Navigating the City Tax in Prague: Rates and Comparison Guide

city tax

Visiting the stunning city of Prague soon? Ensure you’re well-versed on Prague city tax before you take off. Although many tourists fail to remember to pay it, all tourists in Prague are obligated to do so. Fear not, though; we have provided you with all the necessary information to traverse this occasionally bewildering facet of the Czech Republic tourism-Prague city tax.

The little amount you have to pay to visit this ancient and lively city is more than compensated for by the amazing experience you will have in Prague. Your time in Prague may be truly unforgettable if you take the time to learn about the city tax, how to pay for it, and some practical suggestions for navigating your time there. 

You will note that overnight stays in different kinds of hotels inside Prague’s boundaries are subject to a city tax due to the city’s status as a tourist destination. One way to make sure you have enough money for your vacation is to familiarise yourself with the rates and compare them across various types of accommodation in Prague. 

Prague city tax

Understanding the Prague City Tax

Tourists staying overnight in Prague must pay the Prague City Tax, commonly referred to as the accommodation tax or tourist tax. This tax funds municipal services, infrastructure, and cultural projects and manages tourism’s impact on the city and its citizens. Tourists wishing to visit Prague must understand the City Tax. Consider these crucial factors:

Who pays the Prague City Tax? 

Visitors staying overnight in hotels, hostels, apartments, holiday rentals, or other accommodations inside the city borders.

Regardless of their aim, visitors and business travellers must pay the tax.

Rates and calculation:

The city tax is usually per person every night.

Prague city tax rates vary by hotel type, location, star rating, and other criteria.

Prague was among the charged the lowest visitor taxes in Europe at CZK 21 (72p), however it was doubled in 2022. An overnight charge of CZK 50 (£1.71) per individual applies for the very first sixty days in the metropolis.

Payment and collection:

Accommodation facilities collect the Prague city tax at check-in or check-out.

Some hotels include the city tax in their rates, while others charge it separately.

Many hotels demand guests to pay the city fee in cash or by credit card.

Exemptions and discounts

Some passengers, such as children under a certain age, diplomatic staff, and those visiting for medical treatment, may be excluded from the Prague City Tax.

Students, the elderly, and Prague residents may receive discounts.

Revenue allocation 

Prague city tax funds municipal services like public space upkeep, historical site conservation, tourism facilities, and cultural events.

The fee helps Prague promote tourism and provide high-quality experiences while safeguarding its legacy and ecology.

How much is the City Tax in Prague?

How much is the city tax in Prague? Overnight visitors to Prague should budget about CZK 50 (about $2) for the city’s tourist tax. However, the price can change based on the accommodation option you select. It’s important to remember, though, that these prices could change based on things like the kind of accommodation, where it’s located in Prague, and any extra services or facilities offered.

Prices per person, per night tend to be lower at smaller lodgings (CZK 15 to CZK 21 per person per night) like guesthouses and hostels.

It’s also a good idea to check official sources or the lodging provider for the most recent information regarding city tax rates before visiting Prague, as rates may vary over time.

City Tax Comparison: Prague vs. Other European Cities

The price of visiting major tourist locations might be better understood by comparing Prague city taxes and other European towns. A comparison of municipal tax rates can help tourists better budget for their vacations, as they might vary depending on aspects including location, hotel type, and local rules. A quick look at how Prague’s municipal taxes stack up against those of other European cities reveals:

1. Venice

City Tax: €1-5/person/night

Since 2011, overcrowded Venice has charged tourists a tourist tax on their very first five nights.

2. Rome

City Tax: €2-7/person/night

The very first 10 days of staying in Rome are charged an even larger fee.

3. Paris

City Tax: €0.25-5/person/night

All French cities, including Paris, can apply a taxe de séjour to boost local tourism.

4. Amsterdam

City Tax: 7% of room rate plus €3/person/night

Visitors to the Dutch capital traditionally paid 7% of the room charge for hotels and camping sites. However, in 2020, the city added a €3 per individual per night tax.

5. Lisbon

City Tax: 2 euros per person each night

Lisbon adopted a temporary tourist tax in 2015. Flying or boating guests paid €1 each person, while overnight visitors paid €1 per individual a night for the very first week from 2016.

6. Switzerland

City Tax: CHF 0.5-6.50/person/night

Zurich residents pay CHF 2.50 irrespective of accommodation quality.

7. Berlin

City Tax: 5% of room rate

Since 2014, the tax has been 5% of the total cost of the hotel room for the first twenty-one days, excluding breakfast.

8. Praha

CZK 50 per guest

Prague maintained one of the lowest visitor taxes across the continent at CZK 21 (72p), however it was doubled in 2022. An overnight fee of CZK 50 (£1.71) per person applies for the very first 60 days in the capital.

Guide to Paying City Tax in Prague

Visiting the Czech capital should go off without a hitch if you know what to expect when it comes to paying the city tax, which is actually rather simple. In order to pay the Prague city tax, follow the guidelines that follow:

  • Be aware that the city tax applies to guests staying overnight in Prague’s city borders.
  • Know the city tax rates. City taxes are typically collected by your lodging provider.
  • Depending on the lodging, cash (Czech koruna) or credit/debit cards are accepted. Ensure you have the required currency or method of payment
  • After collecting the city tax, the lodging provider should give a receipt or verification of payment. This documentation may be requested throughout your stay in Prague, so keep it.
  • Prague city tax exemptions include children under a particular age, diplomatic workers, and those travelling for specific purposes.
  • Ask about exemptions or discounts when booking or checking in.
  • If you have issues concerning city tax payments, rates, or exemptions, ask your housing provider for clarification. 
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