Frequently asked questions about staying in Bergen aan Zee

City tax (also known as: Tourist tax) is a general tax that a municipality can levy. This allows the municipality for example to finance the use of facilities by tourists.

When paying city tax?
You pay city tax if you stay in Bergen aan Zee. For example, when overnight in a hotel, guest house, caravan, apartment, B&B or bungalow.

Should business travelers also pay city tax?
Also if you are visiting the region for business purposes you pay city tax. The name of the tax suggests that it is only for tourists, but that is not the case.

Tax assessment for city tax
The owner of your residence gets the city tax assessment. For instance, the hotel owner or campsite owner. He may pass on the city tax to you.

Height of city tax
The local height of city tax varies by municipality. Municipalities may determine whether they levy city tax and how they calculate the rate. For example, a fixed amount per night or a percentage per night price. Each municipality can arrange the height in its own regulation. The local regulation of Bergen aan Zee can be obtained or viewed at the municipality of Bergen (NH).

Why city tax?
A municipality receives from central National government an amount per capita. If there are many tourists in a town, a municipality makes this more cost. For example, to keep the streets and beaches clean or maintain roads.

Can the city tax on the invoice be higher than the municipal rate?
No, but perhaps it is a mistake on your bill. It is best to inquire the entrepreneur who has made the invoice. Another possibility is that the entrepreneur under the heading of city tax also calculates other costs. This is not allowed. Dutch Minister Verhagen indicated that this is contrary to the 'code travel deals' in a letter on 17 March 2011. You can lodge an objection with the entrepreneur.

More information city tax
For more information about the local city tax in Bergen aan Zee, you can contact the municipality of Bergen (NH): http://www.bergen-nh.nl/.

Each accommodation landlord has the freedom to determine his own hire terms. Furthermore, the following payment terms are common:

a) After the reservation of an accommodation, you will receive a reservation confirmation (or invoice) with a request for payment.

b) When a reservation is made more than 8 weeks before the arrival date, 50% of the rental cost must be received on the bank account of the landlord within 14 days. The remaining 50% of the rental cost must be paid no later than 4 weeks before arrival date.

c) When a reservation is made within 8 weeks before the arrival date, the full invoice amount must be paid within 14 days.

d) When making a reservation within 1-3 weeks prior to the arrival date, the full invoice amount must be paid immediately.

e) A non-timely payment may have cancellation of the reservation by the landlord as a consequence.

Cancellation policies vary by accomodation. These specific rental terms which apply to your reservation are mentioned in your received confirmation or invoice.

In hotels in Bergen aan Zee you can usually cancel or change your reservation 24 hours prior to your arrival. You can read your 'Hotel Policies' and see if a cancellation fee will be charged.

Keep in mind that in other accommodations (vacation bungalows, apartments, B&B, chalets, etc.) in Bergen aan Zee, you often do owe a cancellation fee.

It's best to contact the accommodation owner directly for more information.