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Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Broken Meter Taxi Scam
Taxi drivers, especially those operating from Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) or major tourist hubs, will claim their meter is 'broken' or refuse to use it, insisting on a fixed, highly inflated fare. They exploit the tourist's unfamiliarity with local prices and routes to charge two to three times the actual cost. This is a very common scam in Amman.
Insist on the meter being used or agree on a price *before* getting in. If they refuse, take another taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber, which are widely available and use fixed, transparent pricing. Note the taxi number and threaten to report them to the Tourist Police (117777).
The Tinder/Cafe Scam
A scammer, often a woman, will match with a male tourist on a dating app like Tinder. After a brief conversation, they will suggest meeting at a specific, often obscure, cafe or bar. After a short time, the tourist is presented with an outrageously high bill (sometimes hundreds of JOD) for a few drinks or snacks. The scammer and the cafe staff are in cahoots, and the tourist is pressured or intimidated into paying.
Be extremely cautious when meeting strangers from dating apps. Always suggest a well-known, reputable, and centrally located establishment. Never go to a place suggested by the new acquaintance. If a bill seems excessive, refuse to pay and call the police immediately. Do not let them isolate you.
The 'Attraction is Closed' Scam
A taxi driver or a 'friendly' local approaches a tourist heading to a major site like the Citadel or the Roman Theatre and informs them that the attraction is 'closed for a holiday,' 'closed for cleaning,' or 'closed for prayer.' They then offer to take the tourist to an alternative, often inferior, site or a shop where they receive a commission. This is a classic distraction to divert tourists to a less desirable location for the scammer's profit.
Always check the official opening hours of major attractions online before visiting. Politely but firmly ignore anyone who tells you a major tourist site is closed. Proceed directly to the entrance and verify the information yourself.
The Fake Artifact/Antiquity Scam
A scammer approaches a tourist, often in a quiet or less-trafficked area, claiming to be a poor local who has 'just found' an ancient coin, statue, or piece of pottery. They offer to sell it for a low price, claiming it's worth a fortune. The item is always a cheap, modern fake. This scam preys on the tourist's desire for a unique souvenir and the belief they are getting a 'deal.'
It is illegal to purchase or export genuine antiquities from Jordan. Assume any item offered on the street is a fake. Only purchase souvenirs from reputable, licensed shops. Do not engage with people offering to sell 'ancient' items.
The Currency Exchange Shortchange
This scam occurs at unofficial or small, independent exchange booths, or by street vendors. The cashier will use sleight-of-hand to shortchange the tourist, either by miscounting the money or by quickly swapping a large denomination note for a smaller one. Tourists, often distracted or unfamiliar with the local currency (Jordanian Dinar - JOD), fail to notice the discrepancy until later.
Only exchange currency at official, reputable banks or large, well-known exchange offices. Count the money carefully before leaving the counter and keep the receipt. Familiarize yourself with the look and feel of JOD banknotes.
The Rental Car Damage Scam
Upon returning a rental car, especially at the airport, staff will meticulously inspect the vehicle, often using a flashlight to find pre-existing, minor scratches or damage (sometimes even underneath the car) that were not noted on the initial inspection form. They then charge the tourist an exorbitant fee for the 'new' damage, threatening to hold the deposit or call the police if the tourist argues.
Before driving away, take detailed, time-stamped photos and videos of the entire car, inside and out, noting any existing damage on the contract. Use a reputable international rental company. Purchase full insurance coverage with zero deductible, or use a credit card that provides primary rental car insurance.
The 'Free' Guide/Helper Scam
A local, often a young man, will approach a tourist near a busy site like the Citadel or a market, offering to be a 'free' guide or simply to 'help' them find their way. After the 'tour' or 'help,' they become aggressive and demand a large payment, claiming they are a student or need money for their family. Refusal can lead to an unpleasant confrontation.
Politely but firmly decline all unsolicited offers of help or guidance. If you need assistance, ask uniformed staff or enter a shop. Be clear that you do not need a guide and will not pay for their services. A simple 'La, shukran' (No, thank you) is usually sufficient.
The ATM Skimming/Distraction Scam
While less common than in other countries, skimming devices can be placed on ATMs, particularly those in less-trafficked areas or outside banks. A more active version involves a scammer 'helping' a tourist who is having trouble with the machine, distracting them while a second person steals the card or observes the PIN.
Only use ATMs located inside secure bank lobbies or well-lit, busy areas. Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Wiggle the card slot before inserting your card to check for loose parts. Never accept 'help' from strangers at an ATM.
The Overpriced Souvenir Haggling Scam
In the souqs (markets) of Downtown Amman, vendors will quote wildly inflated prices for souvenirs, spices, and other goods, sometimes 5 to 10 times the fair price. While haggling is expected, the scam involves the vendor using aggressive sales tactics, feigning offense, or wasting the tourist's time to pressure them into paying a still-inflated price.
Research the fair price of items before you shop. Start your counter-offer at 25-30% of the initial price and be prepared to walk away. Shop around at multiple stalls to compare prices. Do not feel pressured to buy anything.
The Fake Charity/Deaf-Mute Petition Scam
Scammers, sometimes posing as students or members of a fake charity, approach tourists in busy areas with a clipboard and a petition, often claiming to be raising money for deaf, mute, or disabled children. While the tourist is distracted by the petition, a second scammer may attempt to pickpocket them, or the 'charity' itself is a fraud, simply pocketing the cash donation.
Never sign petitions from strangers on the street, especially if they are aggressive or work in pairs. Do not donate cash to street solicitors. If you wish to donate, do so directly to a recognized, official charity organization.
Safe Attractions
Amman Citadel
Historical site at the center of downtown Amman.
Roman Theatre
6,000-seat, 2nd-century Roman theatre.
Rainbow Street
Famous street with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Blue-domed mosque open to non-Muslim visitors.
Royal Automobile Museum
Museum showcasing the cars of the Jordanian royal family.