Most trips to Jordan follow the same line from north to south: Amman and the Roman city of Jerash, a swim in the Dead Sea, Petra, the desert of Wadi Rum and the Red Sea at Aqaba. Distances are short, and many visitors drive themselves or hire a driver for a week. Jordan is not part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and European plans usually charge roaming by the day.
Key facts for Jordan
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Umniah (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 911
- Embassies: in Amman
Before you go: borders and the Jordan Pass
Several governments advise against travel close to the borders with Syria and Iraq, and tensions in the region can close airspace at short notice, so check your government's advice before you go and again before you fly home. The Jordan Pass, bought online before arrival, includes entry to Petra and more than 40 other sites, and it waives the tourist visa fee if you stay at least three nights.
Amman
Coverage is strong across Amman. Careem and Uber are the easiest way to get around, as the city is spread over hills and taxi drivers do not always use the meter.
Petra and Wadi Rum
In Wadi Musa, the town next to Petra, coverage is good, and there is a signal along the main route through the site, though it can fade in the narrow side canyons. Download the site map before you go in, start early in summer and carry water. In Wadi Rum, many camps have little or no signal, so tell your hosts when you expect to arrive and keep your booking details offline.
The Dead Sea and Aqaba
Along the Dead Sea and in Aqaba, at the meeting point of four countries, phones can pick up networks from across the border. A plan for Jordan does not cover them, so if your phone switches, choose a Jordanian network manually. Swim only at hotel or public beaches with lifeguards, and do not put your head under the water of the Dead Sea.
Paying
Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and many restaurants in Amman and Aqaba, but you will need cash in Jordanian dinars for taxis, small shops, Bedouin camps and tips.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM is installed at home and begins its validity on its first connection in Jordan, so you can order a car from the airport straight away. Your usual number stays reachable for texts and bank codes.
Jordanian prepaid SIMs from Zain, Orange or Umniah are sold in the arrivals hall at Amman airport, and you need your passport to buy one.
Consular protection: who to call in Jordan
- 911 is the single number for the police, ambulances and the fire service.
- Embassies are in Amman. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Jordan, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in Arabic, ready to show on screen.
Questions travellers ask about Jordan
Does my EU plan work in Jordan?
Not under Roam Like at Home; most operators charge a daily roaming fee.
Is there signal in Petra and Wadi Rum?
Along Petra's main route, yes; in the side valleys and in many desert camps, little or none.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Jordan?
Umniah, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
911, for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
The short version
Buy the Jordan Pass and install the eSIM before you fly, download the Petra map, carry cash for the desert, pick a Jordanian network near the borders, and save 911.
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