Ma'an Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Ma'an.
Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Bedouin Sand Bottle
Handcrafted glass bottles filled with coloured desert sand arranged into intricate patterns of camels, geometric designs, and Petra motifs. A uniquely Jordanian craft form created by Bdoul Bedouin artisans from the Petra region.
Nabataean-style Pottery
Hand-painted ceramic bowls, plates, and vases inspired by ancient Nabataean designs, produced by local artisans in the Petra region. Look for hand-painted pieces rather than mass-produced imports.
Bedouin Embroidered Items
Hand-embroidered cushion covers, wall hangings, table runners, and clothing featuring traditional Bedouin geometric patterns in red, green, and gold on black or white fabric.
Bedouin Silver Jewellery
Traditional Bedouin jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets incorporating turquoise, carnelian, and coral in silver settings. Genuine antique pieces are rare — most sold are modern reproductions.
Jordanian Za'atar Mix
A blend of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt used throughout Jordanian cooking. Available pre-mixed and packaged as an authentic, easy-to-pack food souvenir.
Dead Sea Mineral Products
Although the Dead Sea is north of Ma'an, Dead Sea mineral salts, mud masks, and skincare products are sold throughout the region as popular Jordanian souvenirs.
Jordanian Rose Water
Distilled from Damascene roses grown in the Jordan Valley, rose water is used in Jordanian cooking and sold as a food and beauty product. Comes in decorative glass bottles.
Petra Rose-Red Sandstone Carving
Small carved items made from the distinctive rose-coloured sandstone of the Petra region — miniature columns, camels, and decorative tiles that capture the unique geology of the site.
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Wadi Musa Souvenir Market (Tourism Street)
A 300-metre stretch of souvenir shops, jewellery stalls, clothing stores, and craft workshops lining the main street descending toward Petra. Ranges from genuine Bedouin artisan work to mass-produced imports.
Ma'an City Central Souk
The traditional covered market of Ma'an city, catering primarily to local residents with stalls selling spices, dried herbs, olives, agricultural goods, clothing, and household items. Less touristy and cheaper than Wadi Musa.
Shoubak Village Market
A small weekly market in the hill village of Shoubak where local farmers sell seasonal produce, dried goods, and hand-crafted items. A genuine local experience away from the Petra tourist circuit.
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Tourism Street (Wadi Musa)
The main commercial artery of Wadi Musa running from the town centre to the Petra entrance, lined with souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants
Petra Visitor Center Gift Shops
Shops inside and adjacent to the Petra Visitor Center selling quality Jordanian crafts, books about Petra, and official site merchandise at fixed prices
Ma'an City Market Area
The commercial heart of Ma'an city with local shops, a covered souk, electronics stores, and everyday retail
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Modern shopping malls are available in major cities, offering international brands, food courts, and entertainment. They provide a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping experience with fixed prices.
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected and enjoyed at souvenir markets and independent stalls — start at 50-60% of the initial asking price
Fixed price shops (often marked with signs) do not bargain — respect this
Walking away genuinely often results in the vendor calling you back with a better price
Be polite and friendly throughout negotiations — aggressive bargaining is off-putting
Buying multiple items from one vendor is your strongest bargaining chip
Compare prices at 2-3 shops before buying — competition between adjacent stalls keeps prices honest
Sand bottles are highly competitive — prices vary dramatically for similar quality items
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Exporting genuine antiquities from Jordan is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. All artefacts sold to tourists are modern reproductions — real pieces cannot be legally sold.
Tax Refunds
Jordan has no tourist VAT refund scheme as of 2025
Duty-Free Limits
Duty-free allowances into Jordan: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits. Check home country allowances for importation.
Shipping
International shipping available through Wadi Musa post office and DHL agent in Ma'an city. Hotels can often arrange shipping for larger purchases.
Shop Smart in Ma'an
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
Download Shopping Guide