Jordan dazzles with rose‑red Petra, the martian dunes of Wadi Rum, and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea—yet it doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Below is a practical, up‑to‑date guide for cost‑conscious backpackers, with a special focus on travelers coming from Oman.
1. Visas & Paperwork: Start Smart
Omani passport‑holders currently enjoy visa‑free entry to Jordan for stays of up to three months — one of the best money‑savers you can get!
Still, many travelers (expats in Oman, multiple‑entry business visitors, or anyone who prefers a concierge service) choose to apply in advance through a trusted agency. Each of the common search terms below links to the same streamlined application page; click whichever phrase matches your query:
Budget tip: If you’ll be in Jordan at least three days (two nights) and plan to see Petra, buy the Jordan Pass online before arrival. It waives the visa fee for most nationalities and bundles entry to 40+ sites, starting at 70 JOD for the “Wanderer” tier.
2. Getting There on the Cheap
- Watch Gulf‑hub sales. Low‑cost carriers like Air Arabia and Fly Dubai often discount Muscat→Amman connections.
- Leverage flexible dates. Fares dip in late February–April and October–November. Use Google Flights alerts.
- Pack light. A 7 kg carry‑on avoids check‑bag fees that can double a bargain ticket.
3. Shoestring Stays
| Budget bed | Typical price/night | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Amman hostels (Rainbow St.) | 8–12 JOD | Free breakfast, rooftop views |
| Petra guesthouses (Wadi Musa) | 15–20 JOD | Walk or shuttle to the gate |
| Wadi Rum Bedouin camps | 20–25 JOD (w/ dinner) | Sunset ride + starry skies |
| Couchsurfing (nationwide) | 0 JOD | Cultural exchange, local tips |
Hack: Book cancellable rooms, then re‑check prices two days out—rates often fall mid‑week.
4. Eat Like a Local
- Street falafel & hummus: < 1 JOD at Hashem in downtown Amman.
- Manaqeesh (flatbread) breakfasts: 0.50–0.80 JOD, sold everywhere.
- Shared mezze dinners: Split plates at Balad’s shawarma stalls—4–5 JOD pp.
- BYO water bottle: Public fountains are potable in most cities; save on plastic.
5. Move Around for Less
| Mode | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JETT Bus Amman↔Petra | ~11 JOD | Book online, departs 6:30 am |
| Local minibus | 2–5 JOD/leg | Pay driver, leaves when full |
| Hitch‑hiking | Free | Common in rural areas—always ask first |
| Group taxis | Share 4 seats | Negotiate total fare before boarding |
6. Free & Low‑Cost Experiences
- Citadel & Roman Theatre combo in Amman: 3 JOD (free with Jordan Pass).
- Petra by Night: 17 JOD for candlelit Siq; decide if the splurge fits your budget.
- Dead Sea budget dip: Amman Beach public access ~8 JOD; skip resort day passes.
- Wadi Mujib Siq Trail: 15 JOD self‑guided canyoning (seasonal).
- Jerash ruins: 10 JOD (included in Pass).
- Friday Souk (Amman): Browse antiques and try knafeh samples—no entry fee.
7. Sample 5‑Day Backpacker Itinerary (≈ 130 JOD excl. flights & lodging)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Spend (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Amman; explore downtown on foot | Citadel & Roman Theatre | Rainbow St. falafel crawl | 10 JOD |
| 2 | Bus to Jerash ruins | Return; King Abdullah I Mosque | Free rooftop sunset | 15 JOD |
| 3 | Early JETT to Petra | Treasury, Street of Facades | Petra by Night (opt.) | 40 JOD |
| 4 | Hike Petra High Place, exit | Share‑taxi to Wadi Rum | Bedouin camp, dinner | 35 JOD |
| 5 | Sunrise desert walk | Bus to Dead Sea public beach | Back to Amman & Souk Jara | 30 JOD |
8. Final Money Savers
- Jordan Pass pays for itself with Petra + visa fee. Buy online and download the QR.
- Student card? Bring ISIC for half‑price museum tickets.
- Negotiate respectfully. A smile and a few Arabic phrases (“Shukran!”) lower taxi fares.
- Currency exchange: Withdraw JOD at airport ATMs; rates in town are less favorable.
- Travel insurance: Required for many visas and smart even if entering visa‑free—hospital visits can top 70 JOD.
Conclusion: Backpacking Jordan Without Breaking the Bank
Traveling through Jordan as a backpacker doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any of its iconic experiences. With thoughtful planning and a few cost-conscious strategies, you can explore the ancient wonders of Petra, float in the Dead Sea, hike majestic canyons, and sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum—all while sticking to a manageable budget.
One of the best advantages for travelers from Oman is the visa-free or easy visa-on-arrival entry to Jordan. But even if you’re an expat residing in Oman, you can still benefit from applying online through reliable services. Whether you’re searching for a Jordan Visa from Oman, Jordan Visa for Oman Residents, or a Jordan Tourist visa from Muscat, Oman, you can access a simplified application process here. This ensures your travel paperwork is sorted in advance—saving you time, money, and stress upon arrival.
Another key to saving money in Jordan is to think like a local. Use public transport, eat at street stalls or small family-run restaurants, and opt for hostel dorms or guesthouses over luxury hotels. Sites like Petra, Jerash, and the Amman Citadel come included with the Jordan Pass, which also waives many entry fees and can eliminate visa charges depending on your nationality.
Jordan is a safe and welcoming country, especially to Arab travelers. Locals are known for their generosity, and many backpackers find themselves invited for tea, a home-cooked meal, or even a free ride. Just be respectful, follow local customs, and travel with an open mind.
Ultimately, Jordan rewards the curious and adventurous traveler. With every step through ancient stone streets or desert trails, you’ll find that the country offers not only stunning views—but also unmatched hospitality and cultural richness at a very reasonable cost.
