12 Destinations with the Highest Tourist Tax
Oh my goodness, what an ordeal! If you thought traveling was just about packing your bags and hitting the road, think again! The modern world has a little surprise for you: the “tourist tax”—a sneaky extra charge that supposedly helps maintain the beautiful places you’re about to visit. As if we weren’t already paying enough bills! But don’t worry, your trusted guide is here with the ultimate list of countries where they’ll ask for your wallet—some subtly, others not so much. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy (and expensive) ride!
The “Top-Tier Chargers” (Get Ready to Pay!)
Bhutan: The king of tourist taxes! If you want to visit this Himalayan paradise, expect to pay around $100 per day (or more, depending on the season). The reward? Stunning monasteries and jaw-dropping landscapes. But hey, paradise doesn’t come cheap!
New Zealand: Welcome to Middle-earth—now pay the fee! If you want to explore the breathtaking locations from Lord of the Rings, there’s an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which costs around €56. But hey, the views of Fiordland National Park and the volcanic wonders of Rotorua almost make it worth it—if you have enough left for coffee.
Netherlands (Amsterdam): Amsterdam, the city of bicycles, canals, and… a 12.5% tourist tax on accommodations! Yep, that’s right—if you want to enjoy the Red Light District or cruise the Grachten, be ready to chip in for the local maintenance budget.
Japan (Kyoto): The elegance of Kyoto comes at a price. If you want to experience its stunning temples, be prepared to pay between €25 and €60 per night, depending on the luxury level of your stay. At least the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is free—for now!
The “Not-So-Bad Charges” (Could Be Worse…)
Greece (Mykonos & Santorini): The Greek islands know how to throw a party—and charge you for it! There’s a hotel tax (up to €15 per night in luxury accommodations) and an extra €20 for cruise passengers arriving in Mykonos or Santorini.
Italy (Venice): Venice has had enough of overcrowding. Starting in 2024, visitors will pay €5 just to enter the city. Want a gondola ride? Pay. Want a picture in St. Mark’s Square? Keep your receipt handy!
Spain (Barcelona): Ah, Barcelona! The city has been hiking its tourist tax for years—currently around €4 per night, plus a regional fee. If you want to marvel at Gaudí’s creations, you’ll need to contribute to the city’s tourism fund.
Portugal (Lisbon & Porto): Portugal has jumped on the bandwagon. Lisbon and Porto charge €4 per night for accommodations. So while enjoying a Pastel de Nata or admiring the Belém Tower, expect to pay a little extra.
The “Barely-Noticeable Fees” (Cheap but Still There)
Croatia: This Adriatic gem charges around €1–€2 per night, depending on location and accommodation type. Want to see the Dubrovnik Walls or the Plitvice Lakes? A tiny fee won’t ruin the experience.
Iceland: The land of fire and ice asks €4.36 per night for hotels and half that for camping. If you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s a small price to pay!
Malaysia: Here, the fee is 10 Malaysian ringgits per night (about €2.50). Want to snap a selfie at the Petronas Towers or relax on the Langkawi beaches? Just a little extra won’t hurt.
Thailand: Even the Land of Smiles has caught on. Expect an €8 entry tax by air and half that if arriving by land or sea. But hey, with how cheap Pad Thai is, this is pocket change!
Conclusion: The Price of Happiness?
Tourist taxes are an unavoidable reality. They feel like restaurant surcharges—annoying, but unavoidable. The hope is that these fees truly help preserve the beautiful places we love to visit.
