When planning a Caribbean escape, understanding the local cost of living and tax structure is key to a stress-free experience. 🏝️ At Fiesta Tours Bonaire, we get asked all the time: Are taxes high in Bonaire? 🧐
The answer depends on whether you are visiting for a week or planning to stay for a year. Let’s break down the taxes that will actually impact your wallet! 💰✨
🛫 1. The Visitor Entry Tax (The Most Important for You!)
Since July 2022, Bonaire replaced its old “room tax” and “rental car tax” with a single Visitor Entry Tax.
- How much? Currently, it is $75 USD per visit for adults (13+) and $10 USD for children and residents of the Dutch Caribbean. 📑
- How to pay? It is highly recommended to complete your Bonaire Entry Tax payment online before you land to avoid long lines at the airport. ✈️
This tax helps fund the island’s infrastructure, education, and the preservation of our nature. It’s a small price to pay to ensure that the water remains safe to drink in Bonaire and the reefs stay pristine! 🐢🌊
🛍️ 2. ABB: The Sales Tax
In Bonaire, we don’t have VAT (IVA). Instead, we have the ABB (Algemene Bestedingenbelasting).
- The Rate: Generally, the ABB is 6% for services and 8% for goods. 🛒
- Insurance & Cars: Some items, like car rentals, have higher rates (up to 25%). This is something to consider when you are deciding how to get around Bonaire. 🚗
While some travelers might find the ABB a bit high on specific luxury items, basic necessities are often taxed at lower rates to support the Bonairean and Boneriano community. 🇧🇳
🍽️ 3. Service Charges and Tipping
It’s important to distinguish between taxes and service charges. Many restaurants add a 10% to 15% service charge to the bill. 🧾
Does this count as a tip? Not necessarily. To avoid confusion, check our guide on are you supposed to tip in Bonaire? to ensure you are rewarding your servers correctly while staying within your budget. 💸✨
🌟 Why Your Taxes Matter
Bonaire’s tax revenue is reinvested into the island’s unique status as a special municipality of the Netherlands. 🇳🇱 This ensures:
- Safety: Bonaire is one of the safest islands in the region. 🛡️
- Health: High medical standards and low health risks (check what vaccines you need for Bonaire for more info). 💉
- Nature: Protection of our flamingos and marine parks. 🦩
🚐 Enjoy a Worry-Free Trip with Fiesta Tours
We know that talking about taxes isn’t as fun as talking about diving! 🤿 That’s why at Fiesta Tours Bonaire, we offer transparent pricing on all our personalized island tours and reliable airport transfers. 🚐💨
No hidden fees, just great service in the best destination in the Caribbean. Make sure you have the best currency for Bonaire (USD) ready, and let us handle the rest! 💵🌅
Have more questions about the costs in Bonaire? Contact us today or book your next adventure online! 🐢✨
