The country sits surrounded by Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Jordan is a landlocked Mid-Eastern country with few natural resources. It lacks water and oil. It depends upon foreign aid. The currency is the Jordanian dinar. It trades under JOD at 100 piastres or fils for 1 dinar.
History
The first coins in
Jordan were Greek issues of silver. These Athenian coins were followed
by others made for Alexander the Great and the Seleucid Kings of Syria.
The first actual coinage came under the Kings of Nabataea in the 1st
century B.C. Of silver and bronze, the currency circulated until around
AD106.
The Romans made their own contribution to the currency.
Controlling the north east of Jordan after 64B.C., they reissued Greek
Imperial bronze coins into the middle of the 3rd century A.D. This held
true for several Roman-held zones, including Decapolis and Esbus. The
entire region also saw an influx of Roman denarii and tetradrachms from
Roman Syria. Eventually, the local mints closed. The most common coin
since the middle of the 3rd century was the base-silver antonianus.
The Byzantines and the Islamic incursion introduced their own coinage. The Byzantine coins came from anywhere but Jordan. The Islamic coins originated in ‘Amman and Gerash. They came from Syria and Egypt.
Jordan fell under the Ottoman Empire. When it folded after WWI, Britain came in to take over control. In 1927, coins came for British Palestine. The situation changed after WWII. In 1946, Emir Abduallah became the ruler. The country became Transjordan then Jordan in 1950. The first coins were issued in 1950.The rate was 100 fils equals 10 dirhems equals 1 dinar. The issuer was the Central Bank of Jordan. The money came from the Royal Mint in London. They carried the Hashemite royal Crown and wreath of wheatears. The inscriptions including state, denomination and date were in Arabic and English. The portrait of King Hussein appeared on currency in 1968.
By 2000, there were 6 series of currency. The nickname for the basis of the currency is “jay-dee” for Jordanian dollar. It comes in coins and banknotes. The coins are ½, 1 qirsh, 2½, 5, 10 piastres and ¼, ½, 1 dinar. The banknotes are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars.
Obtaining Jordanian Dinars
It
is not difficult to obtain Jordanian dinar. You can exchange your own
currency for the local money in banks and bureaux de change. They are
commonly found in Amman, Aquaba and Irbid. Hotels may also be able to
provide you with foreign exchange services. Check the rates in the
local newspapers.
You can locate ATMs in most of the larger towns and throughout Amman. This includes the Queen Alia Airport.
Protecting Your Currency
Most travelers do not experience problems except for petty crime. Downtown Amman is a site for such things as pickpockets and purse snatching. Take the usual precautions regarding safety of your valuables in public places and on your person.
Using Your Jordanian Dinars
The Jordanian dollar is legal tender. Use them for many of your purchases. Shop for souvenirs in Amman. Buy some Dead Sea Bath Salts. Go to the Jordan River Foundation shop and look at the handicrafts. Purchase Bedouin weaving, mats, textiles, embroidery and wall hangings. Petra is a good source for sand bottles.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Do
not wander off the beaten path into restricted areas. There are still
landmines and unexploded munitions within the regions surrounding
military complexes and borders. While some are clearly marked, others
may be in disrepair. Tread softly.
- Do respect in dress and behavior Muslim customs, particularly during Ramadan.
- Women need to exert more caution.
- Go to Amman and see the incredible 6,000-seat Roman amphitheater, Odeon and Citadel. Also visit the ruins of the Umayyad Palace and a Turkish Bath.
- At Jerash, there is Hadrian’s Arch and the Museum of Jordanian Heritage.
- There are the ruins of the Umayyad settlement at Pella.
- At Bethany, you should go see Elijah’s Hill and the Rhotorius Monastery.
- Visit the Dead Sea and the desert castles as well as the oasis town of Azraq
- There is the fortified castle at Karak and the Dara Nature Reserve.
- Go to Petra. This rose-stone city is a must.
Overview
Jordan
is a landlocked country caught in the trap of foreign aid and
neighboring problems. A Middle Eastern country with tourist potential,
it gets lost in the concept of being strife-ridden.
For travel information, see www.visitjordan.com.
Currency Summary
Current currency: dinar
100 piastres or fils equal 1 dinar
Coins: ½, 1 qirsh; 2½, 5, 10 piastres; ¼, ½, 1 dinar
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars