Jordan – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Jordan, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Jordan’s assigned country code is +962, which must be dialled after your home country’s international access code whenever you call Jordan from overseas. Jordanian fixed-line numbers consist of the country code (+962), a 2–4 digit area code, and the local subscriber number. When placing an international call to a Jordanian landline, the leading zero of the area code is omitted — Amman’s local area code of 06, for example, becomes simply 6 in the full international dialling string: +962 6 XXXX XXXX.

The table below sets out the area codes for Jordan’s principal cities and expat hubs. When dialling within Jordan, you prefix the area code with a zero (e.g. 06 for Amman). When calling from outside the country, drop the zero and use the country code in its place.

All Jordanian mobile numbers begin with the digit 7, with specific prefixes assigned to each network: 75x for Friendi, 77x for Orange, 78x for Umniah, and 79x for Zain. This pattern makes it easy to identify which network a caller is using at a glance. To reach a Jordanian mobile number from abroad, dial +962 followed by the complete 10-digit mobile number, with no leading zero.

For a comprehensive and authoritative reference on Jordan’s numbering allocations, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) publishes up-to-date number plan information on its official website.

Who are the major landline providers in Jordan, and how can you contact them?

The fixed-line telephone market in Jordan is largely controlled by Orange Jordan (formerly trading as Jordan Telecom), which took over the country’s legacy national telephone infrastructure and continues to be the primary supplier of PSTN landline connections throughout the country. Orange Jordan has invested heavily in extending its fibre-to-the-premises (FttP) network, meaning that most landline packages today are paired with broadband internet services rather than sold as standalone voice-only products.

Orange Jordan and Zain both make available discounted bundles that combine a mobile service with fibre or ADSL home internet from partner ISPs, as well as TV and landline options, while Umniah currently has more limited quad-bundle availability. If your priority is a home telephone line as part of a wider connectivity package, comparing these bundle deals is likely to deliver better value than taking out a standalone landline subscription.

For the most accurate tariff and plan information, always consult Orange Jordan directly through their official website, as pricing is subject to regular change. The TRC website also publishes regulated service benchmarks, giving consumers a clearer picture of the standards providers are legally obliged to meet.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Jordan, and how can you contact them?

Jordan has three licensed mobile network operators (MNOs) authorised to build and run wireless infrastructure across the country: Zain, Orange, and Umniah. Together, these three companies have constructed extensive 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks covering the overwhelming majority of Jordan’s inhabited areas, achieving a combined population coverage in excess of 90%. All three operators rolled out 5G services during late 2023.

Zain Jordan forms part of the wider Zain Group, a Kuwait-headquartered telecommunications business with operations spanning several Middle Eastern and African markets. Orange Jordan operates under the umbrella of the global Orange Group, which is based in France. Umniah is owned by Bahrain’s Batelco and, despite being the youngest of the three operators, has grown rapidly to hold approximately 30% of the market.

Signal quality is reliably strong across major cities and principal road corridors. Even less-travelled regions such as Dana Nature Reserve and Wadi Rum benefit from 3G connectivity, which is reassuring for expats who travel extensively within the country. Orange delivers competitive performance and robust coverage, particularly in built-up areas, while Umniah has built a reputation for budget-friendly pricing, though its rural coverage may be somewhat patchier. Independent benchmarking organisation Opensignal has awarded Umniah the “Best Network” accolade, winning 8 of 12 categories, while Zain leads on video experience and takes the title for the fastest 5G network.

Alongside the three main MNOs, a number of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are active in Jordan, reselling capacity on the major networks under their own brands. These operators often provide more flexible, contract-free plans, though the quality of service and network speeds they can deliver are ultimately determined by the host network they use. Always check current pricing and plan details directly on each provider’s official website, as tariffs are liable to change without notice.

How do I get a landline connected in Jordan?

Setting up a landline in Jordan means working with Orange Jordan, which operates and maintains the country’s national fixed-line infrastructure. The process is fairly simple for both property owners and tenants, though renters will usually need the cooperation of their landlord if any physical work is required at the premises. Always verify the current documentation requirements and expected lead times directly with Orange Jordan before you begin.

1. Contact Orange Jordan: Head to an Orange Jordan retail branch in person, or begin your enquiry through www.orange.jo or by calling 900. Let them know whether you require a brand-new line to be installed or whether you wish to transfer or reactivate an existing number at your address.
2. Prepare your documents: You will generally be asked to provide a valid passport or national ID card, evidence of your address in Jordan (such as a rental agreement or a recent utility bill), and — if you are not a Jordanian national — your residency permit or visa paperwork. Tenants may additionally need to supply written authorisation from the property owner.
3. Choose your package: Orange Jordan offers both standalone landline plans and bundled packages that pair a home telephone line with ADSL or fibre broadband, and in some cases television services. Orange Jordan and Zain both provide discounted bundles combining landline service with home internet, while Umniah’s bundle availability is currently more limited. Asking about the full range of options will help you identify the most cost-effective solution for your household.
4. Pay any connection deposit or fee: A one-time installation charge may apply when a new line is being set up. Because fees change periodically, confirm the current schedule directly with Orange Jordan or through the TRC website. A refundable deposit may also be required from new subscribers who do not have an established credit history in Jordan.
5. Schedule the installation: Where your property already has a live telephone socket and the line appears in Orange Jordan’s system, connection can often be completed within a few working days. If new cabling or infrastructure work is required — for instance, if no line has previously been run to the building — the lead time will be considerably longer. Request a confirmed installation date when you place your order.
6. Activate and test your line: Once the connection is live, test it by ringing Orange Jordan’s customer helpline on 900. Should you encounter persistent faults or find that the installation has not proceeded by the agreed date, you are entitled to escalate the matter to the TRC, which operates a formal consumer complaints function.

If you are renting a furnished apartment in Amman or another major city, there is a reasonable chance that an active landline is already in place — it is worth asking your landlord before applying for a new connection, since reactivating an existing line is both quicker and usually cheaper than arranging a fresh installation.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Jordan?

Acquiring a mobile SIM card in Jordan is a quick and hassle-free process, and it is entirely possible to be connected on the same day you arrive in the country. Queen Alia International Airport has branded booths and vending machines from all three major operators positioned in the arrivals hall, so you can pick up a local SIM as soon as you clear passport control. Alternatively, official stores for Zain, Orange, and Umniah can be found in towns and cities throughout Jordan.

SIM registration is a legal requirement in Jordan, so you will need to present your passport when obtaining a card. Mandatory SIM registration is common practice across much of the Middle East and continental Europe, introduced largely for security purposes. Unlike some markets where prepaid SIMs can be activated without any form of identification, Jordan requires all subscribers — visitors and residents alike — to verify their identity before a SIM is issued.

Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIM: All three operators provide prepaid options that give you short-term flexibility without committing to a monthly contract. Tourists and short-stay visitors can obtain a SIM by presenting their passport. However, plans with extended multi-month validity may require a residency permit. A basic SIM card starts from as little as 1–4.10 JOD (roughly USD 1.40–5.80 as of 2024), while tourist SIM cards bundled with at least 10 GB of data, call minutes, and SMS are available from around 6 JOD (approximately USD 8.45 as of 2024). Always check the latest pricing on the relevant operator’s official website before purchasing.

Postpaid (contract) SIM: Signing up for a monthly postpaid plan generally requires you to be a registered resident in Jordan. Typical requirements include a valid passport, a Jordanian residency permit (iqama), and in some cases proof of address and income. Postpaid contracts bundle data allowances, voice minutes, and international calling at fixed monthly rates and may also include handset financing. If you have recently arrived and your residency documentation is not yet in order, the sensible approach is to start on a prepaid plan and switch to a postpaid contract once your paperwork is confirmed.

Topping up a prepaid SIM is straightforward: you can do so at mobile operator outlets, corner shops and convenience stores, or through electronic top-up services offered by each operator. You may purchase a physical recharge card or add credit via mobile banking. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Jordan’s GSM networks, but it is advisable to ensure your handset is SIM-unlocked and supports the frequency bands used by local operators in order to get the best possible coverage.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Jordan?

Jordanian telephone bills — whether for a landline or a postpaid mobile plan — can be settled through a range of convenient channels. Postpaid mobile subscribers and landline customers receive monthly invoices issued at the close of each billing cycle. Those on prepaid mobile plans simply add credit as and when they need it, with no monthly bill to worry about.

• Online payment: Zain, Orange, and Umniah all provide online bill payment facilities through their respective websites and dedicated smartphone apps. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, and most operators allow you to set up automatic monthly payments to avoid accidentally missing a due date.
• Mobile app: Each operator maintains its own app for iOS and Android devices, through which subscribers can view itemised bills, monitor data usage, top up prepaid credit, and settle outstanding balances.
• In-store payment: Bills can be paid in cash or by card at any official operator branch. Orange Jordan also runs a network of self-service payment kiosks located in major urban centres.
• Bank transfer or eFawateercom: Jordan’s eFawateercom electronic billing platform links to most utility and telecoms providers, enabling bill payments to be made through internet banking with any participating Jordanian bank — a particularly handy option once you have opened a local account.
• Prepaid top-up: Prepaid SIM credit can be added at retail outlets and convenience stores, or via mobile banking, either by purchasing a physical recharge card or using an electronic top-up service provided by your operator.

If a postpaid bill is not paid on time, operators will typically send SMS warnings before restricting outgoing calls. Full service suspension for non-payment comes after a notice period, and restoring service will normally require you to clear the outstanding balance along with a reconnection charge. The exact grace periods before suspension vary between operators — it is worth clarifying your provider’s disconnection policy when you first sign up.

Should a billing dispute arise, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is the appropriate body to approach. It has the authority to investigate complaints relating to overcharging or billing inaccuracies and can intervene on a consumer’s behalf.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Jordan as a newcomer?

Jordan’s urban telecoms infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, and the day-to-day experience of using a phone here is broadly comparable to other well-connected countries. The following points are particularly worth bearing in mind when you first settle in.

International roaming: Using your home-country SIM in Jordan typically attracts steep roaming charges, and when taxes and surcharges are factored in, the costs can escalate quickly. For anyone spending more than a few days in Jordan, switching to a local SIM is strongly recommended as the far more economical option, even if data is your primary concern.

eSIM availability: eSIM technology is gaining traction in Jordan, with Orange currently leading the field in terms of established commercial support — it provides eSIMs for tourists at Amman Airport. Zain and Umniah have also begun offering eSIM options, though broad adoption across all three operators is still a work in progress, and many handsets sold locally continue to rely on conventional physical SIM cards. If you intend to use an eSIM, check device compatibility and confirm availability directly with the operator before travelling.

Number portability: Mobile number portability (MNP) has been operational in Jordan since 2007, giving customers the freedom to move between Zain, Orange, and Umniah while retaining the same phone number. The porting request is submitted by the new operator on the customer’s behalf. Unlike some markets where the switch can be completed within a single working day, the process in Jordan typically takes a few days — ask your new provider for a realistic timeline when you initiate the transfer.

Network quality: All three major operators deliver solid 4G LTE coverage in Amman, Aqaba, Irbid, and along the main highway network. Even relatively remote destinations such as Dana Nature Reserve and Wadi Rum have 3G connectivity, which offers reassurance to expats who travel widely within the country. For the most current comparative data on network speeds and coverage, independent resources like nPerf and Opensignal publish regularly updated maps and performance statistics for each Jordanian operator.

Keeping a foreign number active: If you wish to maintain an overseas number while living in Jordan, the most practical solution is a dual-SIM handset. This allows you to use a Jordanian operator’s physical SIM for everyday local calls and data, while keeping your home-country number accessible for incoming calls from contacts who have not yet been given your new Jordanian details.

WhatsApp and VoIP: WhatsApp is deeply embedded in everyday communication in Jordan, used by both expats and locals for personal and professional purposes — often far more so than traditional voice calls. All three operators permit WhatsApp calling and messaging over 4G without restriction. For affordable international communication, internet-based tools such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, or equivalent VoIP applications are the default choice for most people, rather than operator international call packages.

Registering your handset (IMEI): Jordan operates an IMEI registration system administered by the TRC. If you bring a handset from another country, it is advisable to check whether your device is registered and compatible with local network frequencies before you travel. The TRC offers guidance on this matter through its official website at www.trc.gov.jo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Jordan?

It is not possible to port an overseas number into a Jordanian operator’s network — number portability in Jordan is restricted to transfers between domestic operators, namely Zain, Orange, and Umniah. That said, you can keep your existing foreign SIM running in a dual-SIM device alongside a new Jordanian SIM, which allows you to continue receiving calls on your original number while making use of a local number for everyday calls and data in Jordan.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Jordan?

SIM registration is compulsory in Jordan and requires you to present your passport at the point of purchase. For a basic prepaid tourist SIM, a local address is not generally required — your passport alone is sufficient. For a postpaid contract, however, you will typically need to demonstrate residency in Jordan, which means providing a residency permit and, in most cases, a local address.

Can tourists and newcomers without residency get a mobile contract in Jordan?

All three operators offer prepaid plans that do not require a contract. Visitors can purchase a SIM by presenting a passport, though plans with longer multi-month validity often require a residency permit. Those who have recently arrived and are waiting for their residency paperwork to be processed are advised to start on a prepaid plan and move to a postpaid contract once the necessary documentation is in place.

How do I complain about a telecoms provider in Jordan?

Jordan’s telecoms industry is regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), which establishes rules and standards designed to protect consumers and ensure fair competition between providers. If a dispute with your operator cannot be resolved through the operator’s own customer service channels, you can submit a formal complaint to the TRC via its official website at www.trc.gov.jo.

Is 5G available in Jordan?

All three major operators — Zain, Orange, and Umniah — launched 5G services during the latter part of 2023, with initial rollouts concentrated in urban centres including Amman. The 5G footprint continues to expand, but 4G LTE remains the dominant technology for the majority of the country. For the most up-to-date information on 5G availability in your area, consult the coverage maps on each operator’s official website.

What is the cheapest way to make international calls from Jordan?

Operator international calling packages can become costly if used intensively. For regular international communication, the most affordable route is to use internet-based calling through apps such as WhatsApp, which is extremely popular in Jordan and functions reliably on a 4G connection. All three major operators permit these applications without restriction. If you have a genuine need for traditional international voice calls, compare the international call add-on bundles available from each operator on their respective websites to find the best current rates.

Can I buy a SIM card at Amman Airport?

Queen Alia International Airport hosts branded booths and vending machines for all three major operators — Zain, Orange, and Umniah — in the arrivals area, making it possible to get connected as soon as you land. Be aware, however, that airport offerings may include smaller data allowances at higher prices than equivalent in-store plans. If you are relocating to Jordan on a long-term basis, visiting a high-street branch after arrival will give you access to a broader selection of plans and better overall value.

How do I top up a prepaid mobile in Jordan?

Prepaid credit can be added at mobile operator outlets, convenience stores, and supermarkets, or through electronic top-up services provided by the operators. You can buy a physical recharge card and scratch off the PIN, or add credit via mobile banking. All three operators also support in-app top-up, making it easy to add credit at any time without leaving your home. To check your remaining balance, dial *124# on most networks.