How to Save Money Traveling in Jordan
Cut Jordan travel costs by staying in hostels or camping ($15-25/night), eating at local restaurants instead of tourist spots ($5-8 vs $15-20 per meal), and booking multi-day tours that include transport and accommodation. Skip expensive Petra at night tours and use local buses between cities to save 60% on transport.
- Book accommodation strategically. Stay in Amman hostels for $15-20/night or camp in Wadi Rum for $25/night including dinner. Avoid hotels in Petra town - stay in nearby Wadi Musa and walk 10 minutes to the entrance. Book guesthouses directly via WhatsApp to skip booking fees.
- Master the local transport system. Use JETT buses between major cities - Amman to Petra costs $12 vs $80 for a private taxi. Take local minibuses (servees) for short distances at $1-3 per ride. Split taxi costs with other travelers you meet at hostels.
- Eat where locals eat. Find local restaurants away from tourist areas where meals cost $5-8 instead of $15-20. Buy fresh bread, hummus, and vegetables from markets for $3-4 daily. Street food like falafel costs $2-3 vs $8-12 at tourist restaurants.
- Time your Petra visit right. Buy the 2-day Petra pass for $71 instead of single-day at $57 - gives you time to explore without rushing. Skip the $24 Petra by Night tour and bring a headlamp for early morning visits instead. Pack lunch and water bottles to avoid $10+ inside Petra.
- Book multi-day desert tours. 2-day Wadi Rum tours including transport, meals, and camping cost $80-100 total vs $60/day for separate accommodation and activities. Book directly with Bedouin camps via social media for better prices than tour companies.
- Get the Jordan Pass. Buy the Jordan Pass online before arrival for $113 (3-day version). Includes visa fee ($42) plus entry to 40+ attractions including Petra. Saves money if visiting 3+ paid sites and eliminates visa processing at airport.
- Is the Jordan Pass really worth it?
- Yes if visiting Petra plus 2+ other paid attractions. The pass costs $113 for 3-day version, includes $42 visa fee, and covers Petra ($71 for 2-day pass) plus 40+ other sites. You break even visiting just Petra and Jerash.
- How much should I budget for Wadi Rum?
- Expect $40-50 per person for overnight camping with dinner and breakfast, plus $20-30 for jeep tours. Book directly with camps via WhatsApp rather than tour companies to save 20-30%.
- Can I drink tap water in Jordan?
- Tap water is generally safe but tastes heavily chlorinated. Bring a filter bottle to save $3-5 daily on bottled water. Many accommodations have water dispensers for refilling.
- What's the cheapest way to get from Amman airport to the city?
- Airport Express bus costs $3 vs $25-35 for taxi. Runs every hour from Terminal 1. Takes 45 minutes to downtown Amman. Airport taxis have fixed rates but are 10x more expensive.
- Should I bargain for accommodation?
- Yes, especially for multi-night stays or during low season. Many guesthouses offer 10-20% discounts for direct bookings via WhatsApp or staying 3+ nights. Always ask politely.