Is cash still widely used?
Yes. While Amman has reasonable card acceptance at hotels and restaurants, the rest of Jordan — including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba — leans heavily on cash. Entry fees, local transport, and most small businesses require dinar in cash.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are widely available in Amman. Arab Bank and Housing Bank ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 3 JOD per withdrawal for foreign cards
- ATMs are available in Petra village and Aqaba but limited in rural areas
- The Jordanian dinar is a strong currency — withdrawals go further than you expect
Card acceptance
Moderate. Hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops in Amman accept cards. Petra entry, local restaurants, transport, and markets require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Withdraw dinars in Amman before heading to Petra or Wadi Rum
- Entry to Petra is paid in cash (or card at the main ticket office)
- Wadi Rum camps are almost entirely cash-only
- The dinar is pegged to the USD — exchange rates are stable