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Guess what arrived in our mail today? A Fedex package containing my brother’s passport. Whoa! I was expecting it to arrive either Monday or Tuesday at the latest, but getting it today was a pleasant surprise. We shipped his passport to the travel agency late Wednesday afternoon. It took just one day for the travel agency to process it. It was apparently shipped by Fedex last night, and we got it this morning.

This passport renewal process was way too easy than I originally thought. Was it worth it? I think so. Now, I’m recanting my stance on paying extra money for this service. Paying $92 is definately worth it. Seems like a lot to pay at first, but here’s my argument.

Let’s say do it yourself. You take a day off work to go to the US Embassy in San Francisco. You spend at least 4 hours either standing in line or waiting. Your number is finally called and you speak to an embassy employee. They ask you several questions and 15 minutes later you are done. They tell you will get your passport in the mail 6-8 weeks later.

Now, your experience with the employee may be pleasant or not depending if he or she had a good day. In retrospect, most of my experiences with government workers have not been pleasant.

Then, you take into account how much you are worth. Let’s say arbitrarily at $20 per hour. Your time alone waiting in line is already $80, plus the mileage, wear and tear on the car, parking fees, and lunch if you decide to eat in the city. Let’s say you decide to save and park in the meter instead and you get a parking ticket.

I think the going rate in San Francisco nowadays is at least $40. I say pay the travel agency to get your passport renewed. Stay home and keep your peace of mind. It’s worth every penny.

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