Planning your travel budget is an important part of preparing for Jordan. From local food and guesthouses to private tours and resort stays, your choices can make a considerable difference to the overall cost.
A rewarding visit does not have to mean choosing the most expensive option. By planning your route, comparing accommodation and checking what activities include, you can make room for the experiences that matter most.
Use this guide to understand the main expenses, then explore tours and activities with Excursions Jordan to help plan your journey.
Currency in Jordan
Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian dinar, abbreviated as JOD or JD. One dinar is divided into 100 piastres, also called qirsh, or 1,000 fils.
The dinar is pegged to the US dollar at approximately 1 JOD = US$1.41. The amount you receive when exchanging money may differ slightly because of buying and selling rates or fees.
Exchanging Money
You can exchange foreign currency at banks and licensed exchange offices. Compare the final amount you will receive, including any commission, rather than looking only at the advertised rate.
Keep some smaller notes and coins for everyday purchases, taxis and tips.
Cards and ATMs
Cards are commonly accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and businesses, but smaller shops, market stalls and some local providers may require cash.
Before travelling, check your bank’s overseas withdrawal and transaction charges. When a payment terminal or ATM offers currency conversion, compare the terms carefully; paying in JOD generally allows your own card provider to handle the conversion.
Accommodation Costs in Jordan
Accommodation can be one of your largest expenses, and rates vary by destination, season, room type and booking conditions.
Your main options include:
Hostels and guesthouses: Suitable for travellers prioritising affordability.
Budget hotels and apartments: Useful for private stays or families sharing accommodation.
Mid-range hotels: A balance of comfort, facilities and price.
Luxury hotels and resorts: Options with additional services, dining and leisure facilities.
Desert camps: Wadi Rum stays ranging from simple accommodation to more elaborate tented experiences.
Compare the total price, including taxes, breakfast, meals and any compulsory transfers. For desert camps, check whether transport from the meeting point and desert activities are included.
An inexpensive room can become less economical if it requires several additional taxi journeys.
Transport Costs in Jordan
Transport expenses depend on your route, group size and preferred level of flexibility.
Public Buses and Shared Transport
Local buses and minibuses can help keep costs down, although routes and departure arrangements may require flexibility.
Do not assume that all intercity journeys have similar fares. Longer tourist routes can cost considerably more than short local trips, so check the exact service before budgeting.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis and ride-hailing services can be convenient for city journeys. Confirm whether the trip uses a meter, an app fare or an agreed price before setting off.
Airport transfers and longer journeys should be budgeted separately from short urban trips.
Private Transfers and Rental Cars
Private transport can be practical for families, groups or itineraries involving several stops. Compare the total cost per vehicle and divide it by the number of passengers.
For rental cars, account for insurance, fuel, parking, deposits and any additional driver or one-way charges.
Browse experiences and transfer listings on Excursions Jordan, checking the route, vehicle capacity and inclusions before booking.
Sightseeing and Entrance Fees
Jordan’s attractions have different admission charges. Avoid applying one estimated entrance fee to every site, as prices may depend on nationality, residency, age and ticket category.
Petra Admission
For the standard accommodated-visitor category—visitors staying at least one night in Jordan—the published Petra admission prices are:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| One day | 50 JOD |
| Two consecutive days | 55 JOD |
| Three consecutive days | 60 JOD |
A different rate applies to visitors who do not stay overnight in Jordan, and other admission categories are available. Confirm the category that applies to you before purchasing.
Consider the Jordan Pass
If your itinerary includes Petra and several other attractions, compare the Jordan Pass with buying admission separately.
Check the current package prices, included attractions and eligibility conditions. Any visa-fee waiver depends on meeting the applicable requirements; the pass itself is not a visa.
Check What Your Tour Includes
Before booking an activity, confirm whether the price covers:
Attraction entrance fees.
Transport and hotel collection.
Guiding services.
Meals and drinking water.
Equipment or optional activities.
A lower advertised price may exclude items included in another experience.
Compare tours and activities across Jordan
Food and Drink Costs
Food offers plenty of flexibility when managing your Jordan travel budget.
Falafel sandwiches, shawarma, hummus and bakery items can be economical choices. Local restaurants also offer opportunities to enjoy Jordanian food without relying on hotel dining.
For a useful comparison, check whether menu prices include taxes and service charges. Drinks, starters and desserts can noticeably increase the final bill.
Mixing simple local meals with occasional special dinners lets you enjoy the country’s food while keeping control of your spending.
Tipping in Jordan
Tipping is generally discretionary and should reflect the service you receive.
Check restaurant bills for any service charge before deciding whether to leave an additional tip. For guides, drivers and other services, consider the duration of the experience, group size and quality of service.
Keep small dinar notes available so you can tip conveniently when you choose.
Build Your Daily Travel Budget
Rather than relying on a single daily figure, calculate your budget around your actual itinerary.
| Expense | What to include |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Room cost, taxes and meals included |
| Food and drinks | Meals, snacks, water and café stops |
| Transport | Local journeys, transfers or car expenses |
| Sightseeing | Admission, guides and booked activities |
| Extras | Tips, souvenirs, mobile data and contingency |
Keep per-person costs separate from shared costs, such as a hotel room or private vehicle. Also allow a small reserve for unexpected expenses.
Ways to Make Your Budget Go Further
Plan a sensible route: Reduce unnecessary return journeys between destinations.
Compare complete prices: Include taxes, transfers and admission charges.
Share transport where practical: Private vehicles may offer better value for a group.
Choose accommodation carefully: Location and included meals can affect the overall cost.
Enjoy local food: Markets, bakeries and neighbourhood restaurants add variety to your trip.
Prioritise your experiences: Leave room in the budget for the activities you most want to enjoy.
Plan Your Jordan Journey with Excursions Jordan
Whether you are exploring Petra, staying in Wadi Rum, discovering Amman or enjoying the Red Sea in Aqaba, knowing your main costs helps you travel with confidence.
Excursions Jordan brings together experiences from local providers, helping you compare activities and find options that suit your interests and budget.
Check each listing’s current price, availability and inclusions, then build your itinerary around the experiences you value most.