Aqaba, Jordan 🇯🇴
#827
29.526648, 35.007543
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Aqaba is a coastal city in Jordan located on the northeastern tip of the Red Sea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD; Most banks are available, including Arab Bank and Jordan Kuwait Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Zain, Orange, and Umniah at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include bank cards and services like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Aqaba and Aqaba Adventure Divers Lodge offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Aqaba CoWork - a community-focused space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Shams Coffee - known for its good internet and atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups advertised on social media platforms and expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community meetups occur regularly in cafes and local venues. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in Aqaba. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available from local shops near the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Aqaba Public Beach is the most accessible and popular. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines links Aqaba to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines offer flights to Aqaba. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | King Hussein Road provides access to neighboring cities and countries. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Aqaba's main bus terminal for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various minibus services connecting Aqaba with nearby towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for travel to Petra and Wadi Rum. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Aqaba Speciality Hospital - providing quality medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Wellness Center at the Mövenpick Hotel. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Aqaba offers comprehensive training facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available near the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat offers delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mansaf - Jordan's traditional dish made with lamb and rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | New Mina Restaurant offers vegan-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Safa Ice Cream Parlor - well known for delicious ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Aqaba Souk - for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local services like Jumia for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Hipermarket offers delivery services for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The local bar scene is primarily around the beach area and hotels. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Aqaba Brewery producing local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Beer Cellar at the InterContinental Hotel. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food vendors near bus stations and beaches serve shawarma and falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A variety of restaurants offer Italian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Aqaba Fortress, built in 1334, and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Aqaba Archaeological Museum showcasing local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Ayla are a must-visit for history lovers. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Arab Revolt Plaza features significant monuments. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Aqaba’s Fish Festival held annually in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center offers a mix of local galleries and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Royal Yacht Club occasionally hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Aqaba Souk provides a rich cultural shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music events, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in alleyways near the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Aqaba Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old city buildings reflect traditional Jordanian architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Aqaba is known for its Bedouin culture and hospitality. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Rum is a popular nearby destination for outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Aqaba Marine Park offers stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the beach provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Coral beaches offer stunning views of the Red Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the marshes near Aqaba. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beaches permit bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers service available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Aqaba offer electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering sessions in Arabic for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community center provides spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events and gatherings take place at the Aqaba Community Center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes available near the beach area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Aqaba, but gaming lounges with slot machines exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 JOD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000 JOD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 60,000 JOD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 700 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 42,000 JOD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 900 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 72,000 JOD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 650 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 52,000 JOD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive personal income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on rental value, standard rates apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% standard rate upon property purchases. |