Currency in Jordan
A Travel Money Guide to Jordan
Jordan is a small Middle Eastern country with an array of climates and landscapes, as well as rich history dating all the way back to the Paleolithic period. It has become a truly popular destination for travellers everywhere as they offer amazing cultural experiences, incredible food and breathtaking sights.
The currency that is used in Jordan
The best currency to use in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar. It’s represented by the international code JOD and the currency symbol د.أ.
The Jordanian Dinar, or dinar, for short comprises a mixture of banknotes and coins.
Jordan banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 fils; coins are in denominations of of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres.
Can I Use Australian Dollars in Jordan?
As the local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, bear in mind that Australian dollars are not accepted in Jordan. In fact, the Aussie dollar has no value to locals and will need to be converted into Jordanian Dinars to make your trip a smooth one.
What Currency Do They Accept in Jordan?
As the unit of currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar, it is strongly recommended for you to acquire the local banknotes and coins prior to your trip. There are also foreign exchangers located at the airport to exchange currencies including Australia, US or New Zealand dollars for the local currency.
Using Your Bank Card in Jordan
In this day and age, credit cards, like VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops in Jordan. Some of the best travel money cards include debit, credit and prepaid cards.
Whether you choose to pay with your card in Jordan is still up to you, as long as you’re aware of the fees and charges incurred by the respective cards.
Debit Cards
Debit cards in Jordan are best used for ATM withdrawals and card payments. They’re reliable, secure and convenient, making them handy to have on hand when you’re out exploring.
Depending on which card you use, you may face excessive bank fees for each transaction. These fees may include foreign ATM withdrawal fees and conversion fees.
To make your trip hassle-free, look for a bank card that’s designed for frequent travellers. Some travel-friendly debit cards that waive a portion of the charges include Wise, ING, Citibank and Revolut.
Credit Cards
You’ll be able to use credit cards at most locations around Jordan and at ATMs, but remember to have cash on hand when you’re travelling to smaller markets.
Some credit cards come with attractive features for frequent travellers, including complimentary travel insurance, rewards points, and additional security measures.
But the perks are countered by some exorbitant charges if you use your card overseas, including:
- International transaction fees
- High exchange rate margins
- ATM fees
- Potential ‘cash advance fees’ if you use an ATM
As with debit cards, there are some exceptions. Bankwest Platinum and 28 Degrees cards are designed for travellers and waive the currency conversion fees.
Prepaid Travel Cards
Lock in a favourable exchange rate with prepaid travel cards. Bonus: You also get a handy back-up card!
Even though they are convenient, you could end up with hidden fees. Some travel cards still impose the following:
- Currency conversion fees
- Uncompetitive exchange rates
- International ATM withdrawal fees
- Reload fees
- Inactivity fees
How to Exchange Currency in Jordan
Having local bills in your wallet while you explore Jordan would be handy. When visiting certain shopping stalls, food places or open-air markets, you'll find that cash would be the predominant paying method.
ATMs in Jordan
There are ATMs scattered throughout Jordan so you won’t face any real difficulties locating for one. However, the further you travel out, do not rely on there being ATMs in remote areas like Wadi Rum, inside Petra or at the Desert Castles. In Jordan, note that ATMs charge a fee for withdrawing, with the average fee around 5 JOD.
Important note: Make sure you notify your bank about your travels. If you don’t, they could consider any purchases in Jordan as suspicious activity and freeze your card.
Currency Exchange in Jordan
There are various ways to convert your AUD into JOD. At the airport, there are foreign exchange currency shops and ATM machines with reasonable exchange rates where you can withdraw funds using your credit card. There are also bank branches located around Jordan for you to exchange currency as well.
Travellers Cheques
We would not recommend travellers cheques as they are hardly used in Jordan and banks will charge a high commission and exchange rate. You’ll get more value out of alternatives such as ATM withdrawals and direct cash exchanges.
Buying Jordan Currency Before You Go
Buying Jordanian Dinars before you leave home can be a seamless process, with three main options to suit your needs:
- Buy JOD online and have it delivered or collect it in-store.
- Buy from a bureau de change.
- Buy at your home airport.
Since bureau de change desks at Australian airports are renowned for their poor rates, we recommend avoiding them and picking up your currency ahead of time.
A fuss-free way to secure your travel money is to order it online. It can be delivered to your door or made available for pick-up at a convenient location. Online currency providers offer competitive deals you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. For example, S Money offers the same rate listed on Google and XE.com.
If you’re in the city, an alternative is to visit a CBD bureau de change. Suburban outlets don’t have the competition to keep prices low and banks often supply high fees and poor rates.
How Much Cash Should I Bring to Jordan?
Avoid having leftover foreign cash at the end of your trip! If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you. Simply calculate your budget and plan accordingly.
Now, your budget depends entirely on whether you prefer to backpack or a more luxurious experience. It’s also highly affected by your travel itinerary.
Here are some of the average costs to help you calculate your own budget (all quoted in Jordanian Dinars):
61 JOD
One night stay at a hotel
6.40 JOD
Meal at restaurant
4.70 JOD
Bottle of beer
2 JOD
Local transportation
24 JOD
Attraction entrance tickets
