Something that more countries have been introducing in recent years is tourist taxes. Understanding these new taxes can be a pivotal part of your travel planning process, as these extra costs can, at times, be hefty, and often come as a surprise to people. If you have plans to travel internationally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re aware of these fees, so that you’re not taken aback by the extra costs that could arise.
In this guide we’ll break down what tourist taxes are, why certain countries have them, how they could affect your travel budget, and more, so that you can plan your upcoming trip with confidence.
What Are Tourist Taxes?
Many countries have already implemented tourist taxes, with more likely to follow suit in the future. Tourist taxes are fees that some governments impose on foreign travelers. The money made from those fees is then used to do things such as bettering the country’s infrastructure, working towards improving environmental efforts, and helping the local economy. These fees may be added to your accommodation costs, transportation costs, and tickets to local attractions, so don’t be surprised if you’re getting charged more than usual when visiting an international destination.
Why Are Countries Implementing Tourist Taxes?
Though each country has its own reasoning for implementing tourist taxes, most of the reasons are fairly similar. Many places are looking for ways to help boost their local economy, and use these funds to support small businesses. A few other reasons why destinations are implementing these extra fees is because some use the money to help with conservation efforts, prevent overtourism, and to improve their infrastructure. A lot of the money is used to keep these international destinations thriving so that they can continue to have tourists visit for many years to come.
What Types of Tourist Taxes Are There?
Believe it or not, there are multiple types of tourist taxes out there, with one of the most common ones being an accommodation tax. Additional fees may be added on to your total cost when staying at certain hotels or vacation rentals depending on the country you’re staying in. Some of the other extra costs that you may now run into while traveling include entry fees, departure taxes, and a daily visit tax. Before making a purchase or booking a reservation, don’t be afraid to ask questions so that you can have a better understanding of what you’re going to be charged for.
How Do I Know if a Country Has Tourist Taxes?
Before going on a trip, you’ll want to know if your destination country has implemented tourist taxes. These fees can add on a good portion of money to your travel budget, and you’ll want to know ahead of time whether or not you need to set aside some money to cover these extra costs. To find out this information, simply do a quick search online. You should be able to learn some valuable information and get a better understanding of what to expect.
What Are Some Countries That Have Tourist Taxes?
There are a number of countries that are beginning to implement tourist taxes, many of which are popular travel destinations. A few of these places have only recently started taxing tourists, which is why it’s crucial to know if you will be having to pay extra while on your vacation. Some of the countries that have tourist taxes include Spain, Italy, France, Thailand, Japan, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Greece. If you aren’t sure if your destination has implemented these new fees, make sure to do your research so that you feel more prepared.
How Can Tourist Taxes Affect my Travel Budget?
When you plan a trip, you most likely will have some sort of travel budget that you’ll want to stick to. However, travelers often overlook tourist taxes when budgeting, and end up spending more than originally planned. To help you get a better understanding of how these fees may affect your next trip, we wanted to share some of the ways that these new costs could affect your travel budget.
For starters, you may have to pay more money when staying at certain hotels and accommodations. These fees may not be noticeable at first, and could surprise you when you get the final bill. We suggest calling and asking ahead of time so that you know if there will be any extra fees. Another way this could impact your budget is that some countries will now charge an additional tax for plane tickets. These fees can all add up quickly, so be sure to budget accordingly.
How Can I Minimize Tourist Taxes on my Vacation?
Although you can’t really change how much you are going to get taxed on certain things, you can alter your travel plans to help minimize extra fees. When planning your vacation, look for places that have very low tourist taxes or none at all. There are many destinations that haven’t started charging these extra fees yet, so consider visiting one of them. Another thing that you can do is to search for accommodations that don’t charge tourists more money, such as some hostels and certain vacation rentals. All in all, doing some research can make a significant impact, and help save you some money along the way.
Besides preparing for any unexpected tourist taxes, you should also start getting your travel documents ready for your upcoming international trip. Fortunately, Swift is a leader in the passport and visa industry, and can help you get your travel documentation in a quick and efficient manner. To start the application process, simply visit our website. Additionally, if you have any questions along the way, please contact us – we’d be happy to help! No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
