Although Jordan is not typically seen as a budget-friendly destination, savvy travelers can save money by making a few adjustments to their plans and following some insider tips. While accommodations, guided tours, entrance fees, and restaurants can quickly add up, the following advice will help you explore Jordan affordably.
Purchase the Jordan Pass
If you plan to stay in Jordan for at least three nights and can get a visa on arrival, buy the Jordan Pass. This pass costs the same as the entry fee to Petra but includes your visa, Petra's entry fee (for one, two, or three days, depending on the pass), and admission to about 40 tourist sites across the country.
Find Deals in the Winter
Jordan’s winters are short but cold and wet, causing fewer crowds and lower prices from late November to February. You'll save on hotels and tours, but you must be flexible with your itinerary due to potential cancellations caused by wind, rain, or snow. If visiting in winter, pack warm clothes, especially for hiking or staying in Bedouin tents in Wadi Rum. Avoid January as it is the wettest and coldest month. However, Aqaba and the Dead Sea often have pleasant weather during winter.
Avoid Foreign Chain Hotels
Accommodations in Jordan can be expensive. Budget options include hostels like Nomads Hotel in Amman and Petra, and Carob Hostel, which offer affordable, no-frills stays. Staying in hostels connects you with knowledgeable staff and travelers who can share tips, help arrange budget-friendly tours, and suggest ways to share costs for food and transportation. Additionally, locally owned boutique hotels often have lower rates than chain hotels, and booking in person might allow for price negotiations.
Enjoy Free Activities in Amman
You don't need a lot of money to have a great time in Amman. Free activities include a walking tour starting outside the Pasha Hotel, visiting a mosque, people-watching on Rainbow Street or Al Balad, and exercising with Running Amman.
Purchase Alcohol at the Airport or Go Dry
Alcohol in Jordan is pricey, comparable to cities like Los Angeles. Visitors can buy one liter of alcohol at duty-free shops either at the airport upon arrival or within 14 days at the Duty-Free Shop on Al Abdali Boulevard. To save even more, consider skipping alcohol altogether and enjoying a dry vacation.
Eat on the Go Instead of at Restaurants
Jordan has many fruit and vegetable markets, convenience stores, and grocery shops. To save on food, pack a reusable cooler bag, stock up on snacks and produce, and grab fresh falafel and hummus for a few dinars. Enjoy these meals at your accommodation or have a picnic in a park or along a hiking trail. Avoid imported food brands as they are typically more expensive. Don’t forget to buy Medjool dates, which are grown locally and are nutritious and easy to carry.
For a home-cooked meal, Galsoum’s Kitchen in Umm Qais offers a multi-course feast for JD15 per person. This is more affordable and often more flavorful than restaurant meals,
and it provides the experience of dining with a local family.
Hike with a Conservation Group
Private guided tours can be expensive, but you don’t have to miss out. EcoHikers, a Jordanian environmental organization, offers affordable guided group hikes. These hikes start in Amman and include transportation, equipment for trail cleanup, and a guide. This is a great way to learn about the land, culture, and fellow travelers while doing something beneficial.
Take a Bus to Petra
Save money by traveling to Petra via the JTT bus instead of hiring a private driver and guide. JTT buses have routes from Amman to Petra, Amman to Aqaba, and Aqaba to Wadi Rum. They also offer daily tours to popular sites. Check the schedule online but confirm by calling or visiting the JTT office in person.
Opt for a Budget Dead Sea Experience
Resort rates at the Dead Sea range from JD85 to JD380 per night. For a more affordable option, book a day pass instead of an overnight stay. Consider a day trip from Amman or Madaba, where hotels and hostels are cheaper, or make it a stop on your journey from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba. Day pass prices vary, so call around for the best deals. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel offers one of the lowest rates at about JD20 per person, while the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea costs around JD35 per person. If you’re traveling solo, these day-pass rates can save you money, but if you’re with a group, consider booking a lower-end hotel for an overnight stay. Weekday rates are generally lower than weekend rates.
Make Your Own Souvenirs
Get more value by booking a handicraft activity, which provides both a fun experience and a souvenir. Options include basket-weaving or stonemasonry in Umm Qais, mosaic-making in Amman, an Aqabawi handicraft workshop, or a Bedouyat ceramic class in Aqaba.
Don’t Try to Do It All
Jordan offers so many attractions that planning the perfect budget itinerary can be overwhelming. Accommodations, entrance fees, guided tours, and transportation between cities can add up quickly. To save money, focus on two or three must-see sites and make the most of those experiences rather than trying to see everything.
Daily Costs in Jordan
Bed in hostel dorm: JD18–40
Basic room for two: JD75–150
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): JD45+ per night
Coffee: less than JD1
Sandwich: JD1–6
Dinner for two: JD20-35
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