Hi Paris experts.....
Is there a %26quot;Commission exchange Fee%26quot; when you convert to the Euro?
I%26#39;ve also heard of a %26quot;Hotel Tax Fee%26quot;....if so, how much?
I%26#39;m also guessing that the hotel will charge a %26quot;Deposit fee%26quot; much like here in the U.S.
How much shall I budget for each of these?
Thanks again for all your help....
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The hotel tax probably refers to the VAT (%26quot;value added tax%26quot;) which is built into all goods and services. It will (or should be) part of whatever hotel rate you were quoted. Do read the fine print to see whether there is any disclaimer that it doesn%26#39;t include VAT, because the rate is steep (just under 20% the last time I noted) so it would really increase the room cost if not included. If you booked directly with the hotel, however, I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;s part of what you were quoted.
There is always an exchange fee when you %26quot;buy%26quot; euros. The worst rates will be in airports or at hotels. The best generally is through using your own ATM card at the many cash dispensers (just be sure to do the mental math so you don%26#39;t exceed your daily limit, etc.) Credit card companies almost always charge a foreign currency conversion fee as well (I think about 3%). For the ATM and credit card stuff, be sure to notify the bank/company before you leave so they don%26#39;t consider the transaction suspicious and block the card (just call the number on the back and tell them what country on what dates, and they will flag your card accordingly).
Some hotels charge a deposit, usually one night charge. Their web site or reservation form will tell you - you can always do a %26quot;pretend%26quot; reservation just to see what it says, before you actually book.
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About the VAT - it generally is not separately stated, for anything (unlike in the US the price you see is the %26quot;real%26quot; price for goods and services). So it%26#39;s unusual (and in my view a bit deceptive) when a hotel site (usually it%26#39;s the third party sites) states the rate and then a little note that it doesn%26#39;t include VAT (a bit like some airline sites that don%26#39;t quote all the fees in the %26quot;teaser%26quot; rate and then you find out the %26quot;real%26quot; cost is about twice what they seemed to be quoting!)
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By law, the VAT is included in the hotel rate. So, if you are booking directly with the hotel it will be included. If you are booking with a third party, you must read very carefully to determine what will be added to the stated rate.
There is also a city tax de sejour, which is often not included, but added at the end of your stay. But, this is only €.50-1.50/day per person, depending on the hotel.
If you plan to exchange cash, exchange rates are fixed, but commission rates are flexible. They must be clearly displayed. Banks and currency exchanges (Bureaux de Change) will usually have the lowest commissions. Hotels and airports usually have higher commissions.
You can avoid commissions entirely (and receive THE most favorable rate) by using an ATM card to withdraw cash.
A hotel may or may require a deposit when you book the room, or just a credit card number. As far as I know, you pay the room in full, or the balance, upon departure. But, a deposit may be required if you don%26#39;t have a credit card and are paying in cash.
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