Because the March 2-4 and March 7-9 dates for Swift’s six performances on the Nationwide Stadium in Singapore draw close to, followers from Vietnam have been eagerly sharing updates on their preparations for the journey on social media.
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American singer-songwriter Taylor Swifft. Picture from Swift’s Instagram |
The fast sell-out of 300,000 tickets, together with VIP passes priced as excessive as S$1,228 (US$913), in July final 12 months sparked a frenzy for tickets, driving up resale costs considerably.
Hoang Giang, a 36-year-old from Dong Nai Province in Southeast Vietnam, discovered himself paying VND16 million (US$649) for 2 CAT 5 tickets from a reseller, though their unique price was solely S$168.
Looking for lodging proved to be much more startling for Giang, as he found most funds choices in Singapore have been totally booked. He ended up spending an extra VND20 million for lodging every week previous to the live performance.
“The journey’s whole price has surpassed VND50 million for me, not accounting for further bills,” Giang mentioned. “The associated fee may have doubled had I opted for VIP tickets. However the pleasure to see my idol carry out is making it price it.”
He famous that costs for each service in Singapore could be significantly greater throughout the live performance interval, posing challenges for attendees like himself who had made last-minute plans.
Except for ticket and lodging bills, journey prices additionally posed a big burden for concert-goers. Airfare to Singapore throughout the live performance interval was listed between VND6-15 million for a one-way ticket on varied airways’ web sites, however followers have been nonetheless ready to pay to see their hero.
Thai Chau, a 22-year-old from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, is wanting ahead to experiencing the live performance on Mar. 9 with two mates, all of whom secured tickets throughout the preliminary sale. He managed to e book his flight and lodging instantly after getting the tickets, avoiding any further prices or value hikes.
“Even so, I’ve already spent over VND20 million on this journey,” he mentioned.
To alleviate monetary pressure, many followers have been economizing by eliminating pointless bills. Bao Tran, 30, from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, plans to attend the ultimate present on Mar. 9. She intends to fly to Singapore on the day of the live performance, go on to the stadium upon arrival, after which spend the night time on the airport after the live performance, earlier than catching an early flight again residence the next day.
“My essential aim is to see Taylor stay,” Tran defined. “I’ve managed to maintain my bills all the way down to VND10 million, which covers the live performance ticket, journey, and meals.”
She added that she plans to hold solely necessities like some money, a toothbrush, and a light-weight blanket.
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Tam Nguyen, 31, and his mates at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, getting ready to depart for Singapore on Mar. 2, 2024. Picture by VnExpress/Tan Cao |
Huy Hoang, 25, additionally from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, opted for a extra economical route by flying to Malaysia after which touring to Singapore by practice or bus, successfully reducing his journey bills in half in comparison with a direct flight from Vietnam.
VnExpress journalists noticed that many are additionally searching for cost-saving measures by coordinating with others to share lodging and commuting bills. Bao Tran means that becoming a member of social media teams for this goal might be significantly helpful for solo vacationers or these attending an abroad live performance for the primary time, advising thorough checks on fellow vacationers’ backgrounds for security.
Regardless of suggestions from seasoned concert-goers to decide for easy apparel like T-shirts and flat footwear for consolation throughout the large-scale occasion (anticipated entice almost 55,000 followers), many Vietnamese additionally plan to spend money on their live performance outfits to showcase their tradition and private fashion.
Discussions in varied teams embrace plans to carry conventional Vietnamese apparel similar to conical hats and ao dai, a two-piece Vietnamese outfit that consists of a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over trousers.
Many have shared their plans to put on outfits impressed by Swift’s album themes or replicas of her iconic costumes, full with handmade equipment and symbolic gadgets like guitars, the quantity 1989, a snake, or lyrics on their outfits as effectively.
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Tam Nguyen’s suitcase for his journey to Singapore is filled with Taylor Swift-related merchandise. Picture courtesy of Tam Nguyen |
Thai Chau is getting ready a predominantly black ensemble with glowing equipment ordered from overseas. He mentioned he would hold his outfit decisions “reasonable” after studying in regards to the organizers’ gown code, which prohibits cumbersome equipment that may impede others’ views.
Swift, 35, gained preliminary fame together with her folksy nation music, however later ventured into pop. She has launched 14 albums over her profession, together with 4 re-recordings often called Taylor’s Model. Her web price reached US$1.1 billion following the success of “The Eras Tour” in 2023, in keeping with Forbes.
Time journal named her “Individual of the Yr” for 2023.