What is city tax (or tourist tax) and when do I have to pay this in Ostend?
City tax (also known as: Tourist tax) is a general tax that a municipality can levy. This allows the municipality for example to finance the use of facilities by tourists.
When paying city tax?
You pay city tax if you stay in Ostend. For example, when overnight in a hotel, guest house, caravan, apartment, B&B or bungalow.
Should business travelers also pay city tax?
Also if you are visiting the region for business purposes you pay city tax. The name of the tax suggests that it is only for tourists, but that is not the case.
Tax assessment for city tax
The owner of your residence gets the city tax assessment. For instance, the hotel owner or campsite owner. He may pass on the city tax to you.
Height of city tax
The local height of city tax varies by municipality. Municipalities may determine whether they levy city tax and how they calculate the rate. For example, a fixed amount per night or a percentage per night price. Each municipality can arrange the height in its own regulation. The local regulation of Ostend can be obtained or viewed at the municipality of Oostende.
Why city tax?
A municipality receives from central National government an amount per capita. If there are many tourists in a town, a municipality makes this more cost. For example, to keep the streets and beaches clean or maintain roads.
Can the city tax on the invoice be higher than the municipal rate?
No, but perhaps it is a mistake on your bill. It is best to inquire the entrepreneur who has made the invoice.
More information city tax
For more information about the local city tax in Ostend, you can contact the municipality of Oostende: https://www.oostende.be/.
How much is the deposit when booking an accommodation in Ostend?
Each accommodation provider has the freedom to set their own rental conditions. However, the following payment conditions are customary in Ostend:
- After reserving your chosen holiday accommodation and period, you will receive a reservation confirmation (or invoice) with a payment request.
- For reservations made more than 8 weeks before the arrival date, you pay 50% of the rental fee within 14 days. The remaining 50% should be paid at least 4 weeks before arrival.
- For reservations made within 8 weeks of the arrival date, the entire invoice amount should be paid within 14 days.
- For reservations made 1 to 3 weeks before the arrival date, you should immediately pay the entire invoice amount.
- Failure to pay on time may result in the cancellation of the reservation by the landlord.
