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Common in Jordan

Scam in JordanTaxis

Inflated border taxi prices in Jordan

The Eilat/Aqaba border crossing.

How it works

Border taxis use standardised but inflated prices for onward journeys. Continuing directly to a distant destination can cost more than changing taxis in Aqaba.

Warning signs

  • You are quoted a high fixed fare for a long onward journey.
  • The driver pushes you to book the entire trip from the border.

How to avoid it

  1. Consider taking a taxi into Aqaba and arranging another taxi there.
  2. Compare the full onward fare before committing.
  3. Confirm that the price covers the whole car.

If it happens to you

Before accepting further travel, compare prices independently in Aqaba.

  1. Get to a safe, public place. Avoid physical confrontation. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.
  2. Write down what happened, including the time, place, vehicle details and amount paid.
  3. Save receipts, screenshots, messages and booking records. Photograph relevant details only when safe.
  4. Contact your card issuer if your card was stolen or used without permission. Ask about freezing the card and disputing charges.
  5. Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance.
  6. Contact the booking service, accommodation or transport platform involved. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What it can costListed border fares include Wadi Rum 39 JD one way or 55 JD return with waiting; Petra 55 JD one way or 88 JD return with waiting; Amman and suburbs 109 JD; Dead Sea 99 JD.
Where it happensThe Eilat/Aqaba border crossing.Aqaba

What travellers report

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

More scams in JordanHotel-arranged taxi kickbacks: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the inflated border taxi prices scam in Jordan?

Border taxis use standardised but inflated prices for onward journeys. Continuing directly to a distant destination can cost more than changing taxis in Aqaba.

How can I spot it early?

You are quoted a high fixed fare for a long onward journey. The driver pushes you to book the entire trip from the border.

How do I avoid inflated border taxi prices in Jordan?

Consider taking a taxi into Aqaba and arranging another taxi there. Compare the full onward fare before committing. Confirm that the price covers the whole car.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Before accepting further travel, compare prices independently in Aqaba.

Where in Jordan does this happen?

The Eilat/Aqaba border crossing. It has been reported in Aqaba.

How much can it cost me?

Listed border fares include Wadi Rum 39 JD one way or 55 JD return with waiting; Petra 55 JD one way or 88 JD return with waiting; Amman and suburbs 109 JD; Dead Sea 99 JD.

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.

Are there similar scams in Jordan?

Yes: taxi meter refusal and inflated fares, a whole-taxi price becomes a per-person price, luggage held in the taxi boot.

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.

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