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Voykit pocket guide · Jordan
Umm Qais
Spend one night in Umm Qais to see the ruins and sunset view; day trips from Irbid are possible but overnight gives flexibility.
Umm Qais, the ancient Gadara, offers Roman ruins, a theater and panoramic views over the Sea of Galilee. The site is compact, walkable and best explored at a relaxed pace, so one overnight stay is sufficient.
- Country
- Jordan
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Avoid
- Jul–Aug (very hot)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- JOD
- Money
- Jordanian dinar (JOD) is divided into 1,000 fils (or 100 piastres); one dinar is a high-value note.
- Daily spend
- Budget JD 15–30 excl. bed · Mid JD 30–50 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Zain, Orange and Umniah sell tourist SIMs at Queen Alia arrivals; passport registration is required.
- Emergency
- Police / ambulance / fire 911
- Plugs
- Types C, D, F, G, J · 230 V · 50 Hz · European two-pin plugs fit most sockets; UK three-pin (G) is common in newer hotels. Bring a universal adapter.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: Round up or 5–10% if no service charge; many mid-range places add 10%.; Taxi / Careem: Round up to the next half or whole dinar.; Guide, half day: JOD 5–10 per person.; Driver, full day: JOD 10–20.; Wadi Rum camp staff and jeep driver: JOD 5–10 per group, per day.; Hotel porter: JOD 1 per bag.
- Water
- Treated at source but stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered. Water is scarce — short showers help.
- Toilets
- Western toilets in hotels, malls and restaurants; squat toilets at some bus stations. A hose replaces paper in many places. Petra has toilet blocks along the main trail.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Umm Qais ruins entry | JD 3 (free with Jordan Pass) |
| Guided tour (40 min) | JD 10 |
| Meal at Umm Qais Rest House | JD 5–20 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- AMM · Queen Alia International Airport
- Main international gateway, about 110 km (68 mi) (≈2 h drive) from Umm QaisMain international gateway, about 68 mi (110 km) (≈2 h drive) from Umm Qais
Typical fares
- Minibus Irbid → Umm Qais
- about JD 2–3, 30 min (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walking is the only transport within the site; park the car in the ample lot if arriving by vehicle.
See and do
Known for
- Roman theatre
- Ottoman village museum
- Panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Irbid | Minibus from Irbid, about 30 min; park at Umm Qais site | ≈1 h |
| Jerash | Minibus, about 45 min; combine with Umm Qais in a long day | ≈2 h |
| Ajlun Castle | Minibus, about 1 h from Umm Qais | ≈2 h |
Sleep
- Umm Qais Hotel
- Simple accommodation near the ruins; no price listed.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | عفواًʿafwan |
| Thank you | شكراًshukran |
| How much is it? | كم السعر؟kam al‑siʿr? |
| Where is the toilet? | أين الحمام؟ayna al‑ḥammām? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Salam alaykum or marhaba; handshake between men; wait for a woman to offer her hand; avoid: Kissing or hugging someone of the other sex in greeting
- Hospitality: Accept tea or coffee; eat a little when invited; avoid: Refusing all food and drink outright
- Right hand: Eat, pass things and pay with the right hand; avoid: Using the left hand to offer food
- Feet: Keep soles on the ground when sitting; avoid: Pointing the soles of your feet at people
- Mosques: Covered arms and legs, headscarf for women, shoes off; avoid: Entering during prayer times unless invited
- Dress in town: Long trousers or skirts, shirts with sleeves; avoid: Shorts and swimwear away from resorts
- Photography: Ask first, especially with women and Bedouin families; avoid: Photographing police, soldiers or checkpoints
- Politics: Listen; opinions on Palestine run deep; avoid: Joking about the King or the royal family
Scams and watch-outs
- Site opens 08:00‑19:00; entry JD 3 (free with Jordan Pass).
- Guided tours cost JD 10 for 40 min; check availability.
- Phone +962 7 9671 6796 for site inquiries.
Umm Qais is generally safe for tourists; stay hydrated in summer heat and keep valuables out of sight in parked cars.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Umm Qais yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Roman theatre
- Ottoman village museum
- Panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Umm Qais, revision 3705544 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=3705544
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Umm Qais
إلى هذا العنوان، من فضلك
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Police / ambulance / fire911
US consulate in Amman; check for current details.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/umm-qais). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.