Rome city tax: What you need to know

Getting ready to roam the streets of Rome? If you’re booking accommodation, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay an additional expense upon arrival, as tourists must pay the Rome city tax.

In this short guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the tax, including how it works, how much it costs and who needs to pay it. We’ll also cover how Wise can help you, whether with paying the tax or making other purchases while travelling abroad.

The international Wise card can be used in 150+ countries, including Italy, letting you spend and withdraw cash like a local and at the mid-market exchange rate.

What is the Rome city tax?

The Rome city tax is an additional fee paid directly at your accommodation in Rome. The funds help promote the city as a tourist destination, improve services such as info points and visitor assistance, and maintain infrastructure to keep things running smoothly.¹

You pay the Rome city tax for up to ten consecutive nights. If your stay is interrupted, the 10-day period resets. Your host should provide a receipt for the tax as proof that your stay has been registered.¹

Children under 10, guests accompanying people with health conditions, tour leaders, drivers, and members of the Italian state police or armed forces are exempt from the tax.¹

The tax was introduced in 2011 and was last increased in October 2023.¹

How much is the city tax?

The Rome city tax varies depending on the rating of your accommodation. For example, a night in a 1-star hotel costs €4, while a 2-star hotel costs €5. A night in a 3-star hotel is €6, increasing to €7.50 for a 4-star stay. The highest rate applies to 5-star hotels, where the tax is €10 per night.¹

The tax is charged per person per night.¹

How do you pay the tourist tax?

The Rome city tax is paid directly to the facility manager of your accommodation at the end of your stay. Payment is usually accepted in both cash and by card, but it’s best to check in advance.²

The manager must provide a receipt or include the tax in your invoice, so be sure to verify this before leaving.²

Since you'll be paying these fees in a different currency, using Wise could be a great solution. Wise converts your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate, with a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have euros in your Wise account. You can also use your Wise card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Rome.

Tips for travelling to Rome

Before you head to Rome, here are some travel tips you might find useful:

• Book attractions online: Buy tickets online and save time, especially for the Vatican.
• Don’t buy bottled water: Rome has great drinking water and there are many drinking fountains throughout the city. This can help you save a bunch of money!
• Be aware of pickpockets: Although Rome is safe, there are pickpockets in touristy areas. Make sure your valuables are safe.
• Look up free museums: Many museums in Rome offer free entry on certain days of the month. For example, on the first Sunday of the month, you can enter all State museums for free.³
• Take a midday rest: Some stores and restaurants in Rome will be closed during the afternoon, so take the opportunity to rest as well.
• Avoid the summer months: Summers in Rome can be extremely hot, so they’re not ideal for sightseeing and long walks. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them great alternatives.

Travelling to Rome? Spend like a local with the Wise card

The Rome city tax is paid directly at the accommodation where you are staying. It ranges from €4 to €10 per person per night, depending on the category of your accommodation. The tax is applicable for up to 10 consecutive nights.

And if you’re looking for a good option for spending in Rome, consider the Wise card. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Italy and 150+ more countries. You can also pay for car rentals, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

Explore the Wise card

FAQs about the Rome city tax

Let’s go through some commonly asked questions about the Rome city tax:

Why does Rome have a city tax?

The city of Rome uses the money collected from the city tax to invest in infrastructure and tourism services.¹

Is the tourist tax only in cash in Italy?

You can usually pay the Rome city tax in cash or by card, but it's best to confirm with your accommodation manager in advance.²

What happens if you don’t pay tourist tax in Italy?

The Rome city tax isn’t optional and can only be avoided by those exempt from paying.

What are the best areas to stay in Rome?

Each Roman neighbourhood has its charm, but some of the best areas for visitors are Monti, Parione and Trevi.⁴

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 05-Mar-2025