hulio

My friend and I are planning an 8 day tour of Jordan in April. We are flying in and out of Amman. We are trying to decide if we should hire a driver or rent a car ourselves.
A) If we hire a driver, should we pre arrange someone for the entire trip, or just book at the hotels as we go?

B) We are 2 females who currently live in the Middle East so we understand the culture, but is it advisable to drive on our own? We want to be relatively flexible with the itinerary. Any suggestions for reputable car agencies.

colduphere

We used Monte Carlo. They were fine but I am happy we had our hotel owner to help us when we had a problem with some rock throwers. You can read the story towards the end of our trip report (click on my name).

I would ask a lot of questions next time about exactly what insurance will cover in the case of damage or vandalism.

sandi

If you have your hotel in AMM set, contact them for name of the car agency they use for rates. Also inquire of any other possible car services. Compare. And do ask for references, preferable with phone # so you can speak with them.

From previous reports here on Fodor's seems it's easy enough to get around Jordan (with proper map and/or GPS), but only you can decide how comfortable you'll be doing so alone even if you're familiar with the culture... always personal. I for sure do so in England, France or similar, but when we were in Jordan (though a short visit), we (also 2/females... familiar with customs) used pre-arranged driver/guides thru our hotel and very satisfied.

hulio

Thanks! @sandi Did you hire a different driver for the different legs of your trip, or did you have someone with you the entire time?

sandi

We had separate driver/vehicles - one to head south to Petra and sights along the way; another going north of AMM and within. At each we hired a guide (small fees) to visit/explore the sites. As mentioned, our visit was short (2/days only... incl hotel w/ breakfast, all entry fees and lunch each day) on the way to Egypt.

We used the Jordanian Tourism office that was located at the airport hotel... nothing fancy but room was clean and plenty of hot water, great staff (if the office is still there nowadays). What the situation is currently, can't say... you've gotta inquire.

There are lots of tour operators who specialize in Jordan whom I'm sure can also assist with guide/vehicle or advise on rental if you want to go that route.

Don't hesitate doing a 'search' on this forum for trip reports or other details about those who have visited Jordan, some that include info re self-drive. Good luck!

Eyad

hulio..when do u plan to visit jordan . check my profile
https://www.facebook.com/EyadQurneh