Using Us Dollars At Amman Airport: Is It Possible?

can you use us dollars in amman airport

If you're planning to travel to Jordan and are wondering whether you can use US dollars at Amman Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. While some sources suggest exchanging a small amount of money at the airport for convenience, it's widely advised that the exchange rates at Amman Airport are unfavourable compared to banks or other exchange offices in the city. Additionally, ATM fees at the airport are higher than at other ATMs outside the airport. Therefore, it's recommended to withdraw money from ATMs outside the airport or from reputable banks in the city, such as Arab Bank or Jordan Kuwait Bank. It's also worth noting that while some places in Jordan may accept USD, it's generally preferable to use Jordanian Dinar (JD) for most transactions, as many businesses prefer it.

Characteristics Values
Currency exchange at Amman Airport Available
Exchange rate at the airport Not favourable
Exchange rate in the city Better than the airport
Using USD in Amman Possible but Jordanian Dinar is preferred
ATMs in Amman Available
ATM fees in Amman 3 JD for a withdrawal
Using cards in Amman Possible in hotels, restaurants, shops, and grocery stores

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Currency exchange at Queen Alia International Airport

Currency exchange services are available at Queen Alia International Airport. Global Exchange operates several branches at the airport, including in the southern boarding gates area, the northern boarding gates building, the northern arrivals building, and in the middle of the baggage claim belts area. These branches are open 24/7, 365 days a year, and offer exchange services for a wide range of foreign currencies, including USD. Debit and credit cards, Visa, and Mastercard are also accepted.

There is also a money exchange counter at the airport before the visa counter. However, several travellers have noted that the exchange rates and fees for exchanging money at the airport are unfavourable. Some suggest exchanging a small amount at the airport and then seeking better rates at exchange shops in the city or at specific banks with better rates. ATMs are also available at the airport, but they may charge higher fees compared to other locations.

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Using US dollars in Jordan

Jordan is largely a cash-based society, and while some places might accept US dollars, it is generally better to use Jordanian Dinar (JD) for most transactions. Many businesses in Jordan prefer to operate in Jordanian Dinar, and using the local currency will make your experience smoother, especially in places where cash is required.

If you are bringing US dollars to Jordan, it is advisable to avoid exchanging currency at the airport or at hotels, as the rates are usually less favourable compared to banks or other exchange offices in the city. There is a money exchange counter at Amman Airport before you get to the visa counter, but the exchange rate and fees are reportedly bad.

There are several options for exchanging money in Amman. You can visit a local bank, such as Arab Bank or Jordan Kuwait Bank, which offer good exchange rates. There are also exchange offices close to the Grand Hyatt hotel in downtown Amman, where you can find the best exchange rates in the country. Make sure to compare the rates and choose the one that offers the best deal.

ATMs are widespread in Jordan, and you can use your US debit and credit cards to withdraw cash. However, be aware of the fees associated with ATM withdrawals. Some ATMs charge a fee of 3 JD for a withdrawal, while others may charge up to 6.5 JD. It is recommended to ask your driver to take you to a gas station ATM or an ATM outside the city centre to avoid high fees.

Some stores will accept your US credit/debit cards directly, but it is always a good idea to carry some local currency to avoid any issues with payment.

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Exchanging money in Amman

When it comes to exchanging money in Amman, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid exchanging large amounts of money at the airport, as the exchange rates there tend to be unfavourable and come with high transaction fees. While it may be convenient to exchange some money at the airport to cover immediate expenses like transportation, it is generally advised to exchange larger amounts elsewhere.

One recommended option is to use a service like Wise, which can save you the hassle of visiting a physical location and may offer more competitive rates. Additionally, it is suggested to be cautious of services that advertise "zero fees" or "no commission", as they may compensate for this with unfavourable exchange rates.

In Amman itself, there are numerous options for exchanging money. The city has many exchange offices located on the main streets and in malls, and these often compete with each other, resulting in better rates for customers. It is still important to be aware of the current exchange rate to ensure you are getting a fair deal. ATMs are also an option, but it is wise to check with your local bank to see if they have partnerships with any Jordanian banks to avoid unnecessary fees.

If you are staying in a hotel, particularly a five-star hotel, it may be worth inquiring about their exchange rates, as these can sometimes be more favourable than other options. Additionally, some travellers suggest bringing US Dollars or Euros to Jordan and exchanging them for Jordanian Dinars (JOD) upon arrival, as these currencies tend to have better exchange rates in the country.

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ATMs in Amman

While ATMs are available at Amman Airport, they are known to charge high fees. One source states that the fee at an ATM after clearing customs was 6-6.5 Jordanian dinars, while another ATM inside customs charged around 4-4.5 dinars. The withdrawal limit at Amman Airport ATMs is also said to be lower than average, with a maximum of 250 Jordanian dinars.

It is recommended that you use an ATM in Amman city instead, where you can find several banks with ATMs in downtown King Faisal Square. The Arab Bank is recommended by travellers due to its reasonably low fees and higher withdrawal limit of 500 dinars. There is also a branch of the Arab Bank located at Queen Alia International Airport, which is open 24/7. However, it is advised that you exchange only a small amount of money at the airport due to poor exchange rates and fees.

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Paying by card in Jordan

Jordan's official currency is the Jordanian Dinar, denoted by JD and divided into 100 piasters or 1000 fils. While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Jordan, it is still largely a cash-based society. Smaller shops, taxis, and local souks often require cash payments in the local currency. Therefore, it is advisable to carry some cash, preferably in Jordanian Dinars, during your stay in Jordan.

When it comes to paying by card in Jordan, the most commonly accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. These cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted in some establishments. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup, especially for smaller purchases or when shopping in local markets.

ATMs are readily available in Jordan, including at Amman Airport. You can use international credit and debit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, but be aware of associated fees, which can be high. It is recommended to use ATMs from reputable banks or financial institutions to avoid potential scams and ensure the safety of your financial information.

If you plan to use a credit or debit card, it is essential to notify your bank before travelling to Jordan to avoid any unexpected blocks on your account. Additionally, it is advisable to change your PIN to a four-digit number if it is longer, as some ATMs in Jordan may not accept longer PINs.

In conclusion, while Jordan is moving towards greater acceptance of card payments, it is still advisable to carry cash, preferably in Jordanian Dinars, for a seamless payment experience during your stay in the country.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can use US dollars at Amman Airport, but it is recommended to use Jordanian Dinar (JD) for most transactions in Jordan as many businesses prefer it.

There is a money exchange counter at Queen Alia International Airport before you get to the visa counter. However, the exchange rate and fees are not favourable. There are also ATMs at the airport that dispense cash in Jordanian Dinar.

Yes, you will find better exchange rates in banks and exchange offices in the city.

Jordan is largely a cash society, but some stores will accept US credit or debit cards directly. ATMs are widespread and accept international cards.

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