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[justajaunt]

Does anyone have suggestions for banking while in Jordan? I currently belong to Bank of America but I am trying to figure out the most cost efficent form of banking since I will be there for nine months. What has other people's experience been for ATMs, credit cards, etc so as to have minimal fees?

[starlagurl]

Hmm... I don't know if this works in Jordan, but I always put everything on my credit card (asking for cash back from the vendor where possible) and then pay the bill through my bank account online. Works out fine everywhere I go.

[justajaunt]

I've learned that Citibank is in Jordan so I am going to try and get an account with them. Too bad we don't have Citibank in Michigan.

[justajaunt]

For anyone else who might need to know more on this topic...

I have found out that opening an account here in Jordan as a NON-resident is actually very easy. Arab Bank asks for a lot of documentation and this and that but most of the banks I asked just needed to see my passport, my license from home, and a certain minimum balance in the account at all times...at Jordan Ahli it was 200JD, at HSBC I think it was 500JD, and I don't remember the rest. So if anyone is planning on being here longterm I definitely suggest bringing lots of cash or lots of travelers checks in order to open an account. The banks I talked to also either didn't have a fee for closing the account when it is time for me to leave or they charged 5JD. This is also simple if you can transfer money from your bank at home or wire cash through Western Union. My personal problem is that it isn't worth it for me to wire the amount of money I want through Western Union because the fee is like $150 dollars.....and I refuse to give BofAholes the $70-ish fee they charge for transfers to international banks. Added to that, none of the banks here can cash a check without going through a clearance that can take 30-90 days. Bah. Ridiculous. So back to the ATM fees that I loath. Hopefully this helps anyone trying to think ahead.

[jeremystravels]

I remember some peoples ATM cards not working in some machines in Jordan, but working in the one right next to it. It was really weird.

For low fees check out any Capital One credit card. They have 0% foreign transaction fees, and are the only American company to do so. That would help save you a LOT of money.

[justajaunt]

I second all of that. I can use the ATMs from Arab Bank but so far I have been unable to use any other ATM with my BofAholes card. Also, I have a Capital One credit card and it is 100% true that they have no fees for making international purchases. None. I have had this card for a long time and I love them love them love them. In Jordan I use it whenever I can which unfortunately is usually only grocery shopping.

Bank of America charges $5.00 for every withdrawal plus 1% of the withdrawn amount. Arab Bank caps withdrawals at 250JD so if you withdraw the maximum amount you are charged $9.00US every time you use the ATM unless you are lucky enough to have one of the ancient cards.

I remember some peoples ATM cards not working in some machines in Jordan, but working in the one right next to it. It was really weird.

For low fees check out any Capital One credit card. They have 0% foreign transaction fees, and are the only American company to do so. That would help save you a LOT of money.