City in Aqaba Governorate, Jordan
Aqaba
Jordan's Red Sea resort town for diving, snorkelling and easy desert trips. Relaxed and affordable, but hot most of the year, with Iranian strikes near the city in 2026.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,550–2,540Comfortable, one person · JD1,100–1,800Details
- Value for money31/100Better value than 30% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 40°CDetails
- Internet194 MbpsFixed broadband, Jordan medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledWater is scarce, rationed and stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$21–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCareemWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels and bigger restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Aqaba
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Corniche / Downtown | Walkable center: restaurants, souqs, hotels and bus links |
| South Beach / Tala Bay | Dive centres, beach resorts and reef access |
| Ayla | Newer waterfront development with marina and restaurants |
Apps that work in Aqaba
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Talabat | Covers central Aqaba |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Jordan Pass: Visa fee waiver and Petra entry
- Taxis: Taxis often skip the meter; agree the fare first, or use an app when available.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Jordan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants. Carry cash for taxis, markets and small cafés.
- Currency: Dinar (JOD). US$1 ≈ JD0.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in all towns; most charge a fee for foreign cards. Fewer in Wadi Rum and rural areas.
- Tipping: Expected in tourism: about 10% in restaurants (check for a service charge), tips for guides and drivers; round up taxis.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals in Amman; local CliQ needs a Jordanian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors buy a visa on arrival at airports; staying three nights or more, the Jordan Pass covers the visa fee plus Petra entry.
- No visa on arrival at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge from the West Bank: arrange it in advance.
- Staying over 14 days? Register with police (biometrics) or pay a fine on departure.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type C, D, F, G, J, B · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Zain, Orange and Umniah booths at Queen Alia airport arrivals and shops in town; passport needed. Data is cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Jordan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.