Guides and drivers steer you to overpriced businesses in Jordan

Tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and other venues across Jordan.

How it works

A guide or taxi driver takes you to businesses that pay them commission. You pay for their service and then face inflated prices or a hotel surcharge. A guide standing beside you while you ask the price can affect the quote.

Warning signs

Your guide insists on choosing every shop, restaurant or hotel.
The driver follows you inside while you ask about prices.
You are discouraged from comparing alternatives.

How to avoid it

Choose hotels and restaurants independently.
Ask for prices without the guide or driver beside you.
Use taxi drivers for transport rather than as guides.
Get independent quotes before buying or booking.

If it happens to you

Decline further purchases or bookings and compare prices elsewhere.

Get to a safe, public place. Avoid physical confrontation. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.
Write down what happened, including the time, place, vehicle details and amount paid.
Save receipts, screenshots, messages and booking records. Photograph relevant details only when safe.
Contact your card issuer if your card was stolen or used without permission. Ask about freezing the card and disputing charges.
Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance.
Contact the booking service, accommodation or transport platform involved. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.

What it can costThe business may pay the guide or driver a 30–50% commission.

Where it happensTourist shops, hotels, restaurants and other venues across Jordan.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in JordanThe cousin or friend with a cheaper deal: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the guides and drivers steer you to overpriced businesses scam in Jordan?

How can I spot it early?

Your guide insists on choosing every shop, restaurant or hotel. The driver follows you inside while you ask about prices. You are discouraged from comparing alternatives.

How do I avoid guides and drivers steer you to overpriced businesses in Jordan?

Choose hotels and restaurants independently. Ask for prices without the guide or driver beside you. Use taxi drivers for transport rather than as guides. Get independent quotes before buying or booking.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Decline further purchases or bookings and compare prices elsewhere.

Where in Jordan does this happen?

Tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and other venues across Jordan.

How much can it cost me?

The business may pay the guide or driver a 30–50% commission.

How common is this scam in Jordan?

Common. Jordan is relatively safe, but tourist overcharging is common when prices are not agreed in advance. The main problems involve taxis, commission-driven recommendations and misleading offers; threats and serious cheating are rare.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: call 911 for police, paramedics or firefighting in an emergency. Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring receipts, screenshots, vehicle details and a written account. Ask for a report or reference number. Tourist police at Petra: seek help at the tourist police kiosk at Petra. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the contact number on your card to report theft or unauthorised charges and ask about payment disputes. Ride-hailing or booking service: use the support channel linked to your trip or booking. Include the agreed price, payment record and details of any extra demand. Airport security supervisor: for disputed confiscations at Aqaba airport, calmly request a supervisor, an explanation and a written record where possible. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help after a serious incident.

What number do I call in an emergency in Jordan?

Central emergency line: police, paramedics and firefighting: 911.

Reviewed by @snuck