+kallehaugerne Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 We are going to Jordan and want to go geocaching of course. Does anybody have any experiences with driving in Jordan? We want to rent a car. I don't feel safe with other drivers at all (after a car accident) so I guess it's not an opportunity to hire a taxi for a whole day. I wouldn't feel comfortable at all Is it completely madness to be a driver i Jordan ? Quote Link to comment
+Carbon Hunter Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Middle Eastern drivers are in general, a little "wilder", than most US or European drivers - so be prepared to "think" for the other drivers too. They may not make rational decisions according to your mind - e.g. turning in front of you - cutting across lanes on a highway - driving three abreast in urban streets made for 2 or even three cars. Street signs are generally in arabic and english - but be prepared for some signs only being in arabic - or the english names to be spelled phonetically and not looking the same as the map you are following. Not all people speak english - so you may have some probolems getting directions from locals. The road network is actually pretty good to most of the areas - Petra, Aqaba, Wadi rum, Amman, Mt Nebo, Dead Sea etc. - so a sedan car should take you to the bulk of places. Traffic police - although not extremely prevalent - will normally require a spot payment for traffic violations. But according to my Jordanian colleague (note I have not travelled there yet - but plan to soon) driving is very easy for tourists and gives flexibility. There are also "drivers" you can hire for a few days rather than a taxi. enjoy Quote Link to comment
+theplank Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 A friend and I went to Jordan in 2008 for a kind of guided tour for two :-) and we really enjoyed the work the driver did for us! The pros: no hassle at the numerous miltary and police check points along the dead sea and elsewhere, no hassle with finding a petrol pump, no hassle at the hotels with getting a comfortable room or at the ticket offices. Of course you pay for it but you get quite some comfort in return. and the perhaps the most important thing: you can enjoy the car ride itself and enjoy the nicer pubs and restaurants :-) The cons: you pay for it. Maybe you should contact an travel agency experienced in Middle East travels beforehand. Quote Link to comment
+releasethedogs Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 How did your vacation turn out? I am headed to Jordan this summer and would like to know your experiences. Quote Link to comment
+releasethedogs Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I'll share my experience just so everyone knows. Driving in Jordan (out side of the ancient part of Amman) is EASY. The roads are new and well maintained. The drivers better than here in San Diego. If going to Jordan I highly recommend getting a car. Quote Link to comment
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