Taxes & Hidden Costs
One of the biggest surprises for European travelers: No price in the USA is the final price. Sales tax, resort fees, tips, and service charges are always added.
- Sales Tax: 0–10.75% (depending on state and city), added at the register
- Hotel Resort Fee: $15–50/night (especially in Las Vegas, Miami, Hawaii). Often only in the fine print!
- Restaurant: Food + tax + 18–20% tip = the true price is often 30% higher than on the menu
- Rental Car: The online price + airport surcharge + taxes + insurance = often 50–80% more expensive than the base price
Rule of Thumb: Always add 30–50% to the displayed price for hotels and rental cars. For restaurants: menu price × 1.3 = the actual price including tax and tip.
