Data Roaming in Jordan for Tourists 2024: Rates & How to Avoid it

Daisy Rodriguez

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Published: May 2024

Data roaming in Jordan can be a costly affair for international travelers.

For travelers heading to Jordan, keeping an eye on data roaming in Jordan is key to avoiding unexpected expenses. This article is here to help you grasp data roaming in Jordan and discover budget-friendly ways to stay connected during your adventures in 2024. By checking out choices like local SIM cards, Wi-Fi hotspots, and eSIMs, you can make savvy choices to steer clear of unnecessary charges and enjoy uninterrupted internet access.

I. Overview of Data Roaming in Jordan for Tourists

Phone roaming is quite common in Jordan as the country receives many tourists every year. Here are some key points about it.

• Roaming rates within Jordan and for incoming calls are affordable. Outgoing international calls can be pricy.
• Data roaming packs are available from most providers starting at around $10 for 500MB valid for 30 days.
• There is no automatic roaming activation – travelers must contact their home provider before the visit to enable international roaming on their account.
• 4G speeds are available in major cities but coverage decreases in remote areas. It’s best to check coverage with your provider.
• Providers like Orange and Zain offer affordable daily/weekly roaming passes for calls/SMS within reasonable limits.
• Downloading maps offline is recommended if venturing outside cities to avoid expensive data charges while lost.

II. How does Roaming in Jordan Work?

Before diving into how roaming works in Jordan, let’s understand what roaming service is all about.

Generally, roaming allows your phone to connect to cellular networks in a country other than your home provider’s. Your phone essentially piggybacks on the infrastructure of a local mobile network while you’re traveling.

• Benefits:
  • Stay connected: Make calls, receive texts, and use data while abroad.
  • Convenience: No need to purchase a local SIM card.
• Disadvantages:
  • Cost: Roaming charges can be expensive, with fees for calls, texts, and data usage.
  • Coverage: You might not have the same network coverage as locals, especially in remote areas.

Here’s how roaming works in Jordan:

• Your phone automatically connects to a Jordanian mobile network when you arrive in the country.
• Your home provider and the Jordanian network have an agreement that allows you to use their network.
• You’ll be charged roaming fees based on your usage and your home provider’s rates.

III. Roaming Charges in Jordan – Is It Expensive?

Yes, the roaming rates in Jordan are generally expensive. In Jordan, you can roam for voice calls, SMS, and data.

Voice call rates can reach $1.50/min for incoming calls and $2.00/min for outgoing calls. Sending an SMS costs $0.50 – $0.80. Data roaming charges range from $5.00 to $10.00 per MB.

The following table provides a breakdown of the roaming rates in Jordan based on the information in the source:

► Recommendation: As a tourist to Jordan, you can consider other connectivity options like prepaid SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs, portable WiFi as alternatives to roaming. Pocket WiFi for Jordan travel is useful if you want to share Internet for multiple devices. But it is quite pricey and requires effort to bring along. On the other hand, prepaid Jordan SIM cards/eSIMs are more affordable and flexible. Therefore, if your phone is carrier-unlocked and compatible, consider using these options as alternatives to roaming.

IV. How to Activate Roaming Service for Jordan in Your Cell Phone?

To activate roaming services, you need to follow these 4 steps:

Step 1: Choose your preferred service provider
When traveling to Jordan, you have 3 main mobile operators to choose from (Orange, Zain, and Uminah), each offering different roaming fees. Here’s a table with the current roaming charges:

These rates are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with your service provider for the latest information.

Step 2: Activate the roaming function for your service provider
Most modern smartphones have a built-in roaming activation option. Here’s how to enable it:

• On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Enable “Data roaming” and “Voice roaming.”
• On iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Cellular > Enable “Data Roaming” and “Voice Roaming.”

Alternatively, you can contact your service provider and request them to activate roaming services on your account.

Step 3: Buy a mobile package with roaming
To avoid excessive roaming charges, consider purchasing a mobile package that includes roaming services. Most service providers offer various roaming packages tailored to different usage needs and budgets. Contact your service provider or visit their website to explore the available roaming package options.

Step 4: Turn on your phone’s roaming
Once you’ve activated roaming services and purchased a suitable package, you’ll need to enable roaming on your device when you arrive in Jordan.

V. How to Avoid Roaming Charges To Save Money When Traveling to Jordan?

Heading to Jordan shouldn’t break the bank on your phone bill! Check out these easy ways to remove roaming fees and stay in touch:

• Turn off data roaming: This stops your phone from automatically using Jordanian data networks, which can be expensive.
• Free Wi-Fi is your friend: Look for cafes, restaurants, and hotels with Wi-Fi hotspots to use for browsing and messaging.
• Stop apps from updating on their own: Automatic app updates can use a lot of data. Turn them off before your trip.
• Get a local SIM card or eSIM: These offer much cheaper data plans than roaming. Just remember:
  • Unlocked phone required: Make sure your phone isn’t locked to a specific carrier before using a local SIM card.
  • eSIM compatibility check: For eSIMs, verify if your phone is on the list of compatible devices.

VI. Jordan eSIM – Alternative to Data Roaming in Jordan to Get Internet

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that lets you connect to a local mobile network without a physical SIM card. This eliminates the need to buy and switch SIM cards, saving on international roaming fees. To compare eSIM use with data roaming in Jordan, let’s look at this table:

When it comes to eSIM providers for Jordan, one of the leading options is Gigago eSIM. 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.

VII. How to Turn Off Data Roaming When Traveling in Jordan?

This section will tell you how to turn off data roaming in both iPhone and Android devices while going to Jordan.

1. Turn off international roaming on Android When Traveling in Jordan

• Go to Settings
• Tap on “Network & Internet” or “Connections”
• Select “Data usage” or “Mobile data”
• Look for “Roaming” or “Data roaming” and toggle it off

2. Turn off international roaming on iPhones

• Go to Settings
• Tap “Cellular Data Options”
• Toggle off “Data Roaming”

VIII. FAQs about Data Roaming in Jordan

IX. Conclusion

In wrapping up, data roaming in Jordan offers challenges and opportunities for both travelers and locals. It keeps us connected and provides access to vital services while reminding us to watch out for costs and grab the best deals. Staying informed and savvy can truly elevate the experience of data roaming in Jordan, turning it into a valuable communication tool in our tech-driven world.