Local Taxes and Surcharges

When renting a car abroad, it is essential to note that any additional services or extras ordered in advance through the rental company and paid directly at the rental desk will be subject to local taxes and surcharges.
 

This applies, for example, to reserving child seats, navigation devices (when not already included in the package), one-way fees (when returning the vehicle to a different station than the pickup station), insurance and coverage purchased at the rental desk, vehicle upgrades, rental extensions, and any extras purchased directly from the rental company at pickup or return.

Local Taxes and Surcharges in the USA

In the USA, various sales taxes and local surcharges apply to any extras paid directly to the rental company. These vary between stations and from state to state.

Among the main taxes and surcharges charged by rental companies in the USA are: 

◾ Sales Tax: varies between different rental stations
◾ Airport Fees (e.g. CRF - Concession Recovery Fee): typically range between 11–15%
◾ County Tax: varies depending on the county
 

Local regulators determine the type and amount of taxes and surcharges, and these can be changed from time to time by the state.
 

Details of the taxes and surcharges imposed on customers when renting a car in the USA can be found in the following company tables (as of September 1, 2025):
 

◾ Alamo USA Taxes & Surcharges Table
◾ Alamo Canada Taxes & Surcharges Table
◾ National USA Taxes & Surcharges Table
 

In each table, you can search for the rental station (pickup location) of your booking and find the relevant information for that station.

Local Taxes and Surcharges in Other Destinations Worldwide

Outside the USA, and especially in Europe, all extras paid directly to rental companies are always subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). In addition, certain stations and countries may impose extra surcharges, for example:
 

◾ Environmental taxes
◾ Airport fees
◾ Premium station surcharges (e.g., at central railway stations)
 

Here too, the type and amount of taxes and surcharges are determined solely by the country and local regulators, and may change from time to time.