Tourist tax confusion leaves 1 in 10 Brits paying twice

Reviewed by: Greg Wilson
Founder & Insurance Expert

Written by: Stephen Gamble
Insurance PR Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: August 2026
Read time: 5 min

Almost one in ten have been asked to pay a tourist tax in cash despite the cost already being included in their booking, according to a new survey by travel insurance experts Quotezone.co.uk.

As more European destinations introduce or raise existing visitor levies, Quotezone is warning travellers how to tell a legitimate charge from a scam this summer.

Tourist taxes are small fees charged to overnight visitors, typically per person, per night, and usually collected by accommodation providers.

They can be found in many popular European destinations such as Barcelona and Paris, while UK cities including Manchester, Liverpool, and most recently Edinburgh have introduced their own visitor fees.*

As overtourism concerns grow, more destinations are turning to these additional payments. Rome introduced a €2 charge in 2026 for visitors wanting a close-up view of the Trevi Fountain, while Venice authorities confirmed a €5 fee for day trippers to access the city on selected days during the 2026 peak season, rising to €10 for late bookings, while overnight guests are exempt.**

But while tourist taxes are a legitimate charge, used by local governments to mitigate the environmental and overcrowding impacts from tourism, Quotezone’s research suggests many people are uneasy about paying them.

In a survey of 1,000 UK adults, Quotezone found just 30% saying they didn’t mind the additional charge – with more than half (52%) of respondents saying they actually did mind paying tourist tax.

Meanwhile, almost one in ten admitted they weren’t sure what tourist tax was in the first place, with that uncertainty extending to booking habits.

Only a third (32%) say they always check whether tourist tax is included when booking accommodation, while 35% never check, and one in five (20%) didn’t realise that the tax could be charged separately from the price.

The gap in awareness could be leaving them exposed, with Quotezone finding 9% had been asked to pay tourist tax in cash despite it already being included in their booking price.

As millions of Brits enjoy summer getaways, Quotezone is urging holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the signs of a legitimate tourist tax charge, and the red flags to watch out for.

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Tourist taxes are completely legitimate and a way to help popular holiday destinations maintain infrastructure and manage the impact of tourism, however, there is some uncertainty around them from British travellers.

“This confusion can unfortunately leave holidaymakers vulnerable to scams or accidental overpayments. Our survey results show a number of Brits have been asked to pay tourist tax in cash despite it already being included at the time of their booking.

“It’s important for tourists to familiarise themselves with these charges and the red flags to look out for before travelling, as falling victim to a scam is unlikely to be covered by travel insurance and could see holidaymakers left out of pocket.

“It’s often sensible to use credit cards to pay for accommodation and flights, for added protection. Travel insurance can help with theft of cash, personal belongings and travel documents, but all policies vary so make sure to check the details.”

Five tourist tax red flags every traveller should know:

Pressured to pay in cash

Paying with cash is perfectly legal, however, if you’re pressured to only pay using cash, this could be a red flag. Always ensure the amount you are asked to pay matches the official local rate. The official municipal or regional tourism board’s website for your destination will display the correct rate.

No receipt

This could be a major red flag if your provider does not wish to provide a receipt. If the tourist tax you are paying is legitimate, the provider should always be able to provide a receipt, or it should be clearly itemised on your booking invoice.

The amount seems unusually high

Tourist taxes are typically charged per person, per night, and often a small percentage of the total accommodation bill – usually only a few euros or pounds. If you’re asked to pay more money than expected, double-check the official rate before handing over any money.

You’re asked to pay via a personal bank account or messaging app

Legitimate taxes are typically paid directly to your accommodation in cash, by card, or through an official payment system. Being asked to pay into a personal bank account, or via a messaging app, could indicate a scam. Always ensure you make payment through the accommodation provider’s usual payment process.

The fee changes without explanation

Official tourist tax rates are set by local authorities and shouldn’t change unexpectedly during your stay. If you’re asked to pay more without a clear explanation, ask for a breakdown of the charges.

Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year compare and find savings on everyday bills and essentials, including travel insurance. 

References:
Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during July 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.
*https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/homepage/10559/edinburgh-visitor-levy
**https://www.timeout.com/news/the-new-tourist-taxes-and-charges-across-europe-to-know-about-in-2026-010226

Photo credit – iStock.com FG Trade Latin

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.