Trying to plan a visit and guide is asking for 10% 'tax' on total price of package. Checking Belize Government site, it is not mentioned.

Anyone with insight that can connect me to "official" information would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Oman

My understanding is that the 10% has to be included in the original price quoted. So don't let them con you!

By law, the 10% VAT must be included in the price as advertised. That being said, there are still a few businesses around here that add it on after the sale. When you ask them about it they roll their eyes. Check around and find a price you can live with and just make sure the tax is included. No surprises.

correct SCUBAwalk
Its included in the price.
another illegal stick the tourist get is the credit card use charge.
vendors/merchants sign an agreement, as a condition of the privilege to accept credit cards, they will not add the bank charge to the customers purchase. However its very common to hear you are getting an extra 5% add on to your bill for credit card use.

In any case, many independent tour guides are not registered for GST and should not be charging the tax anyway.

Adding a credit card charge breaks card rules but is not illegal. I don't know how widespread it is. I know I've never done it, tempting though it may be.

I stand corrected pedro2, Your right its not illegal, just a violation of the merchants contract with the credit card company.

Thanks to all. I guess I will be seeking a different guide service. No reason to reinforce the abuse, eh?

Oman

hey elbert, stick with the chimp!!!!!!!!!!

Why Oman? The Guide seems to have acted above board. They gave you a price and said it included tax - which is correct.

We are wondering the same thing about the 10% tax. Some tour websites show a price and at the bottom make it very clear that the 10% tax is added on. I wonder if we are getting ripped off? If a person knows up front that the price is $$$ plus 10% that equals the total. Very confused!!

Some places add the 10% into the price. Some add it on to the advertised price. Everyone collects it one way or the other!

It's designed to be an invisable tax to the consumer - so as long as you pay the advertised price and nobody tries to add 10% tax on at the end, it is legit from your point of view. Some people decide to tell you their prices includes tax others don't bother to mention it, the end result is the same.

Opposite to the system I have found in the US where you see a price tag, think that's the cost and then get whooped for a bunch more on the bill ot the till!!!

Seems a better system to me.

I'm amazed that American's accept the present system. The Brits started out with the same when VAT was introduced in the '70's, but after many complaints the law was changed to what it recently became in Belize - prices quoted must be inclusive. Again, I'm surprised how many businesses here get away with illegally adding 10% to the bill after the price has been agreed. Even if customers don't complain the GST office are well aware of what goes on and do have the powers to stop it - they just choose not to. Is this corruption or inefficiency?