Petra Travel Forum

I've booked to go to Petra for the weekend of 11 September 2008. I have a few questions:

Is it best to book a transfer in advance to get me from Amman to Petra or can I get one at the airport? I arrive at 9am on the Thursday and depart at 3pm on the Saturday. How much should this cost me each way or return?

Do I need to book the Petra by night tour in advance? Is it worth doing?

I will be travelling by myself. I have heard that women need to be a bit careful in Jordan. Is that true? Coming from Dubai I know to cover up but is there anything else I should do to avoid male attention and be safe?

I just also want to confirm that I should be able to drink water during the day while walking through Petra. I know that it's Ramadan but have been advised that it should be allowed. The hotel has assured me that the restaurants will be open during the day as well. Is anyone able to confirm this to put me at ease?

Many thanks in advance for your answers!

You can take your transfer from the airport to Petra. The taxi there have set prices and you can get to Petra with no problem. I am not sure how much it costs because we drove to petra. But for reference it's 21 JD from the airport to Amman... I think will be more.

Arrive with cash to change at the airport to get Jordanian Dinars. You can do that as soon as you arrive.

You don't have to book the night tour. You can buy it at the ticket office when you arrive. Have in mind that the ticket office closes at 5.30 pm ( I dont know about Ramadan schedule), but you can get in at the time that you want to. I haven't done the night tour, but I was getting out by the time they put the lights. I have heard it's amazing. But you can do one day from very early in teh morning until sunset.. and then go another day just for the night tour.

I went with my husband to Jordan, so I had no issues. I did cover my hair when we were driving somewhere in the dessert roads, just to be careful. But you dont have to cover in most places. Just dont wear sleeveless tops. I met a woman traveling by herself and she didnt have any issues. Petra is very different from Amman, so you will feel very comfortable there.

I haven't been in Jordan during Ramadan, so I have no advice about drinking water in public. I think JOrdanians are very tourist oriented, so I guess you will have no problem. ENjoy your trip! Jordan is faboulus!

Hello Natalie,

I would be glad to answer your inquiries as I am originally from jordan, however i live and work in UAE.

Regarding your trip to Jordan:
Is it best to book a transfer in advance to get me from Amman to Petra or can I get one at the airport? no need to book for this unless you are planning to go through the hotel facilities, otherwise, you can use the public transportation, or the taxis which is available most of the time from early on the morning.

How much should this cost me each way or return? you need around 200-250 JD for this trip which include transportation, entrance fees, food, riding a camel in the petra, and a tour in amman on friday as well :) this is equivelant to 1000-1300 DHS

Do I need to book the Petra by night tour in advance? I did not get it exactly, but you need a full day to visit all petra.

I have heard that women need to be a bit careful in Jordan. Is that true? most of the people are friendly, in general no need to worry in amman or petra... but better to be careful and not to be alone...

is there anything else I should do to avoid male attention and be safe? just cover up in normal way and everything will be fine..

just also want to confirm that I should be able to drink water during the day while walking through Petra? you can drink water, but notice that most of the restaurant ( around 90%) are closed during the day, and all open after the sunset ;)

I really hope if my answers were helpful and in case you need more information or you want to discuss anything in more details, do not hesiate to send me email and i will send you all details, as well as my phone number in UAE in case of needed...

My personal recommendation to postpone your trip to end of september, and better to have someone with you, send me an email and i will tell you all the details ;)

sorry for writting too much

Unfortunately I am leaving for the United States on the same day that will be attended by
i was gana be happy to help you personally and go with you to Petra
i have my family and my friends in Jordan and I know many of them can take you from the airport to Amman, Petra, or providing you with all what you need less than a taxi
But if my desire to go in a taxi must be expected to draw nearly 100 Jordanian dinars in one direction at the very least, where the cost of gasoline Calcutta 50 dinars to go to Petra course, you can go to Amman and then pay 20 dinars to go to Petra and the bus cost 20 dinars, round Trip
You can drink water in tourist places and inside the taxi they would not be adequate in general do, but there are a lot of people drink water in public do not be afraid
Person safety love to tell you that the very security of Jordan
You can correspondent e-mail on personal and I would be happy to help you
abujaish@msn.com