15 Hidden Fees Americans Often Face on International Trips

7. "Tourist Taxes" & City Levies: The Unadvertised Local Bill

Many popular European cities and tourist destinations now impose nightly "tourist taxes" or "city levies" on accommodations, usually collected directly by the hotel upon check-out and not included in your pre-paid booking price. The Ingenious Part: They’re official taxes, but often a surprise if you haven’t researched local policies. Sidestep it: A quick search for "[City Name] tourist tax 2025" before your trip will usually reveal these small but cumulative daily charges, allowing you to budget accordingly. They are rarely avoidable but shouldn't be a surprise.