Singapore TikToker stunned by A$5 luggage trolley fee at Melbourne Airport
A Singapore TikToker was taken aback after discovering that it costs A$5 (S$4) to use a luggage trolley at Melbourne Airport.
@verasaranghaes Everyone was telling me, ‘Melbourne is expensive’… but I didn’t expect it to be THIS expensive – AUD5 to rent a trolley 🫨 #melbourne #travelsg #traveltiktok #costofliving
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In a recent TikTok post, user @verasaranghaes compared the cost of living between the two cities, noting that while prices in Singapore have been climbing, the Australian trolley fee still caught her off guard.
“Everyone was telling me, ‘Melbourne is expensive’… but I didn’t expect it to be THIS expensive,” she wrote in her caption.
Source: @verasaranghaes on TikTok
Other users also surprised by Melbourne’s high costs
The video quickly sparked discussion online, racking up over 99,000 views and more than 250 comments from netizens who either related to her experience or weighed in with their own.
Many commenters agreed with the TikToker’s sentiments, sharing similar shocks over prices in Melbourne.
One commenter joked that Melbourne’s transport fares gave them a “heart attack”, pointing out that a single tram ride cost them S$5.
Source: @verasaranghaes on TikTok
Another recalled paying S$22.90 for chicken rice and S$17.90 for two cups of teh tarik.
Source: @verasaranghaes on TikTok
However, some took a more measured view, pointing out that Melbourne’s higher wages help balance out the cost of living.
Source: @verasaranghaes on TikTok
TikToker shares budgeting tips from her Melbourne trip
Speaking to MS News, @verasaranghaes revealed that this was her first trip to Melbourne, where she spent eight days exploring the city.
Source: Turnbull’s Hire
Having heard from friends that Melbourne could be pricey, she set aside a bigger budget than usual, but ended up spending less than expected.
“I ended up well within my budget,” she said.
Still, she noted that food and transportation were generally pricier than in Singapore.
“Each meal costs around S$20, similar to cafe prices in Singapore,” she shared, adding that cooking is a great way to save money.
During her stay, she managed to snag a 300g porterhouse steak from Coles for just A$8.50 (S$7.10) thanks to a sale.
Transport, while costly, was manageable with smart planning.
Melbourne has a daily fare cap of A$11 (S$9), and a two-hour travel option for A$5.50 (S$4.60).
“Personally, I made the most of the free tram zone and took long walks to avoid additional transport costs,” she added.
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Featured image adapted from @verasaranghaes on TikTok and Turnbull’s Hire.
