best esim for jordan

Are you planning your trip to Jordan and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Jordan including a comparison of the best Jordan eSIMs for 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Jordan on the internet. Below you will find up to date prices as per February 2025, including all tourist eSIM specifications.

Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for Jordan, FAQ about eSIMs and more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed.

Table of Contents

Already since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Jordan.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Jordan are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Jordan read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

Smartroam eSIM for Jordan - 10 GB for $31.50 USD

  • 10 GB data-only
  • 4G/LTE
  • Valid in Jordan only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • Operates on the Zain network
  • $3.15 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order a Smartroam eSIM for Jordan via Sim Local.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the promo code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!

You can order the Smartroam eSIMs for traveling in Jordan via Sim Local. They have several other tourist eSIM plans for Jordan available. All data-only.

Airalo eSIM for Jordan - 10 GB for $32.50 USD

  • 10 GB data-only
  • 4G/LTE
  • Valid in Jordan only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • Operates on the Zain network
  • $3.25 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Jordan.

Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.

Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs and rock solid. Traveltomtom happily recommends Airalo as I have used them in more than 50 countries and never faced a problem.

Is Jordan one of your stops on a trip around the world then look into getting an eSIM for traveling the world. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries. This guide includes how to use eSIMs worldwide.

Jordan eSIM providers comparison

There are 3 mobile internet providers in Jordan: Zain, Orange and Umniah and as of 2025 you can now also buy an eSIM for tourists in phone stores in Jordan.

But let me tell you that ordering a tourist eSIM for Jordan on the internet is much faster and convenient and as soon as the plane lands you are online.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Jordan from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.

Here is a quick comparison table of the best-buy eSIMs per provider.

ProviderPrice (USD)DataValidity
Smartroam 31.50 10 GB 30 days
Airalo 32.00 10 GB 30 days
Holafly 34.90 Unlimited 10 days
Nomad 32.00 10 GB 30 days
GigSky 27.62 10 GB 30 days

 

Still Unsure? Check out our full eSIM comparison below!

Sim Local

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested Sim Local eSIMs. Find all the pros and cons of Sim Local in our extensive review. Sim Local has loads of different eSIMs for Jordan, it is like a sim card marketplace.

Here are all the Sim Local eSIM plans for Jordan:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $12.50 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $31.50 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $56.75 USD

Sim Local also sells the Orange Global eSIM:

  • 10 GB data valid in 156 countries for 14 days = $32 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Jordan via Sim Local.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the promo code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!

All the Sim Local eSIMs for Jordan are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. The Smartroam eSIMs from Sim Local operate on the Zain 4G/LTE network. The Orange international eSIM does not specify which network it uses in Jordan.

The Sim Local 10 GB data plan from Smartroam is the best-buy Jordan eSIM for tourist in 2025.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world.

Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, rock solid and Traveltomtom has never faced an issue using Airalo eSIMs.

Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Jordan for 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $9.5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $12.5 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Jordan.

Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.

Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these eSIMs from Airalo do not come with a phone number. The Airalo eSIM plans for Jordan are called Jornet and operate on the 4G/LTE network of Zain. 5G is not supported.

An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 90 days and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network.

GigSky

GigSky has been around for a long time and is also recommended in my list of the best international eSIMs for traveling the world in 2025. GigSky also has eSIMs for traveling to the Middle East, but much more expensive.

The Traveltomtom Team tested GigSky and was positively surprised. Check out our complete GigSky review with all pros and cons.

Here are the GigSky eSIM plans for Jordan in 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.99 USD
  • 3 GB data for 15 days = $10.62 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.14 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $27.62 USD

Click here to order a GigSky eSIM for Jordan.

The GigSky Jordan travel eSIM plans are cheaper than Airalo and Sim Local, yet it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.

Downside of GigSky is that there is no further information available. As soon as you click on the eSIM plan you have to pay. No info about how and when to install the eSIM and when it will be activated or which network the GigSky eSIMs use in Jordan and if they are 5G ready or not.

Because all this essential info is all missing we are hesitant ranking GigSky higher in this Jordan eSIM comparison and therefore Traveltomtom recommends Airalo and Sim Local eSIMs for Jordan over GigSky eSIMs.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. The Traveltomtom Team wrote down all pros and cons about SimOptions in our honest SimOptions Review.

SimOptions also has data-only eSIMs for Jordan:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $19.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $38.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $70.90 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $101.90 USD

SimOptions also has two international eSIMs for tourists from Orange and from AIS:

  • 6 GB data valid in 141 countries for 8 days = $19.90 USD
  • 10 GB data valid in 122 countries for 14 days = $39.90 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Jordan from SimOptions.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

The data-only eSIMs from SimOptions are only valid in Jordan. SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate. 5G is not supported, max data speed is 4G/LTE.

None of the SimOptions eSIMs come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The international tourist eSIMs from AIS and Orange are also data-only eSIMs.

All the SimOptions tourist eSIMs for Jordan are valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet and the credit validity won't start only on arrival.

aloSIM

Not a new kid on the block, aloSIM has earned its stripes already in the eSIM world, but Traveltomtom didn't use aloSIM much until lately. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed aloSIM and came with positive notes. Read all about it in our extensive and honest aloSIM review.

Here are the aloSIM plans for Jordan in 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $9.5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $12.5 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Jordan via aloSIM.

The aloSIM eSIMs operate on the Zain 4G/LTE network. 5G is not supported. The aloSIM plans for Jordan are an exact copy of Airalo. There is no difference.

What differentiates aloSIM from Airalo and also other eSIM providers is that they offer an eSIM for Jordan including an international phone number. This phone number that comes with the eSIM is via a separate application called Hushed.

Nomad

Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for Jordan. The Traveltomtom Team reported some mixed reviews about using eSIMs from Nomad.

nomad esim plans for jordan

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Jordan:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $9 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Jordan from Nomad.

All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and any incoming or outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad Jordan travel eSIMs are only valid in Jordan and operate on the 4G/LTE networks of Zain.

The Nomad Jordan eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Jordan. Basically when the plane lands.

Holafly

Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data that do not explicitly define what is the exact Fair Use Policy.

In fact, unlimited data eSIMs are not really unlimited, they all reduce your data speed and you only get a certain amount of high speed data per day.

Holafly is an eSIM operator that only has eSIMs with unlimited data but does NOT mention what the FUP is. They only say the following:

  • Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.

These are the Holafly eSIM plans for Jordan:

  • 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
  • 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
  • 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
  • 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
  • 15 days 'unlimited' data = $58.90 USD
  • 20 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD
  • 30 days 'unlimited' data = $106.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for Jordan are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number.

The Holafly eSIMs operate on the Zain network in Jordan and according to the Holafly network they support 5G. However, as of 2025 there is not much 5G in Jordan yet. Check out my guide on how to buy a tourist sim card in Jordan for more info about 4G/5G network coverage in Jordan.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Jordan eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Because of the undefined FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of Holafly eSIMs but Holafly eSIMs for Jordan are also much more expensive than other eSIM providers.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Jordan?

There is a SimOptions eSIM plan for Jordan with 1 GB data for just $4.50 USD. It is the cheapest Jordan eSIM for tourists available on the internet.

Next best is a GigSky eSIM plan for Jordan with 3 GB data for $10.62 USD.

Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Jordan

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Jordan in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Jordan without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Jordan with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Jordan, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Jordan so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.

Here are some key benefits of using an eSIM over a physical sim card:

  • Instant activation without needing to visit a store.
  • No risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card.
  • Ability to store multiple eSIM plans on one device.
  • Seamless switching between carriers and data plans.
  • Environmentally friendly with less plastic waste.
  • Ideal for travelers who need quick, reliable connectivity.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.

Here are some example of eSIM guides: Maldives, Panama, El Salvador, Croatia, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Israel, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, Ireland, Netherlands, Peru, Nepal, Bali, South Africa, Namibia, Turkey, Egypt, China, Europe, international eSIMs and many more.

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Most mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Jordan there is 4G/LTE available.

FeatureeSIMRoaming Plans
Data Speed Typically 4G/5G with local carriers Often limited to 4G or even lower speeds like 3G
Connection Reliability Strong, consistent local network May experience slowdowns and throttling
Cost Efficiency Prepaid with no hidden fees Excessive high roaming costs can occur
Convenience Instant activation online Requires setup with your home carrier

 

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Jordan. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM for Jordan?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for Jordan on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Jordan. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.

When buying an eSIM for Jordan through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

Smartroam is considered the best-buy eSIM for Jordan in 2025. Click here to order a Smartroam eSIM for Jordan via Sim Local.

On arrival in Jordan

There are 3 mobile internet providers in Jordan: Umniah, Orange and Zain and as per 2025 they also provide eSIMs for tourists. You can buy them in Umniah, Orange and Zain stores in Jordan or at Amman Airport.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Jordan in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Jordan, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

When to order/install an eSIM for Jordan?

You can order an eSIM for Jordan pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Jordan or before. When in Jordan you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in Jordan has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Jordan before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

You can also buy a tourist sim card at Amman Airport, but at tourist prices.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for Jordan you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Jordan eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Jordan eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Step-by-step checklist for installation

  1. Purchase your Jordan eSIM from a trusted provider.
  2. Receive your QR code via email or app.
  3. Open your phone's settings and navigate to "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
  4. Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM."
  5. Scan the QR code provided.
  6. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  7. Ensure the eSIM is set as your primary data line.
  8. Turn on data roaming if required by the provider.
  9. Test your connection before departure to ensure everything is active

The entire eSIM activation process typically takes just a few minutes, making it a fast and hassle-free way to get connected.

Tip: if you tap on the QR code and hold it a pop up menu will appear and one of the options will say 'Instal eSIM'. Simply click on this option and your phone will instantly instal the eSIM on your phone.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Jordan

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to Jordan eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Jordan. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Jordan or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Jordan and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Jordan.

However, you can still order a physical sim card for Jordan on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Jordan or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Jordan recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Jordan.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Jordan eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Jordan.

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Jordan eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Jordan. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Jordan eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a Jordan eSIM?

No, all eSIMs for Jordan that you order on the internet are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Jordan you get calling and texting included.

Does an Jordan eSIM come with a phone number?

Data-only eSIMs do not come with a phone number which means that none of the tourist eSIMs for Jordan come with a phone number and you can also not receive any calls or sms.

aloSIM has a calling service including in their eSIM, but it is via an application called Hushed, not directly on the eSIM. This calling service is complimentary when buying an aloSIM eSIM.

Can I use 5G on an Jordan eSIM?

As of 2025 there is not much 5G yet in Jordan and therefore none of the eSIMs support 5G.

There is one exception as the Holafly website claims that their eSIMs for Jordan are 5G ready.

Are there eSIMs for Jordan with unlimited data?

Only Holafly sells eSIMs for Jordan with unlimited data.

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which is sometimes already after 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to a data speed which is completely useless.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!

So yes, there are eSIMs for Jordan with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

Holafly does not specify what the FUP is and that makes it very tricky. Is it after 1 GB or after 2 GB?

A Holafly eSIM with unlimited data for 10 days = $36.90 USD.

This makes Holafly one of the most expensive eSIMs for traveling in Jordan.

Also, on Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait the rest of the day until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride and after 2 hours you reached the FUP...

Therefore Traveltomtom does not directly recommend eSIMs with unlimited data.

Think about it... if you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data?

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Jordan?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Jordan, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Jordan:

  • Local prepaid sim cards
  • International prepaid sim cards
  • eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

eSIM for Jordan Local SIM Card International SIM Card
Pricing Competitive, prepaid Affordable, varies by carrier More expensive than eSIMs
Data Speed Mostly 4G only, 5G not available yet Best available network speed dependent on local carrier Mostly 4G only, 5G not available yet
Availability Buy online, receive instantly in email Available in Jordan at phone stores or kiosks Buy online, get delivered to home address

 

To sum it up, eSIMs offer unmatched convenience, cost efficiency, and reliability, making them the smartest choice for staying connected in Jordan — no more waiting in line at kiosks or worrying about hidden roaming charges!

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then in general local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected. Prepaid sim cards for tourists are affordable in Jordan.

The big difference with eSIMs is that a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Jordan in a phone store.

More info about the best Jordan sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Jordan in 2025.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Jordan. Some of them are great for Jordan as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Jordan you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Jordan directly online.

eSIMs

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:

  • eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
  • eSIMs that you buy in Jordan in a mobile internet provider store

The mobile internet operators: Zain, Umniah and Orange also sell eSIMs for tourists in phone stores in Jordan and at Amman Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Jordan, no doubt. You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Jordan. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Jordan.

As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

Buying a tourist sim card at Amman Airport is possible as there is an Umniah, Orange and a Zain store.

Price difference

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

Prepaid sim cards in Jordan are affordable and for example an Orange prepaid sim card for tourist with 20 GB data is around $22 USD.

For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards in Jordan in 2025.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Another reason why Traveltomtom recommends to order an eSIM online.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Jordan sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Jordan were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Jordan right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of February 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Jordan!