Tourist tax in Spain: What you need to know

Thinking about travelling to Spain soon? If you’re planning the budget for an upcoming trip, make sure to account for the tourist tax as well. This is an additional expense that should be included in your overall costs, but it’s a good idea to research it first to understand how it might affect your budget.

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 Spain, letting you spend and withdraw cash like a local and at the mid-market exchange rate too.

What is the Spain tourist tax?

The tourist tax in Spain encourages responsible tourism. Its main purpose is tourists helping with protecting the natural and cultural environment of the region they’re visiting. The funds collected from the tax are invested in different initiatives, like protecting natural areas and promoting renewable energy.¹

The tax, also known as the sustainable tourism tax, is applied only in certain popular areas. At the moment, the tax exists in Catalonia, the Balearic islands, Toledo and Santiago de Compostela.²

The tax is charged at the end of your stay by your accommodation manager. Children under 16 are exempt from paying this fee.¹

How much is the tourist tax?

The tourist tax in Spain depends on the location and the accommodation rating. For example, the tax in Barcelona won’t be the same as the tax in Toledo.

Catalonia is raising its tax this year, so you'll pay up to €7 per person per day for a stay in a luxury hotel. If you're staying in a 4-star hotel, expect to pay up to €3.40 a night.²

On top of this, Barcelona has a municipal surcharge of €4 per night, which is also expected to increase. So, if you're staying in a luxury hotel in Barcelona, you may need to pay an additional €15.²

At the moment, many destinations on the Balearic Islands charge between €1 and €4 per night. This includes popular spots like Ibiza and Mallorca.²

New taxes introduced in Toledo and Santiago de Compostela range from €1 to €2.50, depending on the type of accommodation. Toledo will also implement a tax for visitors who don’t plan to stay overnight.²

If you’re visiting the Balearic Islands in the off-season, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the tourist tax. You’ll also get the same discount from the 13th day of your stay onwards.¹

How do you pay the tourist tax?

The tourist tax in Spain can be paid either at the time of booking or upon arrival at your accommodation. Therefore, payments can be made digitally or in cash.³

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 Spain too.

Tips for travelling to Spain

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

• Get used to eating late: In Spain, it's very common to have dinner late, so if you want to blend in with the locals, you’ll need to adjust.
• Participate in sobremesa: Speaking of dining, take the time to immerse yourself in Spanish culture by enjoying a long, post-meal conversation. This tradition, known as sobremesa, is a common way to socialise here.
• Take a siesta: Depending on where you’re visiting, shops and restaurants may be closed during lunch hours. Do as the locals do and take a siesta!
• Be aware of pickpockets: There are pickpockets everywhere, including Spain. Keep your belongings safe and don’t carry too much cash around.

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

Some areas in Spain charge a tourist tax, but it’s not applied nationwide. It ranges from €1 to €7 per person per night, with children under 16 exempt. The tax can be paid both in cash and by card.

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

Learn more about the Wise card

FAQs about the tourist tax in Spain

Let’s go through some frequently asked questions about the Spain tourist tax:

Does Madrid charge the tourist tax?

No, you won’t need to pay the tourist tax in Madrid.⁴

Do you have to pay the tourist tax in Spain?

Yes, the tourist tax is required in certain areas. If you don’t pay it, you might face legal consequences and hefty fines.¹

Does Malaga have a tourist tax?

Malaga doesn’t charge the tourist tax at the moment. However, there have been talks of a €2 or €3 implementation.⁵

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 05-Mar-2025