Aakriti Pandey, an Indian woman, sparked an online discussion about the financial challenges faced by travelers from India in the United States. In a video shared on Instagram, she expressed her frustration over the high costs associated with her trip, particularly the stress of converting expenses from dollars to Indian rupees. With the exchange rate hovering around ₹93 to ₹95 per dollar, she found herself questioning her financial choices. Aakriti detailed her experiences, including a $67 transportation fee to her hotel after landing at midnight and the staggering $57 cost for just three dosas in the Bay Area, equivalent to about ₹5,300. She emphasized that earning in rupees while spending in dollars creates significant anxiety, especially when public transport options are limited. Aakriti also responded to advice suggesting travelers should avoid converting expenses, questioning how one could do so when earning in rupees. Her insights resonate with many who face similar financial pressures while traveling abroad.