11 Essential Budget-Friendly Tips for Exploring Jordan

While Jordan is often perceived as a costly destination, there are opportunities to economize with insightful strategies and thoughtful adjustments to your itinerary.

Expenses related to accommodations, guided tours, entrance fees, and dining can accumulate quickly; however, our prime recommendations will aid you in crafting a rewarding experience in Jordan at a reduced cost.

1. Purchase the Jordan Pass

If your stay in Jordan is planned for a minimum of three nights and you qualify for a visa on arrival, consider acquiring the Jordan Pass. Priced equivalently to the entrance fee for Petra, the Jordan Pass includes your visa, in addition to Petra’s entry fee (available for one, two, or three days based on your selection), alongside admission to approximately 40 tourist attractions throughout the nation.

2. Score deals in the winter

The winter months in Jordan, although brief, can be cold and rainy, leading to diminished crowds and reduced prices from late November through February. Although you can save on hotels and tours, ensuring flexibility in your schedule is essential, as wind, rain, and occasionally snow may lead to cancellations.

Pack suitable cold-weather attire if visiting Jordan during winter, particularly if you plan to hike or camp in Bedouin tents in Wadi Rum. It is advisable to avoid traveling in January, as it is generally the wettest and coldest month of the year. Two favorable weather conditions exist in winter: the climate in Aqaba and the Dead Sea are frequently more agreeable.

3. Skip the foreign chain hotels

Accommodation costs in Jordan can be high. Affordable alternatives include hostels like Nomads Hotel, with branches in Amman and Petra. Additionally, Carob Hostel offers budget-friendly options without frills.

Staying at a hostel also facilitates connections with knowledgeable individuals regarding excellent value opportunities, such as hostel staff and fellow travelers, who may provide helpful insights and assistance in arranging cost-effective tours, sharing experiences, and splitting expenses (such as food and transportation, should you choose to travel together).

Inquire at your hostel or hotel regarding shuttle or taxi services. Some establishments offer airport shuttle services, while others provide transport to popular destinations such as Petra, and many can assist in arranging taxis and tours that may not be publicly advertised.

Opting for locally-owned boutique hotels can also lead to savings on accommodation expenses. Rates for such hotels typically trend lower than those of chain establishments, and you may sometimes negotiate the price when booking in person.

4. Enjoy Amman for free

A significant budget is not needed to enjoy your time in Amman. Free activities comprise walking tours starting at the Pasha Hotel (ask at the reception), visiting a mosque, people-watching on Rainbow Street or Al Balad, and participating in Running Amman. Though the capital is perceived as costly, a considerable array of free activities exists in Amman.

5. Buy alcohol at the airport or have a dry trip

Alcohol in Jordan comes at a steep price, comparable to that of cities such as Los Angeles. Visitors are allowed to buy one liter of alcohol from duty-free shops (either at the airport upon arrival or within 14 days of arrival at the Duty Free Shop on Al Abdali Boulevard). However, for significant savings, consider foregoing alcohol altogether and opting for a dry (no alcohol) vacation experience.

6. Eat on the go rather than in a restaurant

Jordan is rich in fruit and vegetable markets, convenience stores, and grocery shops. To economize on food, bringing a reusable cooler bag is advisable. You can stock up on snacks and produce, or indulge in fresh falafel and hummus for a nominal amount, enjoying meals either in your accommodation or during a picnic in a park or along a hiking route.

Be aware that imported foods are likely to be more expensive, so it is wise to avoid familiar brands available at home. Do not forget to purchase Medjool dates; they are cultivated in Jordan, travel well, and are rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

If you crave a home-cooked meal, consider enjoying a multi-course feast at Galsoum’s Kitchen, a local residence in Umm Qais, for JD15 per person. It is economically favorable and arguably more delectable than a similar meal at a restaurant, offering the unique experience of meeting a local family.

7. Hike with a conservation group

Though private guided tours can be expensive, budget-minded travelers need not miss out on enjoyable activities. EcoHikers, a Jordanian-operated environmental organization advocating for cleaning while hiking, offers reasonably priced group hikes to various locations across the country (visit their Facebook and Instagram for details on upcoming hikes).

The starting point for these hikes is Amman, with transportation, cleanup equipment, and guides provided. These hikes bring together locals and visitors alike, creating invaluable opportunities to engage in meaningful activities while learning about the land, culture, and each other.

8. Take a bus to Petra

Opt for the JTT bus to reach Petra, allowing you to retain the funds typically spent on a private driver and guide. Routes for these air-conditioned buses include Amman to Petra, Amman to Aqaba, and Aqaba to Wadi Rum.

The bus service also operates daily tours to sought-after destinations via its tourism program. Timings are available online; however, it is advisable to call ahead or visit the JTT office in person to secure your ticket.

9. Choose the budget Dead Sea experience

Resort rates at the Dead Sea typically range from approximately JD85 to JD380 per night. For a more economical Dead Sea experience, consider purchasing a day pass rather than an overnight stay. Organize a day trip from Amman or Madaba—where accommodations tend to be more affordable—or incorporate a visit en route to Petra, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba.

Prices for day passes vary and are subject to change, so it is beneficial to contact hotels for the best rates that suit your budget. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel offers one of the competitive rates at around JD20 per person, while the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea charges approximately JD35 per person.

Solo travelers may find these day-pass rates advantageous; however, for those accompanied by others, the individual rate can accumulate quickly—consider reserving a lower-end hotel for an overnight stay. Additionally, as weekend rates tend to be elevated, scheduling your visit during the week may yield further savings.

10. Make your own souvenirs

Participate in a handicraft activity to obtain dual benefits: an enjoyable experience to enrich your itinerary and a unique souvenir to bring home. Engage in a basket-weaving lesson, a stonemasonry experience in Umm Qais, a mosaic-making class in Amman, an Aqabawi handicraft workshop, or a Bedouyat ceramic class in Aqaba.

11. Don’t try to do it all

Given the extensive offerings in Jordan, it becomes daunting to devise the ideal budget-friendly itinerary. Accommodations, entrance fees, guided tours, and transportation costs across cities can add up considerably. To optimize savings, prioritizing your activities is essential; concentrate on two or three personal priorities and aim to fully immerse yourself in those experiences, rather than overloading your schedule.

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

This article was first published on Apr 29, 2022, and was updated on Dec 2, 2023.