Good to know
Good to Know
- Always choose 'Decline Conversion' at ATMs to avoid unfavorable exchange rates; let your card issuer handle conversion at mid-market rates.
- Jordan Kuwait Bank ATMs sometimes offer fee-free withdrawals for certain cards; worth trying this bank first if available.
- Withdraw larger amounts in fewer transactions to minimize total fees rather than multiple small withdrawals.
- Credit card skimming has been reported at freestanding ATMs in Amman; use ATMs inside bank branches or airports when possible.
- Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to bills, but staff rarely receive it—your additional 5-10% tip directly to the server goes to them.
- Cash is essential in markets, souks, small restaurants, and informal vendors; carry small JOD notes and coins for tipping and small purchases.
- Most newer card terminals require a PIN, some older ones still request signatures.
- V-Pay and Girocard (EC cards) do not work in Jordan; Visa and Mastercard are most reliable.
- Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) works in Amman's modern shops and restaurants but rarely in rural areas.
- Exchange rates are fixed at the Central Bank, varying only between money changers. Exchange offices in Amman offer better rates than hotels or airports.
Major Local Banks
Arab Bank
- Features
- Largest bank in Jordan with global reach (600+ branches across 5 continents), fastest international money transfers, popular with expats, headquarters in Amman
Cairo Amman Bank
- Features
- Established 1960, only Jordanian bank with PayPal integration (since 2014)
Bank of Jordan
- Features
- Major local bank offering expat services
Housing Bank
- Features
- Major local bank
International Banks
Société Générale (SGBJ)
- Features
- Requires only passport for current account; has mobile app; in-branch application required
Standard Chartered
- Features
- Requires passport and proof of residence; in-branch application required
ATM Fees
- Overview
- Most ATMs charge fees for foreign cardholders. No universal fee-free ATM network; Jordan Kuwait Bank sometimes reported as fee-free by some users.
- Fee Range
- JOD 5.00
- Fee Variation
- Range from 3-7 JOD (approximately 4-10 USD) depending on bank and location. Tourist-area ATMs and hotels typically charge 5 JOD.
- Additional Charges
- Your home bank may also charge foreign transaction fees (typically 1.75-4% of withdrawn amount). Avoid accepting ATM's dynamic currency conversion option; decline conversion and pay in JOD only.
Best Value Banks
- Arab Bank (typically JOD 5, accepts withdrawals up to JOD 500)
- Jordan Kuwait Bank (reported as sometimes fee-free; has ATMs on Rainbow Street and other locations)
- Blom Bank (reported at JOD 4)
- Standard Chartered Bank (higher withdrawal limits)
ATM Access
- Language Support
- Most ATMs can be switched to English
- Locations To Avoid
- Street-side ATMs in less frequented areas
- Card Types Accepted
- Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus most common
- Availability In Amman
- Good ATM distribution in business districts, retail centres, and near bank offices. Many ATMs run 24/7 at major banks.
- Safe Withdrawal Locations
- ATMs inside bank branches, airports, and well-lit busy areas (better monitored, lower skimming risk)
Tipping Norms
- Spas Massage
- 10-15% of bill or JOD 5-10 directly to therapist
- Cultural Context
- Tipping comprises 50%+ of service-sector wages; customary but not compulsory. USD notes (not coins) are accepted for tips.
Hotel Staff
- Room Service
- JOD 2-5
- Room Cleaners
- JOD 1-2 per night
- Porters Bellboys
- JOD 1 per bag
Tour Guides
- Group Tours
- JOD 5-10 per person for group tour guides
- Private Guides
- JOD 10-15 per day or USD 14-21, depending on service quality
Taxis Drivers
- Estimated Amount
- A few JOD for shorter rides
- Standard Practice
- Round up fare to nearest whole number or add a small tip. Not compulsory.
Restaurants Cafes
- Standard Percentage
- 5-10% when no service charge included; many restaurants add 10% automatic service charge (typically does not go to waiters)
- Currency
- JOD preferred, USD notes also accepted
- Recommendation
- Tip an additional 5-10% directly to wait staff even if service charge is added, as they rarely receive that charge
Card Acceptance
- Overview
- Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in Amman at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay available in modern establishments.
Not Accepted
- V-Pay cards
- Girocards/EC cards (except at Maestro/Cirrus ATMs)
Accepted Cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- Cirrus
- Plus
- American Express (upscale hotels and tourist facilities only)
- JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover (some ATMs)
Cash Required For
- Street vendors and souks
- Smaller restaurants and cafes
- Gas stations
- Markets and informal traders
- Washroom attendants
- Some tourist sites (direct payments to guides/handlers)
ATM Withdrawal Limits
- Per Transaction
- JOD 500
- Note
- Standard limit is JOD 250-500 depending on ATM operator and card type. Arab Bank and Standard Chartered typically allow JOD 500.
Jordan has a well-developed banking system regulated by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). Banks in Amman offer accounts and services specifically aimed at expats, including non-resident accounts, foreign currency accounts, and international money transfers.
Banking Hours
Most banks open 8:30am to 3pm Sunday to Thursday. Some branches stay open longer with evening breaks, and branches in malls may stay open until 10pm. Reduced hours during Ramadan; closed on public holidays.
Opening Process
In-branch application required for most banks. Processing times vary from a few minutes to several days. Some banks allow online applications (e.g., Safwa Islamic Bank). Many expats report bureaucratic challenges; visiting the largest branch of your chosen bank is recommended to avoid overcrowding.
Islamic Banking Options
Islamic Banking Options
- Jordan Islamic Bank
- Islamic International Arab Bank
- Safwa Islamic Bank (only one allowing online current account applications)
Minimum Initial Deposit
- Minimum Initial Deposit
- JOD 150
Varies by bank; typically 100-200 JOD
Banking Challenges Noted
Expats report poor customer service, long queues, and bureaucratic processes. Staff determine service level based on income. Setting up accounts can be time-consuming.
Account Opening Requirements
Account Opening Requirements
- Valid passport
- Proof of residence (rental contract or utility bill)
- Residency permit (Iqama) — required for most banks, obtained through employer
- Work contract or proof of employment
- Initial deposit (typically 100-200 JOD)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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- 2.tripadvisor.com
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- 4.atmtravelguide.com
- 5.tripadvisor.com
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- 15.stepintojordan.com
- 16.exchangerates.org.uk
- 17.currency.wiki
- 18.forbes.com
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- 20.trade.gov
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- 22.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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- 24.worldsbesthospitals.net
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- 26.expatfocus.com
- 27.livinginjordanasexpat.com
- 28.expat.com
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- 30.enterslice.com
- 31.expatarrivals.com
- 32.expatlife.ai
- 33.april-international.com
- 34.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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- 37.bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com
- 38.khourydrugstore.com
- 39.jordanyp.com
- 40.talabat.com
- 41.researchgate.net
More About Amman
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.