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Trump’s ‘big new’ visa fee could slug thousands of Australian travellers

Trump’s ‘big new’ visa fee could slug thousands of Australian travellers

The US government is looking to impose a “visa integrity fee” from October, with those not eligible for the ESTA visa waiver in the firing line.

  • by Chris Zappone

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Paula says she had Uber rides cancelled 32 times because she has guide dog. The company is blaming the drivers

Paula says she had Uber rides cancelled 32 times because she has guide dog. The company is blaming the drivers

Paula Hobley has had so many Uber drivers cancel trips on her after they learn she is travelling with her guide dog that she now reconsiders going out.

  • by Elias Visontay
There was plenty of scope for things to go wrong for this home reno

There was plenty of scope for things to go wrong for this home reno

The tired old Edwardian was in Melbourne, the architect was Sydney-based, and the client was also an architect. What could possibly go wrong?

  • by Stephen Crafti
I’m in the self-care aisle at Woolies, but I’m not here to buy shampoo. I’m on a covert mission

I’m in the self-care aisle at Woolies, but I’m not here to buy shampoo. I’m on a covert mission

This masthead sent a packaging expert images of products with recycling symbols and labels. None were recyclable in Australia.

  • by Hannah Kennelly
‘Snowball effect’: RBA’s card surcharge ban risks higher prices and job cuts

‘Snowball effect’: RBA’s card surcharge ban risks higher prices and job cuts

Businesses would be banned from applying surcharges to all credit and debit card transactions from July next year under a Reserve Bank proposal.

  • by Elias Visontay, Jessica Yun and Shane Wright
Trucks are big polluters, but can batteries make them cleaner?

Trucks are big polluters, but can batteries make them cleaner?

In 2024, trucks emitted 22 million tonnes of CO2, and the freight industry is still debating how to decarbonise the long-haul routes.

  • by Angus Delaney
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The clean energy era is arriving. Is your power company ready?

The clean energy era is arriving. Is your power company ready?

As more Australians turn to solar panels and batteries to cut their reliance on the grid, energy retailers are racing to reinvent themselves.

  • by Nick Toscano
More Australian retailers axe free returns after ‘reckoning’ of costs

More Australian retailers axe free returns after ‘reckoning’ of costs

Shopping habits – including “repeat returns” offending – are taking a toll on businesses.

  • by Frances Howe
I was all for smart trolleys at the supermarket – until they made me feel dumb

I was all for smart trolleys at the supermarket – until they made me feel dumb

The trolley’s digital dashboard is urging me to spend another $20 to unlock a deal. Are these smart trolleys really going to save us money?

  • by Claire Heaney
Chinese electric car giant races ahead of Tesla in Australia

Chinese electric car giant races ahead of Tesla in Australia

Elon Musk’s electric vehicles are being outshone on our roads by the rising popularity of Shenzhen-based BYD’s cars.

  • by Nick Toscano
Goblin doll Labubu’s evil twin contaminating Australian supply, authorities warn

Goblin doll Labubu’s evil twin contaminating Australian supply, authorities warn

On Tuesday, NSW Fair Trading warned Australian shoppers of scams relating to a fake viral doll.

  • by Frances Howe

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/business/consumer-affairs