Hi ozbargainers,
I need toreplacement my passport because I lost it. I am told by the passport people that it would take 3 weeks by approx 8 Jan. I am travelling on 15 jan, do you think I should wait or get priority for extra 186$ 2 days?
Thanks
Passport replacement application over holiday period
tradiesunited on 10/12/2018 - 08:32
Last edited 12/12/2018 - 17:46 by 1 other user
Last edited 12/12/2018 - 17:46 by 1 other user
Poll Options
- 7Wait 3 weeks
- 33Get priority passport 2 days at $186 extra
Comments
Get priority. $186 is a small price to pay for the avoidance of the ensuing stress, drama and nightmares that will inevitably happen if you decide to "save" that $186. Trust us, you won't miss that $186 when you're safely at your destination enjoying your bintang.
Opportunity cost:
—Scenario 1—
Pay $186, guaranteed not to miss your holiday.
—Scenario 2—
Don't pay $186, miss your holiday.
Hope the above helps in your decision making process. Happy Holidays, OP.
you forgot Scenario 3 Do not pay $186 and receive passport before holiday
It's definitely a possible outcome.
Scenario 1 has a 100% chance of success for the OP.
All other Scenarios have a % chance of critical failure for the OP.Depends how risk averse you are, but considering the possibility of a critical failure because you elected not to expedite the application process over the busiest time of year with office closures and reduced staffing should be a likely scenario to be considered.
Exactly, if it was a cheap holiday I would probably not pay the $186 and hound them by 1st week of Jan if it has not been delivered. If they can do it in 2 days they can bloody well do it in 2 days if it is already 1 week late from the prescribed period.
I have found that the passport office is quicker than their turn around dates. You used to be able to log in for a progress report of your application. If it wasn’t progressing fast enough, then you could pay the express fee to expedite it midway through the process. My passport is five years old so things could have changed. Check if this is still the case.
Think how many beers you can buy in Bali for $186. I would take the risk.
Think about how many you can buy at home as well!
You know what to do; left it late why risk your holiday.
There is another solution —You can pay the $186 fee and a new application if your 1st application does not come by early January
Do not pay $186 and wait til January. Then if it is still not there by the end of 1st week of January you can either make a few angry phone calls or pay for a new 2 day passport itself
(i.e apply for expedited passport + $186 by say January 8 )So essentially you are only gambling paying double the passport fee against the chance that the govt office to actually do their job within the prescribed 3 weeks. IMHO it is a good gamble.
I've had mine returned in about a week using the standard application in the past; but this is the xmas period so I wouldn't risk it
In my experience passports are returned much quicker than scheduled turnaround times, even at busy times.
I out in my application 3.5 weeks before my flight and luckily received my passport in 2 weeks time.
I wouldnt pay that extra $186 fee unless it gets down to the last week
One of my sons put in his passport renewal application yesterday. Post Office advised that it would take 3 weeks and recommended he pay the priority fee. He declined. I will update this thread with progress.
Received email from Passport Office advising passport issued and it is now being posted. This is day 9 if you count the day application handed over at post office as day 1.
Received passport today. So all up 13 days from application to receipt of passport and at a supposedly busy time of year for passport applications. Draw your own conclusions as to whether paying for priority is worth it.
Is this business days or normal days?
@Fat Horny Ghost: Are you sure you meant to ask this question? I thought my posts were pretty clear. Application handed in at post office on Dec 11. Passport delivered by Australia Post on Dec 24.
Pay the extra money just in case - it isn't worth the gamble