Jordan is easy for electricity. The country runs on 230V at 50Hz, so phones, laptops and cameras from the UK or Europe plug straight in, and anything modern from North America needs only a cheap adapter. This guide covers which sockets you will meet, how to check your devices, and what changes when you leave Amman for the desert.
Voltage and frequency in Jordan
The mains supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. That matches the UK, EU, Australia (230V) and most of the world, but not the US, Canada or Japan, which use 100-127V at 50 or 60Hz.
What this means in practice:
- Travellers from the UK, Ireland, EU, Australia and New Zealand: no converter needed, only the right plug shape.
- Travellers from the US, Canada and Japan: check the label on each charger. Phones, tablets, laptops, camera chargers and e-readers are almost always printed “100-240V”, which means they run safely on Jordanian power with just a plug adapter.
- Single-voltage appliances (110V only): hair dryers, straighteners, electric razors and travel kettles are the usual culprits. Plugging these into 230V through an adapter can destroy them. Buy a dual-voltage model or use what your hotel provides.
Plug types used in Jordan
Jordan has a mix of socket standards, reflecting decades of imports from Britain and continental Europe. The ones you will see most often:
| Type | Description | Where you will find it |
|---|---|---|
| C | Two round pins (Europlug) | Almost every hotel, hostel and guesthouse |
| D | Three round pins, large | Older buildings, some Amman apartments |
| F | Two round pins with side earth clips (Schuko) | Newer hotels, modern apartments |
| G | Three rectangular pins (UK style) | Upscale hotels, some Aqaba and Dead Sea resorts |
Type B and Type J outlets also turn up occasionally, mostly on imported equipment. The practical rule is simple: Type C fits most outlets, and a universal adapter covers the rest. Sockets in some older guesthouses are recessed or loose, so a slim adapter works better than a bulky one.
If you are coming from the UK, your own Type G plugs will fit in some hotels but not in every guesthouse, so carry a Type C adapter as well. If you are coming from the US with Type A plugs, you need an adapter to Type C or a universal model.
Which adapter to buy
We recommend a compact universal travel adapter with built-in USB-A and USB-C ports, which fits Types C, G and A in one unit and lets you charge two or three devices from a single socket. Hotel rooms in Jordan rarely have more than two free outlets, and bedside sockets are often behind the headboard.
Useful extras:
- A short extension strip with a Type C plug. Many travellers carry one so a single adapter powers a phone, camera battery and power bank overnight.
- A power bank of 10,000-20,000 mAh. Essential for long Petra days, where the walk from the visitor centre to the Monastery can take most of a day.
- A plug adapter from home. Adapters are sold in Amman supermarkets and electronics shops in Abdali and Downtown, but prices are higher at Queen Alia International Airport. Buy before you fly.
For the rest of your kit list, see our Jordan packing list.
Charging in Amman, Petra and Aqaba
Amman and Aqaba. Hotels at every level have working sockets and reliable power. Mid-range and upscale properties often fit universal outlets that take several plug types, and some include USB ports at the bedside.
Wadi Musa (Petra). Hotels near the Petra visitor centre have standard supply and occasionally short outages in winter storms. There are no public charging points inside Petra Archaeological Park, so leave your devices full before entering and carry a power bank. Our Petra visitor guide covers the route and timings.
Dead Sea. Resort hotels have full power, including some universal sockets. Beach and pool areas have no public sockets.
Wadi Rum. This is where power planning matters. Many Bedouin camps run on solar panels or a generator, and electricity may be limited to a few hours in the evening or a shared charging point in the main tent. Some camps switch off generators around 10pm so guests can enjoy the silence and stars. Charge your phone and camera before arriving, bring a power bank, and ask the camp in advance whether there is socket access in your tent. If you are planning your stay, a Wadi Rum jeep tour is a good way to see the desert while your devices charge at the camp.
Power cuts and surges
Jordan’s grid is stable by regional standards, and outages in cities are rare and short. In remote areas such as Dana, Feynan and the eastern desert, supply can be intermittent. A surge-protected adapter is a sensible precaution for laptops and camera equipment.
Staying connected without extra charging
Data roaming drains a battery fast. An eSIM avoids hunting for signal and lowers power draw, which helps on long days. See our Jordan eSIM guide for plans and coverage, and get one before you fly with Airalo.
Quick checklist before you fly
- Check each charger label for “100-240V”.
- Pack one universal adapter with Type C and Type G coverage.
- Leave single-voltage hair tools at home.
- Bring a power bank for Petra and Wadi Rum.
- Download offline maps while you have power and wifi.
Planning your first trip? Our first-time Jordan guide pulls the essentials together, and you can book hotels in Amman once your dates are set.