chronicles of a m'sian trying to renew passport in s'pore

Only done so once in my 13 odd years in Singapore.. so naturally, think as hard as i might.. i really couldn't recall what i did five years ago...

Anyway, read the M'sian immigration's website somewhere with regards to the form that you gotta fill in. So I got the form from my brother when he went back to M'sia. Have to buy one.. not free. If you download from their website then its free. But have to print out on both side of the page else will be deemed as invalid.

So there i was happily went to take my photo via those photo ID booth that you can find in some of the MRT stations. It states there, suitable for passport, driving licence etc, so should be ok.. or so I thought.

So today took a cab to the M'sian High Comm. in S'pore at Jervois Rd. Don't know where? Haha, neither did I... but from the streetdirectory.com it says its near Orchard/Tiong Bahru. Anyway, the cab uncle knows. So reached there about 830am. Must exchange some form of ID to get their valid pass. Security measures.

The place to renew the passport is about 1 minute walk from the security area. And the building is quite nice la... better than the one in Hill Street last time! So, assuming all the docs are ready (application form + photocopies of M'sian + SG NRIC+2 photos), then you're suppose to queue to get a queue number. How ironic... Anyway, gotta follow procedure.

Then I sort of like noticed how the other people's photos are like.. with a blue background while mine is like white? I looked at the photo ID machine in the office.. exactly the same as the one I used back in one of the MRT stations. Anyway, i went out of the queue and got my SG NRIC photocopied (bcoz I didn't know that is also required..) and then queued somemore to get a new set of photos taken. I chatted with the officer there and yeah.. seemed like that photo ID machine is the only one in SG that has a blue background!

So rejoined the queue to get a queue number and it was quite alright. I noticed that at 930am, there's practically no queue already. So after you get your queue number, you gotta wait somemore. I waited for about half an hour, then was called to the counter to scan the thumbprint as well as to get it printed/inked on the application form. Think I'm not that good in thumb inking, so the repeated it for about 3 times.... -_-'
And after the lady had keyed in all your particulars etc, satisfied with the thumbprints, then proceed to the payment counter. Pay in SG dollar cash only $128 for a 32 page passport. After that you'll be informed to come back within the same day (or the next) at either the 2.30 or 4.30 pm time slot to collect the passport.

So to make life easier.. summary of procedure:
1. Go to the High Comm. and bring your driving license or student pass or some form of ID (other than NRICs) so that you can exchange for their pass. Bring both your SG and MY NRICs.

2. Fill in the application form to renew passport. Form is available at the counter @ SGD$0.50 per piece.

3. Photocopy your MY and SG NRIC. Otherwise, the service is available at the High Comm. @ SGD$0.30 per piece.

4. If you're taking photos in a studio, ask for a blue background. Otherwise, take at the instant machine at the High Comm. Costs SGD$6 for 4 pieces. You'll need just 2 for the application.

5. Queue at the counter 1 to get the queue number. If you have missing items, the lady will advise you after a super quick check.

6. Wait patiently...

7. Once your number is called, proceed to the calling counter and get your thumbprints taken.

8. Make payment in cash. SGD$128 for 32 page passport.

9. Collect the half of the receipt and you'll be advised on the date and time of collection. Usually is collection within same day or the next working day.

10. At the collection date and time, you'll be called based on your pass number and not the receipt number. Guess this is the first come first serve implementation?

Overall comments on the experience:
Quite alright. The security people at the High Comm. seemed caring enough as they'll keep a lookout for pregnant ladies. Also, at the collection time.. I liked it that they give priority to senior citizens first. :)

Total damage today:
1. Cab fares: $16+$5+$5=$26
2. Passport application payments: $128 + $6 + $6 (2 times bcoz first one is of white background.. useless)
2. B'fast + lunch: $4.50+$3=$7.50
3. Bus + MRT rides to SG Immigration (ICA) + journey home: $5 (at least?)
4. Photocopy: $0.30
Total costs: $178.80

So I got my passport renewed and collected within same day but didn't manage to transfer the SG PR stuffs over because according to the lady at the ICA.... one must do so before 4.30pm. Guess what time I landed there? 4.40pm. 10 minutes over... so need to go there another day. Bahhh... what a downer!