Money
The currency in Jordan is the dinar (JD) known as the jay-dee among hip young locals.
Bills — 1, 5, 20, 50
Coins — 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 fils, and one dinar.
Vendors (especially street vendors) can be reluctant to take large bills. You can try to split the large bills at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. You can pay by card at places like hotels, most sit-down restaurants, most shops, grocery stores. You cannot use a card, for example, in an open air market.
Banks seem to offer slightly better rates than money changers for cash, but the difference is not worth worrying about unless you're going to change a huge amount. Automated banking machines (ATM) are available in Amman and at the Queen Alia airport, but are limited elsewhere.
As of October 2023, the exchange rate is 1 USD = .71 JD, or 1 JD = 1.41 USD.
Bargaining
It is okay to bargain for: traditional clothing, things bought roadside
Avoid bargaining for: taxi/bus fares between scheduled stops, food in most shops, meals and beverages
AVOID:
- Showing too much interest in or too great a need for a particular item.
- Looking too much like a tourist.
- Having no idea of what an item is really worth, or what it usually goes for. You can seek information in a nearby shop, out of sight, that does not sell that item and ask how much it goes for, then add a little; it's probably last year's wholesale price in a cheaper shop across town.
- Being in a hurry.
- Being with a guide, or an Arab "friend" met in the street.
Money Safety
Jordan is a safe country. We suggest that you bring a $300 in cash and withdraw additional amounts from an ATM or bank if needed. Be aware, that there will be a fee of 5 JD associated with withdrawing from a local ATM. In general, cash is the easiest and most common form of payment.
There is no need to open a bank account in Jordan. The easiest way to have access to your money is to bring an ATM, debit, and/or credit card linked to your US bank account (or any other country). If your PIN number is longer than 4 numbers, you should change it to 4 numbers before you leave. Check with your bank for details about any fees that they charge, and alert your bank that you will be abroad so that they don’t freeze your account at least a few days prior to your departure. Some students temporarily add their parents as a joint account holder, to deal with any problems that may arise during your time abroad with the bank.
Some stores will accept your US credit/debit card directly, but Jordan is a “cash society.” ATMs are widespread, with English screen options.
Tipping
The going rate for tipping in Jordanian restaurants and cafes is between 10-15% depending on how pleased (or not) you are with your waiter/waitress. 10% is usually the minimum. Consider tipping taxi drivers, you should round up (if your ride is 4.4 JD, hand the driver a 5 JD note and don't wait around for change).