How Does Money-Saving Tips Work in Jordan?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
The Jordan Pass is the single biggest money-saver — it covers your visa fee and Petra entry, saving around 50–70 JOD depending on your Petra stay.
2What You Need to Know
Jordan is not the cheapest destination in the Middle East, but smart choices make a significant difference. The Jordan Pass (purchased online before arrival) combines the visa on arrival fee (40 JOD) with multi-day Petra entry (50–55 JOD for 2–3 days) — making it essentially free if you visit Petra for two or more days. Falafel and hummus breakfasts from local bakeries cost under 3 JOD. Shared service taxis between cities are a fraction of private taxi prices. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, far less visited than Petra, and costs a fraction of the entry price — an outstanding value alternative or addition.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy the Jordan Pass online at jordanpass.jo before flying — it pays for itself on day one and removes the need to queue and pay separately for the visa and Petra tickets
- 2Eat at local falafel shops, hummus restaurants, and bakeries for breakfast and lunch — the food is superior to tourist restaurants and costs 1–4 JOD per person
- 3Visit Jerash on the way between Amman and northern Jordan — the Roman ruins rival anything in Europe, entry is inexpensive, and crowds are a fraction of Petra's
How does this compare?
Money-Saving Tips rules in nearby and similar countries:
The UAE is expensive but cheap eats, free beaches, the Dubai Metro, and hotel happy hours can significantly reduce your costs.
Egypt is very affordable — eat koshari at local restaurants, use the Metro and ride-hailing apps, and always bargain for tourist services.
Street food from 10-30 MAD, prix fixe local lunches, public hammams for 15-30 MAD, and riads over chain hotels offer outstanding value throughout Morocco.
Traveling to Jordan?
You might also need:
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Send and spend money abroad using real mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Medical coverage for travelers worldwide. Covers emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation.
Airalo eSIM
Instant eSIM for 190+ countries. Set up before you leave — no physical SIM card needed.
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.
Updated 2025-06
There is no reliable public transport network for tourists — taxis, Uber in Amman, and JETT buses are the practical options.
Updated 2025-06
Amman has excellent private hospitals, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited — travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
Updated 2025-06
Drugs are strictly illegal, LGBTQ+ relationships carry legal risk, and photographing military or government sites is prohibited.
Updated 2025-06
Call 911 for police, ambulance, or fire in Jordan; the dedicated tourism police line is +962 6 560 0700.
Updated 2025-06
Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required throughout Jordan, though Aqaba resort areas are more relaxed.
Updated 2025-06
🪙 See Money-Saving Tips rules in all countries
Compare all countries →