How Does Scams to Avoid Work in Jordan?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Watch for overcharging on horse and carriage rides at Petra, fake guide fees, and taxi fare inflation — Jordan is relatively safe but these scams are consistent.
2What You Need to Know
The most consistent tourist scams in Jordan cluster around Petra. Horse rides from the main gate to the Siq entrance are included with Petra tickets — some handlers will insist a carriage ride to the Treasury is also included, then demand large payment at the end. Always confirm exactly what is and is not included before accepting any ride. 'Helpful' strangers who approach at Petra or Wadi Rum and offer to guide you to a viewpoint or shortcut often end at a family craft shop with high-pressure sales tactics. Taxi overcharging is ubiquitous outside Amman. Unauthorised 'tour guides' at major sites may charge surprise fees.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Read the official Jordan Tourism Board guidance on what is included with your Petra ticket before arrival — the horse ride to the Siq entrance is included, but carriage rides to the Treasury are not and must be agreed in advance
- 2Book Wadi Rum tours through your hotel or a well-reviewed operator on TripAdvisor rather than accepting offers from men at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre gate
- 3If a stranger offers unsolicited help or directions at any major site, a polite but firm decline saves time, money, and hassle
Important Warning
The horse and carriage pricing scheme at Petra is the most common source of tourist complaints in Jordan — always confirm total cost in JOD before accepting a ride and pay only at the end.
How does this compare?
Scams to Avoid rules in nearby and similar countries:
Haggling is expected at traditional souqs but scams are rare — the UAE has a very low scam culture overall.
Egypt has several well-known tourist scams — learn to recognise the 'closed today' redirect and the horse/camel price switch.
Morocco has a well-documented range of tourist scams — the faux guide, carpet shop pressure sales, henna traps, and free spice samples are the most common.
Traveling to Jordan?
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More About Jordan
Tipping is expected in Jordan — 10% at restaurants, 1–2 JOD for hotel staff, and 5–10 JOD per day for guides.
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There is no reliable public transport network for tourists — taxis, Uber in Amman, and JETT buses are the practical options.
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Amman has excellent private hospitals, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited — travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
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Drugs are strictly illegal, LGBTQ+ relationships carry legal risk, and photographing military or government sites is prohibited.
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Call 911 for police, ambulance, or fire in Jordan; the dedicated tourism police line is +962 6 560 0700.
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Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required throughout Jordan, though Aqaba resort areas are more relaxed.
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