My visit to Derby

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

The price of a last-minute passport is $195. I had $200, all in twenties. They don't give out change, because of course that's simply not possible. Not possible. The Department of State can't operate cash drawers. What do you think they are, a retail operation?

Had mine done at a post office somewhat recently. They wouldn't even let me pay with my own credit card. I was very lucky to have exactly $110 cash on me which was the fee to be sent to the passport office itself, and then they let me pay the post office fee (another $40) with my card. Also, I had to walk down the road to get my picture taken at Walgreens, because while the post office claimed to do photos, the woman told me it was "broken right now." I wish I could reproduce her face and tone to you now, but believe me when I tell you that it 100% said, "We both know I'm lying, and you can't do anything about it, bitch."

Passports are bullshit.

[glatt]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

Passports are bullshit.

I agree 100%.

When you go to the website that discusses the fees, and read between the lines, they admit that the fees are outrageous, but they explain that the high fees cover not only the passport but also the emergency services a tiny minority of US travelers need when traveling abroad. Seems like those services provided by US embassies should be part of the State Department's budget.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Pshaw, the state department budget barely covers the alcohol and drugs.

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by glatt

I agree 100%.

When you go to the website that discusses the fees, and read between the lines, they admit that the fees are outrageous, but they explain that the high fees cover not only the passport but also the emergency services a tiny minority of US travelers need when traveling abroad. Seems like those services provided by US embassies should be part of the State Department's budget.

Our overlords don't want the poor people getting out of the country. Their money needs to be spent in-house, so it will trickle up.