Fair prices in Jordanië — what things really cost

A flat, inexpensive ticket price. Also included on the Jordan Pass, so check your pass coverage before paying again at the gate.

Pay at the RSCN visitor/trail centre. This covers access to the self-guided Roe Deer Trail; the longer guided trails cost extra on top.

A 7 km guided trail that ends at a village soap-making house. Book through RSCN/Wild Jordan in advance, especially on weekends.

An 8.5 km guided trail that includes a packed lunch. Good value if you plan to spend a full morning walking anyway.

An 18 km, difficult full-day guided trail ending near the castle. Only worth it if you are a confident, fit hiker — book well ahead.

Runs from Amman's Tabarbour (North) station. Service is limited or absent on Fridays, when you may need a private taxi instead.

The Airport Express bus is the cheapest way into the city, running roughly every hour or two between Queen Alia and the 7th Circle and North (Tabarbour) bus station. Buy your ticket at the marked desk in arrivals and keep small change handy.

Official yellow airport taxis charge a set zone fare to central Amman rather than a meter; confirm the price before you set off and use only the marked rank outside arrivals. A ride-hailing app is often cheaper if you have local data or wifi.

Yellow city taxis are cheap and metered. Insist the driver starts the meter (it begins around a third of a dinar); if he refuses or claims it is broken, get out and take another. Short hops across the centre cost only a dinar or two.

A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant is good value. Look for busy local places over tourist-facing ones, and note that many venues add a service charge and tax to the bill.

Downtown institutions serve a filling plate of falafel, hummus, foul and bread for very little. Hashem is the legendary budget option; prices are low, so a modest tip for good service is appreciated.

A slab of hot, cheese-filled knafeh drenched in syrup is a downtown ritual and costs very little. Habibah near the downtown steps is the classic address; eat it fresh and standing, as locals do.

Sweet black tea with sage or mint and small cups of cardamom-scented Arabic coffee are everywhere and cheap. A cafe on Rainbow Street costs more than a downtown stall, but both are normal, not a scam.

King Hussein International is only about 10 to 15 minutes from town, so the ride is short and cheap by airport standards. Use the official rank outside arrivals, agree the fixed fare first (a small luggage charge may be added), and be aware the airport is small with few taxis on late arrivals.

Aqaba's taxis are cheap and are supposed to run a meter. Ask the driver to start it; if he refuses or quotes a flat 'tourist' price, get out and take another. Most hops around the compact town cost only a dinar or two. A ride-hailing app removes the argument entirely.

A guided shore dive or a beginner's intro dive with a licensed centre is well priced compared with other Red Sea resorts. Choose a PADI or SSI centre with its own equipment and good reviews rather than the cheapest beach offer, and confirm what gear and guiding is included.

Short glass-bottom boat trips are inexpensive and fun for families. Prices are quoted per boat for a short spin or per person for a longer shared cruise, so clarify which you are paying and for how long before you step aboard, and expect to haggle a little with beach operators.

Fresh fish is Aqaba's speciality and is often sold by weight, so ask the price per kilo and have your fish weighed before it is cooked to avoid a surprise bill. Sayadieh (spiced fish and rice) is the local classic; busy seafront restaurants are a safer bet than empty tourist traps.

A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant is good value, especially away from the marina. Look for busy local places, and note many venues add a service charge and tax to the bill on top of the listed prices.

Sweet black tea with mint or sage and small cups of cardamom-scented Arabic coffee are everywhere and cheap. A seafront cafe costs more than a downtown stall, but both are normal, not a scam.

The one-day ticket is much cheaper for visitors staying at least one night in Jordan than for same-day visitors. If you are seeing other sites, the Jordan Pass usually works out better value.

Bundles Petra entry with many other attractions and waives the tourist visa fee if you stay three or more nights. Buy it online before you arrive.

Short hops around town are cheap. Agree the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used.

Hire only official guides from the visitor centre. Prices are per group for a set route, so splitting the cost among several people is good value.

Restaurants right at the site entrance charge more. Eat in Wadi Musa town for better prices and portions.

Water inside Petra costs several times the town price. Carry plenty from your hotel, especially in warm months.

Optional and negotiable. Agree the full price and destination first, and never feel pressured. Walking is free and often just as fast.