Region in Aqaba Governorate, Jordan
Wadi Rum
Vast red desert of sandstone arches, Bedouin camps, jeep tours and stargazing. Easy to reach from Aqaba or Petra; plan camps with dinner included and bring layers.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,410–2,400Comfortable, one person · JD1,000–1,700Details
- Value for money47/100Better value than 46% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 38°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$21–49Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxi from AqabaYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMostly cash in the village and camps.Details
Where to stay in Wadi Rum
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Rum Village | Base for camps, tour offices and simple restaurants |
| Desert camps | Bedouin-run camps with dinner and stargazing |
Apps that work in Wadi Rum
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Jordan Pass: Visa fee waiver and Petra entry
- Taxis: No ride apps. Use camp transfers, taxis from Aqaba or pre-booked drivers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Jordan.
- Mostly cash Mostly cash in the village and camps. Some larger camps take cards; bring enough JOD from Aqaba or Amman.
- 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.