Last updated: July 2025
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Understanding the city’s tourist tax will help you budget accurately and avoid surprises at checkout. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Amsterdam’s tourist tax, from current rates to payment methods and exemptions.
What is Amsterdam Tourist Tax (City Tax)?
Amsterdam tourist tax, also known as city tax or “toeristenbelasting” in Dutch, is a municipal levy that visitors pay when staying overnight in the city. The Amsterdam City Council implements this tax to manage tourism’s impact on local infrastructure and services while generating revenue for city maintenance and improvements.
The tax applies to all overnight accommodations within Amsterdam’s municipal boundaries, making it an essential consideration for anyone planning to visit the Dutch capital.
Current Amsterdam Tourist Tax Rates (2025)
Amsterdam currently charges 12.5% of your accommodation rate (excluding VAT) as tourist tax. This represents a significant increase from the previous 7% rate, implemented on January 1, 2024, making Amsterdam’s tourist tax the highest percentage rate in the Netherlands.
How the Tax Calculation Works
The tax calculation follows this formula:
- Room rate (excluding VAT) × 12.5% = Tourist tax amount
Example:
- Hotel room: €200 per night (excluding VAT)
- Tourist tax: €200 × 12.5% = €25 per night
- Total accommodation cost with tax: €225 per night (Excluding VAT)
Types of Accommodations Subject to Tourist Tax
Amsterdam’s city tax applies to various accommodation types:
Hotels, Holiday Rentals, and Campsites
All commercial accommodations within Amsterdam charge the 12.5% tourist tax, including:
- Hotels and boutique hotels
- Airbnb and vacation rentals
- Hostels and budget accommodations
- Campsites and caravan parks
- Bed and breakfast establishments
Cruise Passenger Tax
Cruise passengers arriving by sea or river face a separate €14.50 per person day visitor tax. Cruise operators bear responsibility for declaring and paying this tourist tax for their passengers, so individual travelers don’t need to handle this payment directly.
Is Tourist Tax Per Person or Per Room?
Amsterdam’s tourist tax operates per room, not per person. You pay the 12.5% rate on your total room cost, regardless of how many people occupy the room. This system differs from some other European cities that charge per-person rates.
However, the €14.50 cruise passenger tax applies per person.
Tax Collection and Payment Methods
Who Collects the Tax?
Accommodation providers typically collect tourist tax directly from guests. Hotels, rental hosts, and campsite operators handle the collection process and remit payments to Amsterdam’s municipal government.
Payment Methods Accepted
Most accommodations accept these payment methods for tourist tax:
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash payments (euros)
- Digital payment apps
- Bank transfers for longer stays
Important Pricing Considerations
Tourist tax is not always included in initial price quotes from accommodations or booking platforms. Always verify with your accommodation provider whether the quoted rate includes city tax to avoid unexpected charges at check-in or checkout.
Pro tip: Contact your hotel or rental host directly to confirm whether tourist tax is included in your booking total.
Tourist Tax Exemptions
Several categories of visitors qualify for tourist tax exemptions:
Staying with Family or Friends
Visitors staying with family or friends in private accommodations are completely exempt from Amsterdam’s tourist tax. This exemption only applies to genuine personal stays, not commercial arrangements.
Other Exemptions
- Children under certain ages (varies by accommodation type)
- Business travelers on official government business
- Certain humanitarian or medical visits
- Long-term residents transitioning to permanent accommodation
Always verify exemption eligibility with your accommodation provider, as they handle the administrative requirements.
Can You Get a Tourist Tax Refund in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam generally does not offer tourist tax refunds once payments are processed. Unlike VAT purchases, city tax represents a municipal service fee that cannot be reclaimed.
However, you might qualify for refunds in these specific situations:
- Accommodation cancellations before arrival
- Overbilling or calculation errors
- Early departure due to emergencies (at accommodation discretion)
Contact your accommodation provider directly for any refund requests, as they process these cases individually.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Tourist Tax?
Failing to pay Amsterdam’s tourist tax can result in several consequences:
Immediate Consequences
- Accommodation providers may refuse check-in
- Additional administrative fees
- Potential legal complications for extended non-payment
Long-term Issues
- Difficulty booking future accommodations in Amsterdam
- Possible impact on future visa applications for some nationalities
- Municipal enforcement actions for significant amounts
Accommodation providers are legally required to collect tourist tax, so they will typically insist on payment before providing services.
Understanding VAT in Amsterdam
Amsterdam applies 21% VAT (Value Added Tax) to most goods and services, including accommodation. This VAT rate is separate from the 12.5% tourist tax.
How VAT and Tourist Tax Interact
- Tourist tax calculates on the pre-VAT accommodation rate
- VAT applies to the base accommodation cost
- You pay both taxes, but they calculate independently
Example breakdown:
- Base room rate: €200
- Tourist tax (12.5%): €25
- VAT (21% on base rate): €42
- Total cost: €267
Tips for Managing Amsterdam Tourist Tax
Before Booking
- Verify tax inclusion in quoted prices
- Budget an additional 12.5% for accommodation costs
- Compare total costs including taxes across different accommodations
- Check exemption eligibility if staying with locals
During Your Stay
- Keep tax receipts for business travel expense reports
- Pay promptly to avoid complications
- Verify calculations if amounts seem incorrect
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about charges
Money-Saving Strategies
- Stay longer in single accommodations to spread tax impact
- Consider accommodations just outside Amsterdam’s municipal boundaries
- Book directly with hotels to clarify all charges upfront
- Choose family/friend stays when possible for complete exemption
Planning Your Amsterdam Budget
When budgeting for Amsterdam, factor in these key costs:
- Accommodation base rate
- Tourist tax (12.5% of base rate)
- VAT (21% on accommodation)
- Additional city expenses
Tourist tax typically adds €15-50 per night depending on your accommodation choice, so plan accordingly for multi-day stays.
Conclusion
Amsterdam’s tourist tax represents a significant expense that affects all commercial accommodation stays. Understanding the 12.5% rate, payment requirements, and exemption possibilities helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Remember to verify tax inclusion in all booking quotes and maintain clear communication with accommodation providers about payment expectations. While the tax adds to your travel costs, it contributes to maintaining Amsterdam’s infrastructure and managing tourism sustainably.
Plan ahead, budget appropriately, and enjoy your visit to one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
This guide provides general information about Amsterdam’s tourist tax as of July 2025. Tax rates and regulations may change, so always verify current requirements with official sources and accommodation providers before traveling.
