Traveling the world can be a fun experience as you explore different cultures and take memorable adventures. But, many travelers find themselves surprised by unexpected costs that are usually free or less expensive in their home country. We look at 21 things travelers didn’t realize they had to pay for in a foreign country:
Health Care Costs
Healthcare is not free in all countries and can often be expensive. Travelers from countries with universal healthcare systems may be shocked by the need to pay out-of-pocket for medical services or high insurance rates. This is why you must ensure comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.
Public Toilets
In several countries, especially in Europe and parts of South America, public toilets require a fee for use. This surprises many travelers from places where public restrooms are typically free. Making small changes is advisable, as not all restrooms take card payments.
Drinking Water
Free tap water in restaurants is a common expectation in many countries, but in places like Germany and Italy, you often have to pay for water, usually served in a bottle. According to Food Republic, many countries don’t serve free tap water because they cannot guarantee it’s safe to drink.
Sitting at a Café
In countries like Italy, sitting down at a café can come with an extra charge. Unlike in the United States, where sitting at a table is free, in Italy, you might find your coffee or sandwich costs more if you sit instead of standing.
Disposing of Garbage
In Switzerland, garbage disposal is not free, as residents must pay for a specific number of garbage bags to be taken away by local authorities. According to Swiss Info, these fees encourage residents to separate their recycling from their regular garbage in a bid to have fewer bags to dispose of. This is very different from countries like India and the U.K., where garbage disposal is free of charge or part of a local tax paid by residents. Travelers planning extended stays should familiarize themselves with local waste disposal regulations to avoid a garbage pile-up.
Museum Entries
Many U.S. travelers are used to free entry to national museums, such as the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. But in many other countries, visiting museums comes with an entry fee, which can be a surprise for those not used to paying for cultural experiences.
Trolley Usage at Airports
At many airports in the U.S., using baggage trolleys is free, but in European airports like Frankfurt, there is often a fee for this service. Travelers should carry foreign currency coins to avoid inconvenience, as it can be difficult to find loose change at the airport.
Parking Fees
arking can be surprisingly expensive in many European cities compared to the United States. In countries like the United Kingdom, finding a legal parking spot often means paying over $10 per hour in some popular spots. If you are planning to travel to the U.K., there’s a park-and-ride scheme where you can park outside of the center of a city and catch a bus to where you want to go.
Healthcare in Emergencies
Travelers from countries with free healthcare may not realize that in places like the United States, medical emergencies can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses if they do not have adequate travel insurance. It’s crucial to plan for potential healthcare costs when traveling abroad and always take necessary medication.
Toll Roads
While some countries have free highways, many places, including parts of Europe and Italy., have toll roads. While toll road fees are usually only a few dollars, travelers should be aware of these additional costs when planning road trips and ensure they have the necessary cash or electronic payment methods.
Tourist Taxes
Many popular tourist destinations, such as cities in Italy and Spain, charge a tourist tax for overnight stays. This fee is typically not included in the initial booking price, so factoring this into your travel budget is essential. The system works similarly to that in Las Vegas, where there’s a resort fee.
Currency Exchange Fees
Converting money can come with various fees, including service charges and unfavorable exchange rates. It’s wise to compare rates and fees of different exchange services to avoid losing money in the conversion process. It is also better to avoid exchanging money at an airport where fees tend to be higher, according to advice from Forbes.
Convenience Store Prices
Convenience stores can have significant markups, especially in tourist-heavy areas. An article on CBS reported that picking up essentials in a drugstore was 36% more expensive than buying them in the supermarket. To save money, you should consider purchasing snacks, drinks, and other necessities from local supermarkets instead of convenience stores.
SIM Cards and Data Plans
Using your home country’s mobile plan abroad can be expensive. Buying a local SIM card or data plan is often more cost-effective. But these can come with their own set of fees, so make sure you research the best options available at their destination.
Laundry Services
Hotel laundry services can be expensive as they understand guests have no other choice if they need clean clothes. Travelers might find it cheaper to use local laundromats or even wash clothes by hand in their accommodation to avoid high fees.
Tips and Service Charges
Tipping customs vary widely around the world. In the U.S., tipping is expected and usually constitutes a significant portion of service workers’ income. But, in many European countries, a service charge is included in the bill, and additional tipping is minimal or unnecessary.
Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines
While budget airlines offer low fares, they often charge extra for extras like checked baggage, seat selection, and speedy boarding. These fees can add up quickly, so make sure you read the fine print and calculate the total cost of travel when booking flights.
Electricity Adapters and Converters
Travelers often forget that different countries use different electrical outlets and voltages. Buying adapters and converters can be an unexpected expense while on vacation, so purchasing them before you travel is best.
Tourist Attraction Fees
Many iconic tourist attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome, charge steep entry fees. These costs can add up, especially when visiting multiple attractions while traveling. Take time to research and budget for these fees to avoid surprises, and look at tour companies that offer discounts for multiple bookings.
Street Performers and Photographers
In tourist-heavy areas, street performers and photographers may ask for tips or payments after taking your photo or performing. Always ask before you engage with entertainers to avoid unexpected costs. While there’s no legal obligation to hand over money for these services, people can often pressure tourists to put their hands in their pockets.
Hotel Resort Fees
Many hotels, especially in popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas and Hawaii, charge additional resort fees that are not always included in the initial booking price. These fees include Wi-Fi, pool access, and gym facilities. Be sure to check for additional charges when booking your accommodation so you’re not surprised when you check in.
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