How to Get Mobile Internet in Jordan for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Published: May 2024

Staying connected while traveling is crucial, and having reliable mobile internet in Jordan is no exception.

This guide is designed for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of dealing with limited mobile internet in Jordan. We’ll navigate you through coverage, rates, and connectivity options for tourists, ensuring you find the best solution to stay informed and connected throughout your trip.

In this article

I. Mobile Internet in Jordan – Coverage and Speed

Jordan’s mobile internet scene has a combo of solid coverage and growing high-speed options nationwide. Check it out below.

1. Jordan Mobile Internet Coverage

Mobile internet coverage in Jordan is generally good, with the 3 major operators – Orange, Umniah, and Zain – providing nationwide 3G and 4G connectivity. However, the 5G rollout has been slower, with limited availability as of mid-2023.

Orange: Big mobile network, reaches 95% with 4G LTE. Early on 5G, but only in some cities.
Umniah: Second-biggest, good 4G, about 90% coverage. Testing 5G in some areas, but not nationwide yet.
Zain: Top player, 4G in busy areas, 85% coverage. Planning 5G rollout, no dates yet.

In terms of coverage, Orange leads the market with the most extensive 4G network and is the only one with widespread 5G services. All operators offer reliable 4G connectivity across most of Jordan.

2. Jordan Mobile Internet Speed

According to the Speedtest Global Index, Jordan’s mobile internet performance offers a mixed picture, with the country ranking 110th globally in median mobile download speeds as of February 2024.

Key points about Jordan’s mobile internet speed:

National Ranking: Jordan ranks 110th globally in median mobile download and upload speeds, averaging 23.12 Mbps and 14.23 Mbps respectively. Ahead of neighbors like Syria (129th with 13.43 Mbps) but behind countries like Saudi Arabia (10th with 125.19 Mbps).
City Ranking: The Speedtest Global Index doesn’t cover individual cities in Jordan, focusing on national-level performance. However, the national ranking implies higher mobile internet speeds in Jordan’s major urban areas compared to the average.

In general, the mobile speed in Jordan is very slow compared to other countries.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Jordan?

There are 5 connectivity options for tourists to Jordan:

Below is a comparison of these 5 options:

Criteria	SIM Card	eSIM	Roaming	Public Wi-Fi	Pocket Wi-Fi
How it works	Purchase a local SIM card and insert it into your phone	Download and activate the eSIM profile on your compatible device	Use your existing SIM card and connect to the local networks	Connect to the available public Wi-Fi networks	Rent or purchase a portable Wi-Fi device
Cost	Relatively low, with various data packages available	Depends on the eSIM provider, but can be more cost-effective than roaming	Typically more expensive than local SIM or eSIM	Free, but may have limited or unstable connection	Rental fees or device purchase cost
Where to buy	Can be purchased at the airport, local telecom stores, or tourist information centers	Can be purchased online and activated remotely	N/A	N/A	Can be rented or purchased online or at local stores
Convenience	Requires physical SIM card insertion and activation	Seamless activation and management through your device settings	No setup required, but may incur higher costs	Easy to connect, but connection quality may vary	Requires carrying an additional device
Pros	Affordable, widely available, and easy to use	No need to swap SIM cards, convenient for frequent travelers	Allows you to use your existing number and plan	Free to use, available in many public places	Reliable and stable internet connection
Cons	Requires physical SIM card and activation, may not work with locked devices	Limited availability, not all phones are eSIM-compatible	Can be more expensive than local options	Connection quality and speed may be unreliable	Additional device to carry and potential rental/purchase cost

For many tourists in Jordan, getting a local SIM card is the best way to stay connected. If your phone supports eSIM, it’s an even easier option since you won’t need to switch SIM cards.

Notes:

Your phone must be unlocked
If using eSIM, check compatible devices.

III. Internet Rates in Jordan

Good to know: 1 JD = 1.41 USD (April 2024)

The average internet rates in Jordan range from $10 to $30/month for residential and commercial plans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of mobile internet tariffs in Jordan:

Option	Rate (USD)
Jordan SIM Card	$0.14 per GB
Jordan eSIM	$0.14 per GB
Roaming	$2 per day for 500 MB
Public WiFi	Free (with limitations)
Pocket WiFi	$5 per day for 1 GB

Overall, the internet rates in Jordan are relatively affordable, especially when compared to many other popular tourist destinations. A local SIM card or eSIM is always the recommended choice for guys.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Jordan

Tourists in Jordan can choose a local data SIM card to stay connected with affordable packages from leading mobile operators like Orange, Zain, and Umniah, ranging from $4 to $24.

Orange Data SIM Card Packages:

5 GB data, 30 days validity: 7 JD (≈ $9.87)
10 GB data, 30 days validity: 12 JD (≈ $16.92)
15 GB data, 30 days validity: 17 JD (≈ $23.97)

Zain Data SIM Card Packages:

3 GB data, 7 days validity: 3 JD (≈ $4.23)
7 GB data, 14 days validity: 7 JD (≈ $9.87)
12 GB data, 30 days validity: 12 JD (≈ $16.92)

Umniah Data SIM Card Packages:

4 GB data, 14 days validity: 5 JD (≈ $7.05)
8 GB data, 30 days validity: 10 JD (≈ $14.10)
12 GB data, 30 days validity: 15 JD (≈ $21.15)

Note: Prices and package details may change. Tourists should contact operators or check official websites for the latest info before buying a data SIM card in Jordan.

V. Data eSIM for Jordan – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

There are 2 places you can get an eSIM for a Jordan trip:

From Jordan operators – Orange, Zain, and Umniah
From Gigago

1. Buy eSIM from Jordan Operators

Orange, Zain, and Umniah are the major operators that provide eSIM services in Jordan. To buy, you need to go to an operator store with your passport to activate.

Pros: Works on the native networks. No need for additional apps.

Cons: Need to visit the store and show a passport. Limited plan options.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

Buying an eSIM from reputable eSIM providers like Gigago is considered the most convenient and easiest solution because it allows online purchases without needing to show ID documents or waiting for SIM delivery.

How to buy?

Go to the Gigago website
Search for Jordan
Choose a plan that suits your needs, budget, and trip duration
Make payment
Wait for an activation email
Scan the QR code or manually enter the activation code
Turn on data roaming on your phone

For Jordan, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 7 days with $5.50 . What is great about 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.

VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Jordan

Can I buy a SIM card with mobile internet at the airport in Jordan?

Yes, all major airports in Jordan typically have kiosks selling tourist SIM cards with mobile internet packages.

How can I top up my mobile internet balance in Jordan?

Top-up options include online portals, mobile apps, authorized retailers, and scratch cards.

Are there any restrictions on using mobile internet in Jordan?

No, there are generally no restrictions on content access for mobile internet users in Jordan.

What should I do if I have problems with my mobile internet in Jordan?

Contact your mobile provider’s customer service hotline or visit a physical store for assistance.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, mobile internet in Jordan is no longer just a modern convenience; it’s now an essential part of daily life for its citizens. With its rapid growth and improving network infrastructure, mobile internet in Jordan boosts connectivity and plays a key role in the nation’s socio-economic development, shaping the country’s future.