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

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

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

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
United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac at Newark Airport

Glasgow Gets Its New York Link Back

May 10, 2026 23:46 PM
Zebras grazing near Nairobi’s skyline in Kenya

Africa Steps Into the Tourism Spotlight

May 10, 2026 23:33 PM

Berlin Gets Two New Southern Escapes

May 10, 2026 11:47 AM

Ryanair Warns Spain Over Summer Passport Queues

May 10, 2026 11:34 AM
Singapore Airlines aircraft flying against a grey sky

Madrid Lands on Singapore Airlines’ Europe Map

May 9, 2026 22:41 PM
Flight crew posing inside a TUI-chartered aircraft cabin

Paderborn Gets More Greek Island Flights

May 9, 2026 22:38 PM
Architectural render of the planned Fashion Museum Bath interior

Bath’s Fashion Museum Gets a Second Act

May 9, 2026 22:25 PM
Red passenger train stopped at a station platform

Dublin-Belfast Rail Trips Set to Get Faster

May 9, 2026 22:12 PM
Ryanair aircraft on the runway at an airport

Greek Winter Flights Face a Ryanair Cutback

May 9, 2026 16:49 PM

Munich Gets More Singapore Flights

May 9, 2026 16:36 PM

Nuremberg Airport Eases Security Rules

May 9, 2026 16:23 PM
Virgin Atlantic aircraft landing over a runway

Virgin Drops Dubai and Seattle for Winter

May 8, 2026 16:27 PM
Sun loungers lined up beside clear blue sea

Sunbed Wars Reach the Holiday Courts

May 8, 2026 16:14 PM
Air Transat aircraft flying against a blue sky

Canary Islands Get New Winter Flights

May 8, 2026 16:01 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft at the airport

Ryanair Case Puts Disruptive Flyers on Notice

May 8, 2026 15:58 PM

Jersey Gets a New Birmingham Link

May 8, 2026 15:45 PM

BER Adds Flight Booking to Its Own Website

May 8, 2026 15:32 PM
Italian flag raised during a public protest in Italy

Italy Air Strike Puts 11 May Flights on Alert

May 8, 2026 15:29 PM
Plaza de España in Seville with historic buildings, canal and fountain

Bristol Gets a New Seville Escape

May 7, 2026 12:56 PM
Solar eclipse glowing above the sea and distant mountains

Best Places to Watch Europe’s 2026 Eclipse

May 7, 2026 12:43 PM
airBaltic aircraft wing seen above clouds during a flight

airBaltic Adds a Bag-Free Budget Fare

May 7, 2026 12:27 PM
Double-decker train at a railway station during sunset

Prague to Copenhagen Train Returns After 13 Years

May 7, 2026 12:14 PM

Condor Adds Three City Breaks via Frankfurt

May 7, 2026 12:01 PM

Ljubljana Gets Another London Flight This Autumn

May 6, 2026 23:08 PM
Lufthansa aircraft parked at an airport gate

Half-Term Flights Face Fuel-Crisis Cuts

May 6, 2026 22:55 PM
Aerial view of Sveti Stefan island resort connected to Montenegro’s mainland

Sveti Stefan Reopens After Five-Year Stand-Off

May 6, 2026 21:42 PM