Money in Jordan

Jordanian Dinar (JOD) — one of the world's strongest currencies; 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD / 1.30 EUR

Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD, also written JD, symbol د.أ). The JOD is one of the strongest currencies in the world: 1 JOD is approximately 1.41 USD and 1.30 EUR. The dinar is subdivided into 1,000 fils. Prices in Jordan can appear small in number but are actually substantial — a hotel room priced at 60 JOD costs around USD 85. The JOD is pegged to the USD at a fixed rate (approx. 0.709 JOD/USD), so USD exchange is always stable. EUR, GBP, and USD all exchange well at banks and licensed exchange offices (sarrafi) — typically at the airport on arrival or in Amman city centre. Jordan's Arab Bank, Cairo Amman Bank, and Jordanian Islamic Bank offer competitive rates. Exchange offices in Amman generally offer better rates than hotels.

ATMs available in Amman, Aqaba, and at Petra — reliable for Visa and Mastercard; fewer in remote areas

ATMs are widely available in Amman (especially in Abdali, Sweifieh, and Mecca Street areas), Aqaba, and near the Petra visitor centre in Wadi Musa. Arab Bank, Bank of Jordan, and Cairo Amman Bank ATMs reliably accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Withdrawal limits are typically 300–500 JOD per transaction. Foreign card fees of 1–3% apply. In Wadi Rum (the desert reserve), there are no ATMs — withdraw sufficient JOD in Aqaba before entering. In Jerash, Madaba, and the Dead Sea hotel zone, ATMs are available but fewer. Notify your bank before travel.

Cards accepted at hotels and tourist sites — Apple Pay and Google Pay growing but not universal

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at mid-range and upscale hotels, larger restaurants in Amman, car rental companies, and the main Petra ticket office. American Express is accepted at luxury hotels only. Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly supported at modern establishments in Amman — at upscale malls (Mecca Mall, City Mall) and international hotel chains — but are not yet universally available across Jordan. In souks, local restaurants, street vendors, and smaller towns, cash in JOD is required. Petrol stations outside Amman are often cash-only.

Budget guide: falafel ~0.50 JOD; Petra entrance fee ~50 JOD (1-day) / ~55 JOD (2-day); Dead Sea hotels very expensive

Jordan spans a huge range of price points. Street food: falafel wrap 0.40–0.70 JOD; mansaf (traditional dish) in a local restaurant 3–6 JOD per person. Mid-range restaurant in Amman: 8–20 JOD per person. Petra 1-day entrance: 50 JOD; 2-day: 55 JOD (part of the Jordan Pass which bundles visa + multiple sites for ~70–80 JOD — usually good value if visiting multiple sites). Wadi Rum overnight camp: 30–80 JOD/person. Dead Sea resort hotels: 100–200+ JOD/night. Aqaba is more budget-friendly than Amman. Tipping: 10% at sit-down restaurants; 1–2 JOD per bag for hotel porters; 3–5 JOD/day for tour guides. Water: 0.20–0.50 JOD from shops, essential in summer heat.