Digital Nomad in Amman, Jordan: A Complete Guide

Is Amman, Jordan worth visiting?

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a bustling city with a unique blend of traditional and modern elements, making it an intriguing destination for digital nomads.

Here are some reasons why Amman is a good place for digital nomads:

The cost of living in Amman is relatively affordable, making it a great destination for digital nomads on a budget, plus there is well-developed infrastructure, and high-speed internet widely available.

Amman has a rich history and culture, and there are many museums, historical sites, and cultural events to experience, providing ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. Since it’s centrally located within the Middle East, Amman is an excellent base for exploring neighboring countries and regions as well.

Jordanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making it easy to feel welcome within the local community. This was the first thing I noticed within five minutes of being in the country, especially in comparison to other Arab nations we had visited recently (like Egypt and Morocco).

The city is also known for its thriving arts scene, with many galleries, museums, and cultural events throughout the year. The culture and lifestyle in Amman provides a unique and inspiring experience for any who visit or live here as digital nomads.

Digital Nomad Guide to Amman, Jordan

Amman is the capital city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and is the country’s largest city. Its history dates back to at least 7,000 years ago when it was known as Rabbath-Ammon, the capital of the Ammonites.

Throughout history, the city has been ruled by various empires, including the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. In the 7th century, the Islamic Umayyad dynasty conquered the city and made it a regional capital, building many of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Amman Citadel and Umayyad Palace.

The lifestyle in Amman is generally laid-back and relaxed, with locals enjoying spending time with friends and family, drinking coffee, and socializing. Jordanians are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors, which makes for a welcoming and enjoyable experience.

The city has grown significantly in recent decades, with modern development and infrastructure making it a major economic and cultural hub in the Middle East. Today, Amman is a bustling metropolis that blends ancient history with modern culture, attracting tourists and digital nomads alike.

Things to Do in Amman

There are many things to do in Amman, here are some of the top activities and attractions:

1. Visit the Citadel: This ancient site dates back to the Roman period and offers stunning views of the city.
2. Explore the Roman Theatre: This well-preserved amphitheater is over 2,000 years old and is still used for concerts and performances.
3. Wander through the souks: The markets in Amman are a great place to shop for souvenirs, spices, and other goods.
4. Visit the Jordan Museum: This museum showcases Jordan’s rich history and culture, including artifacts from the Nabatean, Roman, and Islamic periods.
5. Try local cuisine: Amman is known for its delicious food, including dishes like mansaf, falafel, and hummus.
6. Visit Rainbow Street: This trendy area is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and is a great place to people-watch.
7. Take a day trip to Jerash: This ancient Roman city is located just outside of Amman and is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
8. Visit the King Abdullah Mosque: This stunning mosque is the largest in Jordan and can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers.
9. Explore the Royal Automobile Museum: This museum showcases the history of the automobile in Jordan and has a collection of vintage cars.
10. Take a hike: Amman is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys, and there are many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Day Trips from Amman

One of the best parts about being a digital nomad in Amman is that it’s a great home base for exploring the country. There are tons of day and weekend trip destinations that are easily accessible from Amman.

Here are some of the top options:

1. Jerash: Located about an hour north of Amman, Jerash is one of the most well-preserved Roman cities in the world. The site features stunning architecture, including an amphitheater, a hippodrome, and several temples.
2. Madaba: Known as the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba is a small town located about 30 minutes southwest of Amman. It is home to the famous Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
3. Mount Nebo: Located about an hour southwest of Amman, Mount Nebo is believed to be the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time. The site offers breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley.
4. Umm Qais: Umm Qais is an ancient Greco-Roman city in northern Jordan known for its stunning archaeological ruins and impressive panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Lake Tiberias, and the Golan Heights.
5. Dead Sea: The Dead Sea, located about an hour and a half south of Amman, is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. It is also the lowest point on Earth, and its mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties. Book a private tour from Amman to the Dead Sea.
6. Petra: While Petra is not a day trip from Amman, it is worth mentioning as it is one of the top destinations in Jordan. Located about three hours south of Amman, Petra is an ancient city carved into the rock, and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
7. Wadi Rum: Wadi Rum is also not exactly a day trip from Amman, but it is definitely worth the trip. You can easily spend the whole weekend here, or pair it with a trip to Petra and hit two birds with one stone.

Recommended Tours

Take out the hassle of finding a driver or hiring a car by booking a tour. These recommended tours will help you cross off your Jordan bucket list in no time.

Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Amman

Madaba, Mount Nebo and Dead Sea

Amman to Petra Private Tour

Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun from Amman

Day or Night Walking Tour in Downtown Amman (with Local Guide)

Free walking tour of Amman!

Best Way to Get to Amman

Fly

Amman is a major transportation hub in the Middle East, and there are several options for getting to the city. The most common way to get to Amman is by flying into Queen Alia International Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers south of the city center. The airport is served by many international airlines, including Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, just to name a few.

Book your private airport transfer.

Bus

Another option is to take a bus. Although the public bus system is not great and confusing for visitors, JETT Bus company offers bus rides geared towards tourists. There are bus services from major places in Jordan, such as Aqaba, Petra, the Dead Sea, and King Hussein Bridge border crossing.

I got this 15% off coupon code valid until August 30, 2023: SJCU4HKP

Rental Car

Visitors can also travel to Amman by car. The city is well-connected with other parts of Jordan by a network of highways, and car rental is available at the airport and throughout the city. However, it is important to note that driving in Amman can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets. But in generally I thought it was fine.

If you’re planning to sightsee around Jordan to visit Petra or Wadi Rum for example, I found renting a car to the be the best option in terms of cost and convenience. Taxi’s are extremely expensive for long distances, while the bus takes much longer and doesn’t provide any freedom. A 2-day car rental cost me about $150 to drop off at a different location, and $80 to drop off at the same location.

I chose to book all my rental cars in Jordan through Expedia and had great experiences every time. Book your car today!

>>Discover 3 ways to get to Jordan from Egypt.

Is there a digital nomad visa in Jordan?

There is no special digital nomad visa available in Amman, so travelers are limited to the 30-day tourist visa. You cannot apply for the visa ahead of time, so you either pay 40 JOD on entry or purchase the Jordan Pass before you arrive; Jordan Pass is not a visa itself, but includes the fee for the tourist visa.

Is the Jordan Pass worth it for digital nomads?

Although the tourist visa limits you to 30 days in the country, nomads who wish to stay longer have several options.

1. Do a visa run by crossing into Israel or Egypt to restart the 30 days. Unfortunately this is not a very cheap option; to leave Jordan there is a 10 JOD exit tax, and when you reenter, you will need to pay 40 JOD for the 30-day visa again.

2. Register and pay 40 JOD at the Jordanian Police Station to extend your visa another 3 months.

3. Overstay your visa and pay a fee on departure based on the number of days since your visa expired (1.5 JOD per day). This was the method we decided to go with since we only needed to stay a week longer, but at the airport we were never asked to pay anything. I’m not sure if the customs agent didn’t realize we stayed over, or didn’t care, but I’ll take it!

Getting around Amman

The best way to get around Amman is by taxi, rideshare, or car rental. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive, and they are often the easiest way to navigate the city. In my experience, most taxis have meters, and the ones who try to negotiate the price are trying to get more money from you. For reference, a 10-15 minute taxi ride would usually cost 1.5 JOD.

Uber is available in Amman and is very convenient and takes away any confusion or language barrier about where you’re going. Many taxi drivers I had didn’t speak English and also didn’t know how to look at Google maps, so if we could, Uber was our preferred way to get around.

Car rental is also an option, but driving in Amman can be challenging due to heavy traffic and erratic driving. After living in LA for many years, I actually thought driving in Amman was totally fine. But if you aren’t used to city driving, it could be quite stressful.

Book a car rental in Amman.

There are local buses that run through the city, but these options are not convenient for visitors unfamiliar with the city. Walking is also a good option in many areas, especially in the downtown area, but be aware the city is built on several steep hills.

Where to Stay in Amman as a Digital Nomad

Amman is a sprawling city with many neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe and characteristics. For digital nomads, the best areas to stay in Amman are those that offer easy access to amenities, transportation, and entertainment options.

Here are a few popular neighborhoods to consider:

Jabal Al-Weibdeh

Jabal Al-Weibdeh is known for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, good restaurants and coffee shops. This neighborhood is located in central Amman and offers easy access to many of the city’s main attractions. This is my personal favorite area to stay in Amman, impeccable vibes.

Jabal Amman

Located in the historic area of Jabal Amman, Rainbow Street is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. This area offers a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to the city’s main attractions. Staying near 1st Circle or 2nd Circle is a good location in Jabal Amman as well.

Weibdeh and Jabal Amman look very close together so you might be thinking you could stay in one but take advantage of both areas. Well what you can’t tell by looking at google maps is that these two neighborhoods are on the tops of two different hills and getting between them is extremely strenuous.

Abdoun

Known for its upscale residential buildings, Abdoun is a popular neighborhood for expats and digital nomads. This area is home to some of Amman’s best restaurants, cafes, and shops, and offers a more modern and luxurious lifestyle. It’s not necessarily the best neighborhood for digital nomads, but if you were relocating to Amman with your family, for example, it’s a really nice neighborhood.

Sweifieh

Located in western Amman, Sweifieh is a bustling commercial area with plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes. This neighborhood offers easy access to transportation and is well-connected to other parts of the city. The downside of staying in this area is that it is very far from the city center and main attractions in Amman.

Where to Work Remote in Amman

In my experience, the WIFI is Amman is excellent. Maybe my standards were really low after spending several months in Dahab, Egypt, but having unlimited high speed WIFI was a dream. Be sure to double check with your accommodation about speeds, but in general you can rest easy knowing you will be able to find good internet somewhere.

Coworking Spaces in Amman

Antwork

What’s included: Hot Desks, Fast WIFI, Event Space, Meeting Rooms, Mail Handling, Reception, Programs and Events

Try one day for free! Prices start at $11.30 per day, $226 for a month (20 days). Book online now.

The Office

What’s included: High Speed Internet, 24/7 Member Access, Reception, Mail Handling, Meeting Rooms, Onsite Staff, Phone Booth, Printing Services, Complimentary Refreshments, Outdoor Space

Dedicated desks start at 65 JD per month. Book online now.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Although there were a couple decent coworking spaces in Amman, we actually preferred working from cafes and coffee shops since there were so many good ones to choose from. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Rumi Cafe

Shams al Balad

Almond Coffee House

Wild Jordan Center

Best Time to Digital Nomad in Amman

The best time of year to visit Amman is considered the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, I felt like March was still too cold and rainy for me personally.

You might also want to avoid visiting Amman during Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims. We made this mistake and the city was like a ghost town. Everything was closed during the day, and poor Jack couldn’t even find a cup of coffee. Once Ramadan ended, the city came alive and it felt like I was in an entirely new place.

Ramadan in Jordan in 2024 will start on April 2nd and end on May 2nd. The exact dates of Ramadan change every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar, which means it is shorter than the typical solar calendar.

Summers in Amman can be hot, dry, and dusty, with temperatures soaring above 90°F (32°C) during the day. The heat makes visiting Wadi Rum and Petra during the day particularly difficult.

Winters in Amman are usually rainy and chilly, with occasional snowfall in the higher elevations. The places we stayed in Amman didn’t have indoor heating either, making the cold seem even worse.

Cost of Living in Amman

Amman’s cost of living is generally lower than other major cities in the Middle East, such as Dubai or Tel Aviv. However, it is still higher than many cities in the surrounding countries.

Compared to cities around the world, the cost of living in Amman is considered to be moderate. According to Mercer, a company that tracks cost of living in various cities, the cost of living in Amman in 2022 was about the same as Cleveland, Ohio or Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Some expenses in Amman, such as housing and transportation, can be relatively affordable, while other costs, such as food and imported goods, are higher due to import taxes. Prices in Amman reminded me of the cost of living in the US pre-pandemic. But ultimately, the cost of living in Amman will vary depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Is Amman, Jordan Safe?

Generally speaking, Amman is considered safe for travelers, including digital nomads. The city has a low crime rate compared to other major cities in the region and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The people in Amman are a breath of fresh air, especially if you’ve visited any other Arab nations. Besides some weird teenagers who kept trying to take pictures of me, I was very pleasantly surprised by the warmth and kindness I experienced in Jordan. Even in pretty touristic areas, you can almost let your guard down (*almost*).

However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when venturing out at night or in more secluded areas.

Like I said, I only had one annoying incident in the five weeks we were in Jordan. For some reason groups of teenage boys were hanging out in the touristy parts of Amman harassing white people for pictures, especially women. When one kid practically felt me up, we started stiff-arming any boy who came close.

I’m not even sure if they were Jordanian, they could have easily come from elsewhere on a field trip which explains why they were hanging out in places like the Roman Theatre and Citadel.

Although Jordan is a pretty stable country, political tensions in the surrounding regions can sometimes cause unrest or conflict. It’s always a good idea to stay informed about any current events or potential risks before and during your stay in Amman.

Make Amman, Jordan your next digital nomad destination

Amman, Jordan is a great destination for digital nomads looking for a unique cultural experience in the Middle East without sacrificing modern amenities. The city offers a welcoming and safe environment with affordable living costs, reliable infrastructure, and a diverse community of entrepreneurs and expats.

Amman has no shortage of historical sites and delicious food. It also serves as a great home base for exploring the natural wonders and ancient ruins of Jordan. With its modern amenities and traditional charm, Amman is a top destination for digital nomads looking for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.

Here is a summary of all the pros and cons of being a digital nomad in Amman, Jordan:

Pros:

Cons:

What is Amman, Jordan known for?

Amman is known for many things. It is the capital and largest city of Jordan, and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous ancient ruins, museums, and landmarks.

Amman is also known for its delicious foodie scene, bustling markets, and friendly locals. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to other popular destinations in Jordan, such as Petra and the Dead Sea.