Amsterdam Tourist Tax Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know About City Tax

Last updated: August 2025

Everybody is dreaming about visiting Europe. I know you think of it too. Amsterdam is at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. But staying in Amsterdam might cost you more than you think, because Amsterdam is the European city that charges the highest tax percentage on its tourists. 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, including current rates, payment methods, and exemptions.

What is Amsterdam Tourist Tax (Amsterdam City Tax)?

Amsterdam tourist tax, also known as city tax or “toeristenbelasting” in Dutch, is a municipal levy that visitors ought to pay when they are 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.

How Much is the Tourist Tax (City Tax) in Amsterdam (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- Amsterdam Tourist Tax Per Night:

• 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

Amsterdam Tourist Tax for Cruise Ship Passengers.

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

These payment methods may depend on the accommodation provider.

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 currently applies a 9% VAT (Value Added Tax) to most goods and services, including accommodation, and it will be increased to 21% starting from January 1, 2026. This VAT rate is in addition to the 12.5% tourist tax.

How VAT and Tourist Tax Interact

• Tourist tax is calculated on the pre-VAT accommodation rate
• VAT applies to the base accommodation cost
• You pay both taxes, but they calculate independently

Example Tourist Tax (City Tax) Calculation breakdown with VAT:

• Base room rate: €200
• Tourist tax (12.5%): €25
• VAT (9% on base rate): €18
• Total cost: €243

Amsterdam City Tax Calculator

Planned Visiting Date: Before 01 Jan 2026 On or After 01 Jan 2026 Accommodation Rate (Before VAT): Calculate

Disclaimer: This is a simplified calculator for informational purposes only. Always confirm the exact rates and amounts with official Amsterdam tourism websites and your accommodation provider before booking.

Check out our detailed Amsterdam City Tax Calculator for more accurate estimates.

Tips for Managing Amsterdam Tourist Tax

Before Booking

1. Verify tax inclusion in quoted prices
2. Budget an additional 12.5% for accommodation costs
3. Compare total costs including taxes across different accommodations
4. Check exemption eligibility if staying with locals

During Your Stay

1. Keep tax receipts for business travel expense reports
2. Pay promptly to avoid complications
3. Verify calculations if amounts seem incorrect
4. 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 (9% 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.

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This guide provides general information about Amsterdam’s tourist tax as of August 2025. Tax rates and regulations may change, so always verify current requirements with official sources and accommodation providers before traveling.