cos8mati

I've been reading that as a visitor to Colombia on a tourist visa who has booked a hotel room on a package (example reservation includes breakfast) we are exempt from paying 16% hotel tax.

As US citizens, we don't need a Visa. Is there a special document I need to apply for in order to eliminate the tax? One hotel is requesting a Visa 5 etc (seems to be needed if you are going to Colombia to study Spanish).

I also saw an insurance charge added to one of our reservations. Is that something I can also ask the hotel to remove?

Is my US passport enough?

yestravel

We were never asked to prove that we were not Colombian residents. Since we gave our passports upon registering at hotels I assume that was what was used. A couple places asked if we were US citizens when we made reservations on line. I don't recall the insurance charges so can't help there. Enjoy Colombia - it's a beautiful country with lovely people.

mlgb

I see lots of comments that when you pay online using a third party you get charged the tax. I remember now, when I booked one night using Expedia (I think), they charged me the tax and the hotel wouldn't refund it. I added a second night booked directly at the hotel desk, and wasn't charged a tax.

YMMV.