Money and duty free for Jordan

Currency and Money

Currency information

Jordanian Dinar (JOD; symbol JD) = 100 piastres (qirsh) or 1,000 fils. Notes are in denominations of JD50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of JD1, 1/2 dinar and 1/4 dinar, as well as 10, 5, 2½ and 1 piastres, and smaller fils coins.

Credit cards

Major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in hotels, mid- to high-end restaurants, larger shops and car-rental agencies across Jordan. American Express is accepted in fewer places. Smaller businesses, market stalls and rural areas still prefer cash, so travellers should not rely on cards alone. Contactless payments are becoming more common in cities, but travellers should expect occasional connectivity issues or card machines that only accept chip-and-PIN.

ATM

ATMs are widely available in Amman, Aqaba, Petra and other major towns, and most machines accept international cards linked to Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Plus networks. Withdrawal fees vary depending on the issuing bank and the local ATM operator. ATMs in rural areas or small villages can be limited, and some machines may run out of cash during busy periods, so it is advisable to withdraw money before travelling to remote sites such as Wadi Rum or the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Banking hours

Mon-Thu 10:00 to 15:00.

Currency restrictions

There are no major restrictions on the import or export of Jordanian dinars for normal tourism, but travellers carrying more than JD10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) must declare it on arrival or departure. This includes cash and negotiable instruments. Foreign currency can be brought into Jordan without limitation, and there is no requirement to declare smaller amounts. Exchanging money on the street is not permitted; visitors should use licensed money changers, banks or ATM withdrawals.

Currency exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged easily at banks, licensed exchange bureaux, hotels and at major airports. Exchange bureaux in Amman and Aqaba generally offer better rates than hotels or airport counters, and they typically do not charge commission. ATMs are also a convenient way to obtain Jordanian dinars, though fees may vary depending on both the issuing and local bank. Exchanging money on the street is illegal, and travellers should always use authorised exchange offices. US dollars, euros and pounds sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Jordan duty free

Overview

Travellers aged 18 and over entering Jordan may bring in:

• Up to 200 cigarettes or an equivalent amount of tobacco.
• 1 litre of alcoholic beverages for personal use.
• Gifts and personal items valued up to JD 200.

There are extensive duty-free shops at major airports, such as in Amman and Aqaba, and also in land border crossing zones; check local signage and present your passport when making duty-free purchases.

Banned Imports

Jordan prohibits the import of illegal drugs, narcotics, firearms, ammunition, explosives and other weapons without prior authorisation. Counterfeit goods, obscene materials and items that infringe religious sensitivities are also banned. Certain agricultural products, including fresh fruit, vegetables and plants, are restricted or require inspection to prevent the spread of pests and disease. Products made from endangered species (including ivory and some traditional medicines) are strictly prohibited under both Jordanian law and international regulations.

This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate the most up-to-date information.

Banned Exports

It is illegal to export antiquities, archaeological artefacts or cultural objects without official permission from the Department of Antiquities; attempting to remove such items from Jordan can result in severe penalties. Endangered wildlife products and items made from protected species are also prohibited from export. Travellers carrying currency in excess of JD10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must declare it when leaving the country.

This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate the most up-to-date information.