VAT on Hotels
 

Hi,<BR><BR>I booked a vacation package for London through expedia.com. It states tax is included in the price I have already paid. Out of curiosity I called expedia to make sure the vat was included in my price and their answer was that it was not. I will have to pay the extra 17.50% when I check out. But I was told I could get this back. I thought that hotel vat was not something that could be refunded. Has anyone who has booked with expedia been charged extra when they checked out and if so did you get any of it back. <BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Dalia

One only gets VAT refunds for items taken out of the country - not for goods or services used in the UK. Therefore no refunds for Hotels, Restaurants, petrol, rental cars, etc.

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One exception in recovering VAT taxes for hotels are business expenses. If it's business travel the 17.5% in UK is recoverable.

I would like to know also. I booked with expedia for a package. Will I have to pay the value added tax when I check out?

Hugh: Read the information about your tour. If it says "including all local taxes" or similar - you have already paid the VAT. If it says "excluding local taxes" you have to pay when you check out.

It says taxes and surcharges $194.34 ....does that mean vat is included? I am confused.

It says taxes and surcharges $194.34 ....does that mean vat is included? I am confused.

Yes, Hugh, it appears to be included. VAT stands for value added tax