These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Jordan, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
How it works: Someone outside the official ticket booth offers to guide you around the castle or reserve for a fee, without any RSCN or ministry credential.
How to avoid it: Book guided trails only through the RSCN visitor centre or Wild Jordan, and buy castle tickets only at the official gate. Politely decline unsolicited offers.
How it works: A private taxi driver in Amman quotes a price for the roughly 76 km trip to Ajloun that is several times the fair going rate, especially targeting visitors who look unfamiliar with local fares.
How to avoid it: Use the Tabarbour minibus/shared-taxi station for a fraction of the cost, or agree a fixed private-taxi price in advance by comparing it with a ride-hailing app estimate first.
How it works: Shops near the castle or reserve entrance sell soap, olive-wood items or embroidery at inflated tourist prices, sometimes claiming a limited-time discount that isn't real.
How to avoid it: Compare prices at more than one stall, buy directly from the RSCN craft workshops or village cooperatives when possible, and don't feel rushed by a countdown-style sales pitch.
How it works: A common issue in Amman is a driver who will not start the meter, claims it is broken, or quotes a high flat fare once he hears you are a tourist, leaving you to pay several times the real price.
How to avoid it: Politely insist on the meter before moving; if the driver refuses, simply get out and flag another. Better still, use Uber or Careem, which fix the price in advance and remove any argument.
How it works: Drivers at Queen Alia sometimes quote well above the official zone fare, or approach you inside the terminal offering a 'special' price that turns out to be much higher.
How to avoid it: Use only the official taxi rank outside arrivals, agree the set zone fare first, or take the far cheaper Airport Express bus. Never accept a ride from someone touting inside the building.
How it works: At the Citadel, Jerash or Petra, a friendly local may attach himself to you as a 'guide' or offer to show a special viewpoint, then demand a steep fee afterwards.
How to avoid it: Agree clearly whether you want a guide and settle the price in writing or on a phone screen before starting. Licensed guides carry official ID; a simple, firm 'no thank you' is enough to decline the rest.
How it works: Some shops near tourist sites start prices very high, present ordinary items as rare antiques, or push overpriced 'Dead Sea' products to visitors who do not haggle.
How to avoid it: Haggling is normal in the souks; expect to pay well below the first price. Compare a few stalls, be sceptical of genuine-antique claims, and buy Dead Sea products from established shops.
How it works: The dinar divides into 1,000 fils, and prices may be quoted in dinars, piastres or fils, which can confuse newcomers and occasionally lead to short change.
How to avoid it: Learn the note and coin values on arrival, count your change, and carry small denominations for taxis and stalls. Paying the stated amount and checking change openly avoids almost all issues.
How it works: As across Jordan, some Aqaba drivers will not start the meter, claim it is broken, or quote a high flat fare once they hear you are a tourist, leaving you paying several times the real price for a short hop.
How to avoid it: Politely insist on the meter before moving; if the driver refuses, get out and flag another. Where they operate, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem fix the price in advance and remove any argument.
How it works: Drivers at King Hussein airport sometimes quote well above the short fixed fare into town, and travellers have reported cheap 'airport shuttle' services advertised online that never turn up or barely run.
How to avoid it: Use only the official taxi rank outside arrivals and agree the fixed fare first, or pre-book a reputable transfer or hotel pickup. Treat unknown budget shuttle offers with caution and do not pay in advance to a service you cannot verify.
How it works: On the south beaches and marina, touts push glass-bottom boat trips, snorkel gear and 'private' reef tours at inflated or vague prices, sometimes cutting the trip short once you are aboard.
How to avoid it: Agree the exact price, route and duration before boarding, and prefer operators tied to a hotel, dive centre or the marina office. Check that snorkel gear and life jackets are included and in good condition.
How it works: Shops near the fort and souk may start prices very high, present ordinary items as rare antiques, or push overpriced Dead Sea and 'Bedouin' products to visitors who do not haggle.
How to avoid it: Haggling is normal in the souk; expect to pay well below the first price. Compare a few stalls, be sceptical of genuine-antique claims, and buy branded Dead Sea products from established shops.
How it works: The dinar divides into 1,000 fils, and prices may be quoted in dinars, piastres or fils, which can confuse newcomers and occasionally lead to short change at stalls and with drivers.
How to avoid it: Learn the note and coin values on arrival, count your change, and carry small denominations for taxis, boats and stalls. Paying the stated amount and checking change openly avoids almost all issues.
How it works: Someone approaches you near the entrance or Treasury offering a tour or a shortcut, then demands a high fee afterwards.
How to avoid it: Only hire guides with an official badge booked through the visitor centre, and agree the route and price in writing before starting.
How it works: Horse, donkey or camel handlers offer a ride as 'included' or 'free', then demand a large tip or claim a much higher price at the end.
How to avoid it: Confirm the exact price and destination before mounting, carry small change, and decline firmly if you are not interested.
How it works: Vendors sell 'ancient' coins or artefacts claimed to be genuine Nabataean relics.
How to avoid it: Assume all such items are modern replicas. Buying or exporting real antiquities is illegal, so treat them as souvenirs only.
How it works: Horse carriages through the Siq are pitched as included in the ticket, then drivers demand a heavy extra 'tip' at the Treasury.
How to avoid it: Know that a nominal carriage is only for those with mobility needs and any extra is optional. Set a price first or simply walk.