This reality was recently highlighted by Indian content creator Akriti Pandey, who shared her experience of travelling in the United States while earning in Indian rupees. Her candid observations about the high cost of living and travel in the US struck a chord with many social media users.
“This Trip Is Making Me Question My Life”
Pandey explained that the rising exchange rate has made foreign travel particularly stressful for Indians. According to her, the value of one US dollar currently translating to around Rs93–95 made every expense feel significantly heavier.
She pointed out that transportation in the US can be surprisingly expensive, especially in cities where public transport options are limited. Recalling her arrival experience, she revealed that a late-night Uber ride from the airport to her accommodation cost her $67 — roughly Rs6,300 for a one-way cab ride.
The content creator also spoke about food expenses, comparing them to prices back home in India. Even something as simple as coffee felt overpriced to her. She remarked that spending $3–4 on basic coffee in the US seemed unreasonable when the same amount in India could buy premium coffee with better ingredients.
What shocked her the most, however, was a breakfast bill in California’s Bay Area. Ordering three dosas reportedly cost her $57, which converts to nearly Rs5,300. The experience left her stunned and became one of the most talked-about moments from her video.
The Constant INR Conversion Problem
Pandey addressed a common suggestion often given to travellers — “stop converting everything into rupees.” She admitted that doing so is almost impossible for someone whose income is earned entirely in INR.
According to her, every payment abroad immediately triggers mental calculations, making travellers constantly aware of how much they are spending relative to Indian earnings. She added that international trips feel far more comfortable when sponsored by a company or funded through work opportunities rather than personal savings.
The influencer further reflected on the growing financial pressures faced by middle-class millennials in India. She expressed concerns that luxuries such as vacations, renting a home, starting a family, and even achieving financial independence are becoming increasingly difficult without multiple sources of income or exceptionally high-paying careers.
Social Media Users Relate to the Experience
Pandey’s video quickly gained attention online, with many viewers sharing similar experiences of travelling abroad while earning in rupees.
One user commented that even buying a banana in the US for one dollar felt expensive after converting the amount into INR. Another agreed that the falling value of the rupee has made international travel difficult for average Indians.
Several users admitted that they mentally convert every foreign expense into Indian currency before making purchases. Others joked that the expensive dosa bill was “painful” to even hear about.
Is International Travel Becoming a Luxury?
The discussion sparked by Pandey’s video reflects a broader concern among Indian travellers today. With accommodation, transportation, food, and currency exchange rates all becoming more expensive, international travel is increasingly starting to feel like a luxury rather than a routine experience.
While many still dream of travelling abroad, the financial anxiety attached to spending in stronger currencies continues to grow. For a large section of Indian middle-class travellers, the excitement of exploring new countries is now often accompanied by the stress of managing every dollar spent.
