travel money jordan

What is the currency of Jordan and helpful Tips about Money in Jordan

If you are planning a trip to Jordan, you are likely wondering about the currency in Jordan. You will find everything you need to know in this post. Jordan can be a surprisingly expensive country, depending on where you come from. It is definitely a lot more expensive than its neighbors Egypt and Turkey.

The Jordanian Dinar is the Official Currency in Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It is often abbreviated as JD and even locals doing business will often quote prices in “JD” such as “three JDs” when they are talking prices.

Cash in Jordan is Widely Used

While credit cards can be used in most hotels and restaurants, cash is still the most widely used tender in Jordan. There are ATM’s all over the country, so you do not need to come with all of the cash you need. You do not need to come with any cash at all (I never do). Grab some cash at an ATM at the airport on arrival and you are set for a few days! Cash is best for small purchases (there are lots of roadside coffee shops you will want cash for) but more and more retaillers are accepting credit cards.

Souvenir shops typically have credit and debit machines for larger purchases. (Read below about choosing “local currency” when you use these machines.)

Currency Exchanges are Common in Major Cities

You can exchange cash in Amman, there are plenty of currency exchange places. Major hotels will also exchange major currencies (USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD) but check in advance as some do not always have enough cash on hand. Ensure you do this before you visit Petra or Wadi Rum if you do bring cash from home.

Keep Small Bills

Keep small bills as much as possible. Whether it is a roadside coffee shop or a washroom attendant, you will be happy to have small bills and coins. Spend those coins before you go home (or keep them as a souvenir).

Tipping is part of the culture in Jordan.

When it comes to travel in Jordan, tipping is part of the culture. Typically tours will give you guidelines for tipping your guide and driver. When it comes to tipping here are a few tips.

Taxi Drivers: Round up to the nearest Dinar

Restaurants: up to 10% is appreciated.

Washroom attendants: one-half dinar is appreciated.

Horses In Petra: Negotiate the tip before you get on. The ride is free but you are expected to tip. JD5 is enough.

Donkeys in Petra: Pay the negotiated rate. No tip is needed.

Guides: 5-10 JD for a day tour per person.

Drivers: 5 JD for the day (also for Wadi Rum)

Always choose “local currency” when paying with Credit Cards

It is becoming more and more common for credit card machines to offer you the option to pay in your home currency. Although it will show you exactly how much you will be charged, I highly suggest that you do not select this option. On the bottom of the receipt, it will declare that the merchant machine is taking a commission amount for allowing you to pay in your home currency. It is often over 5%. Most credit cards will only take 1% and some even have no foreign currency transaction fees. 

Every time that I have checked my statement after paying in the local currency it has been less than the amount that the credit card terminal had wanted me to pay if I chose my home currency option.

Overwhelmed with Planning a trip to Jordan?

Want to skip all of the planning and access my detailed Jordan Itinerary and Guide? I have been to Jordan several times and after being asked again and again for suggestions, not only did I build this website but I created an interactive PDF guide to help you plan the best trip to Jordan! It includes an interactive map, multiple itineraries for up to 10 days and as little as three days and plenty of practical information about renting a car and driving in Jordan. Get the guide by clicking the button below. 

FAQ about Money in Jordan

Yes you can in souvenir shops, as well as for tips. Try to avoid USD1 bills however. Locals sometimes have issues cashing these. Never give USD coins (or any coins other than local currency)

Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

$1 USD will get you JOD 0.70. You need $1.41 for JOD 1.00 The Jordanian Dinar is tied to the USD. This exchange rate rarely changes.

No, you can pay by credit card. You can also get cash out at the ATM at the airport before you get to customs if you prefer to pay in cash. You must pay in Jordanian Dinars, not any other currency.

Lindsay fell in love with Jordan when she first visited in 2016. She now goes back every year to explore more of this special place. Lindsay is also the owner of Amman Food Tours , a social enterprise that is women-owned and hires local female guides. This project provides meaningful employment for women in Amman.

Is Jordan Expensive? A Detailed 10-Day Budget Breakdown

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan and wonder: is Jordan expensive? Then the answer is: Yes. Traveling Jordan on a budget is not easy and the country is much more expensive than other places in the region.

But how expensive is Jordan then really ? And what can you expect to pay on a trip to the Kingdom of Jordan? I gathered all the data from personal experience and can give you the answers!

My trip to Jordan and my Jordan travel costs

I traveled as a solo female traveler to Jordan and I’m used to the price levels in Europe. I paid for everything in full myself and was not sponsored or compensated for this trip, except for my final stay in Aqaba.

My travel to Jordan and this article are from pre-Corona times. Inflation has hit since then and the prices mentioned should be used as a base guideline for average Jordan travel costs and spending when you travel to Jordan as a tourist.

Update for October 2023 , 10 Jordanian Dinars is 14 US Dollars or €13 or GBP 11,50.

This post contains affiliate links, if you decide to buy something via one of my links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional fee for you .

Is Jordan Expensive? A Detailed Budget Breakdown for 10 Days in Jordan

Prices in Jordan

In order to provide you with a clear idea about the prices in Jordan and to see how expensive Jordan really is, I walk you through the money I’ve spent on my 10-day trip to Jordan.

After this, I provide you with my practical solutions to travel to Jordan on a budget.

Read more: My 10-day Jordan Itinerary

Prices to fly to Jordan

I found a direct flight on Royal Jordanian Air to Amman, the capital of Jordan. In my opinion, it wasn’t cheap but it was a direct flight and something appealed to me about flying on a Royal airline.

I paid €539 for a direct flight from Amsterdam to Amman and from Aqaba to Amman and Amman to Amsterdam.

Low-cost Airlines to Jordan

It was only after I booked my flight, that I found that low-cost airline Ryanair also flies to Amman and Aqaba. I’ve only used Ryanair for European flights of a maximum of 2 hours and they are the worst.

Small spaces and you pay for literally everything. Extra luggage fees, printing a boarding card, drinks, etc. I’m pretty used to them but if you’ve never flown with them before, it is quite a different experience. 

However, they do offer rock-bottom prices (think €30) for a single flight. Of course, you need to pay for luggage, but if you’re smart, can plan ahead, and want to save some serious money on your flight to Jordan, then they would be the ultimate budget tip.

Dutch carrier, Transavia, also now flies direct from Amsterdam to Amman. A simple return ticket booked 3 months in advance will cost you roughly €180. That is seriously cheaper than my flight on Royal Jordanian! Check for prices and availability with Transavia here .

If Ryanair or Transavia isn’t an option for you, you can always compare prices for plane tickets to Jordan on several flight comparison websites.

Cheap holidays to Jordan

If you want to visit Jordan but don’t want the hassle of finding the cheapest flights and arranging your hotels and transport yourself, you could opt in for a holiday package to Jordan.

A vacation to Jordan always sounds like a good idea, so why not take advantage of the super-saver packages that some holiday companies offer? Flights, hotels, and transfers are all included in one price. For prices and comparison, check here .

Prices for hotels in Jordan

Now, let’s assume you’re reading this because you want to arrange your trip to Jordan yourself (and save some money!) and you want to travel around the country as I did. 

As with all travel, the cost of accommodation usually adds up quickly and takes a huge chunk out of your travel budget. 

I stayed in several different places in Jordan and found some nice hotels to stay in. I stayed in Amman, Petra village, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba.

After searching online, I found affordable accommodations with a social vibe to meet other travelers in Amman and have some privacy and luxury for myself.

I booked the following places and paid the following prices for hotels in Jordan:

Where I stayed in Jordan and how much did I pay?

(prices may vary depending on demand, click the link of the hotels to see if they have availability)

• 4 nights in Jordan Tower Hotel in Amman : 145 JD (so 36 JD per night) This hostel has shared dorm rooms, but I opted for one of the few private rooms with an ensuite bathroom. No luxury and pretty basic, but with a great breakfast, an excellent location, and especially: very low budget. Dorm rooms go as cheap as 14JOD per night (20$ or €20)
• 2 nights in Wadi Musa to visit Petra at Anbat Midtown Hotel II : 95 JD (47,25 JD per night). I upgraded to a better hotel downtown for more privacy and a good bed as I figured I’d be tired from exploring Petra all day. They offer a shuttle service to Petra in the morning and have a top-floor area to drink tea all day. They are centrally located in Wadi Musa so I felt safe walking around town at night.
• 1 night in Wadi Rum desert camp : tour and overnight stay: 80JD I didn’t book this ahead and just chose a camp randomly. From what I saw, it was pretty standard compared with the other camps, a tent for myself with 4 beds, in the desert and excellently cooked food for dinner and breakfast.
• 3 nights at Mövenpick Luxury Resort and Spa in Talaba Aqaba . This was a sponsored stay as they invited me to stay with them. I accepted as I wanted some luxury and laziness at the end of my trip to Jordan. Expect to pay 200€ per room. If that is a bit steep, there are several more affordable options out there that offer nice private rooms, a pool, direct access to the best diving sites in Jordan, and shuttle services. Expect to pay 200€ for 3 nights in more ‘basic’ accommodation. Find your best options here .

Jordan budget tours and where to find them?

Now that we discussed flights into the country and a place to stay in Jordan, let’s talk about the things to do in Jordan and what they will cost!

The Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is a tourist card, issued by the Jordan government, and it is a visa and entrance ticket in one.

Check if you need a visa to enter Jordan here . The price of your Jordan visa is 40 JD which needs to be paid on arrival if you don’t have the Jordan Pass ($56, €56, or GBP49).

A Jordan Pass can be bought for 70 JD, 75 JD, or 80 JD, depending on the pass and your needs.

Included in the Jordan Pass:

• your visa fee (rules apply, so read up), 
• an entrance ticket to Petra for 1, 2 or 3 days 
• the entrance to over 40 Jordan sites and museums

Is the Jordan Pass worth it?

Almost all travelers need a visa to enter Jordan. If you wish to visit the secret pink city of Petra, you need to pay the 50JD entrance for one day. It is 55JD for 2 days, 60JD for 3 days. (55 JD is $77, €74, or GBP 64 but you can stay all day! It’s only a few bucks for that extra day).

So if you travel to Jordan for more than 3 days, need a visa, and want to visit Petra, then you’ll pay 100 JD without the Jordan Pass.

Does that answer your question?

Yes, the Jordan Pass is worth it and it will save you money. Not only can you skip the long immigration line at the airport, but you also have your Petra entrance ticket in hand and can enter nearly all the tourist sites in Jordan for free .

The only thing is, that buying a Jordan Pass is a bit of a hassle. The website is often not responding, and the payment can only be done with certain credit cards. If things fail, try again, because the Jordan Pass saves you time and money.

Price for tours in Jordan

In Amman, I didn’t do any tours but I explored on my own. I walked around and took a taxi when needed. The entrance fee to the Amman Amphitheatre, Museums, and Citadel of Amman was included in my Jordan Pass.

Day Trip from Amman to Jerash and North Jordan: 25 JD 

This was a great tour. We visited the ruins of Jerash early in the morning, climbed the castle of Ajloun, and drove along the border to Umm Qais Roman Ruins of Gadara. It was a long day and we learned a lot from our driver.

It wasn’t a guided tour but more a shared taxi ride with a local. We visited the different sites on our own and met up in the car to go to the next stop. Entrance fees, lunch, and tips were not included. 

If you do wish to book a full-day trip, including a certified guide, book here .

Alternatively, Jerash can be easily visited with local transport for a few JD. It will be difficult also to include Ajloun and Umm Qais Ruins in one day.

Day Trip from Amman to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Dead Sea and Mount Nebo: 35 JD

I booked this tour via my hotel and was excited because I liked the day trip to Jerash so much the day before. The driver was the same, but our group was different. And the sites we visited were obviously different too.

Bethany beyond the Jordan is the baptism site of Jesus and you can visit it for a whopping 12JD entrance fee. I was not aware of that but as I was there, I signed up. (You pay less if you have Jordanian nationality or the nationality of an Arab League country)

You can buy your Jordan Pass with the entrance to Bethany included for a discounted fee.

Budget tour to the Dead Sea

After this, we continued to one of the hotels at the Dead Sea, where you need to pay another 15 JD to get access to the pools and the beach for the day. We stayed for an hour or so. There are other hotels around, but they all charge roughly 20 JD to use their facilities.

After this, we visited Mt. Nebo and I liked it. The views were spectacular from the top. The entrance to Mount Nebo is not included in the Jordan Pass. You need to pay 3JD to access the Mozes Church and the best views of the Dead Sea and Jordan and Israel.

It was a packed day, so when we arrived in Madaba, we had lunch at a small diner opposite the Madaba church. For 1 JD you can see the mosaics at the Madaba Church.

Do the fun part of the tour, Mount Nebo and Madaba. Book your tour here .

Tour from Amman by King’s Highway to Wadi Musa: 35 JD 

This was a shared ‘tour’ from the hotel in Amman. We got in the car with a driver that would bring us (3 people) from Amman to Wadi Musa (Petra) and stop along the King’s Highway at several sites, viewing points, and lunch.

We did not get guided information, but the driver spoke quite good English so we learned about his family, his life, and some background information.

It wasn’t a traditional guided tour but worked perfectly for me. Entrance fees, lunch, and gratitude are not included.

I highly recommend this tour if you need to travel from Amman to Petra and want to see something along this route. 

Tour guide in Petra: 50 JD

My worst experience in Jordan. I went to the official guide booth in Petra and figured a guide on my first day would help me understand the background of Petra and learn a lot. It was supposed to last for 3 hours and cover the main sites in Petra.

However, after 1 hour of awkward silence, me asking questions that he would answer ‘later’ and almost running through Petra, arms flapping: this is there, go check it out later, we said goodbye.

At the time I was ok with this, but looking back it made me mad that he didn’t do his job properly.

I talked with other travelers and bloggers, and they absolutely loved their guide, so I guess I was just unlucky that we didn’t ‘click’. It can happen of course.

Petra by Night: 17 JD

I timed my visit to Petra, so I could see Petra by Night, as it only runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. It costs 17 Jordanian Dinars and you need to book (and pay) at the visitor center.

Although I booked a ticket, the tour was canceled because of the rain that night which was a prelude to the intense flooding of 2018 .

If you don’t feel like going to the visitor center to pre-book your ticket and arrange taxis to and from Petra yourself, you can book an all-inclusive tour of Petra at night, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Check rates and detailed information, here .

The post continues below this image.

Tour of Wadi Rum desert and overnight camp: 80 JD

This tour I arranged on the spot. I didn’t find the guide too knowledgeable and he questioned me more about how I thought he could improve his business than to learn me stuff about the desert.

But we did tour around Wadi Rum all day. We visited several sites, stops, watering holes, and amazing scenery. 

In the evening, he dropped me off at a camp of his cousin to stay for the night. They cooked up a storm of amazing and delicious foods and I slept like a baby in their desert camp. My experience in the camp was really good, but with the day tour not so good, so I can’t recommend anyone.

However , if you do anything at all in Jordan, then it must be a Wadi Rum desert tour, so even though the tour wasn’t great, the scenery and silence, and beauty of nature make up for it 10-fold.

Book your Wadi Rum Tour here.

Transport costs in Jordan

In the 10 days in Jordan, I took a few taxis, took some tours to meet other solo travelers, and took 1 local bus. All in all, I found transport in Jordan quite affordable but not very comfortable.

The bus between Wadi Musa from Petra to Wadi Rum was cramped and went very early in the morning. If you’re with more people, you can share the cost of a taxi, car rental, or tour.

• Taxi from Amman Airport to Amman downtown: 27 JD. I arranged it via my hotel in Amman but you can also book a taxi in advance here .
• Taxi in Amman: roughly 3 to 5JD but it takes some negotiating.  Expect prices to have increased in the last couple of years.
• Group taxi for a whole day tour of North Jordan including Jerash: 25 JD (see above)
• A shared, whole-day tour of the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo: 35 JD (see above)
• Shared tour of the King’s Highway from Amman to Petra: 35JD (see above)
• Taxi from Petra to Wadi Musa: 5 JD on average. Sometimes a local will pick you up in town and drive you to Petra from 2-3 JD but with a few extra “thank you” Dinars, the average is 5 JD.
• Bus from Wadi Musa (Petra) to Wadi Rum: 8 JD. If you have a bigger bag, you need to pay an extra 2 JD.
• Taxi from Wadi Rum to Aqaba: 25 JD. Expect prices to have increased in the last couple of years.
• Taxi from Aqaba to Aqaba Airport: quoted 35 USD but in the end, a free shuttle service was provided by the hotel.

Free shuttle services

Many hotels offer all kinds of taxi services. Almost all hotels in Amman ask for a set rate for the taxi fare from Amman airport to their hotel.

But, the hotel in Talabay Aqaba, offered a free shuttle service from their hotel to the hotel in downtown Aqaba. And a free shuttle service to Aqaba Airport. As I was first quoted a whopping 35 USD for a taxi, on my 3rd inquiry, someone at the reception confirmed there was a shuttle bus.

My hotel in Wadi Musa also offered free shuttle buses in the morning from the hotel to the Petra entrance. Unfortunately, they didn’t do the ride back into town, but nevertheless, I found it a nice service in the morning.

Budget car rental in Jordan

After my successful road trip in Lebanon , I looked back on my trip and wondered why I didn’t rent a car in Jordan.

Ok, I have to admit, the traffic in Amman was crazy and I wouldn’t want to drive in the hectic traffic of the capital city, but outside of Amman, the roads are very straightforward, traffic is minimal and a rental car gives you ample freedom to drive to the Dead Sea, take the King’s Highway or hop in and out of smaller towns.

Find the best car rental companies at Amman Airport here .

Costs for food and drinks in Jordan

You can dine like a king or eat small street food and fairly basic meals in Jordan. As with all destinations, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Because I can only share my own experiences, here is what I spent on average on food and drinks in Jordan ( Expect prices to have increased in the last couple of years ):

• Bottle of water in hotels and markets: 0,5 JD to 1 JD
• Drinks at small cafés, like a bottle of Sprite or fresh juice: 2 JD to 2,5 JD
• Best Falafel in Amman : 2,5 JD for Falafel and Coke
• Small dinner: stew and fresh juice: 10 JD
• Lunch in a café, consisting of a steak sandwich and fresh juice: 6JD
• Lunch in a restaurant, 2 courses and drinks: 14 JD
• Dinner in a restaurant, kibbeh, mansaf, fresh juice, and soft drinks: 20 JD
• Bottle of Coke and a can of crisps in Petra: 5,50 JD
• Shawarma to go: 2,50 JD
• Dinner in a restaurant, camel kebab with drinks: 22 JD
• Western-style lunches with drinks at the hotel: 20 JD

As you can see, I fancy sit-down dinners at local restaurants, ordering the local specialty and I had shawarma to go (which was equally yummy). Although I spend very little on food and drinks in Jordan, the above amounts are only an indication of what your money can buy.

I didn’t take any beer or other forms of alcohol consumption. Partly because I didn’t need it and because it was usually around 5 to 7 JD, depending on the restaurant or hotel bar.

Of course, you can always opt for a food tour or cooking with locals experience by booking this tour .

Tipping in Jordan

To tip or not to tip, that is the question. Although Jordan is not a cheap country to travel in, the people working in Jordan, especially in the service industry earn very low wages.

Some are locals, some are immigrants from neighboring countries (like Palestine and Syria) and in hotels, you’ll mostly see people from other parts of Asia, like the Philippines.

I’m from the Netherlands, and tipping is not common in my country. If you’re from the USA and always tip 20%, feel free to continue this habit when you visit Jordan.

If tipping is not ingrained in your DNA (like with me) then the following will not get you in trouble and still make someone happy.

How much to tip in Jordan?

Small amounts like drinks, coffee, and shawarma to go: feel free to round that 2.50 JD to 3 JD. In fancier places with AC, a paper bill, and someone to bring your order to the table, then 1-2 JD will suffice.

If you’ve booked a taxi driver, for example for airport transfers, and you established a set rate, just tip a few JD for gratitude service.

A service charge may be added to your bill but this doesn’t mean it goes directly to the person serving you.

If you hire a driver for a whole day, he provides you with excellent service, and local knowledge and introduces you for tea to their mother/brother/sister/uncle/3rd cousin, etc., then feel free to tip 20 or even 30 % for the service, depending on the overall price of the tour.

If you stay in fancier hotels, with bellboys, table service, and swan-origami-towel-art skilled maids, then a few JD each time would suffice. I always prioritize the maids on my first night in and hope they will remember me. 

Do I need to tip in Jordan?

But remember, although tipping in Jordan is very much appreciated by the workers providing you with a service, Jordanians are very welcoming and friendly as a whole. They will not treat you badly if you don’t tip or tip very little.

Each tip is appreciated and you have to evaluate if you’ll be tipping in Jordan and how much, depending on your personal finances.

How to get money in Jordan?

Now that you all know how much I spent in Jordan and what I spent it on, let’s discuss how I got those Jordanian Dinars in the first place. In other words: how to get money in Jordan and what is the best way to pay in Jordan?

I had quite some problems getting Jordanian Dinars in Jordan. I took my  2 bank cards and 2 credit cards (Amex and Mastercard), I had some Euros on me and I had 200$ with me. 

Credit Cards in Jordan

I could only buy the Jordan Pass via a friend’s Visa card, as both my credit cards had problems with authentication. As a backup, I took some Euros and US Dollars with me, but in the end, they were my lifeline.

I tried paying with a credit card at the hotels in Jordan, as I booked my stays online via booking.com but most of them didn’t accept it. I guess, the smaller and more budget the guesthouse the less common a credit card is.

I’m sure if you stay at the Four Seasons in Amman , they’ll happily take your card.

I paid for my SIM card at the airport with my credit card, all other payments were cash only. On my first few days in Amman, I wasn’t able to use my bank card at one of the ATMs in town.

Finally, I found one that accepted my Mastercard credit card and could take out some money.

Paying in Jordanian Dinars in Jordan

I converted my Euros and Dollars to have at least some money. By the time I got to Petra, I was out of cash. I tried all 4 banks in town, with all of my 4 cards (2 debit cards and 2 credit cards) but none would take it.

In the end, a man in the local tour office saw me in despair and charged my credit card so he could pay me back in Jordanian Dinars.

Until this day, I still don’t know why I was so unfortunate. My tip would be to have several payment options, cash, credit card, and bank card, and take any opportunity to take out as much money as you think you’d need for the whole stay.

The preferred money to convert is US Dollars but Euros also have a good rate.

• The Lonely Planet Jordan Guidebook is a good guide for information and practical travel tips. Purchase your copy here .
• Book your hotels in Jordan via Booking.com or Hotels.com
• Book your direct flights to Amman, Jordan here
• Book your tours and activities direct with GetYourGuide or Viator
• Travel in style with your Travel Themed Passport cover! I absolutely love these !
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel in Jordan. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Jordan on a budget: backpacker tips

I think you get the point that Jordan is quite expensive for tourists and it is hard when you travel the country on a budget and backpacker style. I traveled solo and wanted a little bit more luxury, but here are my tips for traveling Jordan on a tight budget. 

• Buddy up . Solo travel allows for infinite ranges of freedom but is also more expensive. If you take a taxi, the rate is the same for 1 person or 2 people. If you’re with a group of 4, you can negotiate better prices for tours and trips.
• Sleep in a dorm room . Jordan has quite a good range of shared hostel-style accommodations to meet other solo travelers, hang out, and have a cheap place to sleep. Find your hostel here .
• You can book a tour, rent a car or share a taxi, but you can also travel by local transport . It takes longer and you cannot do as much in one day, but you’ll meet a lot of locals and explore the country on a budget.
• Get a Jordan Pass . If you need a visa, want to visit Petra, and have free entrance to almost all the other sites, museums, and interesting places in Jordan, the Jordan Pass is your ticket.
• Eat local food . Small kebab shops, shawarma, and falafel are your best friends. For a few JDs, you can have a fulfilling meal for the day.
• For such a small country, the Lonely Planet Jordan Guidebook is quite elaborate and full of tips for cheap eats and hostel reviews. Purchase your copy here .
• Buy your drinks at shops and supermarkets instead of cafés and kiosks near tourist sites. A 2L bottle of water costs 0,50 JD at the market in Wadi Masa but 2,5 JD at the shops next to Petra.
• Look for low-budget airlines to fly to Jordan. There are now several options and it pays out to compare flights.

How expensive is Jordan for tourists: the grand total

Now, let’s add things up and put everything in a spreadsheet. I listed above what I spend on different expenses and what I got for it, but let’s add things up and see how expensive Jordan really is:

• Flight from Amsterdam to Amman and Aqaba to Amman and Amsterdam: €539 (JOD 383, $540 or £475)
• 9 nights accommodation: 240 JD ($338 US, €337 or £297)
• 10 nights of food and drinks: 136 JD ($192 US, €191 or £168)
• 10 days of tours and entrance fees, incl. Jordan Pass: 317 JD ($447, €445 or £392), this includes the 1-night stay in Wadi Rum.
• Other transport: 82 JD ($115 US, €115 or £101)
• Other, like tipping, SIM card, and souvenirs: 86 JD ($122 US, €121 or £106)

In total, I spent 1.290 JD ($1,819 US, €1.814 or £1.599) for 10 days in Jordan.  (Conversion into US dollars, Euros and GBP as per current exchange rates, below image is from 2019)

That is a lot of money if you take into account that I was really careful, chose cheaper accommodation, got 3 nights for free and ate cheap food as much as I could.

I couldn’t do a balloon ride over Wadi Rum, I didn’t do the expensive Dead Sea Spa treatment and took cheaper shared taxi tours instead of tours with a guide.

I also didn’t do any diving courses at the Red Sea which adds up to your spending.

Is Jordan expensive?

So, yes, I cannot conclude anything else than that Jordan is expensive, especially for tourists. Of course, ⅓ of my trip’s total budget consisted of the flights and I took quite a few tours where I could have taken local transport. 

However, Jordan is a small country and many people only visit for a week or 10 days, as I did. In such a short time, you want to see as much as possible, experience a variety of activities, and enjoy yourself.

If I had booked the way cheaper flight with Ryanair and stayed in shared dorm rooms I think I could have easily reduced my costs by 40% and still have had the same experiences as I did now. 

So to conclude, yes, Jordan is expensive for my travel style, but you can travel on a tight budget if you want to. If penny-pinching is your middle name and privacy and comfort are negligible to you then Jordan can be done on a backpacker budget.

• 5 Stunning Roman Ruins in Jordan worth your visit
• 21 Things I didn’t Expect about Travel in Jordan
• 11 Perfect Excuses Why You Deserve an Aqaba Holiday in Jordan
• The King’s Highway Jordan: Scenic Road Trip from Amman to Petra
• 10-day Jordan Itinerary
• Jordan Travel Budget breakdown

Are you thinking of traveling to Jordan? What is your budget? Were you surprised by the price level of this small Middle Eastern country? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with your friends on social media.

Author: Naomi

Hi could i you put please help? Where was the atm that allowed you to use Mastercard. I have someone with the same problem now and he has no money at all?

It was a problem for me too. I eventually went into a tourist office and they charged my card and gave me the money.

One fault is that you don’t provide a date at the top of your page. Yes, you are very very informative, but the only way to find out when you typed this is by going to the comment section (which is still difficult as the site rounds off the date. Today I’ve had to add $10 (Canadian) to your finds. ouch

I’m in a slightly better place. My flight cost little. My food will be one big meal midday. And I hope I can haggle as I have in Egypt and Israel (I’ve been taught well in Montreal).

So thank you for the research. Perhaps update it for us new arrivals. And put a date on when and if you do.

Thank you Dane.

Thank you. That was very informative. We go with Exodus this September 2022. It will be interesting to see how that compares.

Well, prices you mentioned are a lil bit higher! Everything is like the half!

Great inputs, totally appreciate them!

Thank you for sharing your valuable information. I can compare an independent tour vs a full guided tour now.

Comments are closed.

Money in Jordan: Best Currency to Take, How to Pay, Cash or Card (2024)

Advantiko > Countries > Jordan > Money in Jordan: Best Currency to Take, How to Pay, Cash or Card (2024)

Jordan’s currency is called dinars, abbreviated as JOD. What money to take with you on vacation to Jordan? Is cash or card better? Is it difficult to exchange? How to pay in shops, restaurants and other places?

Here is the only travel guide you need to check to get up-to-date information about money in Jordan; what currency to take, can you use USD, how much to take, where to exchange, tipping system, how to withdraw and other details for first timers.

Denomination of coins in Jordan

There are several nuances regarding the currency of Jordan, namely, the denomination of the coins. On the territory of Jordan, the so-called piastres are small coins. 1 JOD is equal to 100 piastres or 1000 fils (also called kirsch).

On the price tags, just a number can be indicated, without a denomination. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to check with the seller how much the goods cost.

Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50. If possible, change large banknotes to smaller ones. They will make it easier for you to pay in small establishments.

What is the best currency to take to Jordan

One of the popular questions among tourists is what kind of money is better to take with you when going on vacation to Jordan . It is best to travel with dollars, euro is a less common currency.

We can say about the Jordanian currency that it is stable, there are no sharp jumps in the exchange rate against other currencies. The calculation often takes place in the national currency, for tourist services you can pay in dollars.

There is no ban on the import of dinar into Jordan, therefore, if possible, you can exchange money for local currency before the trip.

Best Accommodation Options in Jordan on TripAdvisor

1. Corp Amman Hotel 2. Little Petra Bedouin Camp – if you’re looking for authentic experience and great price 3. Intercontinental Jordan – for luxury vacation

Cash or Card to Use in Jordan

In large cities, plastic cards are actively used to pay bills and purchases. But you may have difficulty in small establishments that accept only debit cards or cash for payment.

In the outback and small towns it is not always possible to use an ATM, so when leaving the city, take both cash (local currency and dollars) and a card with you.

There are can be some hidden fees for cashing out at an ATM, also check the daily limit on the card with your bank before traveling. Banks in Jordan have signs indicating which cards are accepted. The most common card is Visa, followed by MasterCard.

When paying by card at a hotel, restaurant, you may additionally be charged a commission of 5% of the amount. Therefore, it is more convenient to have cash with you.

All payments in the country are made in dinars, so in any case, the currency will have to be changed.

You can exchange currency in Jordan in banks and exchange offices. You can also find currency exchange points at the airport; almost every hotel offers such a service to vacationers. Change money in banks in major cities – for example, in Amman , Aqaba, Irbid and others.

It is recommended to change money on the territory of the hotel only as a last resort: the rate is unlikely to be profitable there. The same can be said about small towns.

Several exchange offices may be nearby and offer exchange at different rates. Keep this in mind and find out the current rate in advance. Before leaving, change local currency for dollars in one of the banks.

If you decide to do this at the airport, then there you can exchange money in shops, at an unfavorable rate.

Do you need to leave a tip?

Jordan has a tipping system. In the service industry, salaries are usually small, so tips make up the majority of the salary. Moreover, they are left not only to cafes or restaurants, but everywhere.

You can tip the taxi driver, round up the amount for the trip or ask to leave change, tip the guide, given that you pay for the tour separately. The tip can be up to 10 dinars, depending on the service. Tipping hotel staff is 1 dinar.

Duty Free system in Jordan

Jordan has great duty free shops. By making a purchase in a store labeled Premier Tax Free, you can get a full sales tax refund.

If you spent 350 JD or more and plan to leave the country within 90 days, then be sure to keep your receipts, you can return 16% of the tax right at the airport by filling out the relevant documents. The money will be returned to your card.

Duty free shops can be found at Queen Alia Airport and next to the Century Park Hotel in Amman. If you are traveling to Israel, there are also a few small duty-free shops at the border.

Is it possible to bargain?

You can bargain and ask for a concession, but don’t expect too much discount. Bargaining acts more as an element of social exchange than as a means to obtain a discount.

Here it is important to know and follow the unspoken rules of shopping in Jordan, so as not to offend the seller and be satisfied with the purchase.

How much money to take with you

And finally, the last question is how much money to take to Jordan. Everything here is purely individual. Someone is enough for 7-10 days and 200 dollars; but lovers of shopping, this amount will seem modest.

If you purchase an all-inclusive tour, then, of course, you can get by with minimal costs. For greater convenience, we have compiled a small (approximate) plan with daily expenses.

Budget : less than 40 dinars per day Shared room in guesthouse : JD10–40 Visiting and shopping at local markets: up to JD5 Public transport: JD5 Budget : 40–120 dinars per day

Double room in a 2-3-star hotel : JD40–90 Meals at local restaurants: JD5–10 Car rental: JD50 Tickets for entry / sightseeing without a guide: JD10 Budget : over 120 dinars per day Double room in a five-star hotel : from JD90 Buffet lunch / dinner: from JD15 Car rental: JD120 Guided tours: JD50

Jordan Currency FAQ

Even though in many places there will be no problems using US dollars, its better to have dinars.

Actually you can do this without any problems upon arrival. You can exchange at the airport, but commissions there are usually very high. Its better to go to bank or exchange services are available in most hotels in Jordan.

It most cases in Jordan its better to have cash with you. Card payments are accepted in luxury hotels, restaurants, but for other places cash is the only option.

Its highly appreciated if you leave tips in Jordan, but its not required. If you don’t want to offend someone, then give 10% as a tip. Tipping applies not only to cafe and restaurants, but can be given to the hotels employees, for them its okey to give 1-2USD daily.

Yes, there are plenty of ATMs around the country, some of them can have some hidden fees. But, of course, if you’re going to visit such places like Wadi Rum, some ruins and ancient castles in desert, make sure that you have enough cash in advance.

Yes, MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted in many places, including big shops, top-end restaurants and hotels. But make sure you have enough cash to use it in some small places, where cash payment is the only option.

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Currency in Jordan JOD - Things to know

Foreign exchange guide to Jordan and the Jordanian dinar

What's in this Jordan currency guide?

• Currency Facts
• Travel Money Rates
• Travel Tips

USD/JOD Market Data

• Historic exchange rates
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What currency is used in Jordan?

The official currency of Jordan (country code: JO) is the Jordanian dinar , with symbol JD and currency code JOD.

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Travel money for Jordan

Save money and time by Ordering your Jordanian dinar online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the JOD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.

Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card . Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.

For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Jordanian dinar otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.

Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Jordan

Jordan is a small country located in the Middle East. The Jordan River flows through the country, and the Dead Sea is located at its southern end. Jordan has a desert climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The capital city of Jordan is Amman.

Best things to do and see in Jordan

This North African country is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and for good reason. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Jordan:

1. Visit Petra

This ancient city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan. Petra was carved into the rock over 2,000 years ago, and it is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.

2. See the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jordan. The water is so salty that it is impossible to sink, and the mud is said to have therapeutic properties.

3. Float in the Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is another popular tourist destination in Jordan. The water is so salty that it is possible to float on the surface.

4. Hike in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert valley in Jordan that is popular with tourists. The valley is full of interesting rock formations, and it is possible to go on camel rides and Jeep tours.

5. Visit Jerash

Jerash is an ancient city that is located in Jordan. The city is full of Roman ruins, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Top Travel tips for Jordan

1. When travelling to Jordan, it is advisable to dress conservatively. This is especially true for women, who should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

2. Visitors to Jordan should be aware of the local customs and traditions. For example, it is considered offensive to show the soles of your feet in public.

3. It is best to avoid taking photographs of military personnel or government buildings.

4. Jordan is a Muslim country, and visitors should be respectful of religious customs. For example, alcohol is not served in public during the holy month of Ramadan.

5. Jordan is a safe country to travel to, but visitors should be aware of their personal safety. For example, it is best to avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

What's the best way to pay in Jordan?

In general, the best way to pay for goods and services in Jordan is with cash. However, some places may accept credit cards. It's always a good idea to carry some cash with you, just in case.

The below interactive chart displays the USD/JOD change and UP 📈 DOWN 📉 trends over the past 1 Year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What currency should i use in jordan.

The domestic currency in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar .

What is the Jordanian dinar currency code and symbol?

Which countries use the jordanian dinar.

It is the domestic currency in    Jordan.

Is the Jordanian dinar a closed currency?

No, the Jordanian dinar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?

What are equivalent amounts of USD and JOD?

Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to JOD (US dollar to Jordanian dinar)*.

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