Jordan budget tips

Hello budget travelers, the main questions we get about visiting Jordan are about:
prices, the cost of transportations, food, accommodation, and info about Jordan visa and Jordan pass.

So we decided to make this detailed post about all of this, how to save money while visiting Jordan, we will provide practical advises and real prices and examples of budget traveling here.

I am a Jordanian and a lived here for all of my life, therefore i will try to give you all my knowledge and experience to help planning for your budget travel in Jordan.

To help you visualize your potential expenses,
we've included a cost summary table at the end of each category.

We suggest you get pen and paper to write down some notes about prices.

1. Jordan visa or Jordan pass:

this is a huge debate as jordan visa costs 40 jod, and jordan pass costs 70 jod so which one to choose?!

let me as some questions that might help here.

Is your plan to visit petra ?
If yes, then its cheaper to buy Jordan pass.
Why? because petra ticket for non-Jordanians cost 50 jod.
If you buy jordan visa then the total would be 90 jod!

If you dont want to visit petra and only visit Amman Citadel, jerash, ajlun, wadi rum for example,
then buy jordan visa for 40 jod,

Amman Citadel: entry ticket is 3 jod
Jerash: 10 jod,
Ajlun castle: 2 jod,
Wadi rum: 5 jod.
the total would be: 60 jod.

You got the idea i guess! so its really important to plan for the attractions you want to visit and do simple calculations.
Here is the official website to check all the attractions include entry fees.

And here you can check what is included in jordan pass.

MORE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON JORDAD VISA AND JORDAN PASS:

you can skip paying for both jordan visa and pass in these cases:

1. Jordan pass waives the visa fees (40 JDs) only if you are staying 3 consecutive nights and buy it before arrival to Jordan.

2. Regular passport holders from 10 countries visiting Jordan for tourism purposes including Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia Do Not require a visa and will be granted permission for short-term stay on arrival.

Nationalities are exempted from paying the visa fees:
South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Vatican City.

3. You can obtain a free visa upon arrival at Aqaba Airport. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) offers a free visa if you enter Jordan through Aqaba and stay for a minimum of two nights.

4. If you arrive at a different entry point and plan to travel to Aqaba, you can claim a free visa by declaring your destination to the authorities.
However, it is mandatory to register with the ASEZA visa office in Aqaba within 48 hours of your arrival in Jordan.

Failure to do so may result in the need to pay for the visa and a fine of 1.5 JD per day for each unregistered day.

Sources:
https://www.visitaqaba.com/EN/Pages/Essential_information_new

https://www.jordanpass.jo/contents/FAQs.aspx

2. ACCOMODATION:

Hostels:

Can you believe that a hostel cost in Jordan cost starts from 5 JOD only! and its in very convenient locations.
If you are on a very low budget, this is your number one option.

Here are some recommendations:
Amman: Carob Hostel.
Petra: Rafiki Hostel.
Aqaba: Hakaia community.

You can also check Hostelworld.com for more options.

If you like more privacy for your stay just like we do in our travels, then hotels are the answer.

Most average hotels in jordan cost between 30 jod per night off season, and 40-50 jod jod peak season.
However, hotels in dead sea are much more expensive, 70-150 jod per night.

Here's a special bonus tip for our blog readers!

We've partnered with Diamond Hotel Suites in Amman to offer you an exclusive discount.
Enjoy 20% off your stay when you book directly with the hotel via email.

Not only you will save on the room rate, but you'll also avoid booking.com fees and online payment charges!
That's a potential saving of up to 35% compared to booking online.

NO PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED!

To redeem your discount:

1.Check out Diamond Hotel Suites on Booking.com(just to get an idea of the property).

2.Contact the hotel directly via email and mention the discount code.
(Get the email and discount code from the download link below).

Hotels:

AirBnb:

Airbnb apartments offer a comfortable and convenient option, especially for longer stays or for travelers who prefer more space and amenities.

Prices in Jordan can range from 30 JOD to 70 JOD per night,
with an average of around 35 JOD for a clean, well-located apartment.

Exclusive Discount for Our Readers!

We're excited to offer our readers an exclusive discount on our own Airbnb apartment!
Enjoy 10% off the listed price when you book directly through us via email.

Plus, by booking direct, you'll save an additional 15% on Airbnb commission fees and online payment charges!

Hosting nearly 1,000 guests over the past eight years has been an amazing experience.
We love meeting people from different countries and cultures, and my wife, Karolina, who's called Jordan home for the last three years, brings her own European perspective to our hosting, making our guests feel even more welcome.


NO PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED.

Camps:

If you're looking for a comfortable stay at the lowest price possible without sacrificing cleanliness, Wadi Rum Desert Home is an excellent choice.

They provide all the basics you need for a comfortable desert experience, and their dinner is consistently delicious.

But that's not all!
Abd El Salam (the owner) also offers a range of exciting jeep tours and adventure tours in Wadi Rum at very competitive prices.

Allowing you to explore the desert's wonders without overspending.

Mention Us When You Book!

We've built a strong relationship with Abd el Salam, the owner of Wadi Rum Desert Home.
If you decide to book a tour and accommodation with them, mentioning us would be greatly appreciated.

It helps us continue to connect travelers with locals and fantastic experiences in Jordan, and assures you we receive a commission only from Abd el Salam, not affecting your booking price.

Rakan al Zalabieh and his brothers (the owners), local Bedouins and certified adventure guides.
Offer incredible tours that go beyond the typical tourist experience.

With Rakan, you can camp in the desert and even explore the desert through thrilling rock climbing and mountaineering adventures.

Or simply enjoy the tranquility of his desert camp or the comfort of his guest house in Wadi Rum village.

For an unforgettable Wadi Rum experience, staying in a desert camp is a must.

Camps with standard quality and good prices (cleanliness, transportation from and to the village, breakfast traditional dinner) are a bit difficult to find.
Prices sart from 30-50 jod person.

We've carefully selected two budget-friendly camps that provide excellent value while maintaining high standards of quality and authenticity.

We trust these camps implicitly for our own adventures in Wadi Rum because of their commitment to safety and the genuinely honest and kind owners who run them.

B. Rakan Wadi Rum Tours:

Mention Us When You Book!

We've built a strong relationship with Rakan, the owner of Rakan Wadi Rum Tours
If you decide to book a tour and accommodation with them, mentioning us would be greatly appreciated.

It helps us continue to connect travelers with locals and fantastic experiences in Jordan, and assures you we receive a commission only from Rakan, not affecting your booking price.

A. Wadi Rum Desert Home:

3. TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation is a key consideration for any budget traveler in Jordan.

Over the past eight years, we've hosted around 1,000 guests at our Airbnb flat, and we've noticed a clear split:
about half choose to rent a car, while the other half opt for tourist buses.

This post breaks down the costs and considerations of each option to help you decide which is right for your Jordan adventure.

Renting a car in Jordan involves two main costs:
the rental fee itself and fuel.
Thankfully, there are currently no highway tolls in Jordan!
Here's a breakdown to help you budget:

Rental Costs:

Off-season:

Expect to pay around 20 JOD per day for a small sedan.

Peak season:

Expect to pay around 30 JOD per day for a small sedan.

Most small cars in Jordan use fuel type 90, which costs approximately 0.90 JOD per liter.
Average fuel consumption is around 1 liter per 18 kilometers.

Where to Rent:

We understand that many travelers prefer to support local businesses.
We are currently researching reputable and trusted local car rental companies in Jordan.

Meanwhile, we came across this local company on many Facebook groups, a lot of tourists and travelers have praised and recommended Alaa Daas for his flexibility and helpfulness among his high standard rental cars!

Real-World Examples:

Amman - Wadi Rum - Petra - Amman (650 km):
In our Suzuki Baleno (1600cc, fuel type 90), driving at a moderate speed
(around 110 km/h, within speed limits).

This trip is one night but two days trip,
cost is about 35 JOD in fuel.

Total car rental + fuel: 20 + 20 + 35 = 75 JOD

Amman - Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra - Amman (750 km):

This trip is 2 nights trip and costs 50 JOD in fuel.

Total car rental + fuel: 20 + 20 + 50 = 90 JOD

Amman-Dead Sea-Amman (155 km):

one day trip costs 10 jod.

Total car rental + fuel: 20 + 10 = 30 JOD

Amman-Jerash-Ajlun-Amman (130 km):

one day trip costs 15 jod.

Total car rental + fuel: 20 + 15 = 35 JOD

Important Notes:

Fuel consumption can vary depending on driving style, terrain (Jordan has many uphill and downhill roads), and traffic conditions.

A. Car Rental

If you prefer not to drive in Jordan or want a hassle-free way to visit popular attractions.
Tourist buses are an excellent option.
JETT is a well-known and reputable bus company that we personally use and recommend for its good prices and quality service.
Their tours cover many of Jordan's must-see destinations.

JETT Tour Examples (Per Person):

Amman - Wadi rum: 20 JOD
Wadi Rum - Petra: 15 JOD
Petra - Amman: 10 JOD
TOTAL: 45 JOD

Amman - Aqaba: 10 JOD
Aqaba - Wadi Rum: 15 JOD
Wadi Rum - Petra: 15 JOD
Petra - Amman: 10 JOD
TOTAL: 50 JOD

Amman - Dead Sea - Amman:
15 JOD

Amman - Jerash - Ajlun - Amman:
15 JOD

Explore More JETT Tours:

You can find a complete list of JETT tours and schedules on their website.

Renting a Car vs. Tourist Buses:
Which is Right for You?

Cost:
Renting a car is usually cheaper than taking multiple JETT tours if you are 2 persons or more renting a car.
if you are alone, then the bus tour is cheaper.

Frequency:
JETT tours may not operate daily for all routes, so you'll need to check their schedule carefully.
Renting a car allows you to travel whenever you want.

Here is a summery schedule showing the price comparison
between the bus tour and car rental cost:

B. Bus Tours

4. FOOD:

We arrived to the best part in jordan!

lets say as a start that local food and restaurants have very good and cheap prices, on the other hand you can eat a meal in a fancy restaurant for 50 jod and more, but we will skip this part as its a deal breaker for budget traveling.

we will cover here 5 parts: breakfast, lunch and dinner, sweets and drinks.
We will include real prices examples in each one of them.

BREAKFAST:

Want to experience authentic Jordanian breakfast without breaking the bank?

Just like locals, you have two great options:
grab a quick bite on the go or enjoy a leisurely meal at a local restaurant.

Breakfast on the Go (Under 1 JOD):

For a super budget-friendly option, grab a delicious falafel sandwich for just 0.50 JOD.
Or try some freshly baked pastries filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or other delicious fillings for only 0.25-0.50 JOD per piece!

Local Restaurant Breakfast (4-7 JOD for Two persons):

For a more relaxed experience, head to a local restaurant and enjoy a spread of small plates, including scrambled eggs, hummus, ful (fava beans), falafel, tomato pan, fresh bread, and of course, traditional Jordanian tea.
This satisfying meal typically costs between 4-7 JOD for two people.

local restaurants offer these prices:
Al-kalha restaurant.
hamada restaurant.
(both are falafel and hummus restaurant for sandwiches or set and have plates)
Search google maps for a branch near you as they have many branches around jordan.

Ewan pastries: local fresh pastries with cheap prices.
In Aqaba we also recommend: Al Mohandes Cafeteria، for small plates we mentioned earlier.

LUNCH AND DINNER:

When it comes to lunch and dinner in Jordan, you can enjoy delicious and affordable meals by eating like a local.
We often eat the same types of food for both meals.

Shawarma sandwich: The King of Budget-Friendly (1 JOD per sandwich).

For a quick, satisfying, and affordable meal, you can't go wrong with shawarma.
Whether you prefer chicken or beef, these flavorful sandwiches are a true Jordanian sandwiches.
At just 1 JOD per sandwich (I usually have two to fill me up!), it's the perfect budget-friendly option.

Shawarma meal (shawerma arabi):
this meal comes in a stay in or take away plate, the shawerma is cut into pieces.
Salad, french fries, and sauces are included.
usually the single sandwich meal costs 3 jod, double sandwich meal is 4 jod.
my choice is usually the double sandwich meal.

our recommendations are:
shawerma karam.
shawerma Reem.
Shawerma Aldayaa.
(search google maps for branches of these restaurants to find one near you)

Yemeni cuisine restaurants:
Yemeni restaurants are incredibly popular here, offering a delicious array of dishes, typically featuring rice with chicken or lamb. (mandi,madhbi, kabseh, beryani)

my personal favorite is fahsa, a flavorful and juicy cooked beef stew served in a clay pot.
and we eat it with fresh bread.

food there is around 4-5 JOD per meal.

our recommendation is Bab el yaman restaurant.

Local Restaurants:
these restaurants serve local Jordanian dishes like Mansaf, maklobeh, fasolyah, meat pans(kuftah) and many other tasty dishes.
prices vary from 4-7 jods.

Fast food:
You'll find plenty of burger, pizza, and fried chicken restaurants throughout the country.
Be prepared to spend around 5 JOD per person
for a meal at these types of restaurants.

Sweets (Starting at 1 JOD):

Jordanian sweets are a delightful experience for any sweet tooth and its also very affordable.
Here are a few must-tries:

Kunafeh:
This cheesy pastry soaked in sweet syrup is a local favorite and can be enjoyed for just 1 JOD per plate.
For the best Kunafeh, try the oldest shop in Jordan Habibah Sweets

Halawet el Jibn:
Soft, stretchy cheese dough wrapped around a creamy filling and topped with pistachios.
A delightful combination of textures and sweet, floral flavors.
stuffed in local cream: 12 jod/kg
stuffed in normal cream: 7 jod/kg
(buying by piece is available)
we recommend the local cream in this shop: Slorh Shahba Sweets.


Tamriyeh:
Imagine biting into warm, golden, crispy pillows of paper-thin dough.
Inside, a creamy semolina pudding, infused with the delicate aromas of mastic and orange blossom water.
Tamriyeh is best enjoyed hot, when the crust is at its crispiest, and is often dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of extra sweetness.
A single piece of this delightful treat costs just 0.50 JOD.

we recommend: Tamryet Omar.


Baklava:
Flaky thin layers of pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in sweet syrup.
A rich and satisfying Middle Eastern dessert.
5-10 jod/kg (buying by piece is available)
we recommend: Habibah Sweets.


(You'll find a wide variety of sweets in any Jordanian sweet shop, with clear unit prices displayed).

Drinks: From Aromatic Coffee to Fresh Juices.

Coffee & Tea (Under 0.50 JOD):

Start your day with a strong, aromatic Turkish coffee from a street vendor for just 0.50 JOD.

If you prefer tea, enjoy a refreshing cup of mint or sage tea.
Also available from street vendors for only 0.25 JOD.

Fresh Juices (0.50-2.00 JOD):

Fruit cocktails are a popular and refreshing treat in Jordan. You'll find many small shops preparing fresh fruit juices at prices ranging from 0.50 to 2.00 JOD, depending on the shop and the type of juice.

We highly recommend Palestine Juices in downtown Amman, one of the oldest and most affordable juice shops in the city.

Sugarcane Juice (0.50 JOD):

For a truly unique experience, try fresh sugarcane juice. You'll often see vendors with sugarcane stalks ready to be pressed in a large machine. A large glass of this refreshing juice costs only 0.50 JOD.

Our recommendation: Sugarcane downtown shop.

Grocery shopping:

During any trip to any country, Snacks are needed.
we will cover here some examples of the common bought items for daily trips, like bakery stuff, fruits and vegetables, and supermarket crisps and chocolates.

Usually for us when we go for a trip somewhere in jordan, we buy some items of the following and here are the prices:

Fruits and Vegetables:
Apples: 1.25 Jod/kg
Local bananas: 0.80 jod/kg
oranges: 0.85 jod/kg
Cucumbers: 0.40/kg

Bakery:
Flat Bread: 0.40 jod/kg (around 20 pieces).
Bread with stuffed dates: 0.25 jod/piece.

supermarkets:
Crisps: 1 jod/Large size bag (average price).
snickers, mars, kitkat, etc.... : 0.50 jod/piece.
Crackers: 0.50-1 jod\pack.
Water: 0.35 jod\1.5 litre bottle.
(we buy in a pack of six as its cheaper)


Note: we dont buy all of the mentioned above every time we go for a trip, we pick and choose depending on the mood !

Now after breaking down all the expenses,
the question is: how much it would cost a 3 nights or 5 nights or 7 nights trip to jordan for example?

here is an example of low budget trip for 2 people(me and my wife):

NOTE:
Please take in consideration that this budget includes only basics.
For example it doesnt cover the cost flight tickets to and from Jordan,
or entering Mujeb water canyon, or the jeep tour at Wadi rum desert.

Summary

Yes, it's possible to travel Jordan on an extremely low budget, but it's important to do so responsibly and respectfully.

Here are some options for those truly seeking to minimize costs:

Wild Camping:

Wild camping is permitted in most areas of Jordan, offering a significant saving on accommodation costs.
Bring your tent and enjoy the nature of the beauty of Jordan!
Be sure to research appropriate locations and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact.

Hitchhiking (Proceed with Caution):

Hitchhiking is generally considered safe in many parts of Jordan, particularly outside of Amman.
It's less common and more challenging within the capital.

We recently met a Jordanian who has been hitchhiking for years and shared positive experiences. However, we always advise exercising caution and using your best judgment.

If you have more questions and need detailed information, please contact Muhammad through his dedicated facebook group for hitchhiking in jordan. He is happy to help.

For general information and safety tips, please check our Jordan guide section about Hitchhiking Guide.

Food:

As mentioned previously, falafel sandwiches, local pastries, shawarma, tea, and coffee are incredibly affordable and readily available.
These options can help you keep your food costs extremely low.

The Generosity of Jordanians (Use with Extreme Discretion):

Jordanians are known for their generosity and kindness.

In situations of genuine need, it's very common that local businesses like bakeries, falafel shops, and street vendors offer food or drinks free of charge.

However, we strongly advise against relying on this unless you are in a truly desperate situation. Poverty is a real issue in Jordan, and many people depend on the kindness of others for their daily survival. Please be respectful and mindful of this.

Can You Travel Jordan on an Even Tighter Budget?

Here is a photo of one of the bakeries in Jordan,
offers a full section of free bread for who are in need.

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Thank you for your support, and happy travels!

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your budget-friendly trip to Jordan.
We've aimed to cover all the key areas where you can save money and experience this incredible country without breaking the bank.

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