Taylor Swift fans have been flocking to Singapore and spending thousands of dollars on travel and accommodation just to see the popstar on the Southeast Asian leg of her Eras Tour.
Singapore has reportedly struck a deal with Swift, paying the 34-year-old $3 million per show to not perform anywhere else in the region as a ploy to drive up tourism in the city-state post pandemic.
As a result, Swifties have been forced to fork out hefty fees to see the singer in concert. Eunice Mecija, a 24-year-old graphic designer from the Philippines, admitted she spent over $1,600 to watch Swift in Singapore.
A fan of Swift since elementary school, Mecija told Business Insider that she and her father have listened to the singer on burned pirated CDs from their home in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.
The longtime fan has had to admire her idol from afar since 2014 – as the last time Swift performed in the Philippines was during her Red Tour.
Therefore when it was announced that Swift would be returning to Southeast Asia, Mecija didn’t hesitate to purchase her tickets – whatever the cost.
Her ticket itself cost $294, which her friend’s sister helped her get during the pre-sale for United Overseas Bank cardholders.
The price Mecija paid for her ticket is considerably less than the US tour tickets, which have sold for tens of thousands of dollars for even the farthest of views.
Mecija’s trek from the Philippines to Singapore included planes, trains, and automobiles. Direct flights to Singapore were sold out, so Mecija opted to fly to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, before taking a bus to Singapore.
Altogether, Mecija spent $260 on travel alone.
Mecija then decided to make her trip to the concert a full blown vacation. She planned to be in Singapore from March 6 to 9, as well as three days before and after the concert in Kuala Lumpur.
Between six nights in a four-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur and three nights in a four-star hotel in Singapore, the Swiftie spent $1,100 for lodging.
Mecija budgeted a little above $1,600 for the entire trip, sparing no expense on comfort and quality.
‘I avoid being too tight with money on vacations as I enjoy some luxuries on my trips,’ Mecija told Business Insider.
The fan said she had zero regrets on treating herself to a ‘hometown’ Eras tour experience.
‘After all, why settle for less when you can treat yourself a little?’
The Singapore date was not the only Eras tour stop Mecija paid a pretty penny for. The die-hard fan has also bought tickets to see Swift perform in Stockholm, Sweden, in May for a fraction of the cost.
Mecija lucked out by scoring the ‘We Never Go Out of Style’ package. The $250 bundle includes a reserved standing room, early entrance privileges, and VIP perks.
She added: ‘Overall, I feel like it was absolutely worth it to splurge on this trip.
‘Many of my friends are Swifties, and they were supportive and happy that I could finally see Taylor in person.’
Taylor Swift has been in Singapore since March 2. Her last show is on March 9.
More than 300,000 tickets have been sold for her Singapore shows.
