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Jordan
17 scams
Jordan is covered in amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Nabataean ruins in Petra, and is also home to where Jesus Christ is said to have been baptized.
The country is also safe to visit, though there are some tourist targeted scams (e.g. in Petra; Bedouin scams) to be wary of.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency: 911
- Police: 192/191
- Fire: 199
- Ambulance: 193
Travel resources
Bedouin romance scam in Jordan
6 0How it works: Situation: This is the most infamous scam in Jordan and has been around for more than a decade. The authorities are aware, but such cases are difficult…
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Unlicensed Wadi Rum camps in Jordan
5 0How it works: Situation: according to UNESCO, 7 of 15 active Wadi Rum “camps” are unlicensed. Opening: these camps have fake positive reviews online put up by local scammers with…
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Unofficial guides in Jordan
5 0How it works: Version 1: at Petra, guide wastes your time at the Visitor’s Centre instead of bringing you around. Version 2: getting you to buy overpriced juice or take…
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Petra horse ride scam in Jordan
5 0How it works: After entering Petra, touts will offer you a free horse ride, claiming it is included in your ticket. It is indeed, but once you get off, you…
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Petra camel ride scam in Jordan
4 0How it works: Opening: camel riders at Petra will tell you that they can take you up to the Monastery. However, fact is camels cannot go to the Monastery, only…
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Money or your headlights in Jordan
3 0How it works: Along Madaba and the Dead Sea, you may encounter kids who ask for sweets or one JD. If you decline, they may hurl rocks at the headlights…
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Wadi Rum visitor centre touts in Jordan
2 0How it works: Version 1 (tickets): at the Wadi Rum visitor centre parking lots, touts will offer you tickets for 5 JD. However, these are not real tickets, but mere…
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Fake antiques in Jordan
2 0How it works: Version 1: at markets, stall owners will try to pass their ware (e.g. oil lamps) off as antiques. Version 2: at Petra, touts will offer you coins…
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Taxi scams in Jordan
2 0How it works: Version 1: while crossing the border from Israel to Jordan, there are standard flat rate fares displayed on signs. However, rogue drivers claim that the fare is…
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Petra kid touts in Jordan
2 0How it works: Situation: here, you will encounter child beggars/postcard sellers. Some are fine, but some are not: Version 1 (beggars): a guise for them to distract you in a…
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Local products scam in Jordan
1 0How it works: Stall owners or street touts will tell you that their products are ‘locally produced’ or fair trade products. Thus, a higher price is charged to help the…
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Fake car accident scams in Jordan
1 0How it works: Version 1 (a car): A car cuts in front of you forcing you to one side. Next, another car appears behind you before you can react and…
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Counterfeit currency in Jordan
1 0How it works: Not a huge problem, but there are counterfeit bills around. The main source of these is generally unofficial money changers on the streets. Places to beware: Anywhere…
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ATM skimming in Jordan
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Petra trail blocking scam in Jordan
1 0How it works: If you want to head to the Treasury viewpoint along the Al Khubtha Trail, you may be stopped by Bedouins who demand an “entrance fee” before you…
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