Your booking price isn't always the full amount you'll pay for a stay. Many countries and cities charge a tourist or resort tax that the hotel collects on site — and it's usually not included in your booking price. This isn't an error or a hidden markup: it's simply how the destination works.
In short. A tourist tax is a local per-night charge you pay at the hotel on check-in or check-out. The amount depends on the country, city, hotel category and number of nights, so confirm the exact figure with the property. Your bookings show the room price — the tax is settled separately, usually by cash or card at the front desk.
01 / What it isWhat the tourist tax is
A tourist tax — also called a resort, city or hotel tax — is a local charge that regional authorities levy on guests for each night of their stay. The money usually goes toward maintaining resort infrastructure, cleaning, promenades and public spaces. It's collected by the hotel itself, not by Sales.Travel or the payment provider, which is why it normally falls outside your online booking payment.
02 / How muchWhat the amount depends on
There's no single rate — it can differ even between neighbouring cities in the same country. As a rule, a few factors drive the amount: the country and city, the hotel category, and the number of chargeable nights. Some places charge a flat sum per person per night, others a percentage of the room rate, and some have no tax at all.
03 / How to payHow and when the tax is paid
Check before you travel
Ask the hotel in advance whether a tax applies, what the rate is and whether cards are accepted — this saves you surprises at the desk.
Keep some cash on hand
Some hotels accept the tax in cash only and in the local currency, so it's wise to carry a small amount.
Pay at check-in or check-out
The tax is taken at reception — usually on arrival together with the deposit, or on departure at the final settlement.
Get a receipt
Ask for proof of payment: it helps with expense reporting and avoids any questions at check-out.
04 / In your bookingWhy the tax isn't in your booking price
When you pay on Sales.Travel, you settle the room price at your chosen rate. The local tax usually isn't part of that amount, because it's governed by the city and collected by the hotel on site in its own currency. In your bookings you see the accommodation price; where we have the information, any on-site tax is flagged separately as a payment due at the hotel.
- Included in your online payment: the room price and the meal plan of your chosen rate.
- Paid at the hotel: the tourist tax, the deposit and any extras you order on site.
- Where to confirm the rate: at the hotel front desk or with our support before arrival.
05 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Why wasn't the tax charged when I paid for my booking?
Because it's a local charge the hotel collects in its own currency under city rules. Your online payment covers the room price, while the tax is settled separately at reception.
Exactly how much will I pay?
The hotel will quote the exact amount: it depends on the country, city, hotel category and number of nights. We don't list fixed figures because rates change from time to time — confirm the current amount with the property.
Is the tax charged for children?
In many places children get a discount or full exemption, but the conditions vary. Check the age limits with the hotel when you book.
What if I don't have cash for the tax?
Ask the hotel in advance whether it accepts cards: many do, but not all. If you run into trouble, message us via your account or the @sales_travel_bot bot, or call 8 800 1000-646.