Look, I’m not saying a passport is a scam. It’s a highly secure booklet that lets you flee your problems in a foreign country. But the pricing is definitely designed by someone who hates fun. You’re paying for bureaucracy, paper, and a small plastic chip that screams “I am a law-abiding person!” every time you scan it.
My advice? Check your expiration date now. If it’s within six months of travel, start the process. You’ll have time to save up, and you won’t have to pay the expedited ransom. Also, keep your passport dry. Because if it gets damaged, you’ll be back at the post office with another $165 and a judge-y photo of yourself looking like a startled owl. Safe travels, you beautiful, expensive-little-booklet owner.
