If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or anywhere else in the country, you’ve probably heard about the tourist tax in the Netherlands. Almost every city charges visitors a fee when they stay overnight—whether it’s a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, campsite, or cruise ship.
This blog breaks everything down in plain English:
- How much the tourist tax costs in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- The latest updates for 2025
- How different types of stays are charged
- Tips to save money
- City-by-city breakdowns
- FAQs and traveler advice
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Tourist Tax in the Netherlands?
Tourist tax (called toeristenbelasting in Dutch) is a fee that visitors pay when they stay overnight. It helps cities cover the cost of tourism services like cleaning, safety, transportation, and infrastructure.
You don’t pay it separately at a tax office—it’s added to your accommodation bill automatically.
Almost all major Dutch cities charge it, but Amsterdam and Rotterdam have the highest and most well-known fees.
Tourist Tax in Amsterdam (Highest in the EU)
Amsterdam currently has one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe. The charge depends on the type of stay.
✅ Amsterdam Tourist Tax Breakdown (2025)
| Type of Stay | Charge |
|---|---|
| Hotels & Hostels | 12.5% of the room price per night |
| Airbnbs & Rentals | 12.5% of the booking cost |
| Cruise Passengers | €11.50 per person per day |
| Campsites | €4 – €6 per person per night |
This means if you pay €200 per night at a hotel, you’ll pay an extra €25 just in tourist tax.
Why So Expensive?
Amsterdam says it uses this money to:
- Control overcrowding
- Protect residential areas
- Maintain public transport, trash collection, and safety
- Support cultural sites and parks
Tourist Tax in Rotterdam (Flat + Percentage)
Rotterdam uses a different system—part percentage, part fixed amount.
✅ Rotterdam Tourist Tax Breakdown (2025)
| Type of Stay | Charge |
|---|---|
| Hotels & Hostels | 6.5% of room price + €3 per person/night |
| Apartments/Airbnbs | 6.5% + €3 per person/night |
| Campsites | €1.50 – €3 per person/night |
| Cruises | €8 per person per day |
For example, a €150 hotel stay for one night could easily add €12–€15 in tax.
Rotterdam defends the tax as a way to fund tourism growth without charging local residents.
Comparing Amsterdam vs. Rotterdam
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Amsterdam | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Tax | 12.5% | 6.5% + €3 pppn |
| Airbnb Tax | 12.5% | 6.5% + €3 pppn |
| Cruise Tax | €11.50 pppd | €8 pppd |
| Campsite Tax | €4–€6 pppn | €1.50–€3 pppn |
| Most Expensive City? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
(pppn = per person per night, pppd = per person per day)
Are Other Dutch Cities Charging Tourist Tax?
Yes, many others do. Here’s a quick look:
| City | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Utrecht | €6 pppn |
| Maastricht | €4–€8 pppn |
| The Hague | €5.50 pppn |
| Haarlem | €5–€7 pppn |
| Leiden | Around €3–€5 pppn |
| Groningen | 5% of the room price |
If you’re staying outside major hubs, the tax is usually lower.
Who Must Pay Tourist Tax?
You pay this tax if:
✅ You are not officially registered as a resident in that city
✅ You stay overnight in paid accommodation
✅ Your booking is through a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, cruise, or campsite
Children and students are sometimes exempt, but it depends on the municipality.
How You Pay It
You won’t pay the government directly.
Here’s how it works:
- It’s built into your nightly rate or shown as a separate fee
- Hotels and Airbnbs collect it
- Cruise operators also add it to their pricing
- They forward the money to the local council
You can’t avoid it if you’re booking legally.
Latest Tourist Tax News (2024–2025)
Here are the fresh updates:
🔹 Amsterdam increased taxes again in late 2024
🔹 Rotterdam added the €3 per person surcharge
🔹 More Dutch cities are raising fees in 2025
🔹 Cruise ship taxes are being expanded
🔹 Calls for national tax standardization are growing
🔹 Eco-tourist tax discussions underway for 2026
If trends continue, Amsterdam could hit 15%+ tax soon.
Tips to Save Money on Tourist Tax
Want to avoid big fees? Here are real options:
✅ 1. Stay Outside the City Center
Areas like Haarlem, Zaandam, or Almere are cheaper and just 15–20 minutes by train.
✅ 2. Pick Hostels or Campsites
Budget places often charge less (especially outside Amsterdam).
✅ 3. Travel in Groups
Some rentals split the fixed fee between guests.
✅ 4. Avoid Cruise Stopovers
Cruisers get hit with flat daily taxes.
✅ 5. Book Registered Properties
Illegal rentals sometimes skip taxes, but you risk fines or eviction.
Common Traveler Questions (FAQs)
❓1. Can I avoid tourist tax by staying outside the city?
Yes—taxes are lower or nonexistent in some small towns near Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
❓2. Do Airbnb guests pay tourist tax?
Yes, and it’s usually added automatically to your booking.
❓3. Are children charged?
In most cities, yes, unless there’s a specific exemption.
❓4. Do cruise passengers pay too?
Absolutely. Amsterdam and Rotterdam both charge daily cruise fees.
❓5. What happens if the hotel forgets to charge it?
They’re legally required to collect it. If not, they risk fines. It won’t be charged to you later.
Final Thoughts
The tourist tax in the Netherlands is one of the highest in Europe, especially in Amsterdam. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or cruise ship, the fees are built into the total price.
Here’s the key takeaway:
- Amsterdam = % tax (12.5%)
- Rotterdam = % + flat fee
- Other cities = mixed rates but usually lower
If you plan ahead and choose the right area, you can still enjoy your trip without surprise charges.