Does the 19% city tax in Paris apply to lodgings or just consumer goods?

Question

I read in Frommers about a 19 (point somtehing)% city tax on goods in Paris and am curious to know if this applies to our hotel stay on an upcoming trip; We will pay for the hotel when we arrive and would like to be able to factor the cost of any taxes into the cost of the trip. Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

The 19.6% VAT (value added tax) applies to everything, including hotels. The VAT is a national tax found in all EU countries.

The price you were quoted almost surely includes this amount but you should check with the hotel if there is any doubt.

Please note that while the VAT is refundable on purchases of goods it is not refundable on tourist hotel bills.

Answer 2

I was in Paris May 2005. I did not see any city tax on my hotel bill or restaurant bill

But when I brought a LV purses , I got a tax refund from the airport before I came back US.

I knew that if you brought any expensive stuff . you can fill up a form and get back the tax from the airport. But DONOT forget your passport , the saleman need to see it and they will fill out the
tax refund form for you

it is very convenient and money saver

a lot of European countries has the same tax refund for visitor
( the tax refund % may different and the require sale amount is different on one single receipt, please check with the store )