually the mainroads between the big cities and the main sights are quite fine. In general it is very easy to hitchhike in Jordan. The people are very friendly, they always try to help out foreigners.

If you are standing next to the street and show some attention to a coming driver most of the times he will already stop for you. You can also just wave to him or point with your forefinger down to the earth. Try to avoid stoping cars with your thumb - it is more sign for prostitutes. But I think the people will understand you anyway. Some drivers stop for you even if they don't go your direction just to say Welcome or to get to know you name, origin and destination. The best way is to stand at a junction outside of the city and point into the direction you want to go.

And if you have ones a ride, some driver wouldn't even let you out until they stopped another car which is going your direction. More and more Jordaniens speak at least a bit English, of course, but not everybody. Some Arabic is never bad - but with the name of a city the most of the people understand you. In the worst - or funniest - case they will give you their phone with some relatives or friends on the other side who have a little more idea of English, French or German.

In a lot of parts of the country, especially in the South there are not even busses or any other public transport (p.e. from the mainroad to Wadi Rum). So hitchhiking is sometimes even for the local people to get around. Most of the times the drivers expect you to pay. In the cities there are also a lot of privat people trying to make taxi business with you. If you really don't want to spend money for your ride - and it is possible! - stay strong. "No money" understands everybody. Just make it sure when you get into the car. If it is to hard to get out of the town walk it, a taxi driver will try to bring you all the way to your destination; it is very common to go by taxi long distance - but not necessary in this paradies of hitchhiking!

Safety
In general the Jordaniens are very friendly, helpful and respectful to foreigners. Just make sure it is clear where you want to go and what they can expect from you. But I had never bad experiences. Most of the time they even offer you money or invite you to their family for dinner. There are many checkpoints where sometimes your ID will be checked. If you only hold an Israeli passport it's probably not a good idea to hitchhike at night.

Get in
Visas are obtainable at land borders. Usually you get a visa for one months. You will have to say, what are you planning to do and what is the first place where you are staying. If you want to stay longer you can extend it in any police station. For more information contact your embassy or research in the internet. People from Arab countries don't need a visa.

Cities

 * Amman
 * Jerash
 * Irbid
 * Petra
 * Ramtha
 * Wadi Rum

Locations

 * Dead Sea (Jordan)

Border crossings
There are 2 border crossings to Israel and one to Palestinian Territory. There are also land crossings to Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Aqaba Border Crossing to and from Israel To get to the Border Crossing in Aqaba it is quite hard. Either you have a map and try to find it walking. It is at least 5 km from the mainroad. Best way is to take a taxi from downtown. Don't pay more than 3-5 denar. On the Israeli side it is just 2 km to the mainroad between Eilat (another 5 km) and Jerusalem (300 km) and the Dead Sea (250 km)

Jordan River Border Crossing to and from Israel You won't be allowed to cross this border crossing walking. Maybe you are lucky and you can discuss with the soldiers but I wouldn't be sure. Usually there are busses just for crossing the river which marks the border between Jordan and Israel. On both sides it is just 2.5 km to the mainroad (Jordanien side) or the next village (Israeli side) from where you will be able to get a ride.

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