Mobile communications and internet in Jordan are provided by three main operators. These are providers Orange, Zain, and also Umniah. Cellular communication in the country works smoothly, but in some areas there may be difficulties. For example, on the territory of the Wadi Rum desert and other distant sights of Jordan . Interruptions in communication in high mountainous areas are also possible.
You can buy Jordan eSim here on Airalo.
Where and how to buy a SIM card in Jordan
In the central regions of Aqaba, there are a large number of mobile phone shops. To purchase a SIM card, simply say to the seller in English: “Sim-card”. The main advantage of small communication salons is that they work until late. But it is better to buy a SIM card in large official stores, the prices for them are more attractive there. Incoming calls for tourists and locals are free.
Going on vacation to Jordan, purchase a SIM card with the Internet already at the Amman airport. To do this, you need to contact the official salon of one of the mobile operators that are available at the airport. To purchase a SIM card, you will need a passport. The cost of a SIM card can be a couple of dollars higher than in the city, but it is clearly more profitable, since you do not have to spend time traveling to find a store, wait in line and make a purchase.
It is also convenient because at Amman Queen Alia International Airport, the points of all three telecom operators are nearby and you can choose the appropriate option. You may have to pay a couple of dollars more for a SIM card at the airport, but this is clearly more profitable than spending
Each of the mobile operators has English-language sites on which tariffs are presented. It is better for tourists to purchase a prepaid card that will allow them to use the connection for calls, messages or the Internet, paying only for the options selected and used. You can replenish the balance in the same place where you purchase a SIM card. Be prepared to pay an additional 16% tax when topping up.
Cellular prices and tariffs
Orange : offers two options for backpackers
- 15 JD ($21) = Unlimited domestic calls & texts + 30 minutes international calls & texts + 5 GB data. For a period of 30 days.
- 30 JD ($42) = Unlimited domestic calls & texts + 10 minutes international calls & texts + 30 GB data. For a period of 90 days.
Umniah : offers 5 SIM card options for tourists
Price: 10.88 JD ($15.36)
- 10 GB internet traffic
- 4 GB Facebook
- 15 minutes for domestic calls
- 15 minutes for international calls
- Valid for 10 days
Price: 16.12 JD ($22.75)
- 18 GB internet traffic
- 22 GB Facebook
- A large number of minutes for calls within the country
- 2000 sms
- 350 minutes for international calls
- Valid for 30 days
Price: 16.12 JD ($22.76)
- 18 GB internet traffic
- 2400 sms
- 1750 minutes for domestic calls
Price: 20.05 JD ($28.31)
- 26 GB internet traffic
- 2400 sms
- 2000 minutes for calls within the country
Price: 26.62 JD ($37.6)
- 60 GB internet traffic
- 2000 sms
- 2000 minutes for calls within the country
Zain offers 3 options for prepaid SIM cards
- 18.50 JD ($26) = 15 GB – unlimited calls within the Zain network – 1000 minutes to other carriers – 50 minutes to international calls, active for 30 days
- 23 JD ($32) = 20 GB – unlimited calls within the Zain network – 1000 minutes to other carriers – 50 minutes to international calls, active for 30 days
- 29.25 JD ($41) = 50 GB – unlimited calls within the Zain network – 1000 minutes to other carriers – 50 minutes to international calls, active for 30 days
The signal speed is usually quite good: you can easily watch videos on your mobile device. In rare cases, the speed may drop in the evening. There is the possibility of distributing the Internet to other mobile gadgets.
Internet and Wi-Fi Features
When buying a SIM card, you must immediately contact the seller to carry out all the necessary settings. The connection is not connected automatically, so the seller’s consultation is necessary. When buying a SIM card, this service is free.
In all tourist areas in Jordan there are points with free Wi-Fi – in hotel lobbies, restaurants and cafes, public places. However, many travelers complain about insufficient speed. In some establishments, mobile Internet can be connected for an additional fee, in some cafes and restaurants the cost can reach up to 5 dinars. So if you go to a cafe or restaurant, you should clarify in advance whether Wi-Fi is available on its territory and whether this service is free. It also happens that you also have to pay for communication at the hotel. This service can be expensive – about 10 dinars. Establishments providing free mobile internet include Starbucks, Che Che, Gloria Jeans store.
As a last resort, if you urgently need access to the Internet, you can go to an Internet cafe. There are plenty of them in Jordan. Some establishments have desktop computers. There are also Internet cafes where only Wi-Fi is distributed, but you need to have your own device.
Sockets
In Jordan, different types of sockets are used: D, G, J, and also F. However, more often than not, it is non-standard types that have three pins. If you need an adapter, you can ask for it at the hotel reception, or purchase it at the nearest supermarket.
International calls
It is worth remembering that there are no pay phones in Jordan. It is extremely expensive to make long distance calls from hotels. It is best to use mobile Internet in Jordan. If you need to call abroad, the best option for this is the Weinak card provided by Orange.
