Town in Madaba Governorate, Jordan
Madaba
A small Christian-majority town known for Byzantine mosaics and Mount Nebo, 30 minutes from Amman airport. A calm, cheap base for the King's Highway and Dead Sea, with limited nightlife and public transport.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,270–1,970Comfortable, one person · JD900–1,400Details
- Value for money58/100Better value than 57% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Internet194 MbpsFixed broadband, Jordan medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledWater is scarce and stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- 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 Madaba
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town center (Church of St George area) | Mosaics, small hotels, cafés, walkable core |
| King's Highway side | Quieter guesthouses on the way to Mount Nebo |
| Mount Nebo road | Rural stays with views toward the Dead Sea |
Apps that work in Madaba
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Careem | Operates in Madaba since 2018; fewer cars than Amman |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Talabat | Restaurants and tMart grocery dark store in Madaba |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Jordan Pass: Visa fee waiver and Petra entry
- Taxis: Local taxis are cheap but often skip the meter. Careem works for airport rides; in town, agree the fare first.
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. Taxis, bakeries, small cafés and many shops are cash only; ATMs are in the center.
- 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.