Touristy Taxes

My Tip! The server proclaimed to a table of four adults beside us in an upscale pizza restaurant. The small credit card machine printed out the customer's receipt. All four looked unfazed, and did not leave a monetary token behind.

Adjusting to the newest way to pay using a chip technology machine has probably cost many a wayward waiter their proper percentage. A few weeks ago in Canada we enjoyed numerous meals and not a duplicate handheld machine. Some wait staffers were over compensated while others had an extra few dollars as we miscalculated a gratuity.

The first meal we charged I thought the tip was included due to the 15% Canadian Tourist Tax on goods and services. Even the hotel parking fee had the additional 15% HST tax. Later that week, we were charged an even higher tax percentage on our lobster roll at Peggy's Cove.

In the US bold letters remind us 'Gratuity Not Included' on the lower half of the dinner checks in touristy beach areas. Last week we saw it in Tifton, Georgia. Then there's the Hotel Room Occupancy Tax in larger US cities like New York City (19%), Miami (6%) and San Francisco (14%).

By far the biggest tax surprise was the one paid to 'leave' Prince Edward Island. Entry is free and departing via the new toll bridge between New Brunswick and PEI listed $49 CDN. I am still trying to calculate the rate by way of Northumberland Ferries Ltd from Woods Islands, PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia which included a 75 minute ride, 2 adults with vehicle for only $77 CDN.

BFL Digby, Nova Scotia to Saint John, New Brunswick, a 2.5 hour ride was $188 CDN. I used Ferries.ca to book both trips. They run promotions in April and May. If you use them for a crossing, the sofa and cushy seating were a pleasant surprise in addition to the chowders and fish dish. 

One never expects to pay for the convenience of an information kiosk or visitor center. So smile and graciously accept the free beautiful brochure and area map, if you need it. Realizing your tourist tax contribution is going to inform future visitors about the place you just enjoyed.