A tourist from Singapore paid $192 for an Australian visa that costs $20: here's what she did wrong

By TravelWiseDec 11, 2023 22:45 PMNews
Share:
A tourist from Singapore overpaid for a visa. Source: Pexels

A tourist from Singapore, planning a trip to Australia, overpaid by $170 for a visa that costs about $20. She mentioned that her mother used to handle the documents, and her first independent attempt was unsuccessful.

The girl shared her unfortunate experience on TikTok. In nearly 4 minutes, she recounted how she incorrectly submitted the documents, advised others to do the same, and detailed the moment she realized her mistake.

The Singaporean woman acknowledged that the entire situation was entirely her fault. She admitted to not thoroughly reviewing all the information related to the visa application.

"I just followed the links. For example, a Singapore passport, which one should I click on? And I clicked on the one that costs 20 dollars, right? And then, when I was filling in all my data, I was suddenly told: 'You have to pay this service fee, then this fee, then this fee.' And then: 'total 192 Australian dollars'... I thought: 'Okay, let me just hurry up because I'm going to Australia in a few days,'" the tourist explained.

Later, while assisting her friend, she realized that she had not attached any documents, meaning her identity would not be confirmed, and the visa would not be approved.

During her second application, the tourist consulted her friends on how they traveled to Australia, and they informed her that a visa should not cost more than $20.

"And then I realized everything. I applied for the wrong visa. And I don't even know why it was the wrong one, because it's the same as a tourist visa. Except that mine was for one year," the blogger explained.

She advised her subscribers to apply for a visa earlier and to carefully read all the information before blindly making payments.

Top Articles

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

Eurowings Opens Berlin’s Route to Kavala

Jul 10, 2026 05:18 AM

Hilton Heads for Thessaloniki’s Old Brewery

Jul 10, 2026 05:05 AM

Glasgow Lands a Direct Tromsø Winter Route

Jul 9, 2026 23:02 PM

Vilnius–Berlin Flights Join Wizz Air’s Winter Map

Jul 9, 2026 22:57 PM

A Hilltop Marriott Arrives in Cappadocia

Jul 9, 2026 22:44 PM

Brits Still Pack Home in the Suitcase

Jul 9, 2026 20:41 PM

The Eiffel Tower Turns Into a Free Cinema

Jul 9, 2026 20:39 PM

Newcastle–Copenhagen Flights Stay for Winter

Jul 8, 2026 23:16 PM

TAP Cuts Fares to Canada, US and Brazil

Jul 8, 2026 23:03 PM

New Design Hotel Opens in One of Munich’s Most Local Neighbourhoods

Jul 8, 2026 22:58 PM

Eight-Year-Olds Can Now Use UK eGates

Jul 8, 2026 22:45 PM

Salzburg Puts Tourist Cars on Pause

Jul 7, 2026 22:42 PM

Sleep Next Door to Olympia’s Big Shows

Jul 7, 2026 21:57 PM

Tiny Passport Rip Stops Lanzarote Holiday

Jul 7, 2026 21:44 PM

Vilnius Has a Table in the Sky

Jul 7, 2026 21:31 PM

Stansted Express Tests Night Trains

Jul 7, 2026 21:29 PM

Porto Gets New Atlantic Reach

Jul 7, 2026 21:16 PM

KLM Expands Capacity on Gdańsk to Amsterdam Flights

Jul 6, 2026 23:43 PM

Berlin Gets a Montréal Shortcut

Jul 5, 2026 20:47 PM

Canary Islands Test Tourist Donations

Jul 5, 2026 20:34 PM

easyJet Brings Budapest Back to Belfast

Jul 5, 2026 20:21 PM

Sardinia Blocks Tavolara Luxury Glamping Plan

Jul 5, 2026 20:18 PM

AirTags Are Helping Lost Bags Come Back

Jul 5, 2026 20:05 PM

Wrocław Gets Winter Sun and Ski Links

Jul 4, 2026 23:52 PM

Vienna Airport Eases Bag Screening Rules

Jul 3, 2026 22:49 PM

France Fires Disrupt Summer Trips

Jul 3, 2026 22:06 PM