Going on a vacation? Have you planned it well? Did you consider the tourist taxes at that particular international destination? It is important to plan a trip carefully because direct or indirect taxes might increase the cost of your vacation. You must also be aware that, in addition to the fees you pay for your visa and other items, you may even be obliged to pay tourist taxes in international destinations. Don’t worry, we got your back.
Here Are International Destinations That Charge Tourist Taxes
1. Barcelona
View this post on Instagram
According to Barcelona Metropolis, Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming around 12 million people annually. Barcelona has levied taxes on visitors since 2012, so tourist levies are nothing new in the city. However, in the spring of 2023, the charge went up, and it will go up once again the following year. The nightly entry cost went up to €2.75 (or $3.00) in April of last year, which is €1 ($1.09) more than visitors were previously required to pay.
2. Valencia
View this post on Instagram
Another well-liked Spanish vacation destination is Valencia, where lodging is fee-based. You will be required to pay a tourist tax even if you decide to stay at a campsite as opposed to a hotel. Tourist fees in Valencia run from 50 cents to €2 (or up to $2.18) per night, although the money collected will be used to build more affordable homes for locals.
3. Venice
Vacations & Travel, a travel publication, estimates that 19 million tourists travel to Venice, Italy, each year. That shouldn’t come as a surprise given the city’s renowned architecture and artwork. But if you’re thinking about taking a day trip to Venice in 2024, be ready to fork over anywhere from $3.27 to $10.91 per person when making your reservation.
4. Olhão
The fishing community will enact a new tourist fee of €2 ($2.18) per night to reduce certain harmful effects of tourism, such as pollution, in the area. However, there are several exclusions that could help you save some money. Between November and March, the tax will be halved to €1 ($1.09). Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the tourist tax. Olho’s charge only covers the first five nights.
5. Thailand
View this post on Instagram
Thailand is implementing a 300 Baht (€8) visitor fee. It was previously planned to go into effect at the end of 2022, but delays have occurred due to uncertainty over how it would be put into practice. As a result of additional worries raised by airlines, it now appears to have been postponed from June to September 2023. Last year, the head of Thailand’s Tourism Authority told Reuters that a portion of the cost will “be used to take care of tourists” because there have been instances where health insurance hasn’t covered some expenses.
6. Belgium
Beware of the unstated tourist levy that travelers visiting Belgium must pay. Cities like Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels, and many more locations impose a per-room fee that varies based on the caliber and size of the hotel. According to sources, the levy is sometimes included in the hotel room rate, while in other cases it is charged separately as an extra fee.
7. Bhutan
View this post on Instagram
On September 23, 2022, Bhutan reopened to tourists without quarantines, but most of them had to pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per day. This will greatly increase the cost of the entire trip on top of the price of the guides, lodging, and other services.
8. New Zealand
View this post on Instagram
In 2019, New Zealand passed a tourism tax. With rare exclusions, visitors to New Zealand must pay 35 New Zealand dollars. The administration also stated that the immigration system would be used to collect the new tax.
9. France
View this post on Instagram
In France, there’s a “taxe de séjour”. Depending on the city you’re in, it gets tacked on to your hotel bill. From about €0.20 to €4 per person, per night, are the prices. Money is used to maintain tourism infrastructure in popular tourist destinations like Paris and Lyon. For guests staying in hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites, the Paris region recently won clearance to increase its tourist fee by up to 200 percent.
Also Read: What Is Typically Served In A Navratri Thali? 6 Dishes And Their Importance
Which of these places did you not know about?
Cover image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.