Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | JOD 8–15 | JOD 30–60 |
| Food | JOD 5–10 | JOD 15–30 |
| Transport | JOD 3–8 | JOD 15–30 |
| Activities | JOD 5–15 | JOD 25–50 |
| Drinks | JOD 1–3 | JOD 5–10 |
| Daily Total | JOD 22–51 | JOD 90–180 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Jordan Pass
- Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80) includes visa waiver + entry to Petra and 40+ sites. Buy at jordanpass.jo before arrival — essential for value
- Without Jordan Pass: visa on arrival JOD 40 (most nationalities) + separate Petra ticket JOD 50–60
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman — 3-hour drive to Petra. JETT bus Amman to Petra JOD 11 (daily 6:30am)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is not recommended — buy bottled. Healthcare is good in Amman, limited near Petra
- Petra involves serious walking — 8–20km daily on uneven terrain. Heat exhaustion is a real risk. Carry 2+ litres of water always
- Jordan is very safe for tourists. Scams are rare. Bedouin touts at Petra can be persistent but are not dangerous
Getting There & Around
- JETT bus: Amman to Petra daily at 6:30am (JOD 11, 3.5 hours). Book at jett.com.jo. Return bus departs 5pm
- Shared taxis (service) from Amman South Bus Station to Wadi Musa — JOD 8–10, depart when full. Private taxi JOD 50–70
- Wadi Musa is walkable. Local taxis JOD 2–3 within town. Petra entrance is a 15-minute walk downhill from town centre
Connectivity
- Zain or Orange SIM cards at Queen Alia Airport — JOD 5–10 for 10GB data. Coverage is good in Wadi Musa, limited inside Petra
- WiFi available at most hotels and restaurants in Wadi Musa. No signal deep inside Petra or in Wadi Rum
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) — essential for hiking trails and Wadi Rum
Money
- Jordanian Dinar (JOD/JD). 1 JOD = 1.41 USD (fixed rate). ATMs in Wadi Musa town — Cairo Amman Bank near the Visitor Centre
- Cash essential inside Petra (Bedouin stalls, guides) and in Wadi Rum. Cards accepted at hotels and some restaurants in Wadi Musa
- No tipping culture but rounding up is appreciated. JOD 2–3 tip for Petra guides, JOD 1 for tea/coffee service
Packing Essentials
- Sturdy hiking shoes (essential for Monastery climb and High Place trail), sunhat, high-SPF sunscreen, and at least a 1.5L water bottle
- Light layers — hot days (30°C+) but cool evenings (15°C). Desert nights are cold (5–10°C in spring/autumn). Bring a fleece for Wadi Rum
- Headlamp for Petra by Night and Wadi Rum stargazing. Modest clothing for visiting religious sites in Madaba and Amman
Cultural tips
Bedouin Hospitality
Bedouins in Petra and Wadi Rum are famously hospitable. If offered tea, accept — refusing is mildly rude. Do not photograph Bedouins without asking. Their culture of generosity to strangers is genuine and centuries old.
Islamic Customs
Jordan is moderate but Muslim. During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public during daylight. Dress modestly in towns — shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes when entering homes and some shops. Friday is the holy day.
Animal Welfare at Petra
Decline donkey and horse rides inside Petra — the animals are often overworked and poorly treated. Walking is better for you and for them. If you see mistreatment, report it to the Visitor Centre or PETA campaigns.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected at Bedouin stalls inside Petra and Wadi Rum. Start at 50% of the asking price and settle around 60–70%. Do not bargain in restaurants, supermarkets, or for fixed-price services like guides and transport.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask before photographing local people, especially women and children. Many Bedouin vendors are happy to be photographed but expect you to buy something. Drone photography is banned inside Petra.
Dress Code
Jordan is relaxed by regional standards but modest dress is respectful — cover shoulders and knees in towns. Inside Petra and Wadi Rum, hiking clothes are fine. Women do not need to cover their hair in Jordan.
