Questions tagged [taxes]

Levies raised by governments and agencies as they relate to travel. Do not use for questions about duties imposed on crossing borders, for which there is the customs-and-immigration tag. Please also tag with the applicable country.

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51 votes
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Why are prices published without tax in the US?

On a recent trip to San Francisco it was always a surprise to see what to pay in stores. It was never as simple as just adding all the published prices. There was always the addition of taxes. ...
user avatar
46 votes
2 answers
7k views

What additional costs can I expect when visiting a restaurant in the US where service is included?

I am going to a Michelin three-star restaurant in New York City this fall. On their website, it says that for the fixed-price tasting menu, both the course menu and the beverage pairing are ”inclusive ...
Daniel's user avatar
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23 votes
8 answers
13k views

Why did the restaurant suggest I tip on the tax?

I had a meal in a restaurant and the total before tax was $17.00. The sale tax (7.5%) is $1.28 and the total after-tax is $18.28. The minimum suggested tip says 18% ($3.29) on the receipt. This is 18% ...
Zuriel's user avatar
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23 votes
2 answers
6k views

Item held by customs until I pay tax; what are my options?

I just arrived in the UK yesterday, from the US, carrying a piece of jewelry, which I intend to carry with me for the following months before I give it to someone at the right time and place, then ...
Flimzy's user avatar
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22 votes
2 answers
3k views

Sales tax rate for hotel in Washington DC

Is it normal to have a 14 % tax rate in a hotel in Washington DC ? If so, why this is not mentioned and/or included in the price directly on booking ? PS: this is my first time in the USA.
din's user avatar
  • 395
18 votes
1 answer
2k views

Are alcoholic beverages more expensive at night in Japan (in bars)?

I just went to a bar in Tokyo and asked for two beers (¥700 each). When we asked for the bill, the waitress charged us ¥2400. When I pointed out the error, she said something about taxes in Japan. Is ...
Hector Lorenzo's user avatar
15 votes
2 answers
5k views

Paid for article while in US on F-1 visa? [closed]

I am an international Ph.D. student in the US and am planning to write an article for a US-based magazine. I'm doing this to increase my presence and build a relationship with this publisher. They ...
user63146's user avatar
  • 343
14 votes
3 answers
4k views

When booking a cruise, how can I find a list of all the port fees in advance?

Some cruise sellers say "port fees extra." Sometimes those charges are more than the full retail cost, similar to marketing strategies that advertise a low product price paired with exorbitant "...
WBT's user avatar
  • 3,245
13 votes
2 answers
3k views

Do I need to pay charges / taxes to drive in London on the weekend?

I live outside London (but inside the M25). And I'm thinking of attending a course whose classes are in the city. I do have a car and I usually drive. Because of work, I think if they do classes on ...
user8469759's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
13k views

Asking for VAT refund on online purchases in Europe [closed]

I want to buy some goods (around 700 pounds worth - a camera, a gpu and an ssd) from Amazon UK. As I am living in Europe right now (residence in Ireland) is it possible to ask for a VAT refund, even ...
Drowze's user avatar
  • 133
13 votes
2 answers
7k views

Giving details to Airbnb host

I booked a property through Airbnb in Budapest. I checked the whole listing for any specific requirements and duly asked the host for it. He said none. But when I reached there he asked me to provide ...
DumbCoder's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
3k views

Can you legally refuse to pay resort fees in Hawaii?

A friend booked a hotel in Hawaii, and added taxes came to an extra 28% on the bill. Then there was a resort fee of 11% on top of that. Per day. Taxes are one thing, but he's protesting the daily ...
Mark Mayo's user avatar
  • 159k
11 votes
1 answer
4k views

What happens if you don't pay the Panamá exit tax?

Yesterday we landed after a trip from Panama to Spain departing from PTY airport. Today a friend that travelled to Panama 3 years ago has told me that he had to pay a 40 dollars tax when he leaved the ...
Ivan's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
4k views

Visiting the United States while owing past income tax there

I lived legally in the US for 6 years on a student visa. I left 2 years ago, and due to family problems, I left without closing my company and without paying income tax. I want to come back and spend ...
Ronaldo Junior's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
927 views

Mexican entry tax overland from Belize

I arrived to Mexico from Belize yesterday. We travelled overland and arrived at the immigration area (subteniente López I believe). After a long queue to the migration official, he insisted we had to ...
TomSelleck's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
4k views

In which developed countries (other than the US) does the price tag not usually show the final price to be paid?

That is, the price tag on the product (or on the shelf beneath it or wherever) may say $1.00, but when you go checkout at the counter, you actually have to pay more than $1.00. To keep the scope of ...
user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
711 views

How can I obtain my time in USA information for tax purposes?

I am a US citizen living abroad. They no longer stamp your passport when coming and going from the US and I need to know the dates I was in country for taxes. Is there a way to find out this ...
Gary H.'s user avatar
  • 199
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

Does Japan charge an extra departure tax if you depart from a different airport than your arrival?

I'm a Turkish citizen. I'm planning to visit Korea and Japan in 2018 with tourist visa. My most likely route will be Seoul - Osaka- Tokyo - Istanbul. I was told by the airline company that if I leave ...
user30133's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
2k views

Can I drive my British car in the Netherlands using my Dutch drivers license as a UK resident?

A friend of mine got fined for "belastingontduiking" (tax evasion) driving in NL with a BE car, owned by his parents who live across the border, in Belgium, 5 km away from him. This resulted in this ...
Belle's user avatar
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8 votes
1 answer
863 views

Flying EU to UK to EU. Can I get duty free alcohol?

On the 20 of March this year I will be flying from Ireland to the UK and then on the another EU country. Can I buy duty free alcohol (as in alcohol with no tax) leaving the UK ?
Keith Loughnane's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
3k views

Asking for tourist tax to be left cash in the accommodation

Traveled in several places in Italy, reservation made either with booking.com or Airbnb, and the hosts asked us to leave the tourist tax in the apartment before we check out. It's small, usually 5-10 ...
Travel guy's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
324 views

How have I paid 7 lots of APD (Air Passenger Duty) for five passengers?

This summer, my wife, three kids (all under 12) and I all flew with EasyJet from Gatwick to Paris CDG, and then from Nice back to Gatwick a week later. Whilst looking at my receipt, I noticed the ...
Darren's user avatar
  • 659
8 votes
1 answer
879 views

NYC - Are advertised metrocard and tourist attraction ticket prices inclusive of tax?

I'm from the UK where tax is included in most advertised prices. I gather things are very different in the USA. I'm visiting New York City next week, and am looking at the cost of a MetroCard and ...
james246's user avatar
  • 183
7 votes
1 answer
589 views

UK VAT refund: apply for refund directly and not through agents like GlobalBlue?

Is there a way to claim a UK VAT refund directly and not through agents like GlobalBlue? What do these agents do that they take a massive cut from VAT refunds, for example a £1000 purchase has £166.67 ...
Hayko Koryun's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
6k views

10% government tourist tax in Indonesia, what's going on with that?

While traveling in Sumatra & Java, I never seen (or noticed) a 10% government tourist tax. When arriving in Bali, many restaurant (& even homestays) display an additional 10% government ...
Adriano's user avatar
  • 6,951
7 votes
2 answers
237 views

When buying fuel in Peru service stations, do you have to give an ID?

Sorry, but not exactly sure where to ask this questions, but if there are any locals from Peru, I thought would try here. Not exactly a travel question, but hoping to use local knowledge. I am ...
GrantB's user avatar
  • 91
6 votes
1 answer
1k views

Which countries exempt people travelling for business from city tax at hotels?

I read: In some countries, if you're travelling for business, you are exempt from city tax at hotels – Nicolas Formichella Which countries exempt people travelling for business from city tax at ...
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Pay 16% tax at hotels for tourists?

As a tourist in Colombia, do I need to pay the 16% hotel tax? If not, how do I get this money back?
MmM's user avatar
  • 3,168
6 votes
2 answers
227 views

If re-booked from a flight to a train, can one claim the airport taxes back?

Recently flew GOT-DUS-HAM (booked directly with the airline), whereby the DUS-HAM leg was cancelled last-minute and I got an open rail voucher. Can I get the airport taxes of the second flight ...
Crazydre's user avatar
  • 76.2k
6 votes
2 answers
328 views

Passing 150 grams of gold in the customs in a EU country without receipt

I was given around 150 grams of gold (none of them are jewellery) as a gift for my wedding. Therefore, I don't have any receipt. I wonder if this is problem. How can they check the real value of it in ...
renakre's user avatar
  • 663
6 votes
1 answer
505 views

Exit Tax When Exiting Panama by Foot?

In December 2015 I plan to go do Panama then go back into Costa Rica probably by foot, meaning taking a bus or boat on both sides of the border then crossing by foot. I heard there is a $40 exit tax ...
Gabriel Ratener's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

Does a visitor to someone already staying in a hotel have to pay the city tax?

Imagine person A is staying in a hotel in Paris for a month. During this month, a friend, person B, comes to visit person A for 10 days and stays in the room A is staying in. The hotel is fully aware ...
Yossarian's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
2 answers
635 views

Hotel charging 21% VAT in Argentina?

I had the idea that foreign visitors are exempt from this tax when they pay with a foreign credit card, still my hotel manager insists I need to pay this tax. Since there is a language barrier between ...
MmM's user avatar
  • 3,168
5 votes
1 answer
501 views

How do I pay UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) on my flight to the UK?

I am Indian citizen travelling to UK for two weeks (Business Trip) with my wife (General Visitor). Our itinerary is India -> Doha -> London -> Doha -> India. I just read about UK Air Passenger Duty....
indian's user avatar
  • 185
5 votes
1 answer
3k views

Missed flight USA airport tax refund?

Are airlines in the US legally obligated to refund any airport tax charged if a seat was not used? In particular I am thinking of a flight with Spirit Airlines from Fort Lauderdale to Boston which ...
snoram's user avatar
  • 152
5 votes
1 answer
167 views

When taking the ferry from Shimonoseki, Japan to Busan, Korea, how much will I need in cash-only fees?

Seven years ago I took ferries between Japan and Korea about six times, and I'm looking at taking the ferry again. I seem to recall that even when paying for the ferry ticket in cash that there is ...
hippietrail's user avatar
  • 79.4k
5 votes
2 answers
146 views

Traveling to Baja California, Mexico, what are the immigration/departure taxes?

Traveling on a National Geographic trip from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Baja California, Mexico. I have never paid immigration taxes or departure taxes when flying to and from Mexico. ...
diana's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is it possible to get VAT Refund with the D-Type Visa when leaving Slovenia?

I am currently an Erasmus internship student in Slovenia. I am planning to use tax free here. My visa is D-Type (103 days, MLT). I am leaving after 1 month. Is it possible ?
Batuhan Tozun's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
251 views

How does the Baja California Sur sustainability tax work?

When flying into San Jose del Cabo airport, I've been given a flyer about a new sustainability tax with a link to Travelerfundbcs.gob.mx. According to the LA Times it is voluntary: Travelers arriving ...
JonathanReez's user avatar
  • 83.4k
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

Non-resident alien working for non-US company telecommuting for 10 days under ESTA Visa Waiver [duplicate]

I am a European citizen non-US resident travelling to the US for 4 weeks under the ESTA Visa Waiver, of which 10 days will be spent telecommuting/work remotely. I know that I am legally within my ...
LongDistanceSucks's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
484 views

Why do cities impose a tourist tax? [closed]

I'm planning a trip and I see the term "tourist tax" littered about. My question is why do countries/cities tax tourists when tourism in itself is of economical benefit to the country?
Cobbles's user avatar
  • 151
4 votes
2 answers
866 views

Do I have to pay VAT on rental car repairs that were covered by insurance?

I rented a car from Sixt in Italy, and it received a minor scratch while parked on a street. The rental car insurance provided by my credit card (MasterCard) covered the damage, but per their policy, ...
Delta_HF's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
225 views

Can you get a refund of "additional charges" in addition to taxes?

My friend had a booking with Alitalia from London to Tokyo involving (due to pricing) a Milan-London leg on the return that he's not going to use. I know the taxes for the unused leg (GBP 22) can be ...
Crazydre's user avatar
  • 76.2k
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Will applying for ITIN can have bad consequences on my future US visa applications?

I am an entrepreneur running a startup in my home country. I came to USA on B1 visa and have recently registered a Delaware LLC company and got EIN. Now I need ITIN to open bank account for business. ...
Ahmed's user avatar
  • 468
4 votes
1 answer
787 views

I am a German citizen visiting my girlfriend in the US for 2 x 50 days a year under the VWP. Can I work remotely and will I have to pay US Taxes? [duplicate]

I am a German citizen visiting my girlfriend in the US for 2 x 50 days a year under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). I already read that some immigration officers might make problems here due to the ...
Thomas L.'s user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
376 views

Bringing brand new iPad and tablet

I planning to buy brand new iPad and tablet from the UK as I live here to take to Thailand for my cousin and my grandchild. Do I need to pay for custom tax?
Jan's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
5k views

Shipping personal electronics to Europe from US- import taxes?

I'm traveling in Europe and want to have some electronic equipment shipped from home (laptop; camera; audio gear). Can I ship myself used personal goods from the U.S. to Europe and not pay import ...
bevanb's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can I work remotely for my US employer while on a Tier 4 visa in the UK? [closed]

I’m an American, and I’m going to the UK on a tier 4 student visa. Under this visa, I’m allowed to work 20 hours/week with a UK employer. I must file taxes in both the US and the UK each year that I ...
Silvercatt's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
105 views

Will I have to pay duty for property that I will take back to country of purchase? [closed]

I'm currently studying in Switzerland but in a few months I will return to Germany. After spending half a year in Germany, I'll switch back to Switzerland for a very long stay. Basically: 4 months ...
j_sapari's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
7k views

Do Customs duties and VAT apply on jewellery and gifts even when imported into UK by US citizens?

I'm leaving for the UK this week and packing a bunch of gifts and an engagement ring that I intend to give there. Is the VAT only for UK citizens or will I have to declare the value of my gifts and ...
MAC's user avatar
  • 253