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

Barnsley to Host National Gallery Portrait This Autumn

Oct 28, 2026 08:02 AM

Phuket’s Dara Cuisine Opens a Temporary Kitchen in Vienna

Oct 28, 2026 07:07 AM

New Reykjavik Hotel Planned for Late 2027

Oct 28, 2026 05:34 AM

Thompson Rome Opens Near the City’s Historic Landmarks

Oct 28, 2026 05:11 AM

Eurowings’ Five New Routes Open Up More European City Breaks in 2027

Oct 28, 2026 03:59 AM

Hamburg’s New Prague and Seville Flights Have a Weekend Twist

Oct 28, 2026 03:46 AM

Spain’s Giant Beach Without a Sea Finally Breaks Ground

Oct 28, 2026 03:33 AM

Spain and Italy Strikes Could Hit Half-Term Travel Plans

Oct 28, 2026 00:28 AM

Lisbon’s Luxury Hotel Has a Graffiti Surprise

Oct 28, 2026 00:15 AM

easyJet Adds Luton Flights as Berlin Returns to Ljubljana

Oct 28, 2026 00:02 AM

Birmingham Christmas Rail Closure to Disrupt Festive Journeys

Oct 27, 2026 22:27 PM

Malpensa Airport Has a Free Rock Gallery Before Security

Oct 27, 2026 19:44 PM

British Airways Adds Melbourne as Winter Routes Shift

Oct 27, 2026 18:41 PM

East Midlands Gets a New Flight to Austria’s Ski Slopes

Oct 27, 2026 18:39 PM

Finnair’s First Australia Flights Include a Bangkok Security Check

Oct 27, 2026 18:26 PM

Budapest Adds Red Sea Flights and Four UK Routes

Oct 27, 2026 02:23 AM

easyJet Brings Edinburgh Flights to London Southend

Oct 27, 2026 02:18 AM

TUI Launches £2,299 Cruise for Hungarian Grand Prix

Oct 27, 2026 01:05 AM

London’s Next Hotel Indigo Was Once Student Housing

Oct 27, 2026 00:52 AM

Cruise Rerouted? What You Can Actually Claim

Oct 27, 2026 00:37 AM

easyJet Changes Its Mind on Wi-Fi for 2027

Oct 26, 2026 22:34 PM

Jet2 Promises No Extra Fuel Fees Through Summer 2028

Oct 26, 2026 22:21 PM

Visa-Free Travel Could Get Costlier in 2027

Oct 26, 2026 22:19 PM

Stansted Lands a New Daily Cyprus Route

Oct 26, 2026 22:06 PM

Liverpool’s Beatles Museum to Quadruple in 2028

Oct 26, 2026 21:53 PM

Airbnb to Limit Checkout Chores but Keep Cleaning Fees

Oct 26, 2026 01:28 AM