Best Jordan SIM Cards for Tourists: Updated Prices & Where to Buy 2024

Daisy Rodriguez

|

Latest update: June 2024

Jordan SIM cards are an essential travel accessory for tourists visiting the beautiful Middle Eastern country. 

This article is written for tourists planning a trip to Jordan. It aims to provide you with all the necessary information to choose the best Jordan SIM cards for your needs, including the types of SIM cards available, the best packages, where to purchase them, and how to use them effectively. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and stay connected throughout your Jordanian adventure.

I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Jordan?

You can buy Jordan SIM cards in 4 places:

• Online before departure
• At Jordan airports
• From mobile operators’ stores in major cities
• As an eSIM

1. Buying online before departure

• Convenient, can be delivered to your home before travel
• Pros: Ready to use upon arrival, can select plan/package in advance
• Cons: Shipping costs, limited options compared to local stores

2. Buy physical SIM at Jordan airports

• Convenient for arriving tourists at Amman Airport (AMM),…
• Pros: Ready to use immediately, various plans available
• Cons: Long queues at times, limited options compared to city stores

3. Buy physical Jordan SIM in the cities

• More options available from various mobile operators’ stores
• Pros: Wide range of plans, can compare prices and options
• Cons: Need to locate stores, may require documentation/registration

4. Buying an eSIM

• Digital SIM, no physical card required
• Pros: Convenient, can be set up instantly online
• Cons: Requires eSIM-compatible device, limited operator options

► Recommendation: For tourists, the most convenient option may be to buy an eSIM.  This allows for immediate access to a Jordan SIM without the need for physical cards or visiting stores. However, it is important to make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology before purchasing one.

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

1. Best Jordan Orange SIM Card Plans and Price

Insight: Orange Jordan’s prepaid plans offer a good option for tourists, especially with the generous data allowance of the “Orange 8 Max” plan.

2. Best Jordan Zain SIM Card Plans and Price

Insight: Zain Jordan’s SIM card plans offer generous data and local calling allowances for short-term visitors and expats at competitive prices.

3. Best Jordan Umniah SIM Card Plans and Price

Insight: Umniah’s prepaid options offer flexible pricing for short-term and long-term users in Jordan. They also have specialized plans like the UArmy line for armed forces members.

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for Jordan Travel?

Yes, you really need a Jordan SIM card because it can:

• Provide affordable and reliable internet access throughout your stay in Jordan
• Allow you to make local calls and stay connected with friends, family, and emergencies
• Enable you to use navigation apps, access maps, and stay informed about your surroundings
• Offer better coverage and faster speeds compared to relying solely on public Wi-Fi or roaming on your home network

Jordan SIM cards are better than other connectivity options:

• Renting a portable Wi-Fi device can be more expensive and may have limited coverage
• Relying on your home country’s roaming plan can be extremely costly and may have limited data
• Using public Wi-Fi is often unreliable and poses security risks

IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Jordan?

When purchasing a prepaid SIM card for Jordan, it’s essential to bring your passport and ensure that your phone is unlocked, as foreign SIM cards only function in unlocked devices. If you’re uncertain about your phone’s status, contact your mobile operator in your home country for assistance.

During my visit to the Orange, Zain, and Umniah stores in Amman, I encountered long waiting lines while checking prices for a Jordan SIM card. I’m confident that you wouldn’t want to spend your valuable holiday time waiting in line for a local prepaid SIM card. There are definitely more convenient places to purchase a SIM card for Jordan.

V. What Types of Jordan SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?

There are 2 main types of Jordan SIM cards for tourists:

• Prepaid physical SIM card
• Prepaid tourist eSIM

1. Prepaid physical SIM card in Jordan

• Prepaid SIM cards are the traditional physical SIM cards available for tourists in Jordan.
• They offer both data-only and data + voice/text plans, depending on the user’s needs.
• These SIM cards can be purchased from authorized retailers or telecom providers in Jordan.
• Users can top-up the prepaid balance as needed, providing flexibility.

2. Prepaid Tourist Jordan eSIM

• eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that can be activated and managed entirely online.
• Prepaid tourist eSIMs are designed specifically for visitors, offering data-only or data + voice/text plans.
• eSIMs are 100% digital and can be acquired and set up without the need for a physical SIM card.
• Not all devices are compatible with eSIM technology, so users should ensure their phones support this feature.

Comparison of SIM Card and eSIM:

► Recommendation: If your device supports eSIM and you require basic communication via calling apps and the Internet, consider the Prepaid Tourist Jordan eSIM. The simple digital setup and flexible data-only plans make it a convenient choice for tourists in Jordan.

VI. Jordan eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Jordan

Traveling to Jordan is a breeze now with the convenience of eSIM technology! Forget about the old-school roaming or pocket WiFi – eSIM has got you covered with a smooth and budget-friendly way to stay connected during your Jordan trip.

Using a prepaid eSIM for your Jordan adventure brings loads of benefits. No more juggling physical SIM cards – stick to your main number hassle-free. Plus, eSIM plans are often easier on your wallet than traditional roaming options, giving you a reliable and pocket-friendly internet access solution.

Gigago, a leading eSIM provider, offers a range of prepaid data plans tailored specifically for travelers visiting Jordan. Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 7 days with $5.50 .

Gigago’s Jordan eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.50 – $35.90 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Jordan, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Jordan?

The validity of a tourist SIM card in Jordan varies by provider and plan, but they generally offer the following durations:

• 7 days: Suitable for short visits, providing sufficient data, calling, and texting for a week.
• 14 days: Ideal for medium-length stays, offering more data and flexibility for up to two weeks.
• 30 days: Best for longer trips, with ample data and services for a full month.

Check with specific providers like Zain, Orange, and Umniah for details on their tourist SIM card plans, as they may have different options and terms. Some providers also allow you to recharge or extend your plan if needed.

VIII. How to Use Jordan Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM?

Using Jordan SIM cards and eSIM is very simple. Follow these steps:

1. Using prepaid Jordan tourist SIM Cards

• Get a prepaid Jordan tourist SIM card
• Check if your phone is unlocked and works with the local network.
• Insert the SIM card, turn on your phone, and follow the on-screen instructions to activate it.
• Top up credit/data as needed through your phone or an authorized agent.
• Enjoy local calls, SMS, and mobile data in Jordan.

2. Setting up and activating Jordan eSIM 

• Check if your device supports eSIM and works with Jordan networks.
• Get a Jordan eSIM plan.
• Scan the QR code or download the eSIM profile.
• Follow on-screen instructions to activate eSIM.
• Choose Jordan eSIM as your network in the device settings.
• Connected! Make calls, text, and use data.
• Manage eSIM plan via carrier’s app or site.

IX. FAQs

X. Conclusion

Jordan SIM cards provide a convenient and practical way for travelers to stay connected while exploring the Hashemite Kingdom! With a range of data plans, network coverage, and eSIM options, you can pick the perfect SIM card or eSIM to match your needs. 

Whether you need high-speed data, budget-friendly international calls, or seamless connectivity, Jordan’s mobile operators offer solutions to keep you connected on your journey!