Holidaymakers beware: a growing number of hidden extras are being added to bills across Europe, from a €2 charge for cutting a sandwich in half to a €8 per-person fee for background music in Vienna. A British tourist at Lake Como’s Bar Pace was charged extra for his toasted sandwich to be divided, with the owner citing the cost of an extra plate and place mat.
In Italy, the coperto (cover charge) is common, but tourists are often caught out by other surcharges. In Venice, a coffee in St Mark’s Square can cost up to €18, with an additional €6 if a band starts playing. “The price list is usually at the back of the cafe to avoid the risk of potential clients seeing it before ordering,” warns travel writer Neil Taylor.
Beach holidays can also sting: some Puglian beaches charge €500 for a day with an umbrella and four loungers. Taxi drivers may add a 25% surcharge after 10pm, while accommodation taxes in cities like Rome, Milan and Florence add about €1 per star per person per night. Amsterdam and Manchester have similar fees.
In Prague, some bars bill for salt, pepper and ketchup when patrons order only drinks. In the US, split-plate charges of $5 are common, and resort fees can add $50 per night. President Biden has vowed to outlaw such fees that “confuse or deceive consumers”.
The golden rule? Always ask for a price before ordering, especially for seafood or specials. As one traveller learned on Santorini, a tiny fillet can cost a fortune. “When the waiter says, ‘That depends on how much it weighs,’ press for a specific price,” advises experienced guide James Hill.
