Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ATMs
It is possible to travel in Jordan almost entirely on plastic. ATMs giving cash advances
abound in all but the smaller towns - just don't forget your PIN!
There are no local charges on credit-card cash advances, but the maximum daily with-
drawal amount is around JD500, depending on your particular card. All banks have large
signs (in English) indicating which credit cards they accept.
Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards,
such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs (eg Jordan National Bank and
HSBC).
Changing Money
It's easy to change money in Jordan. Most major currencies are accepted in cash and trav-
ellers cheques. US dollars, UK pounds and Euros are easier to change than Australian or
New Zealand dollars.
There are no restrictions on bringing dinars into Jordan. It's possible to change dinars
back into some foreign currencies in Jordan.
Syrian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Israeli and Iraqi currency can all be changed in Amman.
Egyptian and Israeli currency are also easily changed in Aqaba. Banks and
moneychangers charge about the same for exchanging cash (a little more for travellers
cheques), but large hotels charge more. There are small branches of major banks at the
borders and airports.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted at top-end hotels and restaurants, travel agencies,
larger souvenir shops and bookshops. Commissions of up to 5% may be added to the bill,
so it may be better to get a cash advance and pay with the paper stuff. Make a note of the
emergency numbers on the back of your credit cards in case you lose them.
Duty Free
There are duty-free shops at Queen Alia International Airport and next to the Century
Park Hotel in Amman, plus small outlets at the border crossings with Israel and the
Palestinian Territories.
Most upmarket shops offer tax rebates. If you spend more than JD350, keep your re-
ceipts, fill out a tax rebate form and leave the country within 90 days, you can get the 16%
tax refunded to your credit card at a booth at the airport, just before check-in.
