Tipping in Jordan is optional but genuinely appreciated, particularly in tourist-facing situations where service workers earn modest wages. The custom is similar to other Middle Eastern countries — more relaxed than the US but more expected than in much of Northern Europe. A few situations in Jordan, particularly at Petra, have their own specific tipping dynamics worth knowing about before you arrive.
Restaurants
At mid-range and upscale restaurants, 10% is standard if no service charge is already included. Always check your bill first — many hotels and tourist-area restaurants in Amman automatically add a service charge of around 10%, in which case no additional tip is necessary. A small extra cash amount for your server is still appreciated even when a service charge is included.
At local casual spots and street food stalls, tipping isn’t expected. Tips should be handed directly to your server in cash rather than left on the table.
Hotels
Hotel tipping in Jordan is relatively modest:
- Bellhop/porter — 1–2 JOD per bag
- Housekeeping — 1–2 JOD per night, left in the room
- Concierge — 2–5 JOD for meaningful assistance with tours or reservations
Taxis
Rounding up the fare to the nearest dinar is the standard practice for taxis in Jordan — if the meter reads 4.600 JOD, paying 5 JOD is a natural and appreciated gesture. For longer rides or if the driver helps with luggage, a slightly more generous round-up is appropriate. For rideshare apps like Careem, tipping through the app is straightforward. Always confirm the fare or ensure the meter is running before the ride begins.
Tour Guides and Drivers
For organized tours throughout Jordan, 10% of the agreed tour cost per person is a reasonable guideline for your guide, with approximately 50% of the guide tip going to the driver. For group tours, each person chipping in 1–2 JOD per day is common.
Petra — What to Know Before You Go
Petra has its own specific tipping culture that’s worth understanding in advance. Your Petra entry ticket includes a short horse ride from the entrance to the Siq — these horse handlers (“horse boys”) will expect a tip at the end, and can be quite persistent about it. Budget at least 5 JOD on top of any agreed fee to avoid an uncomfortable situation.
Licensed Petra guides are hired at a set fee at the ticket booth (typically 50–100 JOD depending on the tour length), and tipping an additional 10% on top of that is appreciated for excellent service. Camel and donkey handlers within the site similarly expect tips on top of any agreed ride fee.
Wadi Rum
For Wadi Rum desert tours, your Bedouin guide and driver work hard in demanding conditions. A tip of 5–10 JOD per person for a half-day excursion, or 10–15 JOD per person for a full day, is a genuinely appreciated gesture that reflects the effort involved.
Cultural Notes
The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is pegged to the US dollar at approximately 1 JOD = $1.41 USD, which makes mental conversion relatively straightforward. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas and some banks even offer USD withdrawals from ATMs — though tipping in local currency is always preferred since it’s easier for service workers to use directly.
“Baksheesh” — the concept of small gratuities for services rendered — is part of the broader regional culture and you may encounter it at various points around Jordan, particularly at tourist sites where attendants, guards, or informal helpers may politely (or not so politely) request a small tip for assistance. A simple “shukran” (thank you) with a polite decline is an acceptable response if you don’t feel a tip is warranted.
| Situation | Typical Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% |
| Restaurant (service charge included) | Not necessary; small cash optional |
| Hotel porter/bellhop | 1–2 JOD per bag |
| Hotel housekeeping | 1–2 JOD per night |
| Taxi | Round up to nearest dinar |
| Tour guide | 10% of tour cost per person |
| Tour driver | ~50% of guide tip |
| Petra horse handler | 5 JOD minimum (expected, sometimes firmly) |
| Petra licensed guide | 10% on top of agreed fee |
| Wadi Rum Bedouin guide | 5–15 JOD per person (half to full day) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping expected in Jordan?
Optional in most situations, but appreciated. The clearest exceptions are Petra horse handlers and site guides, where tips are firmly expected and sometimes actively requested.
What currency should I tip in Jordan?
Jordanian dinars are preferred. USD is accepted in tourist areas and appreciated, but local currency is always the more practical choice for service workers.
Do taxi drivers expect tips in Jordan?
Not strictly, but rounding up to the nearest dinar is the standard practice and always welcome.
What is baksheesh in Jordan?
A small gratuity or tip, common across the Middle East. You may be politely asked for baksheesh at tourist sites for informal assistance — it’s entirely at your discretion whether to give one.
More Middle East Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in the Middle East? Check out our other tipping guides: