The Hidden Costs Americans Should Know Before Traveling to Europe

Traveling to Europe can be an incredible experience, but for Americans heading across the Atlantic, there are a few hidden costs that can quickly add up if you’re not prepared. From roaming charges to city taxes, knowing what to expect can save you from surprise expenses.

Key Takeaways

An American family of four should budget an extra $400–$1,000+ depending on where they travel in Europe. Amsterdam is the priciest city in terms of hidden costs, with a family of four paying over $1,000 in a week just in extras. Paris, Venice, and Rome also have some of the highest city taxes. London, Munich, and Madrid are cheaper on hidden costs since they currently don’t charge city tax.

Before we dive into the full breakdown of hidden costs, here are some quick ways to avoid them on your next trip:

• Set up a roaming plan or use an eSIM app to cut data costs
• Check city tax rates in advance and add them to your hotel budget
• Compare hotel vs. rental costs. Cleaning fees can tip the balance
• Travel off-peak to save on dining and taxes in busy cities like Venice or Paris

General Hidden Costs in Europe

1. Data Roaming Fees

Using your U.S. mobile plan in Europe without a roaming service could leave you with a massive phone bill. Many carriers offer roaming packages, but even those aren’t cheap. For example, T-Mobile charges $35 for a 10-day Europe pass. For a family of four, that’s $140 just to stay connected for one trip.

• Average cost (per stay): $35
• Average cost (1 week stay): $35
• Family of 4 (1 week stay): $140

2. City Taxes

City taxes (also called “tourist taxes”) are common across Europe and usually paid directly to your hotel or Airbnb upon arrival. They’re charged per night and per person, which means they can build up fast. On average, the tax comes to about $4.66 per person per night. For a family of four staying a week, that’s $130.51.

• Average cost (per day/stay): $4.64
• Average cost (1 week stay): $32.50
• Family of 4 (1 week stay): $129.99

3. Restaurant Service Charges & Tips

Unlike in the U.S., tipping isn’t always expected in Europe, but a 10% service charge is often added to your bill. With an average European dinner costing around $34 per person, that comes to $3.38 extra per meal. For a family of four dining out several times during the week, that’s close to $95 in tips.

• Average cost (per day/stay): $3.36
• Average cost (1 week stay): $23.55
• Family of 4 (1 week stay): $94.20

4. Visa Application Fees (ETIAS, Starting 2026)

From 2026, American travelers will need an ETIAS visa waiver to enter most EU countries. The fee has recently been raised to $23 per adult. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt, but for couples or families with older teens, this will be another cost to consider.

• Average cost (per stay): $22.88
• Average cost (1 week stay): $22.88
• Family of 4 (1 week stay): $45.75

5. Cleaning Fees

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or vacation rental, chances are you’ll have a cleaning fee added to your booking. On average, this runs at about $68 per stay, and it’s non-negotiable.

• Average cost (per stay): $67.28
• Average cost (1 week stay): $67.28
• Family of 4 (1 week stay): $67.28

Total Unexpected Costs

When all these extras are added up, the hidden costs for Americans travelling to Europe on average add up to:

Top European Cities with the Highest Hidden Costs

Not all European cities treat tourists the same way when it comes to extra charges. Here’s a look at how the costs vary depending on where you go:

Amsterdam - $1,058.59

Amsterdam is notorious for its high tourist tax, the highest in Europe. Travelers pay a nightly charge plus an additional percentage on hotel bills. Dining out is also pricier than the European average, with meals often closer to $40 per person, which makes service charges higher as well. The total of hidden costs for a week for a family of four in Amsterdam is $1,058.59.

Paris - $569.75

Paris combines expensive meals with city taxes that climb depending on your hotel category. Regularly eating out makes tip charges build up quickly for a family. Airbnb cleaning fees in Paris also tend to sit above the continental average, meaning even a short stay can come with higher hidden charges. The total of hidden costs for a week for a family of four in Paris is $569.75.

Venice - $563.32

Venice applies both a tourist tax and extra charges for short-term rentals, making it one of the most expensive destinations for visitors. The tax is high, especially during peak tourist season, and meals in Venice often cost more than the European norm, partly due to its popularity and limited space. The total of hidden costs for a week for a family of four in Venice is $562.32.

Avoid Roaming Surprises With an eSIM

One of the biggest hidden costs of traveling to Europe is mobile roaming. U.S. roaming passes can cost anywhere from $10 to $15 per day, which adds up quickly over the course of a trip. An alternative to this is using a travel eSIM like Nomad eSIM, which provides affordable data plans in over 200 destinations, including across Europe.

Nomad eSIM also makes purchasing straightforward. Travelers can check out online without creating an account, or use the app to manage multiple eSIMs in one place. Plans start at around $1.10 per GB, offering a more budget-friendly option for staying online useful for navigation, messaging, and accessing travel information without nasty bill surprises.

Nomad eSIM can be installed digitally before you depart and activates as soon as you arrive. There’s no need for a physical SIM card or a visit to a local store. If you need more data, you can top up directly through the app without switching SIMs or restarting your phone.

Travel Tips to Avoid Hidden Costs

• Sort out your phone plan before flying. A data plan that includes roaming can save you hundreds compared to pay-as-you-go data charges. Alternatively, you can use an eSIM app like Nomad for cheaper data.
• Check city tax rules before booking. Many cities publish their rates online. Factor them into your hotel budget so you’re not surprised at check-in.
• Choose your accommodation wisely. Hotels usually include cleaning, while vacation rentals often don’t. Compare total costs before deciding.
• Travel off-peak if possible. In places like Venice and Paris, taxes and dining costs rise with demand. Visiting outside peak season or holidays can soften the blow.