Why your dream European trip might cost more than you think.
You’ve booked your flights, scoped out the perfect Airbnbs, and even planned which cafes to hit in Paris and Rome. But before you pat yourself on the back for budgeting like a pro, there’s a slew of extra costs waiting to sneak up on you. In 2025, Europe’s cracking down with new fees, taxes, and surcharges that travelers from the U.S. often miss until it’s too late. It’s not just tourist traps you need to watch for—it’s the governments, too.
These hidden costs can seriously throw off your travel budget if you’re not aware of them upfront. Some are tied to new environmental rules, while others are meant to manage the overwhelming crowds at popular sites. Add in exchange rate surprises, unexpected hotel fees, and mandatory insurance in certain countries, and your “affordable” Eurotrip might not feel so affordable after all. Knowing where these charges come from and planning for them ahead of time can save you a lot of stress—and cash—once you land.
1. Tourist taxes are now being added to your hotel bill.
You might think your hotel stay is all paid for when you book online, but many cities in Europe add a nightly “tourist tax” that’s not included upfront, Nick Harvey of The Travel Tinker shared. These small fees—anywhere from €1 to €7 per person, per night—can really add up, especially in places like Amsterdam, Venice, and Barcelona. They’re usually collected at check-in or check-out and often must be paid in cash. Even Airbnb stays can include this charge now, depending on local regulations.
It’s one of those charges that feels sneaky, especially when your online booking doesn’t clearly mention it. You don’t want to be scrambling for euros at the front desk when all you want is a nap after a long flight. Make sure to check the city or country’s official tourism site ahead of time and factor in these costs for each stop on your itinerary. It’s not a massive hit to your wallet, but it’s frustrating when you’re not prepared for it.
2. Many cities charge extra for visiting historic or crowded areas.
Some of Europe’s most popular tourist cities are overwhelmed by visitors, and their solution is to charge you just for showing up in the busiest spots. In 2025, Venice is leading the way with a day-tripper entry fee to help manage crowds. Other cities, like Dubrovnik and Florence, are considering similar fees or already limit access with reservations and charges for old town districts, as authors at Earth Changers mentioned.
It’s not about museums or attractions—it’s simply the privilege of entering certain zones. These charges are often enforced during peak tourist seasons, and while they might only be a few euros, they can add up fast if you’re hopping between cities. Make sure you understand how these charges work before you arrive, or you might find yourself shut out or fined. Advance reservations can help avoid surprises, and some tourist passes may include access, so read the fine print closely.
3. You’ll now need to pay for a visa waiver to enter Europe.
For decades, Americans could enter most of Europe without worrying about visas. But starting in 2025, you’ll need to apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which acts like a visa waiver, as stated by authors at the European Union. It’s a €7 fee per person, valid for multiple entries over three years, but it still requires a bit of planning—and it’s not optional.
It’s not a huge cost, but it’s another example of how travel to Europe is becoming more bureaucratic. You’ll need to apply online in advance and provide details about your trip, passport, and background. If you forget to do it, you could be denied boarding. While it’s more of a logistical hurdle than a financial one, it’s a shift American travelers aren’t used to and should definitely plan for.
4. Currency exchange can quietly drain your budget.
Even if you avoid the flashy airport exchange booths, converting dollars to euros can cost more than you expect. Your U.S. bank might charge a foreign transaction fee, and you could lose even more to a bad exchange rate when using credit cards or withdrawing cash abroad. These little hits on every transaction can quickly snowball.
The worst part? Many travelers don’t notice how much they’re losing until they get home and look at their statements. Some credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, and it’s smart to find one of those before you leave. ATMs affiliated with major banks usually offer the best rates, but avoid ones in airports, hotels, or tourist-heavy areas. Planning ahead with currency can save you from quietly hemorrhaging money the whole trip.
5. Airport transfers and local transit aren’t always cheap.
It’s easy to forget about the cost of getting from the airport to your hotel—until you land and realize there’s no free shuttle or affordable ride share. Many European cities have pricey airport connections, and taxis can be shockingly expensive. Even trains or buses can cost more than expected, especially if you don’t book ahead.
Public transportation within cities is usually great, but it isn’t always intuitive for newcomers. Some systems require separate tickets for zones, while others need contactless cards or prepaid passes. Tourists who don’t research these systems often overpay, get fined for mistakes, or just end up frustrated. Budget an extra chunk for transportation and check apps or maps before you go—it’ll save you stress and probably cash.
6. Prepaid tourist cards may not be worth the hype.
City tourist cards promise access to multiple attractions and public transit, but the upfront cost can be steep—sometimes over €100. If you don’t use it enough, you end up wasting money instead of saving it. These cards are often advertised as must-haves, but unless you’re visiting several pricey museums or doing a whirlwind tour, they might not pay off.
Many travelers buy them out of FOMO or because they want to “see everything.” But if you’re more of a café lingerer than a speed tourist, these passes don’t make sense. Look at what’s included, add up what you’d actually do, and compare that to individual ticket prices. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to pay as you go. Don’t assume the card is a deal—it’s not always built for your style of travel.
7. Restaurant service charges can feel like double tipping.
You sit down for a meal, enjoy great service, and leave a generous tip—only to find out later that a service charge was already included in the bill. In many parts of Europe, particularly Italy and France, restaurants automatically add a fee for service, usually around 10-15%. Americans used to tipping 20% might be doubling up without realizing it.
Some places even include a separate line for tips on top of the service charge, which can be confusing. Always check the bill closely before adding anything extra. If the words “servizio incluso” or “service compris” are there, you’re good. While tipping a few euros for excellent service is still appreciated, it’s not expected the way it is in the States. This small awareness can save you quite a bit across a multi-week trip.
8. Mandatory travel insurance is now required in some countries.
A few European countries are starting to require proof of travel insurance before allowing you in. This is especially true for travelers entering the Schengen Area with the new ETIAS system, and it’s already in place for destinations like France and Germany. It’s another box to check—and another charge on your travel list.
If you don’t already have a plan through your credit card or provider, you’ll need to buy coverage that meets their requirements. The policy must include specific amounts for medical coverage and emergency repatriation. It’s not expensive, but it is mandatory. Getting turned away at customs for skipping it would be a nightmare. Spend the extra $30-$60 and have peace of mind—just make sure the policy fits the rules of the country you’re entering.
9. Popular attractions often charge more at the last minute.
Gone are the days of just showing up at the Louvre or the Colosseum and buying a cheap ticket on the spot. Many of Europe’s major tourist attractions now charge more for same-day tickets—or require advance reservations altogether. If you wait too long, you’ll either pay more or miss out entirely.
In places like Barcelona or Paris, you might even have to buy through third-party sites if official ones are sold out, and those come with extra fees. Plan your must-see spots early and lock them in. It might feel restrictive, but it saves money and avoids disappointment. You’ll also skip the long lines, which is a win all around. Booking ahead is no longer just smart—it’s practically required.
10. You could be charged for baggage in surprising ways.
Even if your international flight includes a checked bag, short-hop budget flights across Europe often don’t. Carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air have strict baggage rules and love to tack on fees for anything over their tight limits. And they’re serious—if your bag doesn’t fit, you’ll pay at the gate.
It’s easy to get caught off guard after a long-haul flight where your bag was included, only to be slapped with a €50 fee on a short connection. Check baggage rules for each leg of your trip, even the short ones. And if you’re taking a train, know that some high-speed routes have luggage size limits or limited overhead space. A little research can help you avoid awkward repacking sessions in the airport lobby—or worse, costly last-minute charges.