Places to exchange currency in Jordan

When I landed in Amman, I exchanged $50 at the airport counter and later realized I’d overpaid. On my second visit, I just went to a Cairo Amman Bank ATM in arrivals, withdrew 40 JOD, and it was much simpler. In downtown Amman, I exchanged USD at a small forex shop and got a way better rate. Cash was essential for taxis to Petra and local food stalls. Cards only really worked in hotels and malls. I’d skip counters and use ATMs.

Airport exchange rates in Amman are not terrible, but they’re never the best. ATMs from Housing Bank, Cairo Amman Bank, and Arab Bank at Queen Alia Airport are reliable. Withdraw a little for your taxi to Amman (about 20 JOD), then use downtown exchange shops for larger sums if carrying foreign currency. Always carry small notes, since local markets and smaller towns rarely accept cards. Stick to ATMs linked to major banks to avoid high fees.

I normally avoid the counters at Queen Alia and just use an ATM. Arab Bank and Cairo Amman Bank ATMs are inside arrivals and work fine with foreign cards. Later, in Amman city center, I’ve used currency exchange shops near Rainbow Street and got better deals for my USD. Hotels and restaurants take cards, but taxis and local eateries will want dinars. My system is: withdraw 50 JOD at the airport, then exchange or withdraw more once in the city.

Queen Alia Airport in Amman has exchange counters, but their rates are weaker than in the city. I always take out 20-30 JOD at the airport ATM for taxis and food, then do the rest in town. Arab Bank, Cairo Amman Bank, and Housing Bank ATMs are safe and easy to find. Forex shops in downtown Amman or near Rainbow Street give better rates if you bring USD or EUR. Small shops often prefer cash, so don’t rely on cards outside hotels.