*(King with an overpriced gelato in Amalfi.)*

There I was, standing in the middle of a sun-drenched piazza in Amalfi, holding a gelato that cost more than a bottle of wine. Was it made of gold? Infused with unicorn tears? No. I had just made the mistake of buying it 12 steps from a major landmark, and the vendor could smell my tourist energy from across the square.

Welcome to the tourist tax! That invisible surcharge we pay for being wide-eyed, jet-lagged, and wildly unaware of how much a coffee should actually cost in Prague.

But the tax isn’t just financial. Oh no. It also comes in the form of side-eyes from locals who clock your beige linen pants, camera, and loud, “IS THIS TAP WATER SAFE?”, before you’ve even said hello.

Let’s talk about it.

What Is the Tourist Tax, Exactly?

The tourist tax is the unofficial upcharge that kicks in the second someone realizes you’re not from around here. It’s not just the city’s actual tourism levy (though that’s real, too). I’m talking about:

$12 for a cappuccino at a cafe with 4.3 million Google reviews and a laminated menu.
€28 for a plate of carbonara that tasted suspiciously like overcooked regret.
Taxis that take “the scenic route” whether you asked for it or not.

It’s the premium we pay when we walk into a tourist trap with the same level of confidence as a raccoon discovering a compost bin.

My Most Expensive Mistakes (So Far)

The $100 for an “Authenic” Food Tour in Colombia
I thought I was supporting a charming local foodie. Turns out I was supporting her yacht fund. We just got taken mostly to fast food chains, learned almost nothing about the food, and most of the food wasn’t even Colombian. Should’ve just asked ChatGPT to plan a food tour of Colombian street foods and enjoyed them for a third of the price.
The Gourmet French Cuisine in Paris
Served at one of those sidewalk cafes/restaurants with more tourists than locals. I’m sure it was a frozen meal that they microwaved just before they served it to tourists.
Taxi Roulette in Eastern Europe
Pro tip: If the meter is “broken,” so is your bank account. I once paid double for a ride that was literally four blocks. I should’ve walked, and incidents like this in my early days of travel are probably part of the reason why I started walking and taking public transit so much.

The Side-Eyes Are Free… And Abundant

You think overpaying hurts? Try making eye contact with a local barista after you’ve just asked for oat milk in a country where milk alternatives don’t exist.

The side-eyes hit harder than the bill. Here’s how to earn them in seconds:

Speaking three times louder than everyone around you. Bonus points for asking, “do you take USD?”.
Wearing shorts in Europe.
Ordering a cappuccino after 11:00 a.m. in Italy. (This one might get you more than just side-eye, LOL.)

Sometimes it’s not even your fault. You’re excited. You’re exploring. You’re new here. But if you want fewer judgmental glances and a more genuine experience, read on.

How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off (and Judged)

1. Walk Three Blocks from Any Major Landmark Before Spending Money

Rule of thumb: if you can see the Eiffel Tower while paying, you’re already paying too much.

2. Observe Locals Before Jumping In

Are they lining up at that pizza place? No? Then maybe that “famous” spot was featured in a travel vlog five years ago and has been coasting on that clout ever since.
When at a vendor where the prices aren’t marked, I like to wait to see what a local pays to find out the real price. Or, I’ll just ask a local what the price is for it.

3. Menus with Flags = Danger

If the menu includes flags, photos, or comes in 17 languages, congratulations! You’ve found a place that specializes in mediocrity and markups.

4. Use Google Maps and Read Reviews, Not Just Star Ratings

That 4.8-star pasta place might be run by an influencer who hasn’t cooked since 2009. Scroll for the real reviews from people who aren’t honeymooning for the ‘gram.

5. Learn Three Words in the Local Language

Just three: “hello,” “please,” and “thank you.” Bonus points for trying “how much does it cost?”
Locals appreciate the effort and you’ll earn smiles instead of side-eyes, or at least less judgemental ones.

*(Enjoying overpriced wine near the Eiffel Tower.)*

**Be a Tourist, Just Be a Better One**

Let me be clear, being a tourist isn’t a bad thing. You’re out there seeing the world, trying new things, expanding your comfort zone. That’s brave. That’s beautiful.

But, you don’t need to overpay for it. By being a little more curious, a little more respectful, and a lot more observant, you’ll not only avoid getting fleeced, you’ll connect with the place in a real way. That’s what travel is supposed to be about, right?

Unless you’re just collecting passport stamps and global diarrhea stories. In which case, godspeed.

Final Thoughts (and Slightly Passive-Aggressive Advice)

If your travel budget keeps mysteriously disappearing, it might not be the economy, it might be that $18 latte you just bought because it “had a view.”

Next time you’re abroad, walk a few blocks farther, order what locals are ordering, and for the love of all that is espresso — stop ordering iced drinks in Italy.

Your wallet will thank you. The locals will thank you. And best of all, the side-eyes might just turn into nods.

Finally, accept that you will inevitably pay the tourist tax no matter what you do. I’m just trying to help you keep it at a reasonable 10-25% tax rather than a 200-300% tax.

Found this helpful (or at least entertaining)?

Share it with that one friend who wears a money belt and says, “Ni Hao”, in Japan.

The Tourist Tax Is Real… And So Are the Side-Eyes