Although Jordan is not often thought of as a place that is accessible to those on a budget, it is feasible to save money by using some insider knowledge and making some adjustments to your plan.
Accommodations, guided tours, admission fees, and dining establishments may rapidly add up to a significant amount of money; nevertheless, our top ideas can assist you in planning the most cost-effective methods to see Jordan.
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Avoid staying at hotels that are part of international chains.
When it comes to lodging, Jordan may be rather pricy. There are hostels that are favorable to one’s wallet, such as the Nomads Hotel, which has locations in both Amman and Petra, and the Carob Hostel, which offers economical alternatives that do not contain any extras.
Another advantage of staying at a hostel is that it puts you in contact with people who are knowledgeable about great value options. These people include the staff of the hostel as well as other travelers. They can provide advice, assist in making arrangements for tours that are less expensive, and share experiences and expenses (for example, if you travel together and share the cost of food and transportation).
Make sure to inquire about shuttle or taxi options at your hostel or hotel. Some of them provide shuttle services to and from the airport, while others provide transportation to well-known destinations like Petra. Additionally, many of them are able to organize cabs and excursions that may not be publicized.
Another strategy to save money on hotel expenses is to book accommodations at locally owned boutique hotels. The prices are often cheaper than those of chain hotels, and if you book in person, you may have the opportunity to negotiate the price sometimes.
Make sure you buy the Jordan Pass.
You should acquire the Jordan Pass if you want to stay in Jordan for at least three nights and if you are qualified to get a visa upon arrival. Your visa, as well as the entry charge to Petra (for one, two, or three days, depending on which pass you pick), and access to over forty tourist attractions throughout the nation are all included in the Jordan Pass, which costs the same as the entrance ticket to Petra.
Amman is for free to enjoy.
Being able to have a nice time in Amman does not need you to have a large money. Activities that are offered at no cost include going on a walking tour that begins outside the Pasha Hotel (ask at the reception desk), going to a mosque, people-watching on Rainbow Street or Al Balad, and working out with Running Amman. There is a large number of free activities available in Amman, despite the fact that the capital city is known for being an expensive metropolis.
Take a bus to go to Petra.
By taking the JTT bus to Petra, you may save the money that you would have spent on hiring a private driver and guide. Amman to Petra, Amman to Aqaba, and Aqaba to Wadi Rum are some of the destinations that are within the reach of the air-conditioned buses.
Within the framework of its tourist program, the bus business also provides daily trips to well-known locations. The timetable may be seen on the internet; however, it is subject to change; thus, in order to reserve your ticket, you need either phone ahead or go to the JTT office in person.
Instead of eating at a restaurant, you may eat on the move.
If you want to save money on food, you should bring a reusable cooler bag with you to Jordan since there are a lot of grocery stores, convenience stores, and fruit and vegetable markets there. You should stock up on snacks and fruit, purchase some fresh falafel and hummus for a few dinars, and then either eat in your lodgings or have a picnic in a park or along a hiking path when you have finished your shopping.
Any food that is imported will most likely cost extra, so you should steer clear of the well-known brands that are available in your native country. It is important to remember to pick up some Medjool dates since they are farmed in Jordan, they are easy to transport, and they are rich in antioxidants and minerals.
Galsoum’s Kitchen, a local house in Umm Qais, offers a multi-course feast for JD15 per person, which is perfect for satisfying your want for a home-cooked dinner if you have a craving for it. In comparison to a multi-course lunch at a restaurant, this option is not only more cost-effective but also, perhaps, more savory. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to interact with a local family.
This winter, you may get great offers.
This is because Jordan’s winters are short, but they are also cold and rainy. As a result, the crowds tend to thin out and costs tend to decrease from the end of November to the beginning of February. There is a possibility that you may save money on hotels and excursions; nevertheless, you will need to be flexible with your plan and expectations since weather conditions such as wind, rain, and even snow can occasionally cause cancellations.
Especially if you want to go hiking or spend the night in Bedouin tents in Wadi Rum, you should bring appropriate gear for cold weather if you are going to be in Jordan during the winter. If at all possible, you should try to avoid traveling during the month of January since it is often the wettest and coldest month of the year. At the Dead Sea and in Aqaba, the temperature is often still mild, making these two locations ideal for warming up throughout the winter months.
Proceed with the budget. Experience of the Dead Sea
In the vicinity of the Dead Sea, resorts offer nightly rates that vary from around JD85 to JD380. It is recommended that you get a day permit rather than an overnight stay in order to enjoy the Dead Sea without incurring the hefty cost. You might make it a stop on your way from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba, or you may plan a day excursion from Amman or Madaba, where you can find hotels and hostels that are more available at more reasonable prices.
The rates of day passes are variable and subject to change; thus, it is advisable to contact the hotels in order to shop around for the best offer that is suitable for your budget. One of the more affordable accommodations is the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, which charges around JD20 per person. On the other hand, the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea will set you back approximately JD35 per person.
These day-pass prices may help you save money if you are traveling by yourself; but, if you are traveling with another person or with a group, the per-person charge can add up to a significant amount of money; thus, you should think about reserving a hotel that is of a lesser quality and staying there for the night. As a result of the fact that weekend prices are often higher, scheduling your stay during a weekday might also help you save money.
Get your drink at the airport, or have a vacation without booze.
There is a significant price difference between the cost of alcohol in Jordan and that of places such as Los Angeles. Visitors are authorized to buy one liter of alcohol at duty-free stores (either at the airport upon arrival or at the Duty Free Shop on Al Abdali Boulevard within fourteen days of arrival). Visitor purchases may be made at any location. However, if you are really interested in saving money, you should completely abstain from drinking alcohol and instead opt for a dry vacation, which means you will not consume any alcohol.
Going on a hike with a conservation group
Despite the fact that private guided tours may be somewhat pricey, budget-conscious tourists do not have to lose out on the excitement. The Jordanian-based environmental nonprofit EcoHikers, which operates under the slogan “let’s clean as we hike,” provides reasonably priced guided group hikes to various areas around the nation (for information on forthcoming hikes, check out the organization’s Facebook and Instagram pages).
Transportation, tools to engage in trail maintenance, and a guide are all included in the package. The starting place is downtown Amman. As a result of the fact that both locals and tourists participate in these treks, the ability to spend time together doing something beneficial while also gaining knowledge about the country, culture, and one another is invaluable.
You may create your own mementos.
You can receive two things for the price of one if you book a handicraft activity during your trip: a pleasant experience that you can put on your schedule and a keepsake that you can take home with you. An opportunity to learn how to weave baskets or get expertise in stonemasonry may be found in Umm Qais. In Amman, you can participate in a mosaic-making session. In Aqaba, you can attend a course on Aqabawi handicrafts or a Bedouyat pottery class.
The cost of living in Jordan
- The price range for a bed in the hostel dorm is JD18–40.
- JD75–150 for a basic room meant for two
- Over JD45 per night for a self-catering flat, including Airbnb accommodations
- Coffee: a rate lower than JD1
- Wrap: JD1–6 Sandwich
- JD20-35 for a dinner meal for two